Sigma have recently released a new wide-angle zoom lens which will appeal to all digital SLR owners. The Sigma 12-24/F4.5-5.6 ex DG Asph may be quite slow but it will translate to a 19-38mm lens on a Canon EOS 10D/300D, for example. An extensive test of the new lens with lots of sample photos has been posted by p5freak over on the DPReview forums.

“This lens is big in diameter, now i understand why its not f3,5-4,5. The lens hood is made of two parts, as you can see below. Just like a size comparison with the 17-40L. Its only f4,5 at 12mm, if you go to 13 its f5 and stays there until 18, then its f5,6 up to 24mm. Look and feel, build quality is very good, i didnt see anything bad. I noticed soft corners wide open, which sharpen up when stopping down and almost disappear at f11. I’d say its useable from f5,6 and higher. Sweet spot appears to be f11.”

Website: Sigma 12-24mm Lens Test