Sigma 12-24mm EX DG - Popeye

[jacobsen1]

I was just looking on the lens sample images archive thread (that's a mouthful/fingerful!) and noticed the Sigma 12~24mm wasn't on the list. I figured I'd start a thread with some samples of what I've done with it.

I have some reviews up on my Pbase account, you can find this lenses review here:
http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/sigma_12_24mm
all the reviews are linked in my signature.

on to some test shots:
on my old 10D:
http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/44192484.jpg

HDRi with my 1DmII
http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/60072333.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/57216232.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/76212029.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/76212032.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/73418101.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/61476711.jpg

and this is what it looks like:
http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/64892721.jpg

Ben

[joshandlauri]

Excellent Idea, can't wait to see more pics.

[august23]

Does the Sigma 12-24 work on FF? I mean I expect rediculous vignetting wide open but zoomed to say 16-20?

[jacobsen1]

yep. I know seeing as much info, first hand experience, and test shots as you can always helps. The other thing I'd love to see, is this lens compared on 3 different sensor sizes. I might be getting a XTi here soon, and if so I'll also post up some shots with that combination. I know of some guys using this on 5Ds too, so it gets really wide there...

I've realized the more I look at my shots with this lens, I tend to use it at 12mm more than all other FLs combined... Interesting.

The other test I'd love to see, is this on a 1.3 cropped sensor, versus a 10~22 on a 1.6 and then toss in a 17~40mm or 16~35mm on a FF body just to see how they all compare.... Obviously different resolutions will effect the outcome a bit, but if you "water" them all down to say 8mp (or whatever the lowest of the bunch was) and compare them, I'd be very curious to see how they stack up. I like the idea of a super lightweight travel setup with a XT/XTi with the 10~22....

Ben

[jacobsen1]

Does the Sigma 12-24 work on FF? I mean I expect rediculous vignetting wide open but zoomed to say 16-20?

From what I've seen it "works" fine on a FF and only has slight vinetting. I loaned mine to a friend with a 5D for like 10 minutes and that was enough for him to go buy one.

Ben

[cjm]

From what I've seen it "works" fine on a FF and only has slight vinetting. I loaned mine to a friend with a 5D for like 10 minutes and that was enough for him to go buy one.

BenPLEASE get your friend to post some FF shots at 12mm. We are all dying to see I think.

[Lani Kai]

1D Mark II, 12mm, 1/40s, f/11
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4167/nn4d0412rh7.jpg

[hmv]

Does the Sigma 12-24 work on FF? I mean I expect rediculous vignetting wide open but zoomed to say 16-20?

Yes. And moderate vignetting wide open ... not the kind you get from a lens not intended to cover a full frame. Both of the following were taken on a 1Ds :-

http://zonky.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=6636&g2_serialNumber=2

http://zonky.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=7253&g2_serialNumber=2






Just to point out the weak point in my equipment list is the stuff behind the camera :)

[jacobsen1]

Now on my 5D (all at 12mm):
http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/77523940.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/77993041.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/benjacobsen/image/77993043.jpg

[cjm]

Wow that isnt too bad at all. Heck my 10-22 does that sometimes when I put a filter on it and I don't mind because it takes very little time to correct it when shooting with RAW. NICE when I go FF someday I am buying this lens. Amazing stuff.

[bowlesbe]

Wow, 12 on a 5d is definately wider than 10 on a crop.

[Mr. Clean]

Wow, 12 on a 5d is definately wider than 10 on a crop.
Considerably. 16mm of FL compared to 12 on the wide end is huge.

I'm sold on this lens completely now. Especially since it's the only true UWA lens for 1.3 crop.

[Kraig C]

Alot of great examples, much wider than the kit lense, I've decided that after seeing this... I need a wider lens!

[jacobsen1]

Considerably. 16mm of FL compared to 12 on the wide end is huge.

I'm sold on this lens completely now. Especially since it's the only true UWA lens for 1.3 crop.

Yeah, that's why I got it originally is I knew I'd go FF eventually, but had a 1.3 so it was the only way to get to ~16mm there...

I'm keeping this, but I think I also want the 17~40L for filter use and so I don't get too dependant on the whole 12mm super wide angle (seems when I use this lens 99% of the shots are at 12mm....)

Ben

[jojet]

I had the 12-24 with me in China. I didn't use it most of the time (that was the 24-105) but 12 mm on FF (i shoot with 5d).... boy what an angle!

12mm, f11


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/jojet/IMG_2470.jpg


An another in the Jaden Boeddhaa temple, Shanghai
12 mm, f 4.5

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/jojet/IMG_0499.jpg


john

[Nick_b]

Few quick ones from me taken with an XT

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/nickandaline/IMG_8211-3.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/nickandaline/IMG_8209.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k162/nickandaline/IMG_8184.jpg

[-spam-]

Havnt had much of a chance to play around with it since getting it yesterday, but here is one with it on my 20D at 12mm

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1098/1065646691_579b96c8f1_o.jpg

[RikWriter]

http://www.pbase.com/rikwriter/image/46639870.jpg

[MDJAK]

Darn it. I hate every one of you in this thread. ;)

My supposed friend just sent me a link to this thread.

