Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM II

[jonahrei]

I know this lens was announced in February. Does anyone know the actual release date of this lens? I don't see anything in the archive for the second version of this lens and I'm speculating that it will be out soon. I want to get this lens for my 5d Mark ii asap. Please post any opinions/info/pics taken w/ this lens here.

[jonahrei]

i just read on another forum that this lens is supposed to be released tomorrow 07/29/11. i hope it's true.

[FuturamaJSP]

I am super interested in this lens simply because it's the widest rectalinear lens available for FF. I do hope Sigma has corrected the weaknesses of the old version. Anyone knows the price of it?

[jonahrei]

I am super interested in this lens simply because it's the widest rectalinear lens available for FF. I do hope Sigma has corrected the weaknesses of the old version. Anyone knows the price of it?

i'm guessing the "street price" is going to be around $850, msrp is $1400. the reason being, the 85 1.4 has msrp of $1450 and sells currently brand new for $899. so i'm thinking it will be the same w/ the 12-24.

[Invertalon]

I heard this lens is not out.. Somebody has it over at Canon Rumors... Was vague on his opinion, but said its performance at 24mm was not as good as the 24-105L at 24mm, but the corners and resolution throughout the zoom range is very good.

Can't wait to see more reviews on this lens.. Could be something I am very interested in!

[mackguyver]

I just ordered one from Abe's of Maine this afternoon. Here's the link (http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=SG1224AFCII)Hope it turns out to be a great lens! I did overnight so I hope to have it tomorrow or Thursday and will definitely post results and comparisons to my Tokina 11-16, 24 1.4L II, and other lenses.

[jonahrei]

I just ordered one from Abe's of Maine this afternoon. Here's the link (http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=SG1224AFCII)Hope it turns out to be a great lens! I did overnight so I hope to have it tomorrow or Thursday and will definitely post results and comparisons to my Tokina 11-16, 24 1.4L II, and other lenses.

wow, that's a little more than i expected price wise. :(

hurry up and post some pics please!!! :D

[mackguyver]

Will do - though it doesn't look like it shipped today. I sure hope it lives up to the standard of Sigma's recent lens releases.

[mackguyver]

On it's way - will be here tomorrow. It's my first Sigma so I'll be doing lots of comparison testing to make sure it's a lens I want to keep so stay tuned.

[Hardcore]

Look forward to the report on this lens

[mackguyver]

It's here and my first impressions are - keeping in mind this is my first Sigma - the lens is:

Solid construction - not quite "L" but very good. Sturdy engineering plastic and metal. Focus and zoom rings are smooth but again, not quite L.

Don't know about weather sealing but there is no gasket.

Two piece hood like the 8-16. The ring is metal, fits perfectly, and has 82mm threads. It does not appear to vignette on APS-C, but I'll have to confirm later.

Autofocus seems to be smooth, quiet, and fast. No hunting in the bright sun at least.

Internal focus - but front and rear elements move in and out as you zoom.

Front element isn't nearly as bulbous as I feared.

Flare resistance seems good for a UWA. Got sun spots, but no major contrast loss.

At work so that's all for now - can't take or post photos. Will do comparisons after work with the 24 1.4L II and Tokina 11-16. Tripod and cable release of real-world subject.

[mackguyver]

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/photos/i-RFZHRfg/0/XL/i-RFZHRfg-XL.jpg

Ok, sample time:
CLICK HERE for Full sized photos and "smugloupe" tool that allows you to zoom in to 100% (http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Other-Work/Samples/18380171_8wZhRL). You can download the original files as well. They are screenshot comparisons mostly at 100% in Photoshop between the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM II & Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L USM II at 24mm and the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM II and Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 at 11, 12, and 16mm. There are various types of comparisons to scroll through.

Overall image quality conclusions on a CROP sensor:
-MUCH dimmer viewfinder compared to both other lenses
-Nearly as sharp as the $1700 prime Canon L lens in the center, not nearly as good in the corners
-Less CA than the Canon - really! Both have minimal CA, though
-Similar sharpness to the Tokina 11-16 - a tad better at some focal lengths/apertures, a tad worse at others
-Corners are better than the Tokina
-MUCH better CA than the Tokina
-Vignettes a bit at 12mm - and upper and lower apertures
-Pretty good flare resistance for an ultra-wide angle
-Compatible with Full Frame unlike the Tokina
-$300-400 more than the Tokina

The real test will be this weekend when I take it on a real shoot!

[HansSteinert]

Throw it on your 5DII!!!!

[mackguyver]

Throw it on your 5DII!!!!
Alas, I don't have a 5DII. I have been waiting for the 5DIII for a long time and as my wife told me tonight, I just need to give up waiting and buy a 5DII. I'm sure I won't regret it.

[RaKLeZ]

-Pretty good flare resistance for an ultra-wide angle
Could you post some examples with the sun/or other light source in the corner?
Thanks for your effort.

[gep01]

Alas, I don't have a 5DII. I have been waiting for the 5DIII for a long time and as my wife told me tonight, I just need to give up waiting and buy a 5DII. I'm sure I won't regret it.

I wish my wife would tell me to buy a 5DII......

[mackguyver]

Sure, I'll do that when I get home. I took a couple with the sun in the corner and as you'll see when I post them, you will get 2-3 small sun spots, but no whole-frame flare washing out the entire photo. I also took at least one looking right into the sun and it was a similar result but with a much larger flare in the sunlight itself but still very respectable. I also took some close ups to examine the bokeh which seems very smooth but I'll need to take some more shots to be sure.

