Sigma is a Japanese lens manufacturer. The price and quality of its products always remain at a high level. In some ways, Sigma lenses are sometimes better than native lenses for SLR cameras. For which cameras is it better to take such products?
Lenses for popular DSLRs
Not for all digital cameras "Sigma" produces lenses, but only for the most popular, more precisely, their "compatriots". There are only three of them:
- "Canon".
- "Nikon".
- Sony.
There are lenses for sale for some cameras of other brands, but this is very rare. Why are there third-party accessories when all three of the above have their own branded ones?
Sigma lenses for Nikon, Canon and Sony are made not because of competition, but for the sake of addition or replacement. You never know, because it also happens that in native lenses they canthe characteristics needed by the photographer are missing, or he is not satisfied with the price, the result of the shooting. And in order to purchase the right product, you need to thoroughly study the information, look at reviews, read reviews and, of course, see photos taken using the item of interest.
For "Nikon" lenses from "Sigma"
Nikon SLR cameras have their own wide range of lenses. The company "Sigma" did not deprive gadgets of attention and provides an opportunity to choose among its products what you need.
Lenses come in different uses:
- wide-angle;
- telephoto lens;
- portrait;
- fisheye;
- standard.
It can be said that Sigma lenses, and especially telephoto lenses, are considered the most amazing. Why? Not every manufacturer makes a telephoto lens with a focal length of 800 mm at an adequate price. If an amateur photographer wants to shoot planes flying at an altitude of 3000 m above the earth, or fix craters on the moon, then he will choose a lens with the strongest lenses.
As for other types of lenses, for example, fisheye, you can choose both native and Sigma. They may differ in price, while having the same characteristics.
It is worth noting that Nikon produces lenses for non-full-frame and full-frame lenses. It is necessary to pay special attention to the choice in this regard.
And there are accessories for Canon cameras
For company DSLRsCanon also has a huge selection of different types of lenses. It makes no sense to list the same as in the previous section. One can only talk about the merits that Sigma lenses have for Canon. Quite often you can find user complaints about accessories from their own manufacturer. Canon cameras, unlike Nikon, do not have a stabilizer, so owners have to buy lenses with a USM motor, or, as modern users call it, a stub. Naturally, such a device will be more expensive at a price. But this lack is compensated by the quality of shooting.
For example, "Sigma" lenses for Canon 10-20 mm have different aperture ratios. Therefore, the photographer can make a choice, but the price and quality will be different. Agree that a lens with aperture equal to f / 3.5 allows you to take high-quality pictures in normal lighting, and with the parameter f / 4-5.6 you will have to use additional lighting or shoot in good weather.
Two lenses 18-250mm for Nikon
Who is looking for a budget option and a device for all occasions, as they say, it is recommended to buy a universal one. This is exactly what the Sigma 18-250 lens for Nikon is. There are two versions of these lenses on sale: 18-250 f/3.5-6.3 Macro and 18-250 f/3.5-6.3
At first glance, they are no different. In fact, in terms of design and purpose, these lenses have a significant difference. Note that the first one says "Macro". That is, you can take macro shots from a minimum distance of 35 cm. For the second one, this parameter is 45 cm, that is, a small subject will not turn out the way we would like. If you move closer, autofocus will not fix the subject, the picture will be blurry.
There are differences in the minimum and maximum viewing angles. Values are larger in a lens suitable for macro mode. It is advisable to pay attention to one more feature: thread diameters for light filters. The first lens has 62 mm, the second has 72 mm. Dimensions and weight, oddly enough, the lens with the ability to "macro" less.
You can tell right away that the 18-250 mm f/3.5-6.3 Macro is much better, but the price is about 5-10 thousand rubles higher.
Pro 18-250mm lenses for Canon
The characteristics of similar lenses for Nikon SLR cameras were discussed above. There is only one big difference: only one model with "macro" mode remained on sale. In order not to list the same characteristics again (they are exactly the same), it is better to talk about reviews. Canon's "Sigma 18-250" lens is more than just a general purpose lens. It can be used both when traveling or at conferences, and when hunting (taking pictures of moving or stationary animals at a distance).
One of the disadvantages, according to the owners: unsuccessful shooting at a focal length of more than 150 mm orvalue of ISO 100. With the latter, the problem is solved by manually setting and setting ISO 200 and above. It should be borne in mind that it is better not to overdo it with this parameter, as noise will appear on the frame.
Like all Sigma lenses for Canon, this model is one of the best lenses from other third-party manufacturers. Absolutely ideal models do not exist. It all depends on the photographers themselves, on the ability to use a SLR camera.
Lens for cameras "Nikon" 24-70 mm
What is the Sigma 24-70 lens for Nikon and why is it needed? This is a device with a "variable" focal length. The full name of the model is as follows: Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8. Refers to standard zoom lenses. It is worth noting right away that this is a weighty thing - 790 g. Its diameter and length are 88.6 and 94.7 mm, respectively. Filter thread diameter - 82 mm.
And now let's open the veil. Let's see what users write about these Sigma lenses for Nikon. Reviews, as it turned out, are different, but mostly good. In order not to confuse those interested, it is better to start with warnings. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the filter thread diameter is 82 mm. Unfortunately, the price of the filter is the greater, the larger the diameter. Here the user pays for the amount of material used, and not just for the brand and quality. You have to be prepared to pay more. And one more problem, however, it is not found in all products: poor fastening of the lidlens, the sharpness of the picture deteriorates at the edges, the focus often drops.