You see, I just ditched my 1DsMKII in favor of the Mark III. I love the Mark III and couldn't be happier. But, no more wide angle. My fisheye, which is a real fun lens, isn't fishy any longer.

My 24-70 ain't wide any more.

I want to get the 16-35, but he's trying to convince me this is the lens to get, maybe along with the 35L.

Do any of you have allergies? I've got some, like to penicillin, codeine. Well, I've got some dumb allergy to aftermarket lenses. I need a cure.
me

[jacobsen1]

moar piktars u say??

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1956.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1978.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1968.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1892.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1890.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1884.jpg



http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1845.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1831.jpg

[jacobsen1]

a few more??

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1866.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/sheep2/IMG_1937.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/sheep2/IMG_1915.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/sheep2/IMG_1905.jpg

tons more here:
http://www.awesomeroadtrips.com/Canada!/

the more I use this lens, the more I fall in love with it on the 5D. My only issue is I use it ALL the damn time. At 12mm even. I part of that is I've been doing a lot of travel photography lately in places where I needed to get a lot into my images, the other reason is I'm hooked on the look. It's still overexposing a lot with the 5D (I think this is more of a FF issue) but I'm used to shooting typical scenes somewhere between -1 and -2EV and checking the histogram. I've also figured out that cokin X-pro filters should work. I'll be ordering them this week and I'll find out soon enough (looking for Grad NDs.)

Ben

[EOSAddict]

Ben,

That is an awesome series !

[antana]

http://fotobolondok.hu/fotoalbum/displayimage.php?pos=-1662

[Lord_Malone]

a few more??

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1866.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/sheep2/IMG_1937.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/sheep2/IMG_1915.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/sheep2/IMG_1905.jpg

tons more here:
http://www.awesomeroadtrips.com/Canada!/

the more I use this lens, the more I fall in love with it on the 5D. My only issue is I use it ALL the damn time. At 12mm even. I part of that is I've been doing a lot of travel photography lately in places where I needed to get a lot into my images, the other reason is I'm hooked on the look. It's still overexposing a lot with the 5D (I think this is more of a FF issue) but I'm used to shooting typical scenes somewhere between -1 and -2EV and checking the histogram. I've also figured out that cokin X-pro filters should work. I'll be ordering them this week and I'll find out soon enough (looking for Grad NDs.)

Ben

Those are friggin' outstanding shots.

[jacobsen1]

Those are friggin' outstanding shots.

Thanks!
The sheep are going on the wall when the baby's born. The wife now wants me to go to the zoo to make/take more... :lol:

[-spam-]

A few from before i sold it to my dad. It just wasnt quite wide enough on the 20D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/1803312241_002423ada1_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2130/2051366823_395270aa84_o.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2103/2052151822_5b70e56246_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/2052152016_88a538c63d_o.jpg

And possible my favourite shot with the 12-24

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2144/2052152176_f0707dd624_o.jpg

[mantra]

is an amazing lens but it's soft on a crop sensor or is so sharp?

[-spam-]

is an amazing lens but it's soft on a crop sensor or is so sharp?

Mine was fairly sharp. Probably sharper than my 10-20 is.

[MDJAK]

Those are some awesome shots. I'll have to start using mine some more. Haven't tried it on FF. I didn't realize it could be used for that. Thought it was designed only for 1.3.

me

[-spam-]

Those are some awesome shots. I'll have to start using mine some more. Haven't tried it on FF. I didn't realize it could be used for that. Thought it was designed only for 1.3.

me

Its a whole 'nother world on a FF camera ;)

[mitchster26]

I was going to buy the Sigma 10-20mm but after reading that i doesn't like FF i was looking at 12-24, not many picture on this thread is it not that popular?

[Medic85]

I think there are a lot of people who own the 10-20 or the ef-s 10-22 instead. I'm with you though, I've been considering this one.

It's either this or the Tokina.

[jacobsen1]

I was going to buy the Sigma 10-20mm but after reading that i doesn't like FF i was looking at 12-24, not many picture on this thread is it not that popular?

my take on it is that it's the perfect UWA on a 1.3 as it's the widest option that doesn't vignette. On FF it's also the widest option, but some people find it too wide (12mm on FF is indeed crazy wide) and it's also not the sharpest lens in the corners on FF, but it's the only option at 12mm... So it's a tossup. If you want ultimate IQ, get a 17-40mm or another UWA option. You want crazy wide w/o going fish, get the 12-24mm. On a 1.6 the 10-2x lenses make more sense as they're wider, or the tokina since it's a constant f4. Personally I'd only consider this lens if you have a 1.3 or FF, and I only use it on a 1.3 and prefer the 17-40mm for FF.

[mitchster26]

Thanks for the replies i have purchased the Tokina 12-24 saw some good images on here.

[gnnbtrn]

I got my SIGMA 12-24 last week, and since I never had UWA before I'm using it only at 12mm on my 30D body.

