Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM | A

£1129/$1199 It leads the way for a wide-angle F-mount zoom

This Sigma lens matches the competing Nikon F-mount zoom for maximum viewing angle and aperture, while undercutting it for price. Sigma also makes a wider 12-24mm Art zoom, but that one has a slower aperture rating of f/4 that’s less ideal for astrophotography.

Build quality and handling are excellent in both Sigmas on test but the zoom gains a full set of weatherseals, whereas the prime lens only has a sealed mounting plate. Again, the front element has a keep-clean fluorine coating. Both lenses are compatible with Sigma’s optional USB Dock for fine-tuning, customization and applying firmware updates.

Performance

Even when shooting at the shortest focal length with the widest aperture, the lens delivers excellent sharpness right across the frame, easing ahead of the Nikon towards the corners. Vignetting is minimal and, in real-world shooting, barrel distortion is negligible. Lateral and spherical aberrations are well controlled and there’s only slight coma and astigmatism.

N-photo verdict

For full-frame DSLRS, this is simply the best ultra-wide, fastaperture zoom lens on the market.

Sharpness

This zoom lens does enormously well to retain excellent corner sharpness, even at its widest aperture.

Fringing

There’s practically no colour fringing, even when it comes to the extreme corners of the image frame.

Distortion

While scoring relatively high on our test charts, in realworld shooting you’ll be hardpressed to spot any distortion.