The Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM is an ultra-wide zoom lens for APS-C Nikon F mount DSLRs, offering a constant f/3.5 aperture across the entire zoom range, HSM autofocus, and a 24cm minimum focus distance — making it a go-to choice for landscape and astrophotography shooters on a budget.
Key Specifications
- Focal length: 10–20mm (ultra-wide zoom, APS-C only)
- Aperture range: Constant f/3.5 – f/22 throughout the zoom range
- Lens mount: Nikon F — fits APS-C DSLRs with the Nikon F mount
- Autofocus: Yes — HSM (Hypersonic Motor) with full-time manual focus override
- Minimum focus distance: 0.24m — unusually close for an ultra-wide, great for foreground drama
- Filter thread: 82mm
- Aperture blades: 7
- Weight: 520g — solid build without being overly heavy for a wide zoom
- Image stabilisation: None — rely on wide-angle physics and a tripod for low-light work
Who is the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM for?
If you shoot landscapes, architecture, or night skies with an APS-C DSLR, this lens deserves serious attention. The constant f/3.5 aperture is the headline feature here — most competing ultra-wides use a variable aperture that darkens as you zoom in, but this one stays bright whether you're at 10mm or 20mm. That matters a lot when you're shooting the Milky Way or star trails at night, or trying to keep shutter speeds manageable in dim interiors. The 10mm end gives you an impressively wide field of view on a crop sensor — roughly equivalent to 15mm on full frame — which is ideal for sweeping landscapes, dramatic skies, or cramped spaces where you just can't back up any further. The 24cm minimum focus distance lets you get surprisingly close to foreground subjects, a useful creative tool for adding depth and scale to wide-angle shots. If you're comparing options, the Tokina 11-20mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX is worth considering if you want a full stop of extra light, while the Tamron 10-24mm Di II VC HLD brings image stabilisation to the table. But for a used ultra-wide on a Nikon F body that keeps things simple and sharp, the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 punches well above its price point.
Buying a used Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM
Picking up this lens second-hand is a smart move — it's a mechanically straightforward design with no image stabilisation mechanism to worry about, which means fewer moving parts that can degrade over time. When buying pre-owned, check for dust or fungus inside the elements and make sure the HSM autofocus engages smoothly and quietly. All used lenses sold through Sigma's listings on Camera-tweedehands.nl are professionally inspected and come with a minimum 12 months warranty, so you're covered if anything isn't right. The actual warranty period is shown on the individual variant listing.
