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

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.

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

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?

FuturamaJSP wrote in post #12839380
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.

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!

I just ordered one from Abe's of Maine this afternoon. Here's the linkHope 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.

mackguyver wrote in post #12865929
I just ordered one from Abe's of Maine this afternoon. Here's the linkHope 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!!!

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.

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.

Look forward to the report on this lens

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.

Throw it on your 5DII!!!!

HansSteinert wrote in post #12880367
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.

mackguyver wrote in post #12880120
-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.