My first impressions:
- built is very good, strong like a tank, love the built-in hood
- sharpness is great, look at the grass under the wheel at #4
- vignetting on the 1.6 sensor - what is it ?
- contrast is good, but honestly Canon L is better. I feel I need to add more saturation at PP

See for yourself:
#0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/2283930101_dd12cb1ebc_o.jpg

#1
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2285188989_c2fd8a939d_o.jpg


#2
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2275935259_d6416b09fa_o.jpg


#3
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/2280142734_432b581277_o.jpg


#4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/2277212633_c7074cd67d_o.jpg

[aero145]

Nice shots everybody!

I've been wondering if I should take the plunge and order it, I've read that many people haven't been really happy with its performance... so ordering it seems to be a lottery.

I've also been wondering how you polarise your shots. I can't be without a wide lens that takes a polariser, and I know the 12-24 has a protruding front element.....

[-spam-]

I've also been wondering how you polarise your shots. I can't be without a wide lens that takes a polariser, and I know the 12-24 has a protruding front element.....

Just go the sigma 10-20 if you want to use a CP. You will get some vignetting at 10 and 11mm but its not too bad and the lens is still usable. There is a couple of threads showing what the results look like.

[jacobsen1]

you'll get uneven skies with a polarizer on something this wide anyway...

[JuneSun]

a few more??

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/shelburne/246_1866.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/sheep2/IMG_1937.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/sheep2/IMG_1915.jpg

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/sheep2/IMG_1905.jpg

tons more here:
http://www.awesomeroadtrips.com/Canada!/ (http://www.awesomeroadtrips.com/Canada%21/)

the more I use this lens, the more I fall in love with it on the 5D. My only issue is I use it ALL the damn time. At 12mm even. I part of that is I've been doing a lot of travel photography lately in places where I needed to get a lot into my images, the other reason is I'm hooked on the look. It's still overexposing a lot with the 5D (I think this is more of a FF issue) but I'm used to shooting typical scenes somewhere between -1 and -2EV and checking the histogram. I've also figured out that cokin X-pro filters should work. I'll be ordering them this week and I'll find out soon enough (looking for Grad NDs.)

Ben
Hi Ben, is there any effect of Photoshop? I'm stunning with the sharpness and color of these pictures :)

[jacobsen1]

just my usual 5D PP. Nothing crazy, but everything I post has PP.

[Canon Soldier]

there aren't many pics. is this lens unpopular? i'm seriously considering this lens against the sigma 10-20. I like the BQ of this one and the IQ, but i haven't seen many examples from this baby...any more please?

[-spam-]

there aren't many pics. is this lens unpopular? i'm seriously considering this lens against the sigma 10-20. I like the BQ of this one and the IQ, but i haven't seen many examples from this baby...any more please?

I wouldnt say its unpopular. Its a great quality lens (probably sharper than my 10-20).

Most people who have crop cameras usually go for the tokina 12-24 because of its lower price tag or they go for teh canon or sigma 10-20(22) because they are wider and less bulky. And then a lot of people with 5D's and 1Ds' dont go for it because it may be a bit too wide for them.

Wouldnt mind my old one back off my dad if i got a 5D though ;)

[gandini]

For me, it's the perfect UWA for my 1DmIII. Not that a real FF 12mm wouldn't be great, but I think that most people who buy this lens do so to use on their 1.3x cameras. The FF people have the 16-35f2.8 (a wonderful lens) and the 1.6x people have all those 10-20 or 12-24 crop UWAs.
Well, that's my speculation why you don't see it more often. I personally love it, and it's almost as heavy as my 85F1.2 (haha).

[Myles7]

Ah well, that's settled that then. I'm off tomorrow to buy this lens for my forthcoming 5D.

I've got the 15mm siggyfish already - and the 16-35 f/2.8 mkII too - so that should sort my UWA options out nicely.

[Domino81]

This is a fantastic lens.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Picture6831.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Picture6826.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Picture6854.jpg

[Domino81]

Few more...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Picture6901.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Picture6916.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Picture6818.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Picture6924.jpg

Again, cannot say enough about it. It's just special.

[elysium]

This lens is just insane on a 5D! I cant believe how freeking wide it gets!

Bit of graffiti indoors done by a customer
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8522/img2090ub5.jpg

Let me in!
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/3186/img2021yu1.jpg

Its not what it seems but I HAD to go back and snap this
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1897/img2091vw7.jpg

[elysium]

Heres a few from today.

#1
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2678/img2196hz0.jpg

#2
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3410/img2164uv0.jpg

#3
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/9196/img2217vi5.jpg

#4
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5295/img2406fl8.jpg

#5
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/9909/img2416eg1.jpg

#6
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7757/img2498zv8.jpg

#7
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4732/img2507bt6.jpg

#8
http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/ani2.gif

[paiintballa182]

#8 is awesome

[elysium]

Heh. Thanks. Big process job tonight :(

[Domino81]

www.opacity.us - He uses the Sigma 12-24 quite a bit, worth looking at.

