Sigma DC 1 Review: 2.8 18-50mm EX MACRO HSM

According provided by Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM lens (Nikon version) many thanks to the store www.fotika.com.ua, where can I find a huge number of different used photographic equipment with a guarantee from the store, Including similar lenses for Nikon cameras.

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM


Navigation

  1. Browse Navigation
  2. In short
  3. Pro version of HSM
  4. Main Specifications
  5. Assembly
  6. LOCK Button
  7. Focusing
  8. Image quality
  9. Sample Photos
  10. Alternatives
  11. My personal experience with the lens
  12. Results
  13. User Comments
  14. Add your review or question on the lens

In the review, the Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM lens I will abbreviate - Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro. This review shows the version for Nikon DX series cameras.

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

In short

The Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro is a professional high-aperture zoom lens of universal directivity with a very convenient range of focal lengths. Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro - Alternative for Original Super Lens Nikon 17-55 / 2.8G.

Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro (especially the HSM version) is a very attractive solution for little money. Probably the most balanced high-aperture station wagon without a stabilizer for cropped SLR cameras of different brands.

Choosing a versatile fast zoom lens is a very important step in the lives of countless photographers, especially those who have to shoot a variety of subjects. The Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro can be a reliable assistant for such tasks.

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Version + - 'HSM'

The Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro lens, introduced on September 30, 2006, was updated in 2007 to the Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro HSM version (with the 'HSM' prefix). The update has been implemented Only for Nikon cameras.

Differences between the old and new versions:

  • different names. The newer version for Nikon cameras in its name on the lens body has an additional prefix 'HSM'.
  • The new version has a built-in ultrasonic focusing motor. The first version for Nikon cameras did not have a focus motor at all
  • the new version has two additional marks 1: 4.7 and 1: 4.2 on the scale of magnification
  • the new version has an AF / M focus mode switch
  • the new version has 10 microprocessor pins, and 5 the old
  • new version available only for Nikon cameras, while the old version was produced for Sigma, Canon, Pentax and Sony
  • the retractable frame of the body (trunk) in the new version consists of 2 parts, in the older version the trunk of the lens was made in one single section. Perhaps it makes sense to highlight the Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro HSM not just as a modification of the Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro, but as a standalone version?
  • maybe there are other differences

Sigma has released updates many times for some lenses for Nikon cameras that incorporate an HSM motor. Sometimes updates were issued only for some other brand, for example, Canon. Because of this, sometimes very difficult to identify the lens model, especially, given the fact that the lenses were produced for different systems for different mounts and had some cosmetic improvements.

Trillions of versions and subversions of Sigma lenses drive me crazy.

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Main technical characteristics of Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM:

Review Instance Name The lens barrel bears the following inscriptions 'Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM', Ø 72 1022824 LENS MADE IN JAPAN
Basic properties
  • DC (Digital Camera) - the lens is designed for SLR cameras with an APS-C sensor, in this case it is an analogue 'Nikon DX'
  • EX (EXcellent) - the highest quality professional lens
  • LOCK - button for fixing the zoom ring at 18 mm.
  • HSM (Hyper Sabout nothing Motor) - ultrasonic focusing motor, in this case it is analogous to 'Nikon SWM'.
  • AF / M - simple focus mode switch
  • IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating - super multicoated optics
  • ASP (Aspenherical) - aspherical elements in the optical scheme
  • SLD (Special Low Dispersion) - special low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) - special low-dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • MACRO 0.2m / 0.65ft - scale for macro photography, it is possible to shoot at very small focusing distances with a maximum magnification of 0.33X
  • Lack of aperture control ring, analog 'Nikon G'
  • Bayonet hood included
  • 10 pins microprocessor
  • Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use
Front Filter Diameter 72 mm
Focal length 18-50 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 27-75 mm
Zoom ratio 2.78 X (usually rounded to 3)
Designed by for Nikon DX digital cameras, there are modifications for other systems (Sigma, Canon, Pentax, Sony, 4/3)
Number of aperture blades 7 petals
Tags focusing distance in meters and feet, focal lengths for 18, 24, 28, 35, 50 mm, mark of bayonet mount and mount / fix hood. There are zoom marks depending on the focal length:

