Sigma 18-50 F2.8 HSM

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ian T
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Ian T

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I did have a thread elsewhere about faster lenses, but thought I'd start a new one. I have a nifty fifty, but it just isn't wide enough a lot of the time. Also, I tend to shoot at F2.2 and F2.8 when I want to photograph people, so this is the lens I'm considering. I don't want to spend a fortune as a) I can't justify it and b) the lens is going to be used in some hostile environments where damage is very likely. (sidenote: yes, perhaps I should get some insurance)

Anyway, I'm after opinions people have on this lens, or alternatives. I've heard that Tamron do one (17-50 I think) which is meant to be fairly good. I think the Nikon equivalents will work out far too expensive.

Ideally the lens needs to be 18mm at the wide end, no smaller than F2.8, and quick focusing (the HSM is really selling the Sigma for me).
 
I can vouch for the Tamron version - it's very sharp even at 2.8... Not as sharp as a 50mm F1.8 when set to 2.8 though, but still sharper wide open than most. I have to say, I've never noticed slow focusing with it either - the worst that happens for me is I under-expose at wide angles.

It has a lovely bokeh and is amazing at F4. A friend has the 24-70mm sigma 2.8 and I'm quite happy I chose the tamron over that (it doesn't look as beefy or expensive, but it's the glass that bothers me) - I have to admit I didn't expect such high quality considering my financial outlay.

why not go visit jessops and play with them all? :)
 
The Sigma is a good lens, VERY VERY contrasty (well, mine was). The Tamron version also, I believe, gets a very good write-up.

Cheers,
James
 
I have this exact lens. Not many people seem to realise an HSM version was released.

I'm very happy with the results. :)
 
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