[mackguyver]

Here are the two flare photos - one from the side and the other directly into the sun. I'll get out and do a proper shoot tomorrow morning and post the results.
http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/photos/i-nnQDxZP/0/L/i-nnQDxZP-L.jpg

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/photos/i-XH6sN5d/0/L/i-XH6sN5d-L.jpg

[RaKLeZ]

^
Acceptable, thanks.
Now listen to your wife and buy a 5DII. :-P

[kevindar]

thanks for the posts. the corners are supposed to be pretty sharp on tokina, I am surprised if this is sharper. I think this is a lens which makes primary sense on a full frame, as the canon 10-22 is optically very good, a little cheaper, and takes filters. and of course the tokina is a 2.8. the weakness with the original was the corner sharpness on full frame, which was make worse by the field curvature. all that said, I had the version one, and got some good images out of it, just not sharp to the corners.

[jonahrei]

thanks Ian!! looks pretty good on a 7d. listen to your wife, i just picked up my 5d mk2 because i couldn't wait any longer for the mk3. sell it when the mk3 comes out.

i'm looking forward to a full-frame review of this lens.

[mackguyver]

The weather has not cooperated the last several days for a proper shoot, but here's another sample showing the Sigma vs. Tokina at f/11 and 12mm. The focal lengths aren't identical (the marks on the lens don't match the actual FL), but this photo shows much better performance on the Sigma vs. the Tokina. The Sigma has better resolution and contract, particularly in the leaves. 100% crop from the left side of the frame:
http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/photos/i-bbSfHcD/0/X3/i-bbSfHcD-X3.png

[Invertalon]

I am *really* looking into this lens... I can't wait to see some 5D2 samples with this lens. If the corner performance is better then the 17-40, I am sold... (which should not be hard to beat, but at 12mm I wonder!)

[mackguyver]

Someone on the DPreview forum in the 1D forum area posted comparison between the old and new lenses and the full frame corner performance seems much better

[kevindar]

Someone on the DPreview forum in the 1D forum area posted comparison between the old and new lenses and the full frame corner performance seems much better
Hand held shots, manual focusing, and then he backtracked and said he is not sure if the difference is as pronounced. but yes it looks promising.

[Xcelx]

Why oh why only 6 aperture blades :( I don't like the look of that star burst. I'm very much looking forward to FF sample pics though!

[ANKELE]

i have the cash ready for this lens but just want to see some FF shots from this lens to be sure..

[Invertalon]

The 10-22 only has 6 aperture blades I believe as well, which suprised me. I actually like the effect it gives on highlights, though...

I do wonder why they limit on aperture blades in UWA it seem.

[mackguyver]

I do wonder why they limit on aperture blades in UWA it seem.
The Tokina has 9 blades and gives a nice sunstar.

Here are some overdue sample images. The lens performed superbly and had just the slightest CA on a couple of photos, which is great for my stuff in Florida where landscape photography always means the subject is too dark or the sky is too bright, and the CA torture test of leaves and sky occurs in most shots. The color, contrast, and sharpness are excellent, and it was a dripping wet morning (it rained during the night) but the lens had no issues with it.

Aucilla River Sinks Trail - Jefferson County, FL
All Photos © 2011 Ian Anderson, All Rights Reserved. Repost with Permission Only

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-zKrShzT/0/XL/MG6156ID-XL.jpg
24mm @ f/11

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-D8jPgv9/0/XL/MG6184ID-XL.jpg
12mm @ f/11

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-629tLpM/0/XL/MG6178ID-XL.jpg
24mm @ f/16 - Had to take one for fun - these guys are huge in Florida!

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-tS3Vm6G/0/XL/MG6150ID-XL.jpg
24mm @ f/11

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-BP624Mx/0/XL/MG6141ID-XL.jpg
12mm @ f/9

[kevindar]

they are great. would love to see them on full frame.

[ANKELE]

they are great. would love to see them on full frame.

Found this link.
shot based on 5DII
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1032&message=39051968

[kevindar]

Found this link.
shot based on 5DII
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1032&message=39051968
Thanks. have already seen that. he felt after his initial test he is not quite certain if the dif. is as much as he initially thought. Will hold out for a review by photozone.

[RaKLeZ]

Moustache distortion... :(
http://sigma_12-24_ii.fotosalek.com/img_4405.jpg

More...
http://sigma_12-24_ii.fotosalek.com/

[RaKLeZ]

http://www.arthurdomagala.com/blog/2011/08/sigma-12-24mm-ii-lens-review/

[mackguyver]

1Ds3 Downloadable Files:
http://www.petebridgwood.com/sigma2.htm

[kevindar]

Good link mackguyver. Looks like at f11 the canon is sharpest in the center. the sigma II seems sharper in the corners at all apertures. granted 17 is by far the weakest point of the 17-40, and in the middle of the range for 12-24. More impressive is how much better than version 1 it is.
PS. looked at your website. some really nice images.

[GMCPhotographics]

Hmmm, have fun with this new lens guys. I'm not too keen on the distortion, it's the key attribute of the previous version that I adore. I can put up with wide open softness, I usually stop this lens down. But those distortions...erm..no! I'll happily stick to my existing lens.

