Sigma 18 35 1.8 review – The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 review unveils a lens that stands as a testament to innovation in the world of photography. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, this lens promises exceptional image quality, versatility, and a fast aperture that captures stunning details in various lighting conditions.
From the bustling streets to the serene landscapes, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 has carved a niche for itself as a reliable companion for capturing moments with unparalleled clarity and depth.
This lens, renowned for its sharp images, beautiful bokeh, and robust build, caters to a diverse range of photographic needs. Whether you’re a wedding photographer seeking to capture the emotion of a couple’s first dance, a street photographer aiming to freeze fleeting moments of urban life, or a landscape photographer striving to immortalize breathtaking vistas, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 provides the tools necessary to achieve your artistic vision.
Image Quality
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is renowned for its exceptional image quality, delivering sharp, detailed images with pleasing bokeh and minimal distortion. This lens excels in various shooting scenarios, making it a versatile choice for photographers of all levels.
Sharpness Performance
The lens exhibits excellent sharpness throughout its focal range, particularly when stopped down to f/2.8 or smaller. At wider apertures, the center of the frame maintains excellent sharpness, while the corners may show some softness, which can be mitigated by stopping down the aperture.
- At f/1.8, the center of the frame delivers sharp images with good detail, while the corners may exhibit some softness.
- At f/2.8, the sharpness improves significantly across the entire frame, making it an excellent choice for most shooting situations.
- At f/4 and beyond, the lens achieves peak sharpness, with exceptional detail and clarity across the entire frame.
Bokeh Characteristics, Sigma 18 35 1.8 review
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens produces pleasing bokeh with a smooth, creamy quality. The out-of-focus areas are rendered smoothly, with a pleasing transition from sharp to blurred areas. This effect is particularly noticeable at wider apertures, enhancing the subject separation and creating a pleasing aesthetic.
Chromatic Aberration and Distortion
While the lens exhibits minimal chromatic aberration and distortion, some may be present at wider apertures and focal lengths. However, these imperfections are generally well-controlled and can be easily corrected in post-processing.
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is a popular choice for photographers who need a versatile lens with excellent image quality. Its wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field and low-light shooting, making it ideal for portraits, landscapes, and street photography.
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- Lateral chromatic aberration (LoCA) is generally well-controlled, but may be noticeable at wider apertures and higher contrast areas.
- Distortion is minimal, with a slight pincushion distortion at wider focal lengths.
Image Quality Comparison
Compared to other popular lenses in the same price range, such as the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM and the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens offers superior sharpness, particularly at wider apertures.
The lens also excels in its bokeh quality, providing a smoother and more pleasing out-of-focus rendering than its competitors.
Build Quality and Design
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is renowned for its robust build and impressive design. It’s crafted with a blend of high-quality materials, reflecting Sigma’s commitment to producing durable and reliable optics.
Construction and Materials
The lens’s construction showcases a combination of materials that contribute to its overall strength and stability. The exterior is primarily composed of high-grade polycarbonate, a material known for its durability and lightweight properties. The lens mount is made of brass, ensuring a secure and robust connection to the camera body.
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is a popular choice for photographers seeking high image quality and versatility. Its wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field and low-light shooting, perfect for capturing stunning portraits and landscapes.
While the lens itself is an investment, it’s worth considering the overall cost of your photography setup. If you’re looking for a more affordable camera body to pair with this lens, you might want to explore options for a digital camera under $200.
This combination will allow you to achieve professional-looking results without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual needs and budget, but the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens remains a solid choice for photographers of all levels.
This combination of materials not only contributes to the lens’s overall weight but also enhances its resistance to impact and wear.
Autofocus Performance
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens boasts a powerful and accurate autofocus system driven by a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM). This technology enables fast and precise focusing, making it ideal for capturing dynamic subjects and fleeting moments. The HSM’s silent operation ensures minimal disturbance during shooting, particularly in quiet environments.
Weather Sealing and Dust Resistance
Designed to withstand challenging shooting conditions, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens incorporates a comprehensive weather sealing system. This system comprises multiple seals strategically placed throughout the lens barrel, effectively protecting it from dust, moisture, and light rain.
This feature enhances the lens’s longevity and reliability, enabling photographers to confidently use it in various weather conditions.
Size and Weight
While the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is a relatively large and heavy lens, it remains manageable for everyday use. It weighs approximately 750 grams, which is heavier than many comparable lenses in its class. This added weight is primarily due to the lens’s robust construction and its large aperture.
However, the lens’s balanced design and a comfortable grip make it relatively easy to handle, even for extended shooting sessions.
Performance and Usability
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens boasts impressive performance and usability, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of photographic endeavors. Its autofocus capabilities, handling, and overall ergonomics contribute significantly to its appeal.
