Hands-on review on Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 DC HSM

[RayDream]

Here it is, the Sigma 18-35mm 1.8. This is my first time doing a lens review, and I’m not gonna cover anything on sharpness,as I believe if you had done enough research.. I will leave the sharpness review to other reviewers


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My purpose with this lens is a replacement for my Canon 17-55mm. Side-by-side comparison. Both without weather seal I suspect, since Sigma release this version with a quite-reasonable price tag of US800+, I believe they’re gonna release a weather seal version some time with a higher price tag.

My first test is on macro, with my custom-built DIY 60mm extension tube with electric contacts! Please check out my DIY section. Unfortunately, the design of this lens will not be able to focus anything closer with ~10mm extension or less.

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1. MACRO TEST – Comparing with Canon 17-55mm

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Top: Canon 17-55
Bottom: Sigma 18-35
Closest macro.

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2. Full frame test

Pic of my sis' dog, at 18mm. 28mm onwards will be almost usable while still having a bit of vignetting.



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I was suppose to be able to post 5 pics.. dunno why can only display up to 3 at a time.. please check the blog http://witonosfreestyle.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/hands-on-review-on-sigma-18-35mm-1-8-dc-hsm/ for complete review

 

[RayDream]

3. Real world samples

Friend Ao Cheng, performing at the coolest bar restaurant at Bukit Timah on friday. He's supposed to perform with Kim, one of the best vocalist I know, too bad she wasn't there.

Went judging for NJRC 2013 competition.

Chilling out with friend. Celebrating low light photography.

Fellow mechanical engineer from Germany. Part of the http://theprojecteyes.wordpress.com project.

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Conclusion

After 1 week of tests, I absolutely LOVE THIS LENS! I didn’t believe in ‘all-in-one’ lens in the first place and always carry a few lenses at my disposal. I love shooting with prime, but still kept my 17-55mm zoom for some cases. However with the Sigma 18-35mm, I feel I had found the perfect walk-about one lens for all. Big aperture.. standard focal length.. decent macro.. very good sharpness.. you got it all right here! For the first time I am going out with just one lens attached and not worrying about covering 80% of the shots I want. This is definitely a keeper.

The Bad

The focus is a bit annoying though, take a pause before it starts moving, hopefully this can be fix with the Sigma’s USB docking station. Heavy, of course. Feels like aluminium and plastic for some area, doesn’t feel very comfortable for the weight balance with 7D and 60D. Losing of the 1mm from 17-55mm? Nah that’s a small trade-back considering the benefit of 1.8. Looking at breaking the legendary Olympus 14-35mm 2.0 dominance, I wish that somebody else can come up with a 24mm-full-frame-equivalent wide angle zoom with a F1.8.

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Thank you for reading, please leave your feedback! If you find this review useful, please *like my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/the.freestyle.photographer or read about the full review at http://witonosfreestyle.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/hands-on-review-on-sigma-18-35mm-1-8-dc-hsm/

 

[kaiser76]

Thanks for the review!

May I know if the lack of IS an issue, esp when shooting in low light?

 

[Thks77]

Anyone try using this lens with an 1.3 crop body . Hopefully is much more useable than on full frame .