Sigma 10-20 F4.0-5.6 EX DC HSM v Tokina 12-24 F4 AT-X DX Pro Photo Gallery by lightrules at pbase.com

Sigma 10-20 F4.0-5.6 EX DC HSM v Tokina 12-24 F4 AT-X DX Pro

June 7, 2006. Tested here are THE TWO BEST UWA 3rd party lenses available in Canon mount (for APS-C sensors). Both are obviously popular choices that, by and far, receive high praises and excellent reviews. The 10-20 comes equipped with HSM and is a part of Sigma's "EX" pro-grade series; the 12-24 does not have a ring motor but does come with Tokina's nifty "One-Touch Focus Clutch Mechanism" and is designated as part of their "Pro" series lens.

Sigma 10-20 -- 18oz, 9.4" MFD, 1:6.7 magnification, f4-f22, 10G/14E, 77mm thread, $499 B&H
Tokina 12-24 -- 20.4oz, 11.8" MFD, 1:8.3 magnification, f4-f22, 11G/13E, 77mm thread, $499 B&H

Here is the focal length to maximum aperture break-down:
Sigma EX
10mm f4
12mm f4.5
13mm f5
17mm f5.6
[The Tokina is constant f4 throughout its focal range. Interesting to note that PopPhoto found the Tokie to actually be f3.5 at 12mm. Nice!]

Here is my analysis on the Sigma 1020 (S) and Tokina 1224 (T). "10" given to the best of the two lenses and the other lens being judged in comparison...
Resolution (center): S10, T9
Resolution (edge): S10, T9
Contrast: T10, S9
Light Falloff: T10, S8
Distortion (barrel): T10, S9
Distortion (pin): T10, S8
Flare: S10, T8
CA: S10, T8
Build: T10, S9
Handling: S10, T9
Aperture: T10, S8
AF (noise): S10, T7
AF (speed): S10, T9
MFD & Magnification: S10, T8
Widest FOV: S10, T8
Bang for Buck: S10, T9

Bottom Line: On most normal sized prints, you're just NOT going to notice a whole lot of difference between these lenses optically. Being UWA lenses, they both are very good performers in terms of overall sharpness, contrast, and flare performance --- certainly comparable to the excellent Canon 1022EFS. The Sigma is "a hair" sharper both in center and border performance throughout the focal range, while the Tokina gets the nod in terms of overall contrast reproduction. In terms of build-feel, they're both exceptional (and certainly better than the 1022EFS). The Tokina has a more "rugged" feel to it with the Sigma being more "refined"; nonetheless, both have a nice "center-weightedness" and feel good "in-hand". Focus and zoom rings are VERY nicely dampened with perfect tension. No plasticky feel with these gems. There is no doubt that the Tokina's "One-Touch" mechanism is the next best thing to HSM/FTM, but the fact is that you still need to take an extra step. I do think it's the best non-FTM focus mechanism I've ever used though. Its motor is actually quite fast, but it does make a "high-pitch squeal" that isn't noisy but is certainly audible. The Sigma with its HSM is "buttery" silent and swift. The constant f4 speed of the Tokina is CLEARLY its greatest asset, and reaching to 24mm some will find attractive also. In terms of light falloff performance the Tokie takes the prize. However, I give the OVERALL nod to the Sigma EX primarily for its sharpness, 10mm width (16mm v 19.2mm FOV), ring HSM/FTM, exceptional CA and flare performance, smaller size/weight, and much sturdier hood. At day's end, I can't fault anyone for opting for one over the other; they are both EXCEPTIONAL UWAs that can be had for well under $500 USD.

Magazine Test http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/pmtestapr07
Magazine Test http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/dpmay07test

Lenses

Main Tests

Distortions and FOV

comment |

lightrules		01-Apr-2008 13:23
thefilmaker, the Tokina 12-24 will also vignette at the wider focal lengths. Your best bet is to go with the Sigma 12-24, which is the widest rectilinear FF zoom lens available. You can shoot at 12mm without vignetting on your 1D body. Take care.

thefilmaker		01-Apr-2008 04:45
Hi I own the Sigma 10-20 for over 8 months now and i'm really happy with it. But, i've change my 10D body for a 1D mkIIn about 1 month ago and now I need to change the Sigma cause it is vignetting from 10mm to 12 or 14mm... I'm just wondering if I will have the same problem with the Tokina. I was told that it fits APS-H sized captors but I'd like you to confirm if you can! Great Reviews by the way, You helped me choose between 2 equivelant lens two or three times now! Thanks

Tom Yi		21-Nov-2006 07:07
Having owned a Tokina 12-24, I currently hav the Sigma 10-20. I've also tested the Canon 10-22 against the Sigma as well. The biggest thing that I recall noticing with the Tokina is that it's not as wide and more CA at the wide end. The CA was enough for it to bother me on some shots.

Guest		25-Aug-2006 12:06
One thing to add about the Tokina 16-50mm is that it will have internal focusing and a 77mm filter thread which is pretty much the standard for most pro lenses. Other specs are 610g weight (heavy!), 1:4.88 magnification with 0.3m min focus distance, f22 min aperture and a "focus clutch".

lightrules		08-Jun-2006 03:51
Bob, the Sigma EX is an 18-50mm, not 16-50mm. It's a very good lens, although some report inconsistent focus issues with it. I still recommend it as a walkaround. It has exceptional center sharpness though edge performance could be better. As for the Tokina 16-50mm, I plan to get that because the 16mm is important to me, and Tokina's build quality and recent optical performance has me a "believer." If you can't wait for the Tokie, then the Sigma is a fine choice. I believe the Tokie will be out sometime around October of this year.

AThomas772		08-Jun-2006 02:54
I am seriously considering purchasing the Sigma 18-50 EX F2.8 but am waiting for the Tokina 16-50 F2.8 to be reviewed to determine if the Tokina is a better lens. After reading you excellent review of the Sigma 10-20 and Tokina 12-24 comparison, I am leaning toward going ahead and purchasing the Sigma 16-50. I know the Tokina lens is not available yet but give me your thoughts as to whether you believe I need to wait to make this purchase decision until it is introduced or go ahead and purchase the Sigma 16-50. Thanks for you excellent reviews. Bob

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