Sigma Contemporary 20mm 2.0 DG DN

The Sigma 20mm f2 DG DN is a compact and relatively affordable wide angle lens for anyone who desires broader coverage than a 24 without breaking the bank. The expansive field of view is ideal for landscapes, astro, architecture, and interiors, and it’s also great for video whether you’re in front or behind the camera. With the aperture wide-open you’ll enjoy sharp subjects with a fair degree of potential blurring behind them, especially if you’re shooting at close range. Stop it down to f5.6 to f8 and you’ll have crisp results across the frame, while at f16 to f22, bright points of light become satisfying diffraction spikes. Meanwhile focusing is fast and quiet, the build quality is good, and there’s a hood and two lens caps supplied. On the downside, while the lens profile will correct the barrel distortion, it does so at the cost of a mild crop making it more like a 22mm lens. In contrast Sony’s FE 20mm f1.8 G requires less correction, delivering slightly wider coverage, as well as sharper corners, slightly crisper details all-round, nicer-looking bokeh blobs, and a de-clickable aperture ring. The Sony is optically superior but around 40% more expensive. If you can stretch to the Sony, it’s worth spending the extra, but if your budget is tighter, the Sigma is more affordable while still delivering very respectable results.