Sigma 18 50mm F2 8 Ex Dc Macro Review
Sigma 18-50mm f/2.viii EX DC Lens Review
The Sigma eighteen-50mm f/two.8 EX DC Lens contains a nice general purpose focal length range, is well-built and does not toll a fortune. Like Catechism'due south EF-S Lenses, the 18-l DC is compatible simply with 1.5x/1.6x crop cistron digital SLR cameras. Being sized for a smaller-format sensor allows a smaller and less expensive design to be used.
And, the overall size and weight of the Sigma eighteen-50mm f/2.viii EX DC Lens is ideal for the cameras it is designed for. Measuring 2.9 x 3.3" (74.1 x 84.1mm)(d x 50) and weighing 15.7 oz (445g), the Sigma balances and handles very nicely - and feels solid.
The Sigma eighteen-50's AF sound is relatively tranquility only non silent like an HSM or USM lens. AF speed is on the slow side of average. AF accuracy was likewise on the low side of boilerplate. When shooting the very well-lit ideal focus signal on ISO 12233 nautical chart tests using AF, every other image was completely out of focus at 18mm f/2.8 and AF was inconsistent at 24mm. In real globe use, I missed a noticeably higher number of shots than I should have. AF operation was especially poor in low low-cal (where focus hunting is frequent). Results were too poor in AI Servo mode.
This is an internal-focusing lens - Information technology does not change length during focusing and the front end element does not rotate. FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing is not supported - and - the focus band turns during autofocusing. The Sigma'south 18-50's minimum focus distance is 11" (0.28m) and provides a reasonable .2x magnification cistron. Both the zoom and focus rings rotate the same direction of Catechism'southward lens rings (this is a nice feature if you are used to Canon lenses - and particularly if you are mixing this lens with other Canon lenses in a kit). A zoom lock switch is provided simply not needed with my copy of this lens as the zoom ring requires a firm force to twist. Both zoom and AF (autofocus) rings turn smoothly.
Pictured to a higher place from left to right are the Sigma 18-50mm f/ii.8 EX DC Lens, Tamron 17-50mm f/ii.8 XR Di Ii Lens and Canon EF-Due south 17-55mm f/2.eight IS USM Lens. The aforementioned lenses are pictured fully extended below and with hoods later in the review.
The optical quality of the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Lens is decent - it delivers good results for the price. If proper focus is achieved, images are sharp wide open and fifty-fifty better stopped down a stop or then. Right side sharpness is very good, just left side sharpness is very bad.
Vignetting performance is decent - You might notice some pocket-size vignetting if your bailiwick or background is a solid color, extends to the corners of the frame and the lens is used at f/two.8. Some CA (Chromatic Aberration) is noticeable - especially in 18mm corners. Flare is not well controlled - The Sigma eighteen-fifty needs improvement in this expanse.
Baloney ranges from mild barrel at 18mm to nigh distortion gratuitous at 35mm to slight pincushion distortion at 50mm. Colors seem fine - neutral. Some people think this lens produces warm/yellow results, but I am non noticing this. The 7-blade aperture produces prissy out-of-focus highlights.
Comparison the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.eight EX DC Lens with some similarly spec'd lenses ... The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/two.8 IS USM Lens and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens. Both are shown along with the Sigma in the in a higher place and beneath pictures.
The Catechism 17-55 IS is my preferred full general purpose lens for my one.6x camera body at this time. The size difference between these two lenses is large - and is apparent in the pictures. The Canon is .4" (nine.5mm) wider and one.ane"(26mm) longer. The weight is noticeably different as well - The Catechism weighs 6.iv oz (200g) more than the Sigma.
The Canon and Sigma are similarly sharp in the center at all focal lengths. On the left side of the frame, the Sigma significantly trails the Canon. On the right side, the Sigma is at least equally good until the mid focal lengths are reached. At mid zoom range, the Catechism begins showing better edge operation - becoming much better at 50mm.
The Sigma xviii-50 shows less vignetting than the Canon. I wouldn't deem either lens "flare-resistant". The Sigma shows more CA than the Canon. Canon has the obvious focal length advantage.
For many, Canon'south biggest advantage is the three-stop image stabilizer that the Sigma 18-l lacks. If your discipline is non moving (or y'all are), this is a really dainty feature. The Canon besides features fast, silent and authentic USM (Ultrasonic Motor) focusing with FTM focusing - too a big advantage. Toll is a huge divergence betwixt these ii lenses. I personally think the Canon is worth the price divergence over the Sigma 18-50mm f/ii.eight EX DC Lens, simply if this lens is not within your upkeep, keep reading ...
The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens is very, very similar to the Sigma 18-fifty. These lenses are more similar than different. They are very similarly sized and shaped. They function very similarly.
The differences? The Sigma flares more easily. The Sigma shows more CA. The Tamron is noticeably wider (17mm vs. 18mm). The Tamron focuses faster but the Sigma focuses more than quietly. The Tamron focuses much more than accurately - My keeper charge per unit is far college with the Tamron. My Sigma has a weak left side - For sharpness, the Tamron beats the Sigma easily on the left side, but the Sigma is slightly better on the correct. The Sigma rings rotate the Catechism management, the Tamron rings rotate the reverse management but with less effort. The Sigma is less expensive (just not by much). The Sigma'due south requires its lens hood to be removed to install/remove the lens cap. My option would definitely be the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di Two Lens over the Sigma.
Sigma includes a nice padded instance and a lens hood with this lens. The filter size is 67mm - You lot volition need to know this when y'all lodge the Tamron 67mm lens cap to supercede the OEM cap. Y'all can go the Sigma cap on and off with the lens hood in place, simply unless you take long, strong fingernails, information technology is easier to remove the hood first. Tamron's center-compression cap resolves the problem. The small-scale hood is nice otherwise. The Sigma 18-l features Sigma'south standard matte black (with a little fine glitter) end. Information technology is not my favorite, but some like it. It has no affect on image quality or functionality.
The Sigma 18-50 is bachelor in Canon (reviewed), Nikon, Sigma, Pentax and Minolta mounts. My standard disclaimer: You should be aware that in that location are potential bug with third political party lenses. Since Sigma reverse engineers (vs. licenses) manufacturer AF routines, there is e'er the possibility that a new body might non support an older tertiary party lens. At that place are examples of this happening in the past. Sometimes a lens can be rechipped to be fabricated uniform, sometimes not. Hitting domicile: The Sigma xviii-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Lens reportedly did not function correctly on the Catechism EOS 20D when the photographic camera was first released. Apparently a microchip replacement in the early lenses resolved this problem. Additionally, there is the hazard of a trouble that results in the lens and body manufacturers pointing blame at each other. However, Sigma USA'south 4-yr warranty is far superior to Catechism The states'southward standard 1 year warranty.
For the toll, the Sigma 18-50mm f/ii.viii EX DC Lens is a practiced value. It is definitely an upgrade from the Canon EF-Southward 18-55mm f/three.five-5.6 Kit Lens.
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