[rdenney]

This thread started during one of my dormant periods, so I'm just now seeing it. The first four were made in San Antonio, Texas, literally the day after I bought the lens from a shop there. All these images were made in 2004. It was the only ultra-wide option for my 10D at the time, and now it works with my 5D. I don't have any samples from that camera just yet, but the images in this thread have inspired me.

These are not my favorite pictures in this thread, but I thought I'd post some from an APS-C camera, and even a couple at the 24 end of the zoom range. Sometimes, I like to use the ultra-wide to take a picture that simply gets more in the frame without making the ultra-wide aspect a special effect.

This is a real go-to lens for me, and it's my standard walk-around lens for my 10D.

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/altar-concepcion-lores.jpg

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/steves-house-lores.jpg

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/cactus-flower-lores.jpg

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/san-juan-campanile-lores.jpg

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/dining_room.jpg

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/fort-niagra-moat-lores.jpg

Rick "respectfully submitted" Denney

[hughps]

Thanks for all the samples, everyone. With the popularity of the 5D here, I'm surprised more people don't have this lens. When I go FF (and I will), this is going to be perhaps the first lens I buy after the 5D kit.

[GMCPhotographics]

I'm amazed that there aren't more images here from this fabulous lens! It's one of the oldest ultra wides available. I've had mine for nearly 5 years and it's a remarkable lens.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2627958710_aa57f09951_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2517072070_971c8cb0f6_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2353461484_d090688082_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2750024449_8fddcc42cc_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2750023587_bcd3b5ffa8_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/2750859684_f846b1383c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2750861838_0cbb71ac69_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2750039183_4aabd3a66d_o.jpg

[Domino81]

Great pics, there, GMC

A few more from Logan, Ohio a few weekends ago.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Hocking%20Hills%202008/KDIceCreamFace.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Hocking%20Hills%202008/DrunkFlipCup.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Hocking%20Hills%202008/HH2K8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/Hocking%20Hills%202008/PanoCampSite.jpg

[The_Real_Lenzflair]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/2529734948_95c729db0a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2815061665_286b647913_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/2810387127_77fca9d909_o.jpg

[Domino81]

Did you take those with a 1D?

[The_Real_Lenzflair]

nope 5D

[gnnbtrn]

car moves
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2913720398_ba92fae114.jpg

[gnnbtrn]

HDR at f 5.0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2950803760_e2030b2fdf.jpg

[rdenney]

Here's a sample from a 5D. Image made hand-held, 1/15 at f/5.6 (wide open at 12mm). The corners do go soft, but I don't think it undermines the image. The first image is the full frame, with miminal PP including sharpening. The second is a couple of 100% crops, one from the center and the other from the corner, with no sharpening.

The soft corners don't bother me at all, but the flare from the sliver of visible sky does a bit. This is one of the few images I've made where the flare was noticeable (and, no, I'm not talking about ghost reflections).

Given the settings and subject, this probably represents the worst-case performance with this lens. I can certainly live with it.

Unlike with my 10D, this isn't a walkaround lens on the 5D--it's too wide for that. But when you need it, nothing else will do, and the image quality is good enough such that you don't have to reserve it for the occasional novelty shots.

Rick "working through some recent material" Denney

[AngryCorgi]

Ok, here are my first shots from this lens and a D700:

12mm, f/11
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3204408633_2f260a0851_b.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3204408633_27983165d9_o.jpg)

12mm, f/16
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3204898100_c0f06a2b4a_b.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3204898100_9a547d14a8_o.jpg)

12mm, f/11
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3496/3204407491_0e956dd3ed_b.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3496/3204407491_c50f68af6f_o.jpg)

I need to spend some time processing them, but laziness rules right now.

[AngryCorgi]

And another...

12mm, f/11
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3208382934_c465e2fe89_b.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3208382934_80441d4791_o.jpg)

I love how sharp and seemingly distortion-free this lens is. The lens is pretty sharp even in the corners at f/8 and smaller, and most of my successful shots (all the subject in focus) have been around f/11 - f/13.

[Hermes]

Can anyone who owns/uses this lens comment on its usefulness for architecture and interiors?

Do you use it throughout its entire range or would you just use it at the widest focal lengths and switch to something like the 17-40L when you don't need anything wider than 17mm?

Do you find that you often need the 12mm-16mm range in real-life situations or is this over the top for a full-frame camera?

Finally, are there situations/print sizes where the corners of this lens just aren't good enough and you find yourself having to use another lens (let's assume you're using a tripod and can stop down to whatever aperture you want)?

[AngryCorgi]

Can anyone who owns/uses this lens comment on its usefulness for architecture and interiors?

Do you use it throughout its entire range or would you just use it at the widest focal lengths and switch to something like the 17-40L when you don't need anything wider than 17mm?

Do you find that you often need the 12mm-16mm range in real-life situations or is this over the top for a full-frame camera?

Finally, are there situations/print sizes where the corners of this lens just aren't good enough and you find yourself having to use another lens (let's assume you're using a tripod and can stop down to whatever aperture you want)?

Ok...

This lens draws straight lines and is pretty sharp, so architecture is a yes.

