anyone tried these babies?


sorry. it's 8-16mm

Yes I have tried it on my 7D. Very soft wide open, distortion is going to be really tough to correct at 8mm. Having said that, it is freakin' wide and quite affordable (same price range as Canon's 10-22mm). I can imagine how it will capture even more stunning landscape photos. The challenge I foresee is - the lens comes with what appears to be a built-in hood, so it's not clear to me how it can support filters (they might throw in an extension tube that connects to the built-in hood?). The edge of the lens is protrudingly round as well, such that the built-in hood is barely enough to contain it. Image quality was ok when I shot at f/8, sharp at the center up to about 60 percent towards the corners. The corners are quite soft, which is a typical UWA affliction. It was quite a heavy lens but seemed well-built. Comes with a nice rectangular pouch.

Thanks! if that's the case, i would have to settle for the sigma 10-20mm instead.

how much is the retail price?

8-16mm I think is priced around 33k @ JT photo.

The challenge I foresee is - the lens comes with what appears to be a built-in hood, so it's not clear to me how it can support filters (they might throw in an extension tube that connects to the built-in hood?). The edge of the lens is protrudingly round as well, such that the built-in hood is barely enough to contain it.
much like the Nikkor's 14-24mm f/2.8 i think. solution: square filters?

much like the Nikkor's 14-24mm f/2.8 i think. solution: square filters?


close, you'll need gel filters.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/1428.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/images1/14mm/14mm-gel-holder-KEN_4342.jpg

I'm seriously considering getting one of these even though I've already got a UWA. :)

I have the Sigma 12-24mm paired with the D700... about the same as the 8-16mm

I like it very much. and it is very very wide :D

Yes I have tried it on my 7D. Very soft wide open, distortion is going to be really tough to correct at 8mm. Having said that, it is freakin' wide and quite affordable (same price range as Canon's 10-22mm). I can imagine how it will capture even more stunning landscape photos. The challenge I foresee is - the lens comes with what appears to be a built-in hood, so it's not clear to me how it can support filters (they might throw in an extension tube that connects to the built-in hood?). The edge of the lens is protrudingly round as well, such that the built-in hood is barely enough to contain it. Image quality was ok when I shot at f/8, sharp at the center up to about 60 percent towards the corners. The corners are quite soft, which is a typical UWA affliction. It was quite a heavy lens but seemed well-built. Comes with a nice rectangular pouch.

how about at it's sweet spot? f/5.6? f/8? f/11? how was it?

I found the Rokinon 8mm much sharper. That's what I got. =)

I found the Rokinon 8mm much sharper. That's what I got. =)

its a fisheye right?

found a review for this lens..


For such a wide-angle lens, the 8-16mm provides impressive results for sharpness, especially where it's likely to be used most: wide-open (ƒ/4.5) at its widest angle (8mm).http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1330/cat/31

you can find discussions and photos taken using Sigma 8-16mm here: Flickr, Sigma 8-16mm f4.5-5.6 DC HSM Group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/1381252@N21/)

its a fisheye right?

Yes Steve. It's a manual focus fisheye.

Yes Steve. It's a manual focus fisheye.

yeah thank you... I am actually interested in that lense too :D

Does anyone which stores in HK sells this and at what price?

how about at it's sweet spot? f/5.6? f/8? f/11? how was it?

I tried at 5.6 and 8. There is about 25-30 sharpness improvement when I hit f/8.0 and that is not a surprise. But I still would not call it very good.

On the net, a couple of what appears to be credible tests point out vignetting and astigmatism as even bigger problems of the 8-18mm.

Yes Steve. It's a manual focus fisheye.
The 8-16 has sigma's HSM, so it has an autofocus motor built in. You may have mixed this up with the samyang 8mm fisheye which is manual focus only

what's the mose budget friendly sima lens for landscape?

between this and the tokina 11-16 2.8 which would you guys prefer? Im planning on getting an UWA and seriously contemplating between the tokina and the sigma 8-16.

between this and the tokina 11-16 2.8 which would you guys prefer? Im planning on getting an UWA and seriously contemplating between the tokina and the sigma 8-16.


The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 DX is very sharp using D90 and sharper in an FX camera
D700 but vignetting are present from 11-14mm and a slight corner softness at 15mm. Based on my comparison with DX & FX body. At 15mm, using FX body is sharper and wider than using 11mm on a DX body. My comparison is limited only with my D90 & D700, I don't know with the other DX body.

I'm not familiar with sigma lens, so we need to ask Steve Ng.
Is this 8-16mm a DX lens or FX lens? How about your 12-24 lens, is that an FX lens? I'm so impress with the sharpness of your 12-24mm based on your pictures in the other thread.

if you plan to use this lens for landscape shooting, remember that the bulging front element of this 8-16 won't let you use any filters. Same with the sigma 12-24. You can't use any screw-in filters like a cpl or nd8, and you can't use the rectangular graduated filters with either the 8-16 or the 12-24 of sigma.

if you plan to use this lens for landscape shooting, remember that the bulging front element of this 8-16 won't let you use any filters. Same with the sigma 12-24. You can't use any screw-in filters like a cpl or nd8, and you can't use the rectangular graduated filters with either the 8-16 or the 12-24 of sigma.

really? thanks for the info! was planning to get this one but without filters, i don't think i can maximize my landscape photography. :Dum:

if you plan to use this lens for landscape shooting, remember that the bulging front element of this 8-16 won't let you use any filters. Same with the sigma 12-24. You can't use any screw-in filters like a cpl or nd8, and you can't use the rectangular graduated filters with either the 8-16 or the 12-24 of sigma.

