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| The '''Sigma 8-16mm''' lens is an enthusiast-level, ] ] zoom lens made by ], the world's largest independent lens manufacturer,<ref name=pz>{{cite web|url=http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/515-sigma816f4556apsc|title=Sigma AF 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM - Lab Test / Review |accessdate=2012-08-29|date=2010-05-01|publisher=Photozone.de}}</ref> specifically for use with ] small ] ]s. It is the first ultra wide rectilinear (non-]) zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors.<ref name=Sigma>{{cite web |author=Sigma Corporation |title=8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM |url=http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/8-16mm-f45-56-dc-hsm-sigma |year=2010|accessdate=2012-08-26}}</ref> The lens was introduced at the February 2010 ] Convention and Trade Show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dpreview.com/articles/pma2010/|title=PMA 2010 Show Report|accessdate=2012-08-31|date=2010-05-04|work=]}}</ref> For a long time after its release it was the widest ] ] available commercially.<ref name=SLRG/><ref name=d-p>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-8-16mm-f-4.5-5.6-DC-HSM-Lens-Review.aspx|title=Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Review|accessdate=2012-08-29|date=2010-11-22|publisher=Digital-picture.com}}</ref> It is part of Sigma's DC (Digital Camera) line of lenses, meaning it was designed to have a ] tailored to work with APS-C format cameras.<ref name=d-p/> The lens has a constant length regardless of ] an ] with inner lens tube elements responding to these parameters.<ref name=pz/> The camera has ] ]. | The '''Sigma 8-16mm''' lens is an enthusiast-level, ] ] zoom lens made by ], the world's largest independent lens manufacturer,<ref name=pz>{{cite web|url=http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/515-sigma816f4556apsc|title=Sigma AF 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM - Lab Test / Review |accessdate=2012-08-29|date=2010-05-01|publisher=Photozone.de}}</ref> specifically for use with ] small ] ]s. It is the first ultra wide rectilinear (non-]) zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors.<ref name=Sigma>{{cite web |author=Sigma Corporation |title=8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM |url=http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/8-16mm-f45-56-dc-hsm-sigma |year=2010|accessdate=2012-08-26}}</ref> The lens was introduced at the February 2010 ] Convention and Trade Show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dpreview.com/articles/pma2010/|title=PMA 2010 Show Report|accessdate=2012-08-31|date=2010-05-04|work=]}}</ref> For a long time after its release it was the widest ] ] available commercially.<ref name=SLRG/><ref name=d-p>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-8-16mm-f-4.5-5.6-DC-HSM-Lens-Review.aspx|title=Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Review|accessdate=2012-08-29|date=2010-11-22|publisher=Digital-picture.com}}</ref> It is part of Sigma's DC (Digital Camera) line of lenses, meaning it was designed to have a ] tailored to work with APS-C format cameras.<ref name=d-p/> The lens has a constant length regardless of ] an ] with inner lens tube elements responding to these parameters.<ref name=pz/> The camera has ] ]. | ||
| The lense mounts the Nikon, Canon, Sigma, Sony/Minolta, Pentax.<ref name=uwpg/><!--], ], ], the ] DC, and the ] DT--> | The lense mounts the Nikon, Canon, Sigma, Sony/Minolta, Pentax.<ref name=uwpg/><!--], ], ], the ] DC, and the ] DT--> | ||
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| The camera features a ] motor for its ], which is considered to be a fast and quiet design.<ref name=pz/> Some describe the autofocus as silent.<ref name=uwpg/> In addition, manual override is allowed in the single-shot autofocus mode.<ref name=pz/> The lens, which focuses internally, has one of the lowest ] measurements in its class (which includes the ], ], ], Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI II Lens, ] and the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX Lens).<ref name= |