[mackguyver]

Gareth, I understand and if I shot buildings or anything with real geometry, I'd feel the same way. Unsharp Mask is much easier to work than geometric corrections! I have put in requests with DxO for this lens on several popular Canon bodies, though, so maybe someday the distortions won't be too hard to correct.

Kevin, thank you for the nice comment. I still feel like a rookie, but I love to shoot and feel like my photos are improving.

[ANKELE]

kind of disappointed to hear that it has the "Moustache distortion", I guess similar to the Samyang 14mm. Purchase on Hold for this one :(

[Fuzzleak]

http://www.pbase.com/farnea/recensione_sigma_1224_ii

Found another review of the new Sigma 12-24mm II compared with the original using a 5D mk II.

[mackguyver]

Photozone has posted their review - and I finally decided to get a 5D Mark II. 12mm is insanely wide!
Review link: http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/676-sigma1224f4556iiff

[kevindar]

Photozone has posted their review - and I finally decided to get a 5D Mark II. 12mm is insanely wide!
Review link: http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/676-sigma1224f4556iiff
its actually a little disappointing. or they had a bad copy.

[mackguyver]

I think they are one of the better lens test sites, but I think (as they explain) that it's extremely difficult to test a UWA. macro, or super telephoto lens. I think that test charts aren't very realistic representations of actual photographic results for these types of lenses. Case in point, I have the 400 5.6 and it's absolutely razor sharp, yet PZ gave it just a decent rating. They panned the 180 3.5 macro, but the copy I had was incredible as well. I would agree that without corrections, it might not make a great architectural lens, but the 12mm reach is something that is spectacular and yet can't be achieved without tradeoffs.

[FuturamaJSP]

hmm they don't look like 12mm shots to me or at least not on a 5Dmk2 as it says in your signature...

[mackguyver]

hmm they don't look like 12mm shots to me or at least not on a 5Dmk2 as it says in your signature...
Correct - they were taken before I bought the 5D MkII. I'll post some FF shots when I get a chance to take some.

[mackguyver]

Here some FF shots from the 5DMkII. The lens definitely needs to be stopped down more on the FF sensor - wide open aperture results in very soft extreme corners and slightly soft corners. f/11 or 13 seems to be the sharpest - and as always, the Florida swamps and forests aren't the easiest to shoot pleasing landscapes in:
http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-kCjH2HS/0/L/MG0179ID-XL.jpg

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-t94LLmX/0/L/MG0163ID-XL.jpg

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-T5phtX4/0/L/MG0169ID-XL.jpg

[kevindar]

Mack, thanks for the shots, and of course personal experience and field test matters a lot. as for ultrawides being very hard to test, though I agree with you that they are more difficult, they have had no problems testing corners on the samyang 14 or nikon 14-24. I was really hoping sigma hits a home run with this one, as they ahve done to a large extent with their 8-16 on the crop, sigma 85 1.4, and the initial results from the 120-300 2.8 OS. the fact there is a so much more distortion at the wide end, yet the corners are still not very good on the wide end at f8 is really disappointing honestly. they do remain the only game in town for a full frame rectolinear 12mm however.

[mackguyver]

Kevin - I would agree about the testing, and I guess what I was trying to say is that it's doubtful that most people will be shooting a flat wall with a 12mm lens and you're just as likely to have things in and out of focus from DOF as less sharp corners. Also, I just checked and the areas that are noticeably less sharp seem to affect roughly the last 500-600 pixels in width (and 3:2 proportional height) in each corner. I do find the CA extremely minor, at f/8 or above, which is a joy to me personally. The quest for the ultimate UWA will continue I'm sure, but for me, this lens suits my purposes. I'm hoping to get a little more comfortable with it and my 5DMkII and will post some more interesting photos in the weeks and months ahead.

[kevindar]

Looking forward to seeing them Mack.

[GMCPhotographics]

It's a very intersting lens, if I didn't already have a good copy of the mk 1 and an excellent Canon 16-35IIL, I would certainly bag a mkII.

[zincozinco]

Funny thing about a brickwall... If i get this lens id probably only use it for indoors... I hada good version of the mk1 and im really considering this one...

[mackguyver]

Cool Sigma Blog entry on the lens with lots of photos:
http://blog.sigmaphoto.com/2011/lens-explorations-12-24mm-f4-5-5-6-dg-hsm-ii/

Also, Photozone posted the APS-C review.

[zincozinco]

thanks for that, however it doe not look that much better than the old...

[InsaneO]

thanks for that, however it doe not look that much better than the old...

Actually it does. I can shoot wide open now, if I need to, there before I could not because corner smudging and huge vignetting. New lens has no corner smudging at all wide open (just less sharp) and at least one stop less vignetting. However, new lens has barrel distortions but if planned carefully it is also not very important and can be corrected.

[mackguyver]

A couple more FF shots - the wide end is fun to turn the ordinary into something else:

Clear sky, boring foreground, but cool shot at 12mm:
http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-4hCzGTq/0/XL/MG0521ID-XL.jpg

Patch of wildflowers from above at 14mm (tons of detail @100%, but looks almost like an impressionist painting at lower magnifications):
http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-8TQCqX8/0/L/MG0565ID-XL.jpg

[mackguyver]

You'll have to bare with me as this is the very first time I have ever set out to shoot architectural photos. I made some rookie mistakes to be sure, but this lens is pretty wild and fun. And yes, Tallahassee, Florida isn't exactly known for it's architectural wonders, but this lens is a blast!