Shooting indoors will require proper lighting, as the lens is a tad on the slow side and it vignettes at 12mm (at least on my copy) until f/13-f/16.

I use the whole range, though I posted 12mm samples here. It's actually good at every focal length from shots I've taken.

Need is subjective. I LIKE the UWA perspective of 12-17mm, otherwise I would have gotten a tamron 17-35. It takes some getting used to, but after some practice, you can find the 12-24 to be very useful.

Again, the corners are good by the f/13-f/16 range. My lens doesn't seem to soften from f/16 to f/22 either (which is odd, as past f/16 is where diffraction normally sets in on my other lenses), so it's ideal for outdoors/landscape shots.

[rdenney]

Can anyone who owns/uses this lens comment on its usefulness for architecture and interiors?

Do you use it throughout its entire range or would you just use it at the widest focal lengths and switch to something like the 17-40L when you don't need anything wider than 17mm?

Do you find that you often need the 12mm-16mm range in real-life situations or is this over the top for a full-frame camera?

Finally, are there situations/print sizes where the corners of this lens just aren't good enough and you find yourself having to use another lens (let's assume you're using a tripod and can stop down to whatever aperture you want)?

The Corgi maybe angry, but his experience matches mine fully.

The 12mm end is often very difficult to control. But I don't have problems with this lens at the 24mm end. All these were made at 24 (and also all on an APS sensor):

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/san-jose-arbor-lores.jpg

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/cactus-flower-lores.jpg

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/san-juan-facade-and-flora-l.jpg

For architecture, I find the lens quite useful, except that without the ability to shift it the perspective distortion can get out of control. You really have to be careful about tilting the camera even slightly.

For this one, I laid the camera on its back and use f/16 at ISO800. That required a 1/2-second exposure, and I just braced it against the flat top of a railing. Any tilt at all would have undermined the symmetry.

http://www.rickdenney.com/IMG_0539_ceiling_lores.jpg

On this one, the danger of 12mm is apparent. The perspective is really too extreme on the side of the tomb. So, even when you hold the lens appropriately vertical, you have to pay attention.

http://www.rickdenney.com/IMG_0552_gorges_tomb_lores.jpg

In terms of image quality, if I can stop it down to f/11 or more (which should nearly always be possible in architecture applications), the corners sharpen up nicely. You won't make poster-size prints from this lens (unless you can control viewing distance) but for some images there's no other way.

Rick "still getting used to this lens on full frame" Denney

[Lani Kai]

12mm, f/11 on 5D Mark II. There's really no substitute for wideness.
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/7538/img0134.jpg

And here's the result of my fooling around with HDR. I just shot in continuous with bracketing and no tripod...
Weird things are happening to the EXIF as a result.
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/2927/img0122hdr.jpg

[00dahc]

I'd like to see more from this lens, thanks.

[whitesell]

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting this lens becasue I'll soon be going FF. I was able to put one on a 5DMKII yesterday and was surprised when I put the camera into live view (to play with video) the zoom was "jumpy", and the lens made a clicking noise each time the image jumped.

This was is in a local camera store with a new lens/body.

Can anyone else who has this lens with a 5D MKII confirm if theirs does the same thing? Note that this only happens when the camera is in live view. When viewing through the viewfinder the zoom function was smooth and silent.

Thanks,
Jim

[Lani Kai]

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting this lens becasue I'll soon be going FF. I was able to put one on a 5DMKII yesterday and was surprised when I put the camera into live view (to play with video) the zoom was "jumpy", and the lens made a clicking noise each time the image jumped.

This was is in a local camera store with a new lens/body.

Can anyone else who has this lens with a 5D MKII confirm if theirs does the same thing? Note that this only happens when the camera is in live view. When viewing through the viewfinder the zoom function was smooth and silent.

Thanks,
Jim
I just tried on mine and it does seem a bit choppy for some reason.

[mäger]

i've used it in front of a 5D. it's a bit weird for close-distance objects at 12mm end...

[dÄb]

I'm thinking of getting this lens becasue I'll soon be going FF. I was able to put one on a 5DMKII yesterday and was surprised when I put the camera into live view (to play with video) the zoom was "jumpy", and the lens made a clicking noise each time the image jumped.

This was is in a local camera store with a new lens/body.

Can anyone else who has this lens with a 5D MKII confirm if theirs does the same thing? Note that this only happens when the camera is in live view. When viewing through the viewfinder the zoom function was smooth and silent.I just checked and yes mine also makes a clicking sound when zoomed and the live view is jumpy while zooming. This can't be good and could possibly damage the lens so it might be worth a call to Sigma to see what's up.

[versedmb]

For those of you who have used this lens on FF vs a fisheye, how would you compare them? I've got a 15mm FE and I keep thinking about selling it for the 12-24.

[rdenney]

For those of you who have used this lens on FF vs a fisheye, how would you compare them? I've got a 15mm FE and I keep thinking about selling it for the 12-24.

The 12-24 is rectilinear, and the fisheye isn't. Is there something about that distinction that an explanation will clarify?

