Sigma Lens Review News at The-Digital-Picture.com

First Looks at Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Lens Image Quality

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:41:52 CDT

Standard test results (ISO 12233 resolution chart/image quality, flare, distortion, vignetting, specs & measurements) have been added to the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Lens review page.

The new Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Lens, the "| A" version, is a significant upgrade from the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens, the "EX" version, in terms of build quality. Unfortunately, the image quality has not been so upgraded.

Just Posted: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Review

Wed, 01 May 2013 07:22:57 CDT

The full Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Review is now available.

First Looks at Sigma 18-250mm DC Macro OS HSM Lens Image Quality

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:16:59 CDT

The Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Lens review page now has links to ISO 12233 resolution chart image quality samples, distortion & vignetting test results and measurements.

Sigma Lens Vignetting and Distortion Test Results Added

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:22:03 CDT

Lens distortion test results have been added to the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens page.

Lens vignetting test results have been added to the following review pages:

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens
Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens

Canon 35mm f/2 IS Lens Compared to the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Lens

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:23:26 CDT

Comparing the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens - which to choose:

If you need the f/1.4 aperture, for the shallow depth of field or for the faster shutter speeds it makes available (key to stopping action in low light), your decision is made. You need the Sigma 35 f/1.4.

If you need Image Stabilization, the Canon 35 f/2 IS is of course the right choice.

If f/2 is wide enough for you and you don't need IS, the decision becomes a bit more complicated. Here are some comparisons to help with that decision process.

The Sigma of course rules all comparisons at f/1.4 - and turns in remarkable performance at f/1.4 compared to other f/1.4 lenses.

The Canon joins the comparison at f/2. At f/2, you can expect the Sigma to be noticeably sharper in the center of the image and the Canon to have a slight sharpness edge closer to the corners - where the Canon shows more vignetting. The sharpness comparison at f/2.8 has these lenses performing more similarly in the center (both excellent). The Sigma retains a slight center advantage and the Canon holds the peripheral edge. Beyond f/2.8, both lenses are razor sharp with the Canon retaining slightly better full frame corner sharpness.

The Sigma has about 1/2 as much vignetting at comparable apertures until stopped down to about f/4 where the Canon trails the Sigma by a very small amount through f/16. The Sigma has slightly less flare until the aperture narrows to f/8. The Canon then has noticeably less flare through f/16. Neither lens has significant distortion. These two lenses deliver similar (good) bokeh at comparable apertures.

The Canon weighs 1/2 as much, is smaller and focuses closer with a higher MM (0.24x vs. 0.19x). The Canon is modestly less expensive at this time.

Here are the full reviews for these lenses:

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens Review
Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens Review

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens Review Posted

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:53:02 CDT

Just posted: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens Review

The best Sigma lens produced to date?

First Looks at Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens Image Quality

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:08:42 CDT

ISO 12233 resolution chart and distortion test results along with lens measurements have been added to the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens Review page.

From a lab perspective, this looks like a very nice lens. I really like the new Sigma physical design.

Standard Product Images Added for Fourteen Lenses

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:08:38 CDT

Standard camera lens product images (useful for size and feature comparisons) have been added to the following review placeholder pages:

Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review
Nikon 28mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens Review
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens Review
Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Lens Review
Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G AF-S VR Lens Review
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens Review
Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Review
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Review
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Review
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Review
Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Review
Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review
Zeiss 25mm f/2.0 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review

First Looks at Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Image Quality

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:23:57 CDT

ISO 12233 resolution chart results have been added to the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Review page.

Note that these results are from the Canon EOS 60D. More 60D results are coming.

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Image Quality

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:33:22 CDT

ISO 12233 resolution chart sample crops along with flare and distortion test results have been added to the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Review page.

Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Image Quality Results

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:16:13 CDT

ISO 12233 resolution chart sample crops along with flare and distortion test results are now available on the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Review page.

Why the with-2x Extender results are so much sharper in the corner remains an unanswered question for me. Strange.

First Looks at Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens Image Quality

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:19:28 CDT

ISO 12233 Chart sample crops and flare test results have been added to the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens Review page.

Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Review Posted

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:28:23 CDT

Just posted: Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Review

I had an unusually high number of requests for a review of this lens, so I squeezed this one into the mix of reviews I've been working on.

Here are some status updates regarding my currently overloaded to-review list:

First, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera Review is long overdue. My primary concern for this camera is how its image quality compares with a DSLR such as the also-small Canon EOS Rebel T3i. I've spent a lot of time with the camera and have many tests shot with it. But, I think that even the latest version of DPP (v3.11.27.0) is generating non-sharp results from G1 X RAW files that appear to be quite sharp when the "High speed" (lower quality) preference is selected.

Another review I had hoped to bring you by now is the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash Review. The big new feature of this flash is the RF remote capability. It takes two to play this game - and I've had an Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT on order since day one. Where this product is remains a mystery - I might have to buy a second 600EX-RT to move forward with this review.

Another MIA product is the Canon BG-E11 Battery Grip. I've also had one of these on order since moments after the announcement was made.

If my Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens and Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens ship any day as expected, these lenses will become my top review priority.