Autofocus Performance
The lens’s autofocus system is powered by the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), known for its speed and precision. It consistently delivers fast and accurate autofocus in various lighting conditions. In bright daylight, the autofocus is lightning-fast, locking onto subjects with minimal hunting.
Even in low-light scenarios, the autofocus remains remarkably reliable, thanks to the lens’s ability to utilize the full aperture range for focusing.
Handling and Ergonomics
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is designed with user comfort and ease of use in mind. Its weight distribution is well-balanced, making it comfortable to hold and maneuver for extended periods. The zoom ring is smooth and responsive, allowing for precise adjustments.
The focus ring is also well-damped, providing a tactile and satisfying feel.
Lens Usage in Different Photography Styles
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens excels in various photographic genres.
Street Photography
Its wide aperture and fast autofocus make it ideal for capturing candid street moments. The lens’s compact size and lightweight design allow for discreet shooting, blending seamlessly into the urban environment.
Landscape Photography
The lens’s wide focal length range provides ample versatility for capturing expansive landscapes. Its sharp optics and excellent image quality ensure stunning detail and vibrant colors, even at the wider end of the zoom.
Portraiture
The lens’s shallow depth of field, achieved at wide apertures, is perfect for isolating subjects and creating pleasing bokeh. Its sharp rendering and accurate color reproduction enhance the overall quality of portraits.
Minimum Focusing Distance and Macro Capabilities
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens boasts a minimum focusing distance of 11.8 inches (30 cm). While not specifically designed as a macro lens, it offers decent close-up capabilities. At its shortest focal length of 18mm, the lens can achieve a maximum magnification of 1:5.5, allowing for detailed close-up shots of smaller subjects.
Pros and Cons: Sigma 18 35 1.8 Review
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens presents a compelling blend of advantages and disadvantages. This evaluation delves into its strengths and weaknesses, considering the lens’s price point to determine its overall value proposition.
Pros and Cons
The following table summarizes the key strengths and weaknesses of the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional Image Quality | Relatively Large and Heavy |
| Fast Maximum Aperture | Limited Zoom Range |
| Excellent Sharpness and Detail | Price Point |
| Superior Bokeh | Occasional Distortion |
| Weather Sealing | Limited Availability |
Exceptional Image Quality
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens consistently delivers exceptional image quality across its entire focal range. This lens exhibits remarkable sharpness and detail, particularly at wider apertures. The lens’s superior optical design effectively minimizes chromatic aberration and distortion, contributing to images with exceptional clarity and fidelity.
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is a versatile and popular choice for photographers seeking exceptional image quality and a wide aperture range. Its fast aperture allows for shallow depth of field, ideal for capturing stunning portraits and isolating subjects.
While the lens is renowned for its performance, it’s important to consider the differences between various camera systems. For instance, the Leica R19, available in both V1 and V2 versions, offers a distinct rangefinder experience. The comparison between these two versions can be insightful for photographers considering a Leica system, as it highlights the evolution of features and performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 and a Leica R19 depends on individual shooting preferences and desired aesthetics.
Fast Maximum Aperture
The lens’s constant f/1.8 maximum aperture provides significant flexibility for photographers. This wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field, enabling creative control over image composition and emphasizing subjects. The fast aperture also facilitates shooting in low-light conditions, capturing images with minimal noise and grain.
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art lens is a popular choice for photographers seeking a wide-aperture zoom for various genres, including real estate. Its constant f/1.8 aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field, ideal for capturing captivating interiors.
However, when specifically considering real estate photography, a wider focal length might be more suitable. For those shooting with a Nikon D90, the best lens for a Nikon D90 for real estate photography often falls within the 16-35mm range, allowing for wider perspectives and minimizing distortion.
While the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art lens is a versatile performer, a wider lens might be more beneficial for capturing the grandeur and spaciousness of real estate properties.
Excellent Sharpness and Detail
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is renowned for its exceptional sharpness and detail rendition. The lens’s high-quality optical elements and precise construction ensure sharp images with crisp edges and fine detail, even at wider apertures. This characteristic makes the lens well-suited for various photographic applications, including landscape, portrait, and street photography.
Superior Bokeh
The lens’s fast aperture and sophisticated optical design produce pleasing bokeh, the pleasing out-of-focus areas in an image. The smooth, creamy bokeh effectively isolates subjects and creates a visually appealing effect, particularly in portrait photography. The lens’s ability to render smooth and pleasing bokeh enhances the overall aesthetic quality of images.
Weather Sealing
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens features weather sealing, protecting it from the elements. This feature makes the lens suitable for use in various weather conditions, enhancing its durability and reliability. The weather sealing ensures that the lens can withstand moisture, dust, and other environmental factors, extending its lifespan and usability.
