SIGMA 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM | A £1400/$1600
Mighty wide-angle potential at just half the price
Following up the success of Sigma’s older 12-24mm Mk II lens comes this new ‘Art’ edition. It’s bigger, heavier and rather better built, with a constant-aperture design, whereas the Mk II had a variable f/4.5-5.6 rating. For maximum viewing angle, both lenses go almost as wide as the Canon 11-24mm on test but, whereas the Sigma Art lens is twice as expensive as its predecessor, it’s nigh on half the price of the Canon.
Redesigned optics include an extra-large diameter aspherical element at the front of the lens and no less than five top-grade FLD (Fluoritegrade Low Dispersion) elements. Fluorine coatings are applied to the front and rear elements, and the mounting plate is weathersealed. The ring-type ultrasonic autofocus has extra torque and the lens is compatible with Sigma’s optional USB Dock.
As with the Canon 11-24mm lens, the hood is built-in and there’s no filter attachment thread but, again, a specialist Lee Filters adaptor is available.
Performance
Compared to the Mk II edition, autofocus speed is noticeably faster and corner sharpness is much better. Indeed sharpness across the whole frame closely matches that of the Canon 11-24mm lens at the short end of the zoom. Colour fringing is actually less noticeable than from the Canon lens, as is barrel distortion. Overall, the Sigma delivers spectacular performance at a great price.