The Sigma 18-50 F-2.8 Lens

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens is an autofocusand zoom ring, both of which rotate smoothly.
lens optimized for digital Cameras and provides anThe Lens takes a 67mm filter size.
extremely useful range that is the 35mmThe focusing speed is good. Although not blindingly
equivalent of 28mm to 80mm. With a constantfast, it is quite reasonable in low light as well as
f2.8 maximum aperture, this lens is very usefulbright light. The lens motor is very quiet as it
and performs with the best of the best. While it isincorporates the sigma HSM motor technology.
very comparable to some of the best lenses it isThe image quality of the lens would rank
slightly edged by those that cost 5 to 6 times the"very-good to Excellent. In using the lens I have
price. This lens comes in various forms fitting bothnoticed very minimal chromatic aberration and little
Canon and Nikon.to no barrel distortion; only noticeable around the
The Sigma lens is particularly appealing not only18mm wider side.
for its large constant aperture, but also for itsPerformance of the lens at its widest aperture of
very compact, size. The lens is 3.3 inches long andf/ 2.8 is pretty good with only slight softness in
weighs 15.6 ounces. The lens feels like it's just thethe corners and very sharps in the center.
right size and weight on my Nikon D300.Reducing the F stop to f/4 gives a little more
The Sigma 18-50 comes packaged with aroom in the depth of field and results in a very
petal-shaped lens hood and a soft lens case thatsharp image. I personally feel the lens does it best
can attach to most camera bags or even youat f/5.6. Of course at f/8 the lens is tack sharp
belt. While the 18-50 lens is made of a fairlybut will hinder low light photographs.
attractive plastic which has a velvety matteI would highly recommend this lens as it is well
appearance, it is very durable and can take amade and is a solid build. The lens is very sharp
beating. The lens not only looks classy, it feels likeand has the ability to produce wonderful images.
a well constructed solidly built lens. A nice featureThe lens does come in both a HSM and a
the lens incorporates is a lock switch thatNON-HSM build. If you have a Nikon DSLR without
prevents the lens from extending, which is verythe motor built in such as the D40, D60, D3000,
convenient when you are carrying the lens aroundD5000, you will want to make sure you get the
on your camera. The lens has a manual focus ringHSM version as it will not autofocus otherwise.