sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM
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Lens test: Ultra wide-angle zoom TEST CENTRE 138 DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY March 2011 March 2011 DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY 139 TesT daniel lezano GuIDe PRIce: £800 / STReeT PRIce: £590 construction: 15 elements in 11 groups MaxiMuM aperture: f/4.5-5.6 MiniMuM aperture: f/22 Filter thread: None angle oF view: 114.5º – 75.7º no. oF diaphragM blades: Seven MiniMuM Focus: 0.24m MaxiMuM MagniFication ratio: 1:7.8 diMensions: 75x105.7mm weight: 545g supplied accessory: Padded case, caps Fittings: canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma & Sony phone: 01707 329999 website: www.sigma-imaging-uk.com T here are very few who would argue with the idea that the digital SLr has transformed the world of photography, in particular the mass-market models that have opened up high-quality picture-taking to the masses. The vast majority of DSLrs use the aPS-c sensor, which at around 24x16mm is smaller than a 35mm film frame (36x24mm). The effect of the smaller sensor is that the focal length of any lens used with it effectively increases by 1.5x (1.6x on a canon) as the image is cropped. This increase in focal length is a bonus for telephoto fans as the pulling power of their lenses is increased significantly. however, it's a major drawback for wide-angle users, who require an extensive field-of-view to allow them to fill the frame with the scene. over the last couple of years, there has been an increasing number of high-quality wide-angle zooms appearing, covering focal lengths ranging from 11-22mm or similar. This has opened up wide-angle photography to those with aPS-c sensors in their DSLrs, with the 11-24mm giving an effective focal length range of 16.5-33mm (17.6-35mm on a canon). while good, this isn't wide enough for some. Sigma's latest zoom, designed for use with aPS-c sensors, promises to fill this need to reach the parts of the scene other zooms cannot reach. while the difference between 8mm and 11mm at the wide end may not seem like much, the truth it is significant, especially taking the increase in focal length into account. with a zoom range of 12-24mm (12.8-25.6mm on a canon), the Sigma provides wide-angle opportunities not previously available for aPS-c DSLrs. So what to make of the 8-16mm? In terms of handling, it's very good, with excellent build quality and easy to use zoom and manual focus rings (although you'll rarely need the latter). It's larger than most wide-angle zooms, and the bulbous front optic means no filters can be attached, while a built-in petal-shaped hood protects the lens element from damage and flare. autofocus isn't so essential in a lens of this type due to the extended depth-of-field provided by ultra-wides, but the Sigma Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Verdict sigma' s 8-16mm really does break new ground for those looking for a versatile wide- angle zoom. For uses that require the widest possible field-of-view, it's the best choice. if you can afford it and use it with care, you won't be disappointed. Like Versatile zoom range; optical sharpness; nice handling Dislike Vignetting at maximum aperture at 8mm; size may be a turn-off to those with lightweight DSLRs Overall Handling Features Performance Value sports a hypersonic Motor that never failed to lock quickly and quietly on the subject. The most impressive aspect of the Sigma is its optics. To counteract colour aberration, which is commonplace in lenses of this type, it boasts four elements in fLD ('f' Low Dispersion) glass that is claimed to offer similar benefits to fluorite glass. Three aspherical elements are also included in the optical arrangement to reduce distortion and astigmatism. Lens surfaces benefit from a Super Multi-Layer coating to minimise flare and ghosting – particularly important due to the pronounced front element. Tested on a canon eoS 500D, the Sigma produced results that wide-angle aficionados have been waiting for. Throughout the zoom range, image sharpness is outstanding, in particular at the centre of the frame at 8mm. even at maximum aperture, it delivers very good resolution, but stopping down to f/8 really brings out the best of the optics. with any lens of this type, there are certain optical problems that will always be present, namely light fall-off at the edges, distortion, aberration and astigmatism. Light fall-off is present throughout the range and is most prevalent at 8mm at f/4.5, but closing the aperture reduces its effect; while most editing software should be able to remove any evidence completely. Barrel distortion is very evident at 8mm, but it's an optical occurrence that will always be evident in a lens of this type and isn't extraordinary by any means. again, Photoshop can be used to reduce it. astigmatism is worst at 8mm at maximum aperture and falls off quickly as The Sigma produced results that wide-angle aficionados have been waiting for you zoom the lens, with apertures from f/11 or smaller greatly reducing its prominence. while high, it's not enough to diminish the generally excellent performance of this lens, which for those who can afford it, will quite literally open up new horizons for the landscape photographer. finally, while the hood offers good protection from flare, do take care, as it can be hard to avoid in bright lighting conditions. Used with care, in particular avoiding shooting wide open at 8mm, the Sigma represents one of the finest and most versatile ultra-wide zooms on the market. BEST BUY
