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Gear Reviews

£545.00

from Sigma

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG Aspherical HSM

£545.00

Photo answers rating
Owners' rating

How does the Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG Aspherical HSM rate on test. Read on and find out...

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating

There’s no getting away from the fact that this is a bulky, wide (in the physical sense) lens and weighs in at 600g. As you’d expect from the weight, build quality is robust, and it’s a very solid, well-finished lens.

It’s finished in matt black and sports a HSM motor for reduced AF noise. The zoom ring is at the rear of the lens, while there is a large manual focus ring at the front. There’s a bulbous front element along with a built-in lens hood, so you haven’t got the option of placing filters on the front of the lens. However, gel filters can be slotted in at the rear of the lens instead, so the option for NDs and warm-ups is there.

Focus is quiet, but AF speed is average. If you need to focus manually, the MF ring is nicely weighted and offers plenty of precise control.

Expect to pay around £545 for this Sigma lens.

Users' Overall Rating (1 review)

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A never-regret-buying lens if ever there was one!

kiwijohn

User's Overall Rating

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This has got to be my hardest working lens ever! Now about 5 yrs old, I have had more than my moneys worth out of it. Superb overall sharpness at all apertures and focal lengths. Absolutely rectilinear characteristics make it superb for interiors. (Just remember to keep it level unless you want converging verticals!) What I thought would be its biggest drawback - the exposed "popeye" front element has proved to be no problem at all. I remove the lens cap when I want to shoot and replace it. Occasional light wipe with a lens cloth keeps it pristine. This has got to be one of Sigma's all time classic lenses. Only drawback of any significance is its bulk and weight in your camera bag, but this adds to it "quality" feel too, so there you are.

(Written by: kiwijohn)

06 February 2009 20:37