Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM AF Lens for Nikon APS-C DSLR {77}

Sigma's proven ultra-wide APS-C zoom with HSM autofocus

The 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM gives Nikon crop-sensor shooters a seriously wide zoom range in a lens built to EX (Excellence) standards. At 10mm you're working with an angle of view broad enough to pull entire rooms, sweeping facades, or dramatic foregrounds into a single frame. The DC designation means the optical design is purpose-built for APS-C sensors, not a full-frame lens carrying extra glass you don't need.

The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) drives autofocus quickly and quietly, which matters when you're shooting in a church interior or a cramped studio and don't want mechanical noise interfering. The aperture range of f/4 to f/5.6 across the zoom is honest for this class of ultra-wide glass. A 77mm filter thread opens the door to neutral density and polarizing filters, both of which earn their keep on a lens this wide.

For Nikon APS-C bodies, this lens has been a practical and option for anyone who needs a genuine ultra-wide zoom without stepping into prime-only territory.

Who It's For

Architecture and interior photographers working with Nikon crop-sensor bodies will find the 10mm end gives them room coverage that telephoto shooters never need to think about. Travel photographers shooting tight urban spaces or grand landscapes can work the full 10-20mm range to suit the scene. The HSM motor makes this a quiet enough tool for event work inside venues where discretion matters. Real estate shooters get the DC-optimized image circle and a 77mm filter thread ready for polarizers on exterior shots.

Key Features

• 10-20mm ultra-wide zoom for Nikon APS-C sensors
• f/4-5.6 aperture range across focal length
• HSM autofocus motor for fast, quiet focusing
• DC optical design optimized for crop sensors
• EX (Excellence) build quality standards
• 77mm filter thread for ND and polarizing filters

FAQ

What's the actual angle of view at 10mm on a crop sensor?

At 10mm, you're working with an extremely wide perspective suitable for architecture, tight interiors, and expansive landscapes on APS-C bodies. The DC optical design is engineered specifically for crop sensors, so you're not carrying unnecessary glass.

How does HSM autofocus perform in quiet environments?

HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) drives focus quickly and quietly, which matters in churches, studios, and other sound-sensitive spaces where mechanical noise from older focus motors becomes audible.

Can I use standard filters on this lens?

Yes, the 77mm filter thread accepts standard ND and polarizing filters. Both are practical additions for ultra-wide work, especially the polarizer for controlling reflections and sky contrast.

Is this lens designed for full-frame or APS-C?

The DC designation means the optical design is built for APS-C sensors specifically, not adapted from a full-frame design. You're not paying for extra glass optimized for a larger sensor.

What aperture range should I expect across the zoom?

The aperture ranges from f/4 to f/5.6 across the focal length, which is typical for ultra-wide zoom glass in this class. You're not getting constant f/4, but the range is honest and usable for most daylight work.

How does this lens compare to shooting primes?

You get a genuine ultra-wide zoom instead of being locked into prime-only territory. The trade-off is the variable aperture, but the 10-20mm range covers scenarios where a prime setup would require multiple lenses.

What's the build quality like?

The EX (Excellence) designation signals Sigma's higher construction standard for this lens. It's built to handle regular field use without feeling fragile.