Transcript of sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM
Lens test: Ultra wide-angle zoom TesT CenTre
138 DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY March 2011 March 2011 DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY 139
TesT daniel lezano
GuIDe PRIce: £800 / STReeT PRIce: £590construction: 15 elements in 11 groupsMaxiMuM aperture: f/4.5-5.6MiniMuM aperture: f/22Filter thread: Noneangle oF view: 114.5º – 75.7ºno. oF diaphragM blades: SevenMiniMuM Focus: 0.24mMaxiMuM MagniFication ratio: 1:7.8diMensions: 75x105.7mmweight: 545gsupplied accessory: Padded case, capsFittings: canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma & Sony phone: 01707 329999website: www.sigma-imaging-uk.com
There are very few who would argue with the idea that the digital SLr has transformed the world of photography, in particular the
mass-market models that have opened up high-quality picture-taking to the masses. The vast majority of DSLrs use the aPS-c sensor, which at around 24x16mm is smaller than a 35mm film frame (36x24mm). The effect of the smaller sensor is that the focal length of any lens used with it effectively increases by 1.5x (1.6x on a canon) as the image is cropped. This increase in focal length is a bonus for telephoto fans as the pulling power of their lenses is increased significantly. however, it's a major drawback for wide-angle users, who require an extensive field-of-view to allow them to fill the frame with the scene. over the last couple of years, there has been an increasing number of high-quality wide-angle zooms appearing, covering focal lengths ranging from 11-22mm or similar. This has opened up wide-angle photography to those with aPS-c sensors in their DSLrs, with the 11-24mm giving an effective focal length range of 16.5-33mm (17.6-35mm on a canon). while good, this isn't wide enough for some.
Sigma's latest zoom, designed for use with aPS-c sensors, promises to fill this need to reach the parts of the scene other zooms cannot reach. while the difference between 8mm and 11mm at the wide end may not seem like much, the truth it is significant, especially taking the increase in focal length into account. with a zoom range of 12-24mm (12.8-25.6mm on a canon), the Sigma provides wide-angle opportunities not previously available for aPS-c DSLrs.
So what to make of the 8-16mm? In terms of handling, it's very good, with excellent build quality and easy to use zoom and manual focus rings (although you'll rarely need the latter). It's larger than most wide-angle zooms, and the bulbous front optic means no filters can be attached, while a built-in petal-shaped hood protects the lens element from damage and flare. autofocus isn't so essential in a lens of this type due to the extended depth-of-field provided by ultra-wides, but the Sigma
sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM
Verdict sigma's 8-16mm really does break new ground for those looking for a versatile wide-angle zoom. For uses that require the widest possible field-of-view, it's the best choice. if you can afford it and use it with care, you won't be disappointed.
Like Versatile zoom range; optical sharpness; nice handling
Dislike Vignetting at maximum aperture at 8mm; size may be a
turn-off to those with lightweight DSLRs
Overall
Handling Features Performance Value
sports a hypersonic Motor that never failed to lock quickly and quietly on the subject.
The most impressive aspect of the Sigma is its optics. To counteract colour aberration, which is commonplace in lenses of this type, it boasts four elements in fLD ('f' Low Dispersion) glass that is claimed to offer similar benefits to fluorite glass. Three aspherical elements are also included in the optical arrangement to reduce distortion and astigmatism. Lens surfaces benefit from a Super Multi-Layer coating to minimise flare and ghosting – particularly important due to the pronounced front element.
Tested on a canon eoS 500D, the Sigma produced results that wide-angle aficionados have been waiting for. Throughout the zoom range, image sharpness is outstanding, in particular at the centre of the frame at 8mm. even at maximum aperture, it delivers very good resolution, but stopping down to f/8 really brings out the best of the optics. with any lens of this type, there are certain optical problems that will always be present, namely light fall-off at the edges, distortion, aberration and astigmatism. Light fall-off is present throughout the range and is most prevalent at 8mm at f/4.5, but closing the aperture reduces its effect; while most editing software should be able to remove any evidence completely. Barrel distortion is very evident at 8mm, but it's an optical occurrence that will always be evident in a lens of this type and isn't extraordinary by any means. again, Photoshop can be used to reduce it. astigmatism is worst at 8mm at maximum aperture and falls off quickly as
The Sigma produced results that wide-angle aficionados have been waiting for
you zoom the lens, with apertures from f/11 or smaller greatly reducing its prominence. while high, it's not enough to diminish the generally excellent performance of this lens, which for those who can afford it, will quite literally open up new horizons for the landscape photographer. finally, while the hood offers good protection from flare, do take care, as it can be hard to avoid in bright lighting conditions.
Used with care, in particular avoiding shooting wide open at 8mm, the Sigma represents one of the finest and most versatile ultra-wide zooms on the market.
BesT BUY
