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

If you're shooting on a Nikon APS-C DSLR and need a super wide-angle lens without spending a fortune, the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 is a classic option. It gives you that expansive 15-30mm full-frame equivalent field of view, which is perfect for landscapes, real estate interiors, or tight group shots. It's not the fastest lens out there with its variable f/4-5.6 aperture, and it's not weather-sealed, but for the price, it gets you into the ultra-wide game. People often ask, 'is this a good budget wide-angle for my Nikon D3500 or D5600?' The answer is yes, especially if you find it used or on sale, as it's been around for a while.

Where this lens really shines is autofocus. Its ring-type ultrasonic motor puts it in the 99th percentile for AF speed and accuracy in its class. It's quiet, fast, and allows for full-time manual override, which is great. The optical performance, however, lands in a lower percentile. You'll see some softness in the corners, especially at the widest 10mm setting, and chromatic aberration can pop up in high-contrast scenes. It's not a deal-breaker for most hobbyist work, but pros might want sharper edges. The variable aperture means you lose a bit of light as you zoom, which can be a factor in low-light situations.

At its current asking price of around $747, the value proposition gets tricky. That's a lot for an older, variable-aperture design with no stabilization. You can often find it for much less on the used market, which is where it makes a lot more sense. For brand new money, you might want to look at newer options from Nikon themselves or third parties like Tokina, which often offer constant f/2.8 apertures or stabilization for similar cash.

Let's talk about the competitors. First, ignore the listed primes like the Viltrox 35mm or Meike 55mm, they're different tools for different jobs. For a true wide-angle zoom on Nikon APS-C, you should compare this Sigma to the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 or the Nikon AF-P 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6 VR. The Tokina gives you a brighter, constant f/2.8 aperture, which is huge for low light and video, but it's heavier. The Nikon 10-20mm is newer, has vibration reduction (VR), and is often cheaper, but its autofocus isn't as snappy as this Sigma's ultrasonic motor. It's a trade-off: the Sigma wins on pure AF speed, the Tokina on aperture, and the Nikon on stabilization and price.

Should you buy it? Only if you find a great deal on a used copy and autofocus speed is your absolute top priority. For everyone else, it's hard to recommend at full price. The optical compromises and lack of features like stabilization make it feel dated next to newer options. If your budget is tight and you shoot mostly in good light, a used Sigma 10-20mm can be a fun lens. But if you're buying new, spend a little more time looking at the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 or the Nikon 10-20mm VR. They just offer more for your money in 2024.