And now let's talk about the good sides - this is a high quality photo. Sharpness is excellent (not counting the edges) when shooting portraits. In nature, landscapes can also be shot perfectly, but you need to pay attention to those elements that are not so important around the edges. The aperture of the lens is good, you can shoot even in cloudy weather without damage. Those who know how to handle photographic equipment, adjust the focus, will appreciate the speed of autofocus.
This lens can be used for a variety of purposes, it will perfectly replace a number of portraits, wide angles, zooms.
Wide Angle Lenses
This section introduces some wide-angle "Sigma" lenses. It makes sense to start with the Sigma AF 8-16 mm F / 4.5-5.6 lens for Canon and Nikon. Why from this? Because the name of the wide-angle lens is precisely because of the ability to capture the maximum surrounding information. You don’t have to go far so that the whole class or team of 50 people gets into the frame. The shorter the focal length, the better. There are some pretty good reviews about it. Unfortunately, most non-professional and semi-professional SLR cameras have a matrix with a crop equal to 1.5 or 1.6. This means that as a result, the focal length increases by 1.5-1.6 times. And such a lens is a real joy for lovers of a wide angle. After all, you can make a big good image,having a focal length of 12-12.8 mm. What are these numbers? This is the minimum focal length (8) times the crop factor (1.5-1.6). Naturally, having such characteristics, you can photograph beautiful landscapes. But there is one drawback. Please note that aperture is from f=1/4.5 to f=1/5.6. This means that shooting is best done in a very bright room or outdoors in good weather. Otherwise, the frame will be dark.
Let's list other Sigma wide-angle lenses for Nikon and Canon.
Sigma AF 10-20mm F1/3.5. The kit includes a case and a hood, which is not always the case. This is one merit. The other is constant luminosity. Let 1 / 3.5, but acceptable for shooting indoors. There is only a drawback in the price of the lens itself and filters. Since the diameter is 82mm.
Sigma AF 12-24mm F/4.5-5.6. The lens does not have an image stabilizer. User reviews are as follows: you need to beware of moisture getting into the device. The aperture is weak, so shooting indoors can be upsetting. The only plus is the wide angle. It can be added that at some point a wide-angle lens replaces the fisheye, although there will be no sphere.
Sigma wide-angle lenses for Canon and Nikon with fixed focal lengths are f/1.8 and f/1.4: 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 30mm, 35mm. Lenses with such parameters have positive reviews from owners. Sharpness, clarity, bokeh, shooting in any conditions on"hooray", compensation for the crop factor matrix.
Lenses for Sony cameras
Unfortunately, there are only a few models for Sony cameras at the moment in Russia. Sigma lenses for Sony are on sale, for example, with such important parameters:
- 60mm f/2.8.
- 30mm f/2.8.
- 19mm f/2.8.
Despite such a small selection, I would like to please the owners of Sony SLR cameras. They have chromatic aberrations, which makes for high quality photos. Sharpness, as some users write, is razor sharp. Aperture is excellent.
Sigma lenses for Sony cameras are quite inexpensive, unlike native and other manufacturers. The maximum price is 15 thousand rubles. But it all depends on the store.
Today you can find only positive reviews about these lenses. Now let's talk about what each of the above is for.
60 mm. For some reason, some online stores call it a telephoto lens, although this is not so. It is more suitable for portrait shooting, although distant subjects can be photographed without compromising quality and exposure.
30 mm. Standard lens. I use it both as a portrait lens and as a wide-angle one.
19 mm. Wide angle lens. It will allow you to shoot a panorama, a collective, a landscape.
The listed lenses are of the "fixed" focal length type, which will be quite unusual andinconvenient for those who are used to zoom. But nevertheless, from the company "Sigma" for the owners of cameras "Sony" is a consolation, as the quality and price are pleasing.
Owner Reviews
Most of the feedback from the owners of both Nikon and Canon cameras is more than positive. Why? Because "Sigma" really does everything in good conscience. The manufacturer assumes that the lenses will be used not only by amateurs, but also by professionals.
So what are the reviews on Sigma lenses really? Let's give examples. The very first thing that happy owners write in virtues: sharpness. It is important that the picture is clear.
Many lenses have excellent aperture. Users praise the quality of shooting in all weather conditions and even indoors. Every professional knows how important it is for a photo to be perfect in every way.
Bokeh - that's what else attracts in photography. What is it? Background blur. This is important for any amateur photographer, and even more so for a professional, and especially when shooting portraits. Users of Sigma lenses describe all the advantages in terms of bokeh. The photo is very interesting. You look at the portrait and see not only the face of the person depicted, but also a gently blurred background that sets off the beauty of the model.
The motor of these lenses is almost silent, which helps to shoot even where silence is needed.
Should I choose between other manufacturers?
Whether to choose lenses from other manufacturers, everyone can decide for himself formyself. But the choice is really small. Not many manufacturers make different types of accessories. Most, unfortunately, produce only one model each for both Nikon and Canon. You can only give a list of those who make lenses of different models:
- Zeiss.
- Tamron.
- Zenith.
- Tokina.
- Samyang.
"Zenith" is a domestic manufacturer of photographic equipment. Popularity and special trust does not enjoy. At the moment, you can find rare reviews about his products. As a rule, photographers try to choose proven models from other companies, including their relatives.
Sigma, Tamron, Samyang lenses are considered the most popular. The latter is unique because almost all of its lenses are of the "fixed" type. There are, however, two models with a variable.
Speaking of Tamron, it's worth saying right away that these lenses are good, but they have one drawback: their sharpness is not high enough. It doesn't spoil the pictures though. You can get beautiful photos taken in all weather conditions. There are a large number of budget models.
