Wild Wide Angle -- Sigma 15-30mm f3.5-4.5 EX

This was a replacement lens I bought later after I sold the Canon EF 17-40mm f4L. In many ways, the Sigma is quite a respectable lens.

The Good:

• Very sharp in the center area
• Distortion is well controlled if used carefully
• Wider than the 17-40 and you see the different the 2mm makes
• The built quality is quite good, being Sigma's EX series of lenses
• Flare is well controlled for a lens this wide
• Price is about half of what you would expect to pay for the Canon 17-40mm f4L

The bad:

• Far edges are blurry
• Sigma colour has never been my cup of tea
• Exposed bulging front element
• Can not take front mounted filters without vignetting
• Non Ultrasonic focus motor

Despite the shortcomings of this lens, I have become fond of its super wide angle of view. Any wider and you are in the fish eye lens territory. If used on the 1D series, the bad edges are masked by the crop factor of the sensor. On 1.6 crop bodies, you shouldn't see any bad edges at all.


One of the many roller-coaster rides in Canada's Wonderland -- 5D & Sigma 15-30mm. Larger Picture.


The Cyclone. Only the crazy will ride something like this :) -- 5D & Sigma 15-30mm. Larger Picture.


Xtreme Skyflyer. Can't imagine myself doing this -- 5D & Sigma 15-30mm. Larger Picture.