Here goes: In a rectilinear lens, straight lines in the scene remain straight in the image, no mater what their orientation. This form of projection will distort rounded shapes.

A fisheye lens renders straight lines as straight only when they pass through the center of the image. All other straight lines are rendered as curves. A picture of a square, for example, will come out with bulging sides as if it had been inflated. But rounded objects retained their rounded symmetry. Objects in the center of the fisheye image are larger with respect to similarly sized objects at the edge of the frame. Also, fisheye lenses provide more coverage for the same focal length, though they stuff that extra coverage into the corners.

Both have their artistic possibilities. I find that fisheye lenses often work better for natural objects (with the usual exception of tall trees) and rectilinear lenses work better for man-made objects.

Fisheye:

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/low-tide-inlet-lores.jpg

Rectilinear:

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/forest-path-lores.jpg

Fisheye:

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/juneau-pier-lores.jpg

Rectilinear:

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/san-jose-chapel-lores.jpg

Fisheye:

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/st_helens_zenitar_johnston_ridge_extreme_lores.jpg

Rectilinear:

http://www.rickdenney.com/images/fort-niagra-moat-lores.jpg

The fisheye effect can often be hidden, but that's a matter of technique.

Rick "who often keeps horizons in the middle so they stay straight, and the crops them off-center" Denney

[elysium]

Sigma 12-24 on a 5D @ 12mm :)

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5205/img1984small.jpg

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6011/img1982small.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2189/img1980small.jpg

[jacobsen1]

Rick "who lives in or at least visits places that make Ben jealous" Denney

fixed?

and I was rethinking this lens last night and decided to re-pp some shots with it on my old 5D:
#1
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3443583562_28cdb11dd0_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjacobsen/3443583562/)

#2 (don't mind the terrible job cloning out a hair with LR2)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3442767123_242fbfc9ba_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjacobsen/3442767123/)

#3
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3442767181_7162afac14_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjacobsen/3442767181/)

#4
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3442767233_21f301bc47_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjacobsen/3442767233/)

[gnnbtrn]

jacobsen1,

Sigma 12-24 on 5D rocks!

[MigsVuitton]

Love this lens!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3426322831_70df054786.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3365878683_93d717d034.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3349827014_210fb5faf5.jpg

[il Dottore]

BenJacobsen and MigsVuitton: your work is (***) impressive! :D
Could you post some worse photos here, because now I'm afraid to show mine shots made with this lens! :D

[stetsonaw]

i will have this lens... eventually. some great work in here, lets see more shots FF mounted!

[mäger]

has anyone shot video with this?

[il Dottore]

Pepperpot Tower in Powerscourt Gardens, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5906/img02941200.jpg

[il Dottore]

Another from Powerscourt Gardens, Co. Wicklow, Ireland:
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/6545/img0276bw1200.jpg

[jacobsen1]

BenJacobsen and MigsVuitton: your work is (***) impressive! :D
Could you post some worse photos here, because now I'm afraid to show mine shots made with this lens! :D
:lol:

yeah, you're only seeing some of my shots, I have craptacular ones as well.


has anyone shot video with this?

not yet, but once I get another copy (my next purchase) I will.

[il Dottore]

Today's view from Howth Peninsula, near Dublin, Ireland.
H.G. Wells has described this view as one of world's most impressive.
Canon 5DMkII, 1/64s, f/16, ISO200, focal lenght 12mm
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/9738/img07211200grdbz.jpg 12mm

[il Dottore]

A seaside patch in Howth, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Canon 5DMkII, ISO100, f/8, 1/250s
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/3944/img06511200.jpg

[MigsVuitton]

BenJacobsen and MigsVuitton: your work is (***) impressive! :D
Could you post some worse photos here, because now I'm afraid to show mine shots made with this lens! :D

Haha thanks! but like ben said, these are just a handful of shots in a basket full of crap lol. At any rate, here are a few more shot with this impressive tank of a lens:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3625472112_352e6bb66b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3593959483_57cc7155e9.jpg

[il Dottore]

Canon 5DMkII, ISO320, f/8, 1/320s

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/2448/latarnia.jpg

[jinkusu]

5DmII, ISO 200, 24mm, 20s exposure, f/5.6
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3695707413_5cb2aec701_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jinkusu/3695707413/)

[gnnbtrn]

Orange car
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/3724027224_77a44dc04a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gbaturin/3724027224/)

[echo]

http://recordproduction.smugmug.com/photos/596765176_YpN3F-L-1.jpg

[liclic]

Love this lens!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3426322831_70df054786.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3365878683_93d717d034.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3349827014_210fb5faf5.jpg
wow love your pics

[jacobsen1]

it's baaaaaaaaack.....

http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/sigma-12-24mm-ii/img_0286.jpg

:D

[juan_lau]

Sigma 12-24 on a 5D @ 12mm :)

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5205/img1984small.jpg

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6011/img1982small.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2189/img1980small.jpg
this is so so so novel

[jacobsen1]

one from lunch:
http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/sigma-12-24mm-ii/img_0353.jpg

[jacobsen1]

1
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/newton-road-v/img_0415.jpg

2
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/newton-road-v/img_0421.jpg

3
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/newton-road-v/img_0433.jpg

4
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/newton-road-v/img_0458.jpg

5
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/newton-road-v/img_0459.jpg

6
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/newton-road-v/img_0470.jpg

[stetsonaw]

those are awesome ben, nice job!