Really? I was already considering this a sure buy for the 8-16mm. Oh well. . guess that leaves me with canon 10-22mm. Thanks for that very important tip.

This lens actually comes up an adapter that is installed in front of the infamous "bulge." The adapter will hold any circular filter. However, when I tried a CPL on it, at 8mm it vignettes big time!

Anybody care to post some 'money' shots from this lens? I've been eyeing for this one over the Tokina 11-16

I think I'm gonna get this lens :D

I thought I'm never going to buy another sigma but my 17-50 OS HSM f2.8 which I purhased 3 months ago is freaking good and it is the sharpest lens (even at 2.8) in my bag :) I guess, I'll see how this lens performs and think if I'm going to sell my tokie 11-16...

got my eyes set on this lens too.. :Grin:

hope someone can post some sample shots.. :)

sample photo...planning to get one also...

For me...the distortion at 8mm is an ART

Damn I want this lens so bad

I just purchased this lens last night :)

i did a comparison with canon 10-22.. but I'm having problem posting the pics.... :(

I just purchased this lens last night :)

i did a comparison with canon 10-22.. but I'm having problem posting the pics.... :(

try using photobucket on your pictures...

ok... got them working now... problem might have been from my webhosting company...

Anyway... here it is..

Here's a quick comparison of the edge sharpness compared to Canon 10-22 (i'll do the tokina comparison later); this is by no means scientific, just a quick comparison.

I just did this in the store while testing the lenses... The Canon 10-22 is also from the store.

Camera settings:
Tripod (borrowed from the store)
Av mode
ISO set to Auto
Canon 7D

this are 100% cropped of the bottom right corner of the image. Shot at RAW (18 Megapixels), converted to jpeg using adobe camera raw, no editing done...



Sigma 8-16 @4.5

http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/sigma_f45.jpg (http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/sigma_f45.jpg)




Canon 10-22 @3.5

http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/canon_f35.jpg (http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/canon_f35.jpg)


Canon 10-22 @4.5


http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/canon_f45.jpg (http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/canon_f45.jpg)




F8.0 shots will be posted next...

Sigma 8-16 @f8.0
http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/sigma_f8.jpg (http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/sigma_f8.jpg)


Canon 10-22 @f8.0
http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/canon_f8.jpg (http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/canon_f8.jpg)




The whole picture:

Sigma @8mm
http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/sigma.jpg (http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/sigma.jpg)


Canon @10mm
http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/canon.jpg (http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/canon.jpg)
http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/c_f45.jpg (http://michaelrcruz.com/msc/uwa/c_f45.jpg)

I'm quite impressed on the sharpness of the sigma 8-16... even at center crop, it is still sharper than canon. And the control for CA / fringes is just fantastic.

I'm gonna play more on this lens over the weekend and try to compare it with my Tokina 11-16.

Looks like we have another winner here :Grin:

Thanks for the photo samples Mike

One more week and this lens will be mine :)

I'm quite impressed on the sharpness of the sigma 8-16... even at center crop, it is still sharper than canon. And the control for CA / fringes is just fantastic.

I'm gonna play more on this lens over the weekend and try to compare it with my Tokina 11-16.

hi mike, where did you get a good copy of this glass?

thanks for the BI mike! hahaha! now i'm sold! :Grin:

hi mike, where did you get a good copy of this glass?

I got mine from Kansas @ mirdif city center. I know them well, so they let me check the lenses and try different copies as long as I want :) purchased it at around 2500 AED.

You might get cheaper price at Micro Digital or Alfalak (Deira City Center), at around 2,300 - 2,400AED. But they don't have enough stock when I went there... both of them have only 1 copy of the Sigma 8-16. While Kansas got 3.

thanks for the BI mike! hahaha! now i'm sold! :Grin:

haha BI ??!!

You are most welcome Mel :)

@mike:

BI = bad influence.. hehehe..:Grin:

plan to get this lens.. im sure i'll have lotsa fun with it. still no stock here in riyadh.

@mel, I know what you mean hehehe

I'm sure you will love this lens... after I tested it, I just can't let it go... 8mm is such a blessing! hehehe There's a lot of 8-16mm here in Dubai...

I already have posted a few pictures from this lens on my flickr page... :)

i want an UWA lens but the f/2.8 of the tokina 11-16 really pulls me, because of its low light capability...

is this sigma 8-16 f/4.5-5.6?

this shot is of course with PP, this is just to show what you can do with the lens :)


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5398050136_9046b6ff14_z_d.jpg
http://michaelrcruz.com/?p=1896

Gear: Canon 7D + Sigma 8-16mm
Settings: f11 | 1.5 sec. | ISO 100

Here's a helpful review on those wondering about this lens.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-8-16mm-f-4.5-5.6-DC-HSM-Lens-Review.aspx

Personally, if i can just attach screw in filters, I wont think twice about getting this baby.

