£1269/$1299
An attractive proposition for shooting everything from cramped interiors to sweeping landscapes, and even majestic starry nights, this Sigma combines super-wide viewing angles with a fast and constant f/2.8 aperture. High-tech glass includes an ultra-high-precision moulded glass aspherical front element, plus three top-grade FLD (‘Fluorite’ Low Dispersion) and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements.
The lens is immaculately engineered and features an extensive set of weather-seals. There’s an integral hood that gives physical protection to the bulbous, protruding front element, as well as helping to reduce ghosting and flare. Unusually, however, you can have this exchanged for a shorter, circular hood for minimizing unsightly shadows.
Handling is excellent, with a smooth and precise feel to the zoom and focus rings, the latter enabling the usual manual override of AF.…