[jacobsen1]

thanks! I can't wait to finish my official filter holder though, it's a PITA holding the holder on those longer exposures.... :lol:

[Mr. Lin]

you guys are really swaying my decision in favor of getting this lens.

[gnnbtrn]

Chicago, Navy Pier

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3771566040_e59d49e355.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gbaturin/3771566040/)

[MigsVuitton]

View of San Diego from Hard Rock Hotel:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3593959483_57cc7155e9.jpg

First shot when the lens arrived in my office:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3325862335_a415f22b5c.jpg

[nureality]

Sigma 12-24 on a 5D @ 12mm :)

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5205/img1984small.jpg

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6011/img1982small.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2189/img1980small.jpg

love these shots, these are the kinds of shots I bought this lens for way back when... but I alas don't have as much faith in my friends driving as you do to position myself for them with a moving vehicle barrelling onto me. Big cojones my man... GRANDE!

Unless those are heavy crops (which I doubt), you're about 2 feet from the car right? and on the ground.

[peterbj7]

I've just bought one and I've been playing with it. For a couple of weeks it's my walk-around lens. Hopefully I'll end up with something worth posting. Through the viewfinder at least this is an incredible lens.

[-spam-]

love these shots, these are the kinds of shots I bought this lens for way back when... but I alas don't have as much faith in my friends driving as you do to position myself for them with a moving vehicle barrelling onto me. Big cojones my man... GRANDE!

Unless those are heavy crops (which I doubt), you're about 2 feet from the car right? and on the ground.

I'd say its more of a case that the camera is on a rig attached to each car and the cars are rolling pretty slowly.

[rvdw98]

I'd say its more of a case that the camera is on a rig attached to each car and the cars are rolling pretty slowly.

That's what I thought at first, but there's no evidence of any rig in these shots. So unless the visual remnants have been cloned out, there must be a different way of doing this.

[-spam-]

That's what I thought at first, but there's no evidence of any rig in these shots. So unless the visual remnants have been cloned out, there must be a different way of doing this.

The rig is almost always cloned out anyway, wouldnt want a black metal bar spoiling the advertising shots for a new Audi or BMW now would we? ;)

[rvdw98]

The rig is almost always cloned out anyway, wouldnt want a black metal bar spoiling the advertising shots for a new Audi or BMW now would we? ;)

If it fact there was a rig to begin with. :) If so, then kudos to the clone job.

[EdBray]

One of my favourite lenses, nice to see it have a thread of its own.

Had to laugh as my nickname has been Popeye for years!

Taken on my 5D last year, old images but I think deserving of this thread.

Wells Cathedral.

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m338/EdBray/WellsNave.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m338/EdBray/WellsChoir.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m338/EdBray/WellsAnteRoom.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m338/EdBray/WellsSmallAlter.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m338/EdBray/WellsDoor.jpg[/QUOTE]

Last one was a HDR of +2, +1, 0, -1, -2

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m338/EdBray/WellsHDR.jpg[/QUOTE]

[peterbj7]

Nice pictures of Wells, which I used to sing in, except for the Chapter House. That looks rather weird and distorted.

I'm also following a similar thread on the Canon 17-40. Anyone any views on the relative merits of these lenses? Which delivers better results in the common focal range? And how many people use an UWA zoom other than at its widest, or a telephoto other than at its longest?

[echo]

http://recordproduction.smugmug.com/photos/611033340_Dszqa-L.jpg

[jacobsen1]

1
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/ledge-road/img_1529.jpg

2
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/ledge-road/img_1535.jpg

3
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/ledge-road/img_1545.jpg

4
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/ledge-road/img_1583.jpg

[foxbat]

Great shots Ben. I'm a big admirer of your work with this lens.

[jacobsen1]

thanks!

[elysium]

Todays attempt - Canon's 17-40L
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3809457124_8f2434119e.jpg
Larger vers (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3809457124_3d56981a61_o.jpg)

[gnnbtrn]

Love the lens, even on cropped body it has a decent view
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3814606028_aa140e2234.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gbaturin/3814606028/)

[il Dottore]

I really like this lens. 12mm on FF is highly addictive! :D
Sigma 12-24mm f/3.5-4.5, Canon 5DMkII, ISO100, f/10, 1/125s, @12mm, handheld
The Market Square in Czaplinek (Drawskie Lake District, Poland).

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/5525/rynek1200.jpg

[niall_eidw]

My 12-24 arrived while on holidays, I just love the way this lens bends the light...

[niall_eidw]

Some more shots from this wonderful lens...

1.

387780

2.

387781

All C&C welcome...