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-9Wbpv6k/0/L/MG0634ID-L.jpg

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-JdL6VcT/0/L/MG0626ID-L.jpg

http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-jVfZTvm/0/L/MG0630ID-L.jpg

[ANKELE]

Any Correction Done on the distortion?

[mackguyver]

Yes, +12 to +14 on the distortion slider in Adobe Camera Raw in Photoshop. All three were shot at 12mm.

[Invertalon]

Seeing how easily a LR3 profile corrects the distortion on the Samyang 14mm, I would have NO trouble with this lens. If my replacement Samyang does not work out, I may look into this lens to replace my 17-40/14mm... 14mm is amazing, 12mm could only be better!

[ANKELE]

anymore nice photos from this lens?

[sportmode]

I just picked up this lens and I'm seeing lens flare (green spots) with indoor lights at all aperture and all focal points. Just looking straight into the lens I'm seeing the green reflections. I haven't had a chance to try this with natural light outdoors -- anyone else see this?

[mackguyver]

anymore nice photos from this lens?
I haven't been shooting a lot lately, but here's one from this evening:
http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-hcJHD8K/0/XL/MG1214ID-XL.jpg

[sportmode]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_5944.jpg

[Shadowblade]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_5944.jpg

Nice!

Sigma would do well to release an even-sharper 12mm prime, or even a 10mm prime (preferably able to take filters), where they can work on ultimate image quality without the additional complications of a zoom. Zeiss and Samyang likewise.

[starkyrulz]

I just picked up this lens and I'm seeing lens flare (green spots) with indoor lights at all aperture and all focal points. Just looking straight into the lens I'm seeing the green reflections. I haven't had a chance to try this with natural light outdoors -- anyone else see this?

are you using a glass filter of any kind - i get a similar problem with a cheap tiffen filter on my canon 50mm f1.8

[Shadowblade]

are you using a glass filter of any kind - i get a similar problem with a cheap tiffen filter on my canon 50mm f1.8

You can't fit a filter onto this lens.

[sportmode]

are you using a glass filter of any kind - i get a similar problem with a cheap tiffen filter on my canon 50mm f1.8

No, not at all. I've had to photoshop it out -- which is pretty easy, but can be a little time-consuming. But the 12mm width certainly is amazing.

[Shadowblade]

Can we see some 100% corner crops?

[sportmode]

Can we see some 100% corner crops?

Sure, I'll post something tonight.

[sportmode]

Here's the crop from the original -- the image I posted previously was a HDR of 3 images (sorry, should've mentioned that earlier).

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_5944-1.jpg

[sportmode]

HDR with 3 images, F11, 14mm.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_5971.jpg

[Shadowblade]

Looks pretty sharp - on the 5D2? Was any sharpening applied? If not, it looks sharper at 12mm than the 16-35L looks at 16mm...

Here's the crop from the original -- the image I posted previously was a HDR of 3 images (sorry, should've mentioned that earlier).

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_5944-1.jpg

[sportmode]

Looks pretty sharp - on the 5D2? Was any sharpening applied? If not, it looks sharper at 12mm than the 16-35L looks at 16mm...

No, not on this crop, and yes on the 5D2. I've been looking at reasons why I should return this lens and stick to Canon (I've had to send in my Sigma 30mm for repair twice to fix a front-focusing issue and swore I'd stay away from Sigmas), but it's been working like a champ. I've enjoyed it so much it's on my 5D2 unless I need the other lenses.

[mackguyver]

Good news - Adobe just released a Release Candidate for ACR that includes a lens profile for the 12-24 II!:
http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/cameraraw6-6/?tabID=details#tabTop
It seems to work well at removing the distortion, including the uglier moustache distortion in the center. I thought it wasn't doing so hot until I realized that I still had the manual settings in place. Once I zeroed them out, I was good to go! Just waiting for DxO some year now to make the ultimate corrective filter...

[sportmode]

Good news - Adobe just released a Release Candidate for ACR that includes a lens profile for the 12-24 II!:
http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/cameraraw6-6/?tabID=details#tabTop
It seems to work well at removing the distortion, including the uglier moustache distortion in the center. I thought it wasn't doing so hot until I realized that I still had the manual settings in place. Once I zeroed them out, I was good to go! Just waiting for DxO some year now to make the ultimate corrective filter...

Awesome -- thanks for passing on the news!

[tomcat7886]

Nice images coming out from this lense :)

[sportmode]

Love the 12mm for HDR...

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_5863.jpg

[mackguyver]

One from this weekend - starting to get a hang of this ultra wide! This was shot at 12mm f/11 for 3.5s (hence wind blurring the palm fronds/water). The amount of detail captured in this photo is incredible. At 100% there are people on the beach, on their balconies, I can see the no diving warnings on the pool, every cable in the wire fences, tile lines, dune grasses and much more. I bet it would make a killer large print. Processed using the new ACR beta from Adobe Labs that corrects distortion, CA, vignetting, etc.:
http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-NcL4jdJ/0/XL/MG2046-XL.jpg

[booju]

