The Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DS HSM is one of the widest zoom lenses available for APS-C camera systems. It's not the sharpest or fastest optic in the world, but will satisfy the needs of shooters who are seeking a uniquely wide perspective.

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  Very, very wide. One-of-a-kind lens.

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  Extreme distortion on the wide end. Relatively slow aperture. Softer at wide angles.

With two 10-20mm lenses already within the Sigma stable, how exactly does this superwide offering fit into the line-up?

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  Excellent 8mm performance

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  Weaker 16mm performance

The Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens delivers very good image quality, has solid build quality, has fast and quiet HSM AF and has a reasonable price. But perhaps the most exceptional Sigma 8-16 feature is the ultra wide angle range of focal length range available - including the widest focal...

Gary Wolstenholme takes a look at this unique lens, which is currently the widest rectilinear lens available for APS-C sensor cameras.

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  Outstanding sharpness in the centre, Excellent build, Unique wide angle field of view for APS-C cameras, Compact dimensions, Silent focusing, Low distortion

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  CA towards edges of the frame at 8mm, Falloff at 8mm, No way to attach filters

This is an in-depth review of the Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-f/5.6 DC HSM lens; the model tested had the Pentax-K mount.

Optimized to work where you'll probably be using it, there's not much more to say here that the review doesn't cover. If you need ultra, ultra-wide, you won't go wrong with the Sigma 8-16mm, and at present, there's not a whole lot else to choose from.

With mounts for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony, the Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM is the widest APS-C optic on the market... It offers a full-frame equivalent focal length of 12-24mm and has a variable maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6.

The Sigma AF 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM may be the new star in this lens segment. It's very sharp across the whole range straight from the max. aperture. Lateral CAs are also very well controlled. That's quite an achievement for such an extreme ultra-wide angle zoom lens.

A unique wide angle lens for APS-C cameras providing a rectilinear field of view equivalent to that of a 12-24mm lens on a 35mm camera.

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  Outstanding sharpness in the centre, Excellent build, Unique wide angle field of view for APS-C cameras, Compact dimensions, Silent focusing, Low distortion

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  CA towards edges of the frame at 8mm, Falloff at 8mm, No way to attach filters

Announced at PMA 2010 in February, the new Sigma AF 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM lens is designed specifically for DSLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors and boasts the widest angle of view of its type.

Bought this for my D500 so I would have the same width as the 14-24mm on full frame. Skeptical it would match up with the big Nikon. But it does. Excellent clarity, sharpness, and contrast and very little distortion. Some barrel distortion in tight quarters, but correctible.

I was dithering for months over this. I already had the lovely 10-20mm f/4 - 5.6 but quite honestly, it sat in my camera bag or worse, stayed home, when out shooting and you know something? I didn't realise why.

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  Classy modern look Breathtaking Imagery Sharp as a box of razor blades Not too heavy Refreshes your enthusiasm for shooting wide

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  Currently a bit expensive in the UK (March 2017) Takes time to learn HOW to use it best Restricted zoom range but 8mm is where it's at here!

I was excited to get this lens and have done a lot of reading and viewing video reviews of this lens. So far, love it. It does take some practice to get the wide distortion factor under control but, in some cases, that distortion actually adds to what I like in a photo.

Owning a Olympus E5 I have always wanted the Zuiko 7-14mm but the price was just to high. I have recently moved to Sony and picked up this lens for less than half the cost of the 7-14mm. With the crop factor it is actually 2mm wider than the Zuiko. The Sigma is a well made lens.

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  Build quality, Sharp, nice smooth focus ring, price

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  Can't use an ND grad, Can flare easily

Not top of the line but great for its price. Yes you will have some softness in the corners but not a photo killer. See examples. If you looking to have some fun taking wide angle shots and your NOT a professional photographer/photo stickler getting paid thousands of dollars and need a perfect...

Works very well, well made. Have enjoyed using this lens.

I've had this lens for a few months now, but waited to review it until I'd had a chance to really put it through it's paces. Got to do that a week ago in Tucson at Pima Air Museum. I use to use the older Sigma 10-20 f/4.5-5.6, and loved it!

Awesome lens for dx body. Ends up being a12-24 being dx lens

This is my favourite lens without a shadow of a doubt. It's superb for landscapes and producing amazingly artistic photos from all manner of subjects. It's sharp as a knife and tough too.

Great lens. Gone are the days when only Nikon and Canon could make good quality optics. I encourage readers of this review to go and check things on the DXO site. It's the only site that provides information on a specific camera + lens combination.