[echo]

12mm no special work done, just controlled zoom on long exposure and a bit of hard light overlay

http://recordproduction.smugmug.com/photos/623513113_bXkGB-XL-1.jpg

[echo]

12mm multiple shots run through the pano stitcher, strange but interesting...

http://recordproduction.smugmug.com/photos/624185612_nQ2wX-XL.jpg

[jacobsen1]

whoa, that floor sure makes things interesting!

[echo]

whoa, that floor sure makes things interesting!

I know!

BTW, with the 12-24 at 12mm here is how it looks like 'normally':

http://recordproduction.smugmug.com/photos/623568619_xfACT-XL.jpg

:)

[jacobsen1]

both are great, but seeing the control room in the pano is really nice. Well done!

[Domino81]

That's a cool-lookin' studio. I imagine you can get some huge drum sounds if mic'd right in there. I love a spacious, huge drum sound. My cousin had studio in Toronto and had walls that flipped around with carpet or wood for a certain sound.

[echo]

It's not my studio but I visit a lot. Those panels do swap round for exactly that reason and they also have a mad live room too. :)

[echo]

Work in progress

http://recordproduction.smugmug.com/photos/626386055_XRu2E-L.jpg

[EdBray]

Just a pity the guitarist is not more central as the distortion does not flatter him.

Great effort though!

[echo]

Actually, I have an improved version with him moved in a bit that will be done later. I locked the camera down and then shot the guy in loads of different positions playing different instruments etc. Never tried this before and I can see how to do a better job next time :)

I'll post the improved version later but as you say, the distortion off centre is big.

[echo]

A 'portrait' shot at 12mm

http://recordproduction.smugmug.com/photos/626618733_wCC5b-XL.jpg

[zincozinco]

Nice shot that - cool stuff!!

[mäger]

i think this will be my next lens. 16-35mm is not very wide :P
i would have 12-500mm covered then:)

[EdBray]

i think this will be my next lens. 16-35mm is not very wide :P
i would have 10-500mm covered then:)

How would you cover the lengths between 10mm and 12mm?

[echo]

i think this will be my next lens. 16-35mm is not very wide :P
i would have 12-500mm covered then:)

The 16-35L is still very wide, much faster and has a higher IQ but the 12-24 is great fun and seems to have pretty good IQ for not too much money :)

[mäger]

L might do really good job, i know... images will turn out super-sharp, but i think i want a lens that i can play with. then, later, i could go for whatever seems best...

i mixed thisone up with 10-20mm at first - how's that lens?

[zincozinco]

this one is for FF the other 1.6

[mäger]

oh, damn... will it show black edges on the FF then?

[zincozinco]

and touch the mirror in anything but a nice way if i remember correctly, search for 10-22 on FF

[mäger]

ok, thx :) that can't be good then..

[Spacemunkie]

I wasn't planning on buying one of these yet, but one popped up on Trademe that was almost brand new for 900 bucks which is less than half price in NZ. I was after something wider and figured this might do the trick...

Bugger me it's wide! IQ is pretty decent stopped down, but it's difficult to control flare and exposure in weather like today:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/3888797551_f3a91ba75d_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3888796479_5d9432219d_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/3888785449_694ed74099_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3888784951_3cab17ffd7_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3889578298_2c2c986023_o.jpg

It's a keeper. Great fun and it'll see use on my 40D as a 'normal' ultra-wide. :)

[echo]

^^^^ Good stuff :)

[GMCPhotographics]

Great pictures, thanks for sharing. I love the BnW beach scene, very nice.
It's a great lens, on a ff is mind bogglingly wide to very wide. On a 1.6x crop it's a very usefull ultra wide. The 1.6 crop also cut out a lot of the soft and vignetted corners that FF exposes.

[gnnbtrn]

Full frame makes all the difference.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3905182761_8341592e55.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gbaturin/3905182761/)


Exposure: 1.3
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 12 mm
Exposure: +2.00
ISO Speed: 50
Exposure Bias: -5/3 EV

[Spacemunkie]

Glad I bought this. Great as a backup on my 40D for when my 1Ds batteries run out >:(

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3915269024_0cee034259_o.jpg

[Spacemunkie]

And another:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3914842431_fb22e9805b_o.jpg

[il Dottore]

One thing is certain with this lens: you must be careful to avoid effects like this: :D

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8726/img2905kunik.jpg

[advaitin]

I know this is just playing around. The new-to-me lens arrived too late to do daylight shots. The subject didn't lend itself to the wider perspective any way. Canon 1Ds M3, 3200 ISO, handheld, 1/5s @ f5.6 at 24mm. The light source is a fluorescent work lamp and the screen effect is the inside of my back porch screen.

First shot slightly cropped, second shot cropped for detail (and noise).

In any event something from my first uses of the lens.

[mäger]

And another:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3914842431_fb22e9805b_o.jpg

sweet (y)
a bit over-sharpened though

[echo]

At 12mm at f/11

http://recordproduction.smugmug.com/photos/653571306_4fwEJ-XL.jpg

[Spacemunkie]

40D again:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3934162990_bc433174b0_o.jpg

[Matthias46]

One with my 5D

http://a.imagehost.org/0541/HDR-Talvera.jpg