Description:
Fisheye lens with close up ability designed exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras, 10mm F2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM
This autofocus fisheye lens is designed for use with digital SLR cameras equipped with
APS-C size image sensors. The Nikon version produces a diagonal angle of view of 180°, 154° for Sigma, 167° for Canon.
Sigma 10mm f2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM Lens Wide View
The diagonal field of view of this fisheye lens produces striking images with exaggerated perspective and
distortion. The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm / 5.3inch, and maximum magnification 1:3.3 allows subjects to be as close as 1.8cm/0.7inch from the lens front element.
This close focusing capability allows close-up photography and also it is possible to make use of large
depth of field that covers wide range of subjects. The Integral hood blocks out extraneous light and the Super Multi-Layer Coating minimizes flare and ghosting, creating superior image quality.
Sigma 10mm f2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM Lens Mount View
The HSM "Hyper Sonic Motor" ensures fast and quiet autofocusing and allows full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring. This lens is supplied with a gelatin filter holder at the rear, allowing the use of gelatin filters.
HSM means this lens will autofocus on Nikon D40/D40x,
Nikon D60, Nikon D3000,
Nikon D3100 and the
Nikon D5000
A fisheye lens is a wide-angle lens that takes in an extremely wide, hemispherical image. Originally
developed for use in meteorology to study cloud formation and called "whole-sky lenses", fisheye lenses quickly became popular in general photography for their unique, distorted appearance. They are often used by photographers shooting broad landscapes to suggest the curve of the Earth. Hemispherical photography is used for various scientific purposes to study plant canopy geometry and to calculate near-ground solar radiation.
The first types of fisheye lenses to be developed were "circular fisheyes" — lenses which take in a 180° hemisphere and project this as a circle within the film frame. Some circular fisheyes
are available in orthographic projection models for scientific applications. These have a 180° vertical angle of view, and the horizontal and diagonal angle of view are also 180°. Most circular fisheye lenses cover a smaller image circle than rectilinear lenses, so the corners of the frame will be completely dark.
Alternative Fisheye Lenses
Features
• Fisheye lens designed specifically for APS-C digital SLR cameras
• 13.5cm minimum focusing distance and 1:3.3 maximum magnification allows close up photography
• Equipped with HSM allowing full-time manual focus override
• Equisolid angle projection system is possible for art and scientific use
Item Includes
Sigma 10mm f2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM Front Lens Cap
• Front Cap Adapter
• Lens Case
• 1 Year International Warranty plus 3 Year Sigma U.S.A. Extended Warranty (Total Warranty is 4 Years from Date of Purchase)
Sigma 10mm f2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM Lens Pouch
Sigma 10mm f2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM Back Lens Cap
Reviews
Outstanding Fisheye Lens for DX-Format Nikon DSLRs!,
February 16, 2008
By Christopher Nielsen (Rochester, NY)
First off, bear in mind that I purchased this Sigma fisheye to replace Nikon's 10.5mm f/2.8 fisheye. While I was happy with the Nikon's optical performance, I was disappointed with the AF design. Nikon's lens relies on the AF motor in the camera, which makes for noisy AF. In addition, this design precludes full-time manual focus touch-up. And finally, the lack of an in-lens focus motor precludes AF on the existing
D40/D40x and new D60, as well as future Nikon DSLRs lacking an in-camera focus motor.
In any event, when Sigma announced their fisheye lens a few months ago, I decided that I would purchase one. And I am very happy with it! The HSM provides autofocus performance as fast as the Nikon (at least on my
Nikon D300 DSLR), while being eerily quiet.
As for the optical quality, it appears to be virtually identical to Nikon's, which is to say excellent. Both lenses are slightly soft wide-open (i.e. at f/2.8), but sharpen considerably when close down one f-stop. Indeed, both lenses are almost as sharp at f/4 as they are at f/5.6.
Besides the built-in autofocus motor, another difference between Nikon and Sigma's fisheye lenses is the field-of-view (FOV). Sigma's lens is 0.5mm wider, and provides a small -- but definitely noticeable -- increase in the angle of view.
So, it all comes down to this:
* Do you currently own a D40/D40x/D60, or plan to purchase one?
* Do you prefer super-quiet AF to the noisy mechanical variety?
* Do you prefer a better-built lens?
The one advantage that Nikon's lens has is size/weight. While arguably not as durable and well-built as the Sigma, it is lighter and more compact. If this is important to you, then you may prefer the Nikon. (See the comparison photos I posted to see what I mean.)
As for Cons, there is one. Sigma's lens is, unfortunately, not weather-sealed. I was hoping that Sigma would at least utilize a gasket around the lens mount, but that is not the case. As such, I recommend against using this lens in rain/drizzle -- or in a super-humid environment. (It is important to note that Nikon's fisheye lens is not weather-sealed either, and also lacks a lens mount gasket.)
Apart from the one aforementioned complaint, I highly recommend the Sigma 10mm fisheye lens. It provides all of the performance/quality of Nikon's fisheye lens, while providing fast and quiet autofocus to owners of ALL Nikon DSLR's, including the D40/D40x/D60. You will not be disappointed!
Nikkor 10.5mm vs. Sigma 10mm Fisheye,
April 20, 2009
By Michael Gold
Build Quality and Optics are superb compared to that of the Nikon Lens. I wouldn't normally recommend a Sigma lens over a Nikon, but for this Lens I'll have to make an exception. Also autofocuses on the D40/x/60 which is a major plus for people using those cameras. You won't be disappointed with this lens!