@michael:

post more shots with this lens bro. :)

kenneth said he did not like the distortion this lens produces. is it really that bad?

thanks in advance! :)

@mel, i dont find the distrotion bad, it's actually a lot better than the 10-20 which shows a 'mustache' shape distortion which is hard to correct, the 8-16's distortion is pretty good IMHO


Here's another sample:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5407338287_0352a1f154_z_d.jpg
http://michaelrcruz.com/?p=1917

Gear: Canon 7D + Sigma 8-16mm
Settings: f8.0 | 30 secs. | ISO 100

If you shoot straight, it shows hardly any distortion

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5417959659_9e42b30b2a_z_d.jpg
http://michaelrcruz.com/?p=1925

Gear: Canon 7D + Sigma 8-16mm
Settings: f8.0 | 30 secs. | ISO 100

One more BI, i mean here's one more sample.. :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5458628211_d82bde3b63_z_d.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikecruz/

Gear: Canon 7D + Sigma 8-16mm
Settings: f8.0 | 1/15 | ISO 100

Soft wide open? U must have a bad copy. This lens is a winner coming from a 14-24 and 16-35 all I can say is that i don't miss them. Yup its not as fast as a 14-24mm but with it's close focusing and a 2mm advantage it opens new doors as far as wide angle shooting is concerned. Mine is tack sharp, ca very well controlled with very good color to boot factor in price it's a a winner. . Give me a minute I'll post my shots with this lens -)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5482536193_863eaaa50e_z.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5482536193_863eaaa50e_z.jpg)
kansai (1 of 1)-4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanranch/5482536193/) by Alan Ranch (http://www.flickr.com/people/alanranch/), on Flickr
Inside the train (Kansai, Japan)

Estrellas De Mendoza

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5482533311_e2a92109a1_z.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5482533311_e2a92109a1_z.jpg)
UWA_DSC_4219 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanranch/5482533311/) by Alan Ranch (http://www.flickr.com/people/alanranch/), on Flickr

@michael:

thanks for the BI.. err, input. :)

guess i have to test it myself when stocks arrive. still no nikon mount here.. only canon. :(

@alan:

tfs sir! that train interior shot is wicked! :)

AM impressed.... :)

I have programmed myself to get an UWA next year ... I'll be making sure to consider this particular Sigma model in my list. Nice photos ....

got one at last! :Grin:


@8mm.. uwa madnes!!!


http://i53.tinypic.com/2qd2747.jpg (http://i53.tinypic.com/2qd2747.jpg)

^ Mel, congrats!

What do you think of the lens? I really love mine, its really wide! But I'm still keeping my toki for events, which I need the f2.8...

Stunning shots Michael :)

Thanks David :)

@michael:

have not tested it extensively but my initial impression is it's very good! noticed also a difference between this and the tokina 11-16 (at least on one shot). distortion is more tolerable with the siggy wide open.

shot this @ 8mm.

http://i56.tinypic.com/2lw36x.jpg (http://i56.tinypic.com/2lw36x.jpg)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5053/5552375917_0924b093a4_z.jpg

@rommel
sir where did you buy your siggy 8-16mm. been waiting for months now here in jeddah. still no luck. and how much? :)

@rommel
sir where did you buy your siggy 8-16mm. been waiting for months now here in jeddah. still no luck. and how much? :)

bought it here in manila dany. 31k pesos at onestopshop in tpc.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5555817816_c4f5464984_z.jpg

8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM is this available at mayers? this is also compatible w/ eos 60d?

@milton

Yes, any APS-C body will work (60D, 50D, Rebels, 7D and their Nikon equivalents)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5520054416_50f61624f2_z_d.jpg
http://michaelrcruz.com/?p=1967


Gear: Canon 7D + Sigma 8-16mm
Settings: f6.3 | 1/250 | ISO 100
Srobist: 580exii + 60" umbrella (collapsed) on top camera right @ 1/4 power
Trigger: 7D's built in transmitter

where can we get the cheapest 8-16 sigma lens here in manila? Anyone compared this with the tokina 11-16? Which is better?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5615042232_bdee694aeb_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5671240354_436f0d7815_z.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5671240354_436f0d7815_z.jpg)

boracay sunset

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5691660019_b137c3b136_z.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5691660019_b137c3b136_z.jpg)

Camera Nikon D7000
Exposure 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture f/16.0
Focal Length 8 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

been silent here for a while now.. wonder where the uwa guys at? :)


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/5751113621_e2c522887d_z.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/5751113621_e2c522887d_z.jpg)

mall of dhahran


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5235/5911730074_38c6f17359_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6151827491_3b591dbdb1_z.jpg (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6151827491_3b591dbdb1_z.jpg)


Camera Nikon D7000
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 8 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6182515958_eaaf44ceb1_z.jpg


Camera Nikon D7000
Exposure 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 8 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6331967028_ea3f628888_z.jpg (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6331967028_ea3f628888_z.jpg)