One from this weekend - starting to get a hang of this ultra wide! This was shot at 12mm f/11 for 3.5s (hence wind blurring the palm fronds/water). The amount of detail captured in this photo is incredible. At 100% there are people on the beach, on their balconies, I can see the no diving warnings on the pool, every cable in the wire fences, tile lines, dune grasses and much more. I bet it would make a killer large print. Processed using the new ACR beta from Adobe Labs that corrects distortion, CA, vignetting, etc.:
http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-NcL4jdJ/0/XL/MG2046-XL.jpg


Wow...that's very nice!!!
I have to look into this lens soon :D

[TJMKII]

Hi all,
Ive been looking at this thread for a while and I think we need to see more images :)
I actually won this lens in Sigmas anniversary contest this year. Popped it onto the 5d2 and been loving it. Almost sold it but got caught in a trip to San Francisco loving it so much.
IMO, the lens is amazing and flaws are easliy corrected. I use Dxo Laps where they have modules for the 5d2 and sigma lens combination. The corrections took the lens to the next level. Resolution was always pretty good but transmission and some minor flaws in vin and CA wer present.
The automatic corrections absolutely take this lens to the next level and make it very compatible with the top lenses from Canon. Once I get a photo hosting site I will begin to post some images out of hte Dxo corrections and let you all see what can be acheived.
Great lens thus far...

[mackguyver]

DxO Version 7 (which was released today) adds support for version II of this lens! Now I am all set! Just have to find some time to shoot with it...

[sportmode]

DxO Version 7 (which was released today) adds support for version II of this lens! Now I am all set! Just have to find some time to shoot with it...

Let us know how DxO's lens correction compares to Lightroom's.

[tomcat7886]

You guys have fantastic sharp lenses and excellent post-processing skills!

[sportmode]

Here's a 12mm shot at SFO...

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_5787.jpg

[mackguyver]

And it's on DxOMark now:
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/News/DxOMark-news/Sigma-12-24mm-F4.5-5.6-EX-DG-HSM-II-Canon-Test-results

Check it out by comparing it against the Canon 16-35 2.8L II - do the Resolution Field Map at f/8 of f/11 and 12mm /16mm for a reason why you might want to consider this over the Canon if corner sharpness (and the ability to get to 12mm are important to you).

[mackguyver]

Let us know how DxO's lens correction compares to Lightroom's.
I just saw your post. To me, it handles the distortion more precisely and the CA in the corners better, but where it really shines is in its selective lens sharpening that uses measurements to correct for spherical aberration and coma softening. To me, my photos now appear as sharp in the corners as they do the middle. The only negative is that it appears to be very aggressive with CA removal and actually made a red light bulb white - but alas, you can dial it down. If DxO had grad filters and red-eye-removal, I might actually give up using ACR for Raw processing!

[iLvision]

Hmmm... I usually never read all the posts in the thread but I have for this thread! Simply because I’m in a desperate need of an UWA for my 5dmkii and it looks like I will take a plunge and order this 12-24mm II baby. I’ve actually been considering on getting a 17-40L, 16-35L or even 14L but I think The 12mm will be more useful than the “L” of the canon UWA.

Thanks for all the posts guys, they were really helpful. I’m on the amazon site ready to order as I’m typing this :)

[sportmode]

I just saw your post. To me, it handles the distortion more precisely and the CA in the corners better, but where it really shines is in its selective lens sharpening that uses measurements to correct for spherical aberration and coma softening. To me, my photos now appear as sharp in the corners as they do the middle. The only negative is that it appears to be very aggressive with CA removal and actually made a red light bulb white - but alas, you can dial it down. If DxO had grad filters and red-eye-removal, I might actually give up using ACR for Raw processing!

Love to see pp image comparison when you get a chance.

[sportmode]

Hmmm... I usually never read all the posts in the thread but I have for this thread! Simply because I’m in a desperate need of an UWA for my 5dmkii and it looks like I will take a plunge and order this 12-24mm II baby. I’ve actually been considering on getting a 17-40L, 16-35L or even 14L but I think The 12mm will be more useful than the “L” of the canon UWA.

Thanks for all the posts guys, they were really helpful. I’m on the amazon site ready to order as I’m typing this :)

lol... Dont' worry, I grappled with the same decision. :-) What pushed me over was the more artistic shots you can create with a 12mm without going fisheye.

[iLvision]

lol... Dont' worry, I grappled with the same decision. :-) What pushed me over was the more artistic shots you can create with a 12mm without going fisheye.

Well it's not always about how wide it is, although that is mainly why I ordered one.
I also care about sharpness wide open. I'm a wedding photographer and sharpness matters a lot.

[sportmode]

Well it's not always about how wide it is, although that is mainly why I ordered one.
I also care about sharpness wide open. I'm a wedding photographer and sharpness matters a lot.

Unfortunately it's hard to find B&M stores to test out something like this, so it's something you'll need to decide whether it's sharp enough for your wedding work wide open and if not return it (although I hate doing that). Unfortunately there's no Nikon 14-24mm equivalent for Canon.

[iLvision]

Yes, I completely agree with you, I wish Canon had some sort of a 14-24mm. Their UWA's are currently ahead of canons. Even the old versions of 17-35mm performs on par with canons latest 16-35mm II. However, they need to update lenses like the 135mm, 50mm, etc. they seem to be a little behind, especially the 135 F2D :)

[GMCPhotographics]

Yes, I completely agree with you, I wish Canon had some sort of a 14-24mm. Their UWA's are currently ahead of canons. Even the old versions of 17-35mm performs on par with canons latest 16-35mm II. However, they need to update lenses like the 135mm, 50mm, etc. they seem to be a little behind, especially the 135 F2D :)

Have you ever tried a TS-e 24IIL, a TS-e 17L or the new 8-15L fisheye? They are pretty stunning and the TS-e lenses are some of the most remarkable wide lenses ever built. Sure Nikon have made some cracking wide zooms over the years, but they are far from being ahead of Canon's finest.

