Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM £600/$700

Meet the world’s widest DX-form at lens

A couple of millimetres might not sound like much but a reduction in focal length from 10mm to 8mm makes a striking difference in viewing angle. This class-leading Sigma delivers a real wow factor when you put your eye to the viewfinder, and it’s compatible with all DX-format DSLRs.

Quality glass includes four top-performance FLD (Fluoritegrade Low Dispersion) elements, to boost sharpness and contrast while minimizing colour fringing. Downsides include the omission of weather seals and an optical stabilizer. It’s also the only DX-format lens in the group with a built-in hood. However, you can fit 72mm filters to the barrel section of the two-part lens cap, for use at the long end of the zoom range.

Performance

Considering the ultra-wide nature of this lens, image quality is very good indeed. Sharpness and contrast are impressive even at wide apertures, and there’s good resistance to ghosting and flare. Handling is refined and the ring-type ultrasonic AF system is quick and quiet.