The camera features a ] motor for its ], which is considered to be a fast and quiet design.<ref name=pz/> Some describe the autofocus as silent.<ref name=uwpg/> In addition, manual override is allowed in the single-shot autofocus mode.<ref name=pz/> The lens, which focuses internally, has one of the lowest ] measurements in its class (which includes the ], ], ], Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI II Lens, ] and the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX Lens).<ref name=SLRG/><ref name=d-p/> The lens' autofocus feature is not functional with ] ist* series and ] DSLR cameras that do not support hypersonic zoom mechanics.<ref name=Sigma/> The lens is capable of focusing from infinity to minimum focusing distance and back in under a second: so micro focusing is rapid.<ref name=SLRG/> However, because of the narrow focus range (0.13x) the lens is not suitable for ].<ref name=SLRG/> | ||
| ==Distortion== | ==Distortion== | ||
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| The front cap adaptor ring causes severe ] at the shorter focal lengths (wider fields of view), if it is not removed.<ref name=pz/> Although the lens is equipped with the ]-compatible mounts, it is a cropped sensor designed lens and vignettes noticeably on the full frame body camera, 35mm SLR camera or any body with a CCD larger than APS-C image sensor format.<ref name=Sigma/><ref name=SLRG/> | The front cap adaptor ring causes severe ] at the shorter focal lengths (wider fields of view), if it is not removed.<ref name=pz/> Although the lens is equipped with the ]-compatible mounts, it is a cropped sensor designed lens and vignettes noticeably on the full frame body camera, 35mm SLR camera or any body with a CCD larger than APS-C image sensor format.<ref name=Sigma/><ref name=SLRG/> | ||
| On a cropped sensor format, once the ring is removed, "natural vignetting" due to ] occurs at shorter focal lengths, but is less pronounced at the higher focal lengths in the lens' range.<ref name=pz/> Wide open at 8mm, about .75 EVs of shading are apparent at the corners, while at 16 |
On a cropped sensor format, once the ring is removed, "natural vignetting" due to ] occurs at shorter focal lengths, but is less pronounced at the higher focal lengths in the lens' range.<ref name=pz/> Wide open at 8mm, about .75 EVs of shading are apparent at the corners, while at 16 mm only about .25 EV of shading is noticeable when comparing the corners to the center.<ref name=SLRG/> For most of the focal length range of the lens, there is between a half stop and third stop of corner shading.<ref name=SLRG/> Alternatively, stopping down to higher f-numbers lessens vignetting.<ref name=uwpg-s8cavbdf>{{cite web|url=http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/sigma-8-16mm-vignette-distortions|title=Sigma 8-16mm chromatic aberration, vignetting, barrel distortion, flare|accessdate=2012-08-30|work=Underwater Photography Guide|author=Gietler, Scott}}</ref> | ||
| ==Resolution== | ==Resolution== | ||
Revision as of 23:09, 13 September 2012
Photographic lens | |
| Maker | Sigma |
|---|---|
| Technical data | |
| Focal length | 8-16mm |
| Crop factor | 114.5° - 75.7° |
| Aperture (max/min) | f/4.5/22 - f/5.6/29 |
| Close focus distance | 24cm (9.4in) |
| Max. magnification | 1:7.8 |
| Diaphragm blades | 7 |
| Construction | 15 elements in 11 groups |
| Features | |
| Ultrasonic motor |  Yes |
| Lens-based stabilization |  No |
| Macro capable | No |
| Application | Consumer Super Wide-Angle Zoom for Digital SLRs |
| Physical | |
| Max. length | 106mm |
| Diameter | 75mm |
| Weight | 555g (16.4oz) |
| Filter diameter | NA |
| Accessories | |
| Lens hood | y |
| History | |
| Introduction | February 2010 |
| Retail info | |
| MSRP | $1100 USD USD |
The Sigma 8-16mm lens is an enthusiast-level, ultra wide-angle rectilinear zoom lens made by Sigma Corporation, the world's largest independent lens manufacturer, specifically for use with APS-C small format digital SLRs. It is the first ultra wide rectilinear (non-fisheye lens) zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors. The lens was introduced at the February 2010 Photo Marketing Association International Convention and Trade Show. For a long time after its release it was the widest viewing angle focal length available commercially. It is part of Sigma's DC (Digital Camera) line of lenses, meaning it was designed to have a image circle tailored to work with APS-C format cameras. The lens has a constant length regardless of optical zoom an focus with inner lens tube elements responding to these parameters. The camera has hypersonic zoom autofocus.