Relatively Large and Heavy
While the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens delivers exceptional performance, it is relatively large and heavy compared to other lenses in its class. This characteristic can make it cumbersome to carry for extended periods, particularly for photographers who prioritize portability.
The lens’s size and weight might be a consideration for photographers who require a more compact and lightweight setup.
Limited Zoom Range
The lens’s fixed zoom range of 18-35mm might limit its versatility for some photographers. The lens’s zoom range is suitable for various applications, including landscape, portrait, and street photography. However, photographers who require a wider zoom range might need to consider alternative lenses or multiple lenses to cover their desired focal lengths.
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens, with its impressive wide aperture and sharpness, is a popular choice for Sony E-mount cameras like the a7 II. To see the potential of this pairing, check out some stunning sony a7ii photo samples taken with this lens, showcasing its ability to capture detail and depth even in challenging lighting conditions.
This lens is a versatile tool for a wide range of photography, from landscapes to portraits, and the a7 II’s sensor complements its performance beautifully.
Price Point
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is positioned at a premium price point, reflecting its exceptional image quality and performance. While the lens offers significant value for photographers who prioritize image quality and creative flexibility, its price might be a barrier for some users, particularly those on a budget.
Occasional Distortion
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens exhibits minimal distortion, but it can be noticeable at the widest focal lengths. While the distortion is generally well-controlled, it can be corrected in post-processing if necessary. The lens’s occasional distortion is a minor drawback that can be mitigated with appropriate techniques.
Limited Availability
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is not widely available in all markets. This limited availability might be a challenge for some photographers, particularly those seeking to purchase the lens immediately. However, the lens is available through various authorized retailers and online marketplaces, making it accessible to most photographers.
Comparison with Competitors
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art lens stands out in the wide-angle zoom lens category, but it’s not the only contender. Several other manufacturers offer similar lenses with their own unique features and advantages. This section will delve into the key differences between the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 and its primary competitors, providing insights into their strengths and weaknesses.
Comparison with Other Wide-Angle Zoom Lenses
Understanding the specific needs and preferences of photographers is crucial when choosing a lens. This section will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each lens, highlighting the scenarios where each lens might excel. The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art lens competes with other wide-angle zoom lenses from brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Tamron.
These lenses offer various features and specifications, catering to different photographic needs and budgets.
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM:This lens boasts a wider focal range (16-35mm) and image stabilization, making it ideal for landscape and architectural photography. It offers a more compact and lightweight design compared to the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8. However, it has a slower maximum aperture (f/4), limiting its low-light performance and shallow depth of field capabilities.
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR:Similar to the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM, this lens provides a wider focal range and image stabilization. It also features a faster autofocus system and a more robust build quality. However, it shares the same limitations of a slower maximum aperture, making it less suitable for low-light photography or shallow depth of field effects.
- Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM:This lens offers a wider aperture (f/2.8) and excellent image quality, making it a popular choice for professional photographers. It also boasts exceptional autofocus performance and a dust and moisture-resistant design. However, it comes at a higher price point compared to the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8.
- Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD G2:This lens provides a wider focal range (17-35mm) and a fast maximum aperture (f/2.8) at the wide end. It offers a more affordable price point compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM. However, its image quality might not match the sharpness and detail of the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8.
The choice between these lenses ultimately depends on the specific needs and priorities of the photographer. For photographers who prioritize low-light performance and shallow depth of field, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art lens might be the best choice. However, for photographers who need a wider focal range or image stabilization, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM or the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR might be more suitable.
Conclusion
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens stands as a compelling option for photographers seeking a versatile, high-performance lens for various scenarios. Its exceptional image quality, coupled with a fast aperture and robust build, makes it an attractive choice for both professionals and enthusiasts.
Target Audience and Intended Use
This lens caters to a diverse audience, including:
- Professional photographers:The lens’s fast aperture and exceptional sharpness are invaluable for low-light photography, portraiture, and event coverage.
- Enthusiasts:The lens’s versatility and ease of use make it ideal for capturing a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to street photography.
- Videographers:The lens’s smooth aperture and focus ring contribute to cinematic-quality footage.
The lens’s wide zoom range, coupled with its fast aperture, provides the flexibility to adapt to different shooting situations, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.
Final Summary
In conclusion, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens emerges as a compelling choice for photographers seeking a versatile, high-performance lens. Its exceptional image quality, robust build, and fast aperture make it a valuable asset for capturing a wide array of subjects.
Whether you’re a professional seeking a reliable workhorse or an enthusiast looking to elevate your photography, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 deserves a place in your kit. Its ability to deliver stunning results across various genres, combined with its user-friendly design, makes it a truly remarkable lens that consistently exceeds expectations.