Sigma 10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheye Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras
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| List Price: | $1,100.00 |
| Price: | $699.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details |
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Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Product Description
This fisheye lens is designed for use with digital SLR cameras and produces a diagonal angle of view of 180? for Nikon cameras. The diagonal field of view of this fisheye lens produces striking images with exaggerated perspective and distortion. The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3-inch, and maximum magnification of 1:3.3 allows subjects to be as close as 1.8cm/0.7-inch from the lens' front element. The integral hood and super multi-layer coating minimize flare and ghosting and create superior image quality.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #152430 in Camera & Photo
- Brand: Sigma
- Model: 10mm Pentax Mount
- Dimensions: 2.20 pounds
Customer Reviews
Outstanding Fisheye Lens for DX-Format Nikon DSLRs!
First off, bear in mind that I purchased this Sigma fisheye to replace Nikon's 10.5mm f/2.8 fisheye. While I was happy with the Nikon's optical performance, I was disappointed with the AF design. Nikon's lens relies on the AF motor in the camera, which makes for noisy AF. In addition, this design precludes full-time manual focus touch-up. And finally, the lack of an in-lens focus motor precludes AF on the existing D40/D40x and new D60, as well as future Nikon DSLRs lacking an in-camera focus motor.
In any event, when Sigma announced their fisheye lens a few months ago, I decided that I would purchase one. And I am very happy with it! The HSM provides autofocus performance as fast as the Nikon (at least on my Nikon D300 DSLR), while being eerily quiet.
As for the optical quality, it appears to be virtually identical to Nikon's, which is to say excellent. Both lenses are slightly soft wide-open (i.e. at f/2.8), but sharpen considerably when close down one f-stop. Indeed, both lenses are almost as sharp at f/4 as they are at f/5.6.
Besides the built-in autofocus motor, another difference between Nikon and Sigma's fisheye lenses is the field-of-view (FOV). Sigma's lens is 0.5mm wider, and provides a small -- but definitely noticeable -- increase in the angle of view.
So, it all comes down to this:
* Do you currently own a D40/D40x/D60, or plan to purchase one?
* Do you prefer super-quiet AF to the noisy mechanical variety?
* Do you prefer a better-built lens?
The one advantage that Nikon's lens has is size/weight. While arguably not as durable and well-built as the Sigma, it is lighter and more compact. If this is important to you, then you may prefer the Nikon. (See the comparison photos I posted to see what I mean.)
As for Cons, there is one. Sigma's lens is, unfortunately, not weather-sealed. I was hoping that Sigma would at least utilize a gasket around the lens mount, but that is not the case. As such, I recommend against using this lens in rain/drizzle -- or in a super-humid environment. (It is important to note that Nikon's fisheye lens is not weather-sealed either, and also lacks a lens mount gasket.)
Apart from the one aforementioned complaint, I highly recommend the Sigma 10mm fisheye lens. It provides all of the performance/quality of Nikon's fisheye lens, while providing fast and quiet autofocus to owners of ALL Nikon DSLR's, including the D40/D40x/D60. You will not be disappointed!
Seriously fun lens
I did a great deal of research before I bought this lens for my Canon Xsi (450D). It is my first Sigma lens (most others are Canon kit lenses - 18-55 mm; 55-250 mm along with a Lensbaby 2.0 and a Canon "Nifty Fifty" 50 mm 1.8 ) and I love it! I've already nicknamed it "The Tank" because it is hefty and well built(remember I am accustomed to kit lenses). It isn't the type of lens you keep on the camera all the time but it is definitely one that will go where ever the camera goes! I received it at 8 PM (dusk) and the street lights were already on but I got some acceptable shots with ambient light - it is fast and sharp, even at 100% crop and the focusing is decisive with no "hunting". If you enjoy images with non-traditional points of view this lens is worth it! I also like that it came with its own fitted, padded case - a must for a lens this expensive!
Great full-frame fisheye for APS-C DSLR
I bought this Sigma 10mm f/2.8 full frame fisheye lens for use with my Canon 30D. I really like the lens image quality, build quality and overall operation. I've already taken some fun pictures with it. I use it to complement my Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 wide angle zoom. If you like take unique photos with an unusual perspective, you'll enjoy the Sigma 10mm fisheye and it's amazing depth of field. The lens also comes with a nice fitted case.