Update: Just received a ship notice for my Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT and Canon BG-E11 Battery Grip.

First Looks at Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Image Quality

Mon, 14 May 2012 09:46:15 CDT

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart results have been added to the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Review page.

More Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Test Results

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:42:24 CDT

Flare, distortion and vignetting test results have been added to the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Review page.

First Looks at Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Image Quality

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:01:57 CDT

By popular request, ISO 12233 Resolution Chart samples crops have been added to the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Review page.

Driving the popular request is the huge $200.00 instant rebate currently available for the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens. Get your 100 OS at B&H, Adorama or Amazon.com.

Note that the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens is compatible with extenders.

On a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, the lens plus Sigma 1.4x EX DG Tele Converter autofocuses. The lens plus Sigma 2x EX DG Tele Converter does not autofocus on the 1Ds III.

Comparisons Added to Lens Reviews

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:05:28 CDT

I have added comparisons to the following review pages:

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review - Added a focal length comparison

Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di LD IF Macro Lens Review - Added a 180mm aperture comparison

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens Review - Added a 17mm aperture comparison

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens Sample Pictures

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:03:34 CDT

A handful of sample pictures have been added to the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens Review.

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens Review Posted

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:10:06 CDT

Just posted: Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens Review

Sample Pictures Added to Lens Reviews

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:38:50 CDT

Sample pictures have been added to the following reviews:

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Review

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Review Posted

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:30:16 CDT

Just posted: Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Review

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Sample Pictures Added to Site

Thu, 05 May 2011 15:01:29 CDT

Sample pictures have been added to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review. Many of the sample pictures have photography tips included with them - hopefully you will pick up something useful and/or be inspired.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review Posted

Wed, 04 May 2011 09:46:33 CDT

Just posted: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review

I hope to have Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens sample pictures available tomorrow.

85mm Lens Image Quality Comparison

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:41:12 CDT

An outdoor image quality comparison between four 85mm lenses has been added to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review page.

Many product images have also been added to this page. I hope to get the full review completed in the near future.

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens Sample Pictures Added to Site

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:32:22 CDT

Sample pictures have been added to the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens Review.

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens Review Posted

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:29:21 CDT

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens Review

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens Sample Pictures Added to Site

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:31:01 CDT

Sample pictures have been added to the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens review.

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens Review Posted

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:14:01 CDT

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens Review

ISO 12233 Chart Test Results for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:23:21 CDT

ISO 12233 chart test results have been added to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review page.

Be sure to find the short, must-read commentary on the review page.

ISO 12233 Chart Results for the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC Lens and Some Notes

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:58:31 CDT

By popular request, ISO 12233 resolution chart samples for the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC Lens have been added to the site.

While I hope to get a full review of this lens (along with many others) on the site at some point, the ISO chart results tell us a lot about the image quality of a lens. And in this case, the Tamron 70-300 performs very impressively well for it's price point. Corners degrade as the focal length increases and 300mm performance is not so great, but again, this image-stabilized lens is currently selling for less than $400.00 delivered after rebate at B&H.

However, I need to add a possible warning that these results do not tell the complete story in this case. I had to spend a more-than-usual amount of time focus testing this lens - just to confirm what I was seeing. And my initial (still early) determination is that my Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC Lens is very inconsistent in the focus accuracy department. Life is good when it gets focus right, but a sharp lens does not deliver sharp subjects if not focused accurately.

I am also getting a lot of requests for a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review. To bring you at least the standardized results from the Sigma 85, I have to date, purchased and returned two of these lenses. The first was consistently front focusing. The second was focusing so inconsistently that I wished for the first one back. Roger at LensRentals.com is having the same problems - he has even posted a warning on his Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens rental page.

Third party lens focus accuracy problems have consumed far more of my time than I care to remember. I'll probably get over it enough to order the third copy of this lens after Christmas. Stay tuned.

B&H has just announced free overnight shipping on Canon and Nikon cameras. You can have one in time to use Christmas morning. B&H also notes that today is the last day for standard shipping for delivery in time for Christmas.

Sigma 8-16mm HSM Lens Sample Pictures

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:34:20 CDT

I added a gallery of Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Sample Pictures to the site. You will quickly notice the ultra-wide angle theme that this lens invites.

Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Review Posted

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:25:48 CDT

Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Review

This is a fun lens.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for F and Canon Mount Shipping Announced

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:35:19 CDT

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens (in F and Canon mounts) is scheduled to start shipping at the end of this month.

Get it at B&H or Adorama.

Testing the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:45:07 CDT

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart and Lens Specifications and Measurements Tools have been added to the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Review page.

Testing the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:11:38 CDT

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart, Lens Specifications and Measurements and Standard Product Image Tools have been added to the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens Review page.

ISO 12233 Results for the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Lens

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:24:38 CDT

ISO 12233 Chart results have been added to the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Lens Review placeholder page.

ISO 12233 Results for the Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:35:08 CDT

ISO 12233 Chart results have been added to the Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Review placeholder page.

ISO 12233 Results for the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:40:38 CDT

ISO 12233 Chart results have been added to the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens Review placeholder page.

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens Review Posted

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:56:18 CDT

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens Review