Sigma is one of the best third-party lens manufacturers. It has a range of good lenses for Nikon, Canon, and Sony DSLR cameras. In this guide, we look specifically at the best Sigma wide-angle lenses under $1000.
When choosing a Sigma lens, always check for the features. For example, Sigma’s Art range offers superior image quality and performance in comparison to their basic lens range. Also, for autofocusing, the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) is recommended as this represents the best current Sigma AF technology.
Sigma wide-angle lenses usually have an excellent maximum aperture. Check to see if the lens is a “DC” lens. If so, this means that it offers optimal performance for APS-C sensor DSLR cameras.
1. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (Overall Winner)
Our top choice for the best Sigma wide-angle lenses under $1000 is the fantastic Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art. This lens offers great quality and superior performance combined with good usability. It has a host of useful features and is a solid affordable wide-angle option.
It is a Sigma Art Series lens and thus has a superior build quality and lens element. It features both SLD and FLD glass elements which reduce chromatic aberration and help maintain image consistency and sharpness. The lens elements also ensure that there are no other distortions and that images are sharp, even at the extreme edges.
This lens does not have image stabilization, but it does have a Hyper Sonic Motor. This means that autofocusing is fast, accurate, and virtually silent. Despite the lack of IS, this budget lens can still be used handheld and is relatively lightweight at just 665g.
2. Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
Similar to the 35mm, the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is another top choice. This high-end lens has a good array of features that make it easy to use and provide consistent image quality. It is available for both Canon and Nikon DSLRs, and there is an APS-C version too.
The maximum aperture of f/1.4 means this lens offers great versatility with depth of field. It can also be used for low-light compositions. This is aided by the fast and silent Hyper Sonic Motor for autofocusing. On the outside, this budget lens has a display that shows the current focusing distance.
The aperture is made from nine rounded blades, and the lens element is made from 15 elements in 11 groups. These include both FLD and SLD glass elements to reduce distortions. The superior glass quality of this Art model lens means that images are sharp with excellent contrast. Due to its performance and usability, this is definitely one of the best Sigma wide-angle lenses under $1000.
3. Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM
If you want ultra wide-angle performance and almost fisheye images, the Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM is a good option. This budget lens is available for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma, and Sony DSLR cameras.
As this wide lens is designed for APS-C sensor cameras, the effective focal distance is 12mm to 25mm which still offers excellent ultra wide-angle compositions. This is complemented by the HSM autofocusing motor that allows you to quickly focus on objects with great accuracy.
The lens has a special multi-layer coating that eliminates distortions like lens flares and ghosting. It also has Sigma’s patented FLD glass elements which minimize chromatic aberration.
Although this lens doesn’t have built-in image stabilization, it is still easy to use. It’s the relatively light weight of 555g and maximum length of 4.2 inches make it fairly compact for what it is.
4. Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
The Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art offers a wider focal distance than the 24mm and 35mm, and also has a good range of features. This budget lens is available for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma DSLR cameras.
The maximum aperture of f/1.4 provides great control over depth of field and means this lens is good for high-speed photography and low-light shots. When used at f/1.4, you can create fantastic bokeh effects due to the rounded aperture blades.
The lens element includes five special low dispersion glass elements, with FLD low dispersion glass too. These combine to provide consistent image quality with virtually no distortions. The external design is robust and features a wide textured grip that makes the lens easy to hold.
This lens is also compatible with both full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras. When used on a cropped-sensor camera, it has an effective focal distance of 32mm.
5. Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art (Budget Winner)
Finally, our budget choice is the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art. This is a high-end option for just over $500, making it the best value lens on our list. It is available for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma, and Sony DSLR cameras.
You can transition between the focal distances smoothly and the textured grip allows you to comfortably hold the lens and use its zoom function. It also has a good autofocus system and the HSM motor allows you to quickly focus on objects.
Due to the use of TSC (Thermally Composite Material), this lens has a reduced footprint and weight. It is therefore portable and easy to carry. It can also be used with the Sigma USB dock to allow for customization and firmware updates.
The maximum aperture of f/1.8 offers great control, and the various lens elements provide consistent image quality.
Sigma Wide-Angle Lenses Under $1000 Offer Great Third-Party Options
Sigma has a great choice of affordable wide-angle lenses. You don’t have to spend a fortune, and more importantly, you don’t have to stick with the official manufacturer lenses of your DSLR camera. This third-party lens manufacturer is renowned for it’s quality, and Sigma lenses usually match up to their Canon and Nikon counterparts.