The lense mounts the Nikon, Canon, Sigma, Sony/Minolta, Pentax.
Specifications and measurements
PC Magazine's Jim Fisher, says the lens is relatively large and heavy at 106 by 90 millimetres (4.2 in × 3.5 in) and 555 grams (1.224 lb). However, another reviewer at photozone.de says that for a wide-angle lens the dimensions are unusually narrow but long. The lense has a bulb-like aspherical lens like notable wide-angle and fisheye lenses such as the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, Nikon AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED, or Tokina AT-X 107 DX AF 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 fisheye lens. Because of the shape of front element, it is not compatible with many filters, including UV filters, but the frontal exposure is rectified by an oem petal-shaped lens hood element. Because the lens has a permanent lens hood affixed, it comes with a friction-fit aluminum element, variously described as a sleeve, ring or shroud, that surrounds the hood to enable the placement of a front cap on the lens.
The sleeve is threaded, making it compatible with 72mm filters, but vignetting is severe with the sleeve in place. The construction is plastic although the lens' rear mount is metal. The distance meter is recessed inside a window, but no depth of field meter or infrared index is present. The 7/8" zoom ring is made of raised rubber ridges and operates over a 75 degree turning radius. The focus ring is similarly constructed with more closely spaced ridges and a 100 degrees of turning action. The ridges of both rings are parallel to the lens.
The only physical controls on the lens are the AF/MF toggle switch and the two rings, controlling the zoom and focus. The camera does not have image stabilization. This is common for wide-angle photography which can be performed well using hand-held techniques. Over the range of focal lengths, the minimum and maximum aperture vary.
Autofocus
Canon Rebel T3i with Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM lens. Bottom with sleeve and cap
The camera features a hypersonic zoom motor for its autofocus, which is considered to be a fast and quiet design. Some describe the autofocus as silent. In addition, manual override is allowed in the single-shot autofocus mode. The lens, which focuses internally, has one of the lowest maximum magnification measurements in its class (which includes the Canon 10-22mm, Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5, Sigma 10-20mm f/4–5.6 EX DC HSM lens, Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI II Lens, Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S DX lens and the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX Lens). The lens' autofocus feature is not functional with Pentax ist* series and K100D DSLR cameras that do not support hypersonic zoom mechanics. The lens is capable of focusing from infinity to minimum focusing distance and back in under a second: so micro focusing is rapid. However, because of the narrow focus range (0.13x) the lens is not suitable for macro photography.
Distortion
The lens exhibits significant distortion in keeping with the problems of wide-angle lenses. The complex barrel distortion is approximately 2.9% at 8mm focal length but is fairly insignificant as the focal length is raised above 12mm, according to Photozone.de. PC Magazine reports 3.1% distortion at 8mm and 0.7% at 12mm. It also reports that distortion switches to pincushion distortion of 1.4% at 16mm. SLAR Gear reports that the point of convergence between barrel and pincushion is about 13mm. Foreground subjects seem abnormally large compared to similar background subjects with this lens.
By combining the wide angle focal lengths with narrow apertures, the lens provides strong depth of field rather than making blurred backgrounds. The lens is constructed with a hybrid aspherical lens that when combined with two glass mold elements provides excellent correction for distortion as well as astigmatism.
Vignetting
vignetting on an APS-C digital SLR camera at (left to right) 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 16mm focal length from a Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM lens with its friction fit sleeve ring attached.
vignetting on a full-frame digital SLR Canon EOS 5D Mark III at (left to right) 8mm, 12mm and 16mm focal length from a Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM lens.
The front cap adaptor ring causes severe vignetting at the shorter focal lengths (wider fields of view), if it is not removed. Although the lens is equipped with the full-frame digital SLR-compatible mounts, it is a cropped sensor designed lens and vignettes noticeably on the full frame body camera, 35mm SLR camera or any body with a CCD larger than APS-C image sensor format.
On a cropped sensor format, once the ring is removed, "natural vignetting" due to Lambert's cosine law occurs at shorter focal lengths, but is less pronounced at the higher focal lengths in the lens' range. Wide open at 8mm, about .75 EVs of shading are apparent at the corners, while at 16 mm only about .25 EV of shading is noticeable when comparing the corners to the center. For most of the focal length range of the lens, there is between a half stop and third stop of corner shading. Alternatively, stopping down to higher f-numbers lessens vignetting.
