Which wide angle lens for around £300?

[GSDog]

Hi all.

I've been meaning to buy a wide angle lens since I first bought my Canon 350D a couple of years ago but for various reasons I haven't, mostly due to lack of funds.

However, whilst digging through my camera bag the other day I noticed a lens which I haven't used for a long time - the Sigma 105mm EX DG Macro lens.
I had no idea how much these lenses are selling for so I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I should get at least £250 as it's barely been used.

My plan is to sell the 105mm and put the money towards a wide angle lens for my Canon 350D.
It's main usage will be for taking pictures of property for my development business so it does have to be very wide angle. It'll also be used for landscape photography and taking pictures of cars.

I will probably buy the lens used if I'll get more for my money and it isn't too risky.

Any advice would be appreciated. I've been recommended the Sigma 10-20mm, Sigma 12-24mm, Canon 10-22mm and the Tamron 10-24mm so far but I haven't a clue which one would be best.



EDIT: Looking at the prices of the Canon 10-22mm it's way out of my budget, so that is ruled out.

 

[Andy77]

The sigma 10-20 gets great reviews, tamron 12-24 ive heard is very sort, canon 10-22 is best of the bunch but over your budget, the siggy 10-20 is a smashing peice of kit to use, and if your interested i have one for sale in the classifieds section.....

Andy

 

[tuscan30]

I've had a Sigma 10-20 for about a year and am very happy with the results, especially when you take into consideration it's price.

 

[cw318is]

I take similar photos to you, and have the Tamron 10-24 and all I can say is I wish I'd gone for the Sigma. I've borrowed another Tamron, for some reason they just don't seem to be as sharp as the Sigma 10-20.

 

[cw318is]

Just seen in the for sale section there is a Sigma 10-20 for sale coming in under your budget - worth a look!

Its not anyone I know btw, just thought I'd let you know.

 

[GSDog]

Thanks for the replies.

I've spent the last couple of hours researching these lenses (my eyes are killing me!:nuts and I've basically narrowed it down to the following two:

Sigma 10-20mm
Tokina 12-24mm

From reading several reviews it sounds like the Tokina has a better build quality, mechanics and feel to the lens. It also possibly has slightly better optics but there doesn't sound like there's much in it at all.
However, I think I'm definitely swaying towards the Sigma for various reasons.
1) The extra 2mm will definitely help with interior design photography, I need really ultra wide angle.
2) The Tokina with Canon fit seems very difficult to get hold of second hand. I've only seen one sell on Ebay recently for £340.
3) I should be able to get the Sigma for roughly the same price that I sell my 105mm for, so it's basically a swap.
4) The Sigma is easier to get hold of and seems more popular.

 

[cowasaki]

I had a Sigma 20mm f1.8 and it was really very good. Only sold it because I had a 24-70 and it did not get much use.

 

[andyred]

for the Sigma 10-20mm, very pleased with mine - has very light use, so for me the extra for the Canon wasn't worth it.

If you want some examples of shots with the Sigma - have a look at my Flickr account below, these were taken for my friend who's set his own joinery comany up. All these were taken with the Sigma lens indoors with no flash.

 

[GSDog]

for the Sigma 10-20mm, very pleased with mine - has very light use, so for me the extra for the Canon wasn't worth it.

If you want some examples of shots with the Sigma - have a look at my Flickr account below, these were taken for my friend who's set his own joinery comany up. All these were taken with the Sigma lens indoors with no flash.

Thanks, those are the type of shots that I'll be taking so it's good to see how it performs.
I've definitely decided on the Sigma 10-20mm now, just need to sell my 105mm first.

 

[cowasaki]

If you do go for the Sigma give it a thorough checking when you get it as the biggest flaw Sigma have is poor quality control. Their lenses are actually really good but you can get good and bad examples.