  • 24 mm 1: 4.7
  • 28 mm 1: 4.2
  • 35 mm 1: 3.6
  • 50 mm 1: 3
Diaphragm control is via the camera menu (analog Nikon G - lens type) F / 2.8-F / 22 aperture over the entire focal length range
MDF 0.2 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 3
The weight 450 g
Optical design 15 elements in 13 groups. The scheme includes:

  • 2 aspherical ASP elements (one molded glass, one hybrid, shown in pink)
  • 1 low dispersion element SLD (shown in blue)
  • 1 low dispersion ELD element (shown in green)

sigma 18-50 2.8 macro hsm optical scheme

Lens hood Bayonet type, plastic, with the possibility of installation in transport mode
Manufacturer country LENS MADE IN JAPAN (Lens made in Japan)
Production period Since September 30, 2006. In 2007, the Nikon version gets an HSM motor. In February 2010 replaced by Sigma DC 17-50mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX OS HSM
Price

Typically, aperture wagons try to stand out from the gray mass of regular whale lenses of class 18-55 / 3.5-5.6 with a wider viewing angle, using focal lengths of 16 mm (Tokina 16-50 / 2.8, Sony 16-50 / 2.8, Pentax 16-50 / 2.8) or 17 mm (Nikon 17-55 / 2.8, Canon 17-55 / 2.8, Tamron 17-50 / 2.8) In this case, only Sigma makes fast aperture zooms with the widest possible angle of 18 mm (Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 EX, Sigma 18-35 / 1.8, Sigma 18-50 / 2.8-4.5) But a special difference between 16, 17, 18 mm can not be noticed.

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Assembly

Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro was made in Japan. To the touch the lens is pleasant, strong, weighty. The retractable frame of the body ('trunk') consists of 2 sections, which are quite durable, without any backlash.

All parts of the body, except the one on which the focus switch is located, are covered with characteristic Sigma velvet.

The plastic part of the case on which the focus focus switch is located is identical to the model Sigma DC 17-70mm 1: 2.8-4.5 MACRO HSM. At the same time, to the left of the focus mode switch there is an additional place on the panel, which is screwed with two screws. This place is in similar models. Sigma DC 17-50mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX OS HSM и Sigma DC 17-50mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX OS HSM (possibly others) is used to set the stabilizer control switch. It turns out such a unified production. Also, the design and body size of all similar Sigma lenses is the same or very similar. It also makes it easier for Sigma to control production and reduce the cost of components.

The lens has metal bayonet mount. The zoom and focus rings are rubberized. Changing the focal length runs smoothly.

There is a bayonet mount mark and a mark on the case for quick installation of the hood. The lens uses a plastic hood, which is fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the lens. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. In this position, access to the focus ring at 18 mm focal length is lost. When you change the focal length, the lens hood moves with the front of the lens.

When changing the focal length, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens body like a pump - it draws in and pushes out air. This behavior of the rear lens is called 'vacuum cleaner effect', which can increase the amount of dust that accumulates in the camera.

The number of aperture blades is 7 pieces, 2 additional blades (so that there are 9, as it should be for a top-class lens) they regretted. At the same time, they are slightly rounded and already form a heptagon on strongly covered diaphragms.

For Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro, the direction of rotation of the zoom and focus rings does not match the direction of the original Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm 1: 2.8G ED IF SWM.

Considered to be a premium quality professional lens. Many professional lenses use classic 77 mm filters, 72 and 82 mm - less often. Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro has 72 mm diameter filters. Subsequent update to Sigma DC 17-50mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX OS HSM the diameter of the filters was made by 77 mm.

I want to note separately that despite the good assembly of the Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro, the overall reliability of the lens is much inferior to the original metal monster Nikon 17-55 / 2.8G.

