Lenss  > 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM Nikon  >  Lens Test Results

Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM review and ratings.

July 22, 2011
16
lens

Numerous comparisons are available while we wait for the results on the latest Sigma wide-angle lens, (the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM II Canon and Nikon mounts). You will find some comparison suggestions further down.

The measurements for this lens launched in 2010 show the improvements that Sigma provided to its wide-angle line when compared to the already reviewed Sigma 12-24mm f4.5-5.6 EX DG.

As we had stated in that review, this older lens needed a better-performing successor as it had produced disappointing results.
 
 With this in mind, we can confidently say the Sigma 8-16mm performs impressively, especially when it comes to resolution: on the Canon EOS 7D, its resolution metric is better by more than 10 points, it rendered the same result when measured on the Nikon D7000.

Comparisons within the Sigma wide-angle lens family, old vs new which one to chose? 

For the Canon mount, we will begin by comparing the 8-16mm vs the 12-24mm on the Canon EOS 7D and the EOS 50D:

For the Nikon mount, we will compare the 8-16mm vs the 12-24mm on the Nikon D7000 and the D200 respectively.

Choose the newer one

If you have an APS-C camera by either Nikon or Canon, you can pick the Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM over the older Sigma 12-24mm f4.5-5.6 EX DG with no regrets for the following reasons:

  • It is better resolved
  • It has a better transmission
  • It controls chromatic aberration a bit more (even if measurements remain a bit high)
  • It is a more recent offering

What about the Nikon and Canon mounts, can we compare them?

Yes, and for this we will use the Nikon D7000 and the Canon EOS 7D

See the comparison here: Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM Nikon vs Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM Canon.

Because of sensor behavior differences between the the Canon EOS 7D and the Nikon D7000 the better score tends to lean toward the Nikon mount version.

In spite of this, the results vary slightly, almost to a negligible degree. We get good results on Image Quality on the whole focal range.

Sigma vs Nikon wide angle lenses

Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM Nikon  vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED on the Nikon D300s

These two lenses perform very closely:

  • Sigma’s advantages: a wider angle, resolution remains sharp until f/11, 25% cheaper
  • Nikon’sadvantages: a faster lens, sharper in the center

The choice is yours!

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