[mackguyver]

Love to see pp image comparison when you get a chance.
Will try to get around to it soon.

Well it's not always about how wide it is, although that is mainly why I ordered one.
I also care about sharpness wide open. I'm a wedding photographer and sharpness matters a lot.
I thought the same way until I got it, and I was probably one of the first in the US to get one so I didn't know how it would do wide open. Then I used it and realized that even at f/8 or so, you can still handhold in pretty low light as you only need about 1/15s.

I bought mine almost exclusively for stopped down landscapes because my 24 1.4 covers the wide end of just about any other type of shooting for me. Also with Adobe & DxO support now, I have little to complain about other than the missing Canon label & red ring ;).

I look forward to seeing your shots to add some variety to the thread!

[iLvision]

Have you ever tried a TS-e 24IIL, a TS-e 17L or the new 8-15L fisheye? They are pretty stunning and the TS-e lenses are some of the most remarkable wide lenses ever built. Sure Nikon have made some cracking wide zooms over the years, but they are far from being ahead of Canon's finest.

I like to keep straight lines straight, so not a big fan of fisheyes 😄. But I've never tried any TS-e's although I'd like to try a TS-e 24.
I don't know, time will show. I've done 8 weddings this year so far and I Tested a lot of lenses. I mean a lot. Every wedding I shot, I used at least two new lenses. And I finally came to a conclusion of three: (17-40L Or 16-35L) 24-70L and a 70-200L IS II. I guess we all go through this hassle of choosing the right lenses

[iLvision]

Will try to get around to it soon.


I thought the same way until I got it, and I was probably one of the first in the US to get one so I didn't know how it would do wide open. Then I used it and realized that even at f/8 or so, you can still handhold in pretty low light as you only need about 1/15s.

I bought mine almost exclusively for stopped down landscapes because my 24 1.4 covers the wide end of just about any other type of shooting for me. Also with Adobe & DxO support now, I have little to complain about other than the missing Canon label & red ring ;).

I look forward to seeing your shots to add some variety to the thread!

Im shooting a wedding this weekend and I should be able to get some creative shots with the new puppy. I'll post some samples :)

[p360]

Why is this lens $50 less at Amazon than at any other retailers? Anything I should know?

Edit: Never mind, it went up to $949.

[iLvision]

Ok, so here are some shots of the wedding I shot over the weekend. I haven’t used this lens much but some shots came out pretty awesome...
All at 12mm and the one where they’re on the bike was at 17mm. All shot wide open or stopped to f/5.6 Shot in sRAW file and edited in Lightroom 3
In the end, this is a one solid performer. I never expected these results. Definitely will keep the lens!

http://i.imgur.com/4s6Hbl.jpg (http://imgur.com/4s6Hb)

http://i.imgur.com/ysigFl.jpg (http://imgur.com/ysigF)

http://i.imgur.com/MFlKfl.jpg (http://imgur.com/MFlKf)

http://i.imgur.com/FISZ4l.jpg (http://imgur.com/FISZ4)

[p360]

^ Nice work.

I’ve ben going back and forth about buying this lens. Just can’t seem to make up my mind.

[Fuzzleak]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6550200805_602e01d2d0_b.jpg

Iso 125 14mm f14 1/50 minor adjustment in LR

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6550205285_073086313e_b.jpg

Iso 100 13mm f13 1/60 minor adustment in LR

[Daskid]

I'm really considering on getting this lens. Any deals on this lens this season?

[p360]

How legit are these people?

http://www.sale-point-online.com/product_info.php?currency=USD&language=en&info=p7458_sigma-12-24mm-f4-5-5-6-ii-dg-hsm-lenses.html

[iLvision]

I'm really considering on getting this lens. Any deals on this lens this season?

Unfortunately no. Amazon ha them for $900 which is the cheapest I found.

[p360]

Unfortunately no. Amazon ha them for $900 which is the cheapest I found.


Actually, $900 is the price for the older version. The newer one is $949.

[Daskid]

Unfortunately no. Amazon ha them for $900 which is the cheapest I found.

That sucks. I'm that kind of guy who doesn't buy an item if it's not on sale. LOL! Oh well, maybe in the future. Thanks!

[Fuzzleak]

Canoga camera (Calif.) http://www.canogacamera.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=2344 under their promotions has a Sigma coupon, final cost for Sigma 12-24mm II is $949.00 with coupon $882.00 free shipping. Plus they have ver. 1 on sale for $649.00. Very good business to deal with.

[Daskid]

Canoga camera (Calif.) http://www.canogacamera.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=2344 under their promotions has a Sigma coupon, final cost for Sigma 12-24mm II is $949.00 with coupon $882.00 free shipping. Plus they have ver. 1 on sale for $649.00. Very good business to deal with.

Nice, but I'm trying to buy it out of state to avoid state sales tax. :)

[Fuzzleak]

Nice, but I'm trying to buy it out of state to avoid state sales tax. :)

Try shipping to a close family member out of state, then have them ship it back to you.