Resolution
The lens' modulation transfer function (MTF) metrics for its image resolution (sharpness) were described as "surprisingly impressive...throughout the entire zoom range" by Photozone.de. The sharpness, in terms of line widths per picture height (LW/PH), is most uniform at 8mm (especially near the f-number of 8 where it is even throughout the image) with strong numbers at the center, borders and corner. Higher focal lengths were less impressive. Optical tests were consistent with lab results pointing to excellent sharpness. However, exposure testing seems to belie the stated f-number capabilities of the lens, since stopping down from widest aperture did not change results, according to Gietler.
At its widest aperture, the sharpness does not meet the 1800 threshold at either 8mm (1572, f/4.5) or 12mm (1356, f/5), but at 16mm (f/5.6) it achieves over 2000 lines per picture height. However, stopping down improves the sharpness at all focal lengths, according to PC Magazine. At 8mm, 1800 is reached at f/8, while at 12mm it is still only at 1509 by f/8. The image quality is asymetric with better performance on the right side. At 8mm and f/4.5, it is has 1 blur unit in the center and 1.5 in the corners. Although the images are slightly sharper at f/5.6, SLR Gear claims sharpness declines significantly at f/11 to almost 2 blur units with further stopping down increasing blur to 3.5 at f/22. At the longer focal lengths for this lens, stopping down to f/29 yields a 5 blur unit result.
Chromatic aberration
The lens is also the first that incorporated Sigma's FLD glass elements, which resemble fluorite glass' ability correct color aberrations. Chromatic aberrations are indeed superior to earlier Sigma wide-angle lenses. In fact, although they might be noticeable at 100% image magnification, they are not at the magnifications now common with prints relative to the number of megapixels that images are commonly captured at. According to Sigma's website, Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. As one zooms out with this lens chromatic aberration becomes significant at the corners.
Action photography
The aperture stop-down focal lengths make the lens a laggard among wide-angle lenses. Thus, it is not strong at gathering light for stop action photography. However, DSLR cameras have improved at higher ISO settings. However, wide-angle photography (below 16mm) continues to need stronger lighting than is possible by built in flashes if trying to make up for low light situations.
Close focus and macro
At 8mm and 16mm, respectively, the lens is able to focus on an area 12.25 inches (31.1 cm) and 7 inches (18 cm) in width. Although the official close focus distance is 24 centimetres (9.4 in), Scott Gietler reported that by using the spot-focus mode, rather than multiple focus points, he was able to achieve a 3 inches (7.6 cm) minimum working distance (glass to subject).
Critical commentary
The lens is useful for deliberative shots by landscape photographers and other skilled artists. The challenge of the vast field of view may be overcome by some casual users. Car photographers benefit from the new perspective of this lens. The lens was a 2010 American Photo Editor's Choice.
Notes
- ^ "Sigma AF 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM - Lab Test / Review". Photozone.de. 2010-05-01. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
- ^ Sigma Corporation (2010). "8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM". Retrieved 2012-08-26.
- "PMA 2010 Show Report". Digital Photography Review. 2010-05-04. Retrieved 2012-08-31.
- ^ Alexander, Andrew (2010-08-26). "Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM (Tested)". SLR Gear. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
- ^ "Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Review". Digital-picture.com. 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
- ^ Gietler, Scott. "Sigma 8-16mm Specs, Design, Focus and Operation". Underwater Photography Guide. Retrieved 2012-08-30.
- ^ Fisher, Jim (2012-08-01). "Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DS HSM". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
- Gietler, Scott. "Sigma 8-16mm chromatic aberration, vignetting, barrel distortion, flare". Underwater Photography Guide. Retrieved 2012-08-30.
- ^ Gietler, Scott. "Sigma 8-16mm sharpness tests". Underwater Photography Guide. Retrieved 2012-08-30.
External links
- Official Sigma website
- Digital Photography Review
- SLR Gear
- PC magazine review
- Underwater photography review
- Digital Picture review
- Photozone review