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Lock 'LOCK ′

Frame (trunk) of the Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro spontaneously changes its size under its own weight (perhaps this begins only with time). For example, when the camera is pointing up, the trunk of the lens spontaneously calls in (focal length decreases). On the lens case there is a focal length switch-lock 'LOCK' (the so-called 'lock'), which tightly locks focal length at a value of 18 mm.

To fix the trunk of the lens, you must first set the 18 mm focal length. Near the button there is a drawn arrow that indicates in which direction the switch should be moved to lock the lens.

The switch is located in a convenient place - under the thumb of the left hand, so the lens can be quickly and comfortably 'removed from the lock' before starting shooting.

The effect of spontaneous changes in focal length (trunk creep) in this lens is quite noticeable.

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Focusing

To focus, the lens uses a special ultrasonic focusing motor 'HSM' (Hyper Sonic Motor). Most likely this is a compact rather than a ring HSM motor. Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro will automatically focus on all Nikon DX cameras.

The emergence of HSM motors among the Sigma lens was partially facilitated by the output of cameras Nikon D40 in November 2006 and D40x in March 2007. Most often, for full compatibility with the new non-motorized model range, which spawned Nikon D40, in the cropped Sigma lenses with Nikon F mount they began to integrate the HSM motor.

When used on a camera Nikon D90 with unpretentious Multi-CAM 1000 focusing system the lens behaves well. I had no particular problems with focusing accuracy and tenacity. The lens clings well to the subjects being shot, rarely refocuses. The number of focusing misses is minimal.

Auto focus speed average, comfortable for the vast majority of photo tasks. Focus speed is slower than Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm 1: 2.8G ED IF SWM. Let me remind you that Nikon 17-55 / 2.8G so far it is the fastest original lens in the Nikon DX series (it uses a large and powerful ring SWM motor).

Focusing on the Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro internal - when focusing, neither the front nor the rear lens rotates, and the lens itself does not change its size when focusing. Sorry, but during auto focus focus ring rotates and cannot be touched. In such Nikon lenses, the focus ring remains stationary during auto focus.

In manual focus mode, the focus ring rotates 60 degrees. Manual focus is quite inconvenient. When extreme positions are reached, the focus ring abuts and cannot be rotated further.

The minimum focusing distance is only 20 cm (the distance from the camera’s matrix to the subject). With such an MDF, the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 3. it good indicator for a similar lens. Thus, the lens allows you to shoot a good amateur 'close'. On the retractable frame of the case there are labels indicating the maximum magnification factor for certain focal lengths (see plate with TX).

Important: during shooting with a maximum magnification of 1: 3, the distance from the subject to the front lens is about 3 cm. During shooting, you can hook the subject of the shot with the trunk of the lens. Very often during macro photography, the shadow of the trunk of the lens gets into the frame.

Important: when using a lens hood, you will not be able to achieve a maximum magnification of 1: 3, since the lens hood will abut against the subject.

Similar behavior during macro shooting is observed with the lens. Sigma DC 17-70mm 1: 2.8-4.5 MACRO HSM.

The lens has focus mode switch 'AF / M'. For manual focus, the lens must be switched to 'M' mode, otherwise the focus motor may be damaged. Unfortunately, unlike many Nikon lenses of this type, the Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro does not support continuous manual focus.

Focus Features:

  • There is little noise from autofocus.
  • There is a strong effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changing the viewing angle during focusing). During focusing towards MDF, the viewing angle increases. Partially small working distance during macro shooting is associated with this effect.
  • When changing the focal length, focusing is a bit confused.
  • Unknown compatibility with teleconverters.
  • Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro does not have hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens at infinity under any external conditions.
  • The lens has a focus distance scale with marks in meters and feet. The scale is plotted on the focus ring. The scale is very meager, on it there are marks for only 6 values ​​of the focusing distance (including 'infinity'). More advanced lenses usually use a scale in the form of a special window.
  • Focus shift (shift-focus) was not noticed.
  • Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro has no focus problems in Live View (tested on Nikon D90 ), but focuses slowly.
  • The lens transmits the focus distance to the subject in the camera (analog Nikon D, Nikon G).
  • The direction of rotation of the focus ring does not match the original Nikon 17-55 / 2.8G.
  • Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro is a third-party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some Nikon cameras. Details on this issue are considered by me. here.
Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Image quality

In general, Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro, as for a lens of its class, is optically not bad.

