Sigma AF 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Canon EOS (APS-C)

Sample Shots

Ok, finally here're some sample shots taken with the EOS 350D (converted RAWs via RSE). Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the full-size images are supplied in JPEG2000 format. You should be able to display the images in most modern imaging applications such as Photoshop. This is a measurement to limit the bandwidth which is a scarce resource.

If you prefer to watch the full-size samples in your Internet Explorer browser you may try the JPEG2000 ActiveX Control (Windows) plug-in. I've checked out a few plug-ins for Mozilla/Opera but haven't really found a good one. Firefox will open IE if you install the ActiveX Control above.

Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 12.0mm
Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/400s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed
Focal Length 24mm
Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/500s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 24.0mm
Exposure Data: f/10.0 @ 1/500s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 22.0mm
Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/125s
Size 2312x3472

Verdict

The Sigma AF 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM proved to be a very decent performer for an ultra-wide zoom lens (on APS-C). It has specific strengths (extremely low distortions) and weaknesses (CAs, vignetting at 12mm) but generally the optical quality is very fine with good to very good resolution figures. The build quality is also very impressive. Nonetheless the lens faces a rather stiff competition from the Canon EF 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM and the Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro. This gang of three produces relatively similar results so you may spend some agonizing thoughts to choose between them based on your specific preferences.

Note: In the meanwhile I've tested the Nikon variant of the Sigma and it performed quite a bit better. Seems as if the tested Canon version was not the best sample around.

Optical Quality: (see note above)    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
   What does this mean ?


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