[mackguyver]

No one's posted here in a while, so here's an update and another sample shot. Lenstip ripped the Nikon-mount version pretty good (http://www.lenstip.com/326.1-Lens_review-Sigma_12-24_mm_f_4.5-5.6_II_DG_HSM.html) which makes me wonder because my Canon seems to be much sharper and better than their Nikon copy.

Here's another Florida "landscape" but the subject of this one is pretty special because it's the Cathedral of Palms, one of the last virgin stands of the native Sabal Palmetto left in Florida (or the US for that matter), and the 12mm FOV helped me capture it in a way I couldn't do with any other lens:
http://www.ianandersonphotography.com/Recent-Work/Recent/i-xdPfZDB/0/XL/MG2475ID-XL.jpg

[Daskid]

Awesome!

[sportmode]

Found the Christmas tree at Pier 39 still up yesterday...

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_8508.jpg
f5.6 - 12mm - ISO 400 - 1/160s - SOOC

[sportmode]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_8632.jpg

[mackguyver]

^^^Nice one - this is definitely a fun lens as you become more comfortable with it.

[sportmode]

Gotta have some fun with HDR once in awhile...
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_8686-Edit.jpg

[sportmode]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_8654.jpg

[sportmode]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_8641.jpg

[sportmode]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_8705.jpg

[tomcat7886]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_8705.jpg

nice. would be better if sharpened slightly more. :D

[Vixen89]

^holy s*** WHOA!!!

[Vixen89]

does anyone know if this lens vignettes anywhere from 12-24 on the 5dm2 ?

[sportmode]

does anyone know if this lens vignettes anywhere from 12-24 on the 5dm2 ?

Hardly noticeable -- take a look at the sky in the Christmas tree photo above. There's a lens correction profile in LR, but I rarely use it if at all.

[sportmode]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_8570.jpg

[sportmode]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_8618.jpg

[p360]

does anyone know if this lens vignettes anywhere from 12-24 on the 5dm2 ?

Not more than normal. It is made for full-frame systems.

I don’t own it, but that what all reviews indicate.

[Vixen89]

Hardly noticeable -- take a look at the sky in the Christmas tree photo above. There's a lens correction profile in LR, but I rarely use it if at all.

oh okay..thanks! I didn't notice it right off the bat actually but someone in another thread said the 12-24 vignettes so hard it's worthless on the 5D (I'm first time FF'er so I don't know anything about the new lenses I have to switch too).

sportmode, how would you rate this lens vs. the 17-40L? That's what I was go for as my "UWA" and my general walk around lens, but I decided to go primes since I don't want a 2.8 zoom in place of my prime lenses.

Not more than normal. It is made for full-frame systems.

I don’t own it, but that what all reviews indicate.

Thank you, I was looking at this but I think I will go with this and not the 17-40L.

[sportmode]

oh okay..thanks! I didn't notice it right off the bat actually but someone in another thread said the 12-24 vignettes so hard it's worthless on the 5D (I'm first time FF'er so I don't know anything about the new lenses I have to switch too).
That's certainly not my experience. Perhaps he/she might have been using the earlier version (?).

sportmode, how would you rate this lens vs. the 17-40L? That's what I was go for as my "UWA" and my general walk around lens, but I decided to go primes since I don't want a 2.8 zoom in place of my prime lenses.
I think the 17-40L is a fine lens but it wasn't compelling for me. I wanted UWA and there's quite a difference between 17mm and 12mm. I don't use this lens for general walk-around (I prefer the 24-70 or 70-200 for that), but usually opt for it when I know I'm going to see interesting architecture. It's pretty much my specialty "fun" lens.

[Vixen89]

That's certainly not my experience. Perhaps he/she might have been using the earlier version (?).


I think the 17-40L is a fine lens but it wasn't compelling for me. I wanted UWA and there's quite a difference between 17mm and 12mm. I don't use this lens for general walk-around (I prefer the 24-70 or 70-200 for that), but usually opt for it when I know I'm going to see interesting architecture. It's pretty much my specialty "fun" lens.

hmm..I guess it's inevitable for me for what I want. I wanted to maybe smash two lenses into one...not happening. I do however! really want a true UWA to replace my beloved Sigma 10-20 on the crop ..guess I'll lean on the 24-70 later down the line. The 35L will just have to do it's job for now! :)

Thanks a lot for the photos though! Question is..which do I buy first? >:D 35 or 12-24.

[mackguyver]

does anyone know if this lens vignettes anywhere from 12-24 on the 5dm2 ?
Yes, it vignettes to some extent at all apertures and all focal lengths on the 5DMkII:
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Lenses/Camera-Lens-Database/Sigma/12-24mm-f-4.5-5.6-EX-DG-HSM-II-Canon/%28camera%29/483/%28cameraname%29/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II#div1anchor

[sportmode]

Thanks a lot for the photos though! Question is..which do I buy first? >:D 35 or 12-24.

You bet. For full frame, the 24-70 is pretty flexible, but between 35 and 12-24, I'd go with the 35, or 50 first. They're going to be faster, sharper, and more usable in more situations.

[sportmode]

Yes, it vignettes to some extent at all apertures and all focal lengths on the 5DMkII:
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Lenses/Camera-Lens-Database/Sigma/12-24mm-f-4.5-5.6-EX-DG-HSM-II-Canon/%28camera%29/483/%28cameraname%29/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II#div1anchor

I wonder if there were variation in the copies, but I don't see the extent of vignetting reported by that site. Do you?

