Getting the hang of a challenging lens can be rewarding
(The full review of Sigma's ultra-wide 8-16mm lens is the previous post).
After working with this lens for a few weeks, I can confirm my suspicion that this Sigma ultra-wide is one of those rare lenses that adds new excitement to the pursuit of making photos. I've tested it on both my D5000 and my go-everywhere-I-go D40x, and the results are excellent on both bodies.
This is a very well-built lens yet it’s no chore to take anywhere since it isn’t that big or that heavy. Because of the vulnerable convex lens, I usually take it with the slide-on cover in place, in its Sigma pouch - a robust, well-padded affair with a zipper.
And now to the most important part: getting great, sharp images with consistency turned out to be much easier than expected. There are just 3 rules you have to follow with this lens, as you'll see below. I've posted some new sample images on this separate page http://briard.typepad.com/get_the_picture/sigma-dc-8-16mm-f45-56-hsm-more-images.html
Rule 1:
For landscapes, switch the Sigma to manual and 3 feet /0.8m, choose a focal length between f.7.1 and 9, and shoot away. This way you get sharp images from front to back. Works almost all of the time. (Click on the images below for a larger version of the files).
Circular Quay just after sunrise
Rule 2:
For closer subjects and in-your face shots, use AF or choose the distance to the object manually. Bear in mind that you’ll often be less than a foot away from the target.
From the reflections, you can see how close I had to get to the BMW to get the shot
Rule 3:
Shun the sunlight, I mean keep the lens well away from it. The blow-outs are spectacular, and not recoverable in RAW processing.
The island at Balmoral, from the front at very low tide
Yes, this is a marvellous lens for the money. Yes, there's plenty of distortion on the sides which needed a bit of editing but all ultra-wide lenses go squishy on the margins. In this case, sharpness is easily achieved (none of these images has been sharpened), and the 8mm angle really opens up some possibilities for extreme photography.
Kim
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