Canon 15mm FE vs Sigma

Looking to buy a 15mm FE lens for use with 5DMK 2.

The Sigma is a little cheaper, how does it compare to the Canon?

Opinions?

Phil

I can't compare but I can attest to excellent results with the Canon 15mm FE

w/ the MKII.

Looking to buy a 15mm FE lens for use with 5DMK 2.

 

The Sigma is a little cheaper, how does it compare to the Canon?

 

Opinions?

 

Phil

The sigma focuses closer than the canon, which is very convenient for wide angle macro pics with small domes...

The sigma focuses closer than the canon, which is very convenient for wide angle macro pics with small domes...

Hi there,

I have the Sigma 15 mm fish eye and also have used the canon equivalent. I prefer the Sigma. IMHO the Sigma is just as good as the more expensive Canon. The lens cap stays on too (The Canon lens caps always comes off).

Image quality is just as good as the Canon, Iain

I also have tthe Sigma, and bought it because it is generally considered just as good as the Canon, at a lower price. I've been very happy with it.

One other consideration, however, is that - as I understand it - the Sigma won't fit with the tiny (4", 100mm) domes unless you somehow trim/modify the lens' sunshade (I think Reef Photo will do the mod for you), whereas the Canon apparently has a smaller sunshade and therefore WILL fit inside those ports. If you never plan to use a tiny dome, that's a moot point, but I thought it worth mentioning. I'm considering buying a Canon 15FE to replace my Sigma for that very reason.

I'm considering buying a Canon 15FE to replace my Sigma for that very reason.

Well, personally, although I don't have the Sigma, I'd trade close focus for a convenient hood - I'd say that modifying the Sigma would be a better way to go.

Well, personally, although I don't have the Sigma, I'd trade close focus for a convenient hood - I'd say that modifying the Sigma would be a better way to go.

I'm inclined to agree, Paul. My dilemma is that I need a second 15mmFE (giving my existing one to my bro-in-law), so was thinking of getting Canon. Plus I hate to modify lenses (kills resale value). Then again, it's not like I'd be modifying a $2K lens, so I think worrying about resale is kind of silly - I'll buy another Sigma and have the hood modified = best of both worlds!

In case its of interest, I've been shooting the Canon 15mm quite extensively using the Seacam WidePort. Provided a small aperture is used this is a pretty useful combination with a reasonably small sized port (I've tried the smaller new fisheye macro port from Seacam, but only once and its out on loan at the moment). Here is a shot taken at closest focus which is where everything will fall apart if its going too - the large anemone is about 75mm diameter - and at f/16. Pretty aceptable all in all, but it would be nice to get just a little closer......