[whiteflyer]

I'm looking this or a 17-40 to fit on my 1D mkIV, , I can't make my mind up if 17mm will be that wide on a APS-H and I can't afford/justify a 14mm prime.

Manly want one for a trip to Berlin shooting cityscapes and buildings.

[mackguyver]

I haven't tried the 17-40, but I'm pretty happy with this lens. No matter which you choose, check out this blog posting on Sigma's site - it's pretty inspiring to see all the ways he uses the lens:
http://blog.sigmaphoto.com/2011/lens-explorations-12-24mm-f4-5-5-6-dg-hsm-ii/

[fotolub]

I have the lens but could not load the newer ACR version 6.6 to get the lens profile to appear in PS5, and I badly need it. If someone having that profile appear in his raw converter could spare it, I would greatly appreciate. The corresponding file can be found (on a Mac) at:
/Library/Application Support/Adobe/CameraRaw/LensProfiles/1.0

I am sure I could load it up manually and put it to work! Thanks.

[mackguyver]

Try downloading it directly here: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=106&platform=Mac

[stormjury]

5DmkII, @12mm - 1/50 f20 iso1600

http://www.photographicstorm.com/photos/i-k7P4KJN/1/XL/i-k7P4KJN-XL.jpg
http://www.photographicstorm.com/photos/i-TfGDbhP/1/XL/i-TfGDbhP-XL.jpg

[mackguyver]

^^^Insane - feeding cockatoos and very creative shots. How did you get the flash to cover the whole frame?

[stormjury]

I had a defuser on the 580exII and angled at 45' up.

[sportmode]

I have to say this lens was used about 90% of the time while I was in Hawaii. Loved it just taking it to the beach early in the morning.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_9498-Edit.jpg

[sportmode]

Here's another one...

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_9634-Edit.jpg

[stormjury]

WOW what a gorgeous shot and beautiful location.

[sportmode]

Thanks storm. Love the location and loving the lens.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z225/sportmode/IMG_9107-Edit.jpg

[stormjury]

just sent mine off for re-calibration as it has gone soft after my last trip. I think it might of copped a bump it transit even though i always carry-on my gear.

[Numenorean]

So I saw this lens works on FF cameras, so I'm looking to see if there are any professional quality landscapes shot with this lens. Does anyone know if someone has posted any?

[p360]

Have you seen these?

http://mamaphotography.ca/2011/09/11/ultra-wide-nature-with-sigma12-24mm-f4-5-5-6-dg-hsm-ii/

[Numenorean]

Have you seen these?

http://mamaphotography.ca/2011/09/11/ultra-wide-nature-with-sigma12-24mm-f4-5-5-6-dg-hsm-ii/

Those are pretty icky. "Add a pinch of HDR and sharpening"? Looks like the top of the HDR shaker came unscrewed.

[stormjury]

Photoshoot for a Race car workshop last night

http://www.photographicstorm.com/Cars/The-Workshop/i-ZrKvLVM/1/XL/IMG9205-XL.jpg

http://www.photographicstorm.com/Cars/The-Workshop/i-qdP5jLh/1/XL/IMG9197-XL.jpg

http://www.photographicstorm.com/Cars/The-Workshop/i-8N6fBb9/1/XL/IMG9168-XL.jpg

http://www.photographicstorm.com/Cars/The-Workshop/i-pRZMkL3/1/XL/IMG9127-XL.jpg

[EOS mE]

damn it.. why did i stumble on this thread... oh that's right, cuz i wanted to find something wider than 16-35L II. :lol:

this lens look very very tempting... read through all 10 pages and saw some great prices under $900 for the HSM II version. this will be added to my to-buy list. :)

unless someone can find me a coupon somewhere to knock this down to under $900... ;)

[mackguyver]

I got a Canon EF 14mm 2.8L USM II lens from CPS to evaluate against the 12-24. I'm planning to compare them to see how much wider 12mm is when the distortion is corrected and how they compare in terms of sharpness, color, and contrast. So far I can say the size is smaller and the lens cap clips on which is nice.

If anyone wants me to compare anything specific, let me know.

[sportmode]

Love to see your feedback with the 14mm mackguyver.

[mackguyver]

I'll get the comparisons up at some point, but here's the outcome so far (I'll call the Canon 14L and the Sigma 12-24) at using the 5D:

All Focal Lengths
-14L goes to f/2.8 (duh!)
-14L has more CA
-14L has more contract
-14L has far less distortion
-14L has a bit less vignetting
-14L corners are better, extreme corners much better

14mm
-14L is much better in all aspects, particularly contrast, resolution, & corner sharpness :(

12mm
-12-24 holds its own! :D
--less contrast than the 14L
-- but equivalent resolution!

Plus - - - - When I used DxO's "Maximize Field of View" setting (it throws out the 3:2 aspect but fixes distortion and doesn't crop), and line the two images up in PhotoShop:

The 12-24 covers exactly 1/3 more of the frame / i.e. the 14L is only 75% of the total frame captured by the 12-24.

Result so far: I'm happy with the 12-24, particularly when used @12mm f/11. The 14L kills it as 14mm, and my 24L kills it at 24mm, but as a specialty 12mm lens, it's without peer!