Sharpness

  • confident sharpness at open apertures in the center of the frame over the entire range of focal lengths
  • no noticeable drop in sharpness during zoom
  • poor sharpness at the edges of the frame at 18mm & f / 2.8
  • very weak picture in the corners of the frame at 18mm & f / 2.8
  • at the edges of the frame, sharpness becomes acceptable after f / 5.6
  • in the corners of the frame, sharpness becomes acceptable after F / 8.0
  • good / excellent resolution in the center of the frame on covered apertures (in the F / 4-F / 10 region) over the entire range of focal lengths

Distortion

  • the overall level of distortion is at a level typical for such lenses
  • pretty strong distortion only visible at 18 mm
  • distortion practically absent and imperceptible in the range of 24-50 mm
  • in the wide-angle range, the nature of the distortion barrel-shaped
  • the nature of distortion is unified, easily corrected in the editor

Vignetting

  • general level vignetting is at the level typical for such lenses
  • noticeable vignetting is observed over the entire range of focal lengths and F / 2.8
  • the strongest vignetting appears at 18mm & f / 2.8 when focusing on MDF
  • vignetting amplified with focus towards MDF
  • vignetting practically disappears at F / 4-F / 5.6
  • vignetting easily fixable in the editor

Aberration

  • on F / 2.8 there is a small amount of spherical aberrations that go away already with F / 3.5
  • the strongest chromatic aberration visible at 18mm & f / 2.8 at the edges and corners of the image
  • when closing to F / 4-F / 10 HA are slightly reduced
  • general level HA is at the level typical for such lenses

Rest

  • color rendering is neutral, possibly with a slight shift in warm colors
  • pronounced effect of a 14-ray star on strongly covered diaphragms
  • a small amount of glare in the backlight, a slight drop in contrast in the side light. Immunity is at the level typical for such lenses.

Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro was developed at a time when the number of megapixels on the camera was no more than 12 (Nikon D2x: 12 MP, produced since 2004). I do not think that the Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro would be the ideal solution for cameras with 24 or more megapixels. But, as practice has shown, even on such cameras, old lenses can behave themselves with dignity.

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sample Photos

Camera shots Nikon D90. The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, the conversion of the source RAW files by the original Nikon ViewNX-i utility without making additional adjustments.

Thank you for the set in the studio Msalena555. Photo in processing here, here и here.

Original '.NEF' (RAW) photos from the camera Nikon D90 can download from this link (470 Mb).

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

My experience

Repair masters say the Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro is mechanically much better than a classmate Tamron Aspherical LD ​​XR DI II SP AF 17-50mm 1: 2.8 [IF] A16.

As a result, the Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro (version HSM) is the best non-original solution of the aperture wagon with a constant F / 2.8 without a stabilizer for amateur Nikon DX cameras without a focus motor.

Sigma holds the record for the number of fast lens iterations, especially for Nikon cameras (there are about 5 of them). Ultimately, this affects the fact that each subsequent iteration can remove the flaws of the previous one and make the best possible lens. For example, Canon, Sony, Pentax and Tokina have only one such model (at the beginning of 2018).

I am pursuing the idea that a photographer should have one good fast all-rounder for a wide range of tasks. In the actual practice of a photographer, such a lens can often be very helpful, especially at certain stages of the development of the photographer. The station wagon is the basis with which you can 'survive' in almost any photo task. To this base, it is then worth adding other creative / artistic / special lenses of a narrower specialization.

Nevertheless, those who are looking for an inexpensive high-speed wagon, I recommend that you first look at the original lenses. After them, look at the versions with a stabilizer from third-party manufacturers, and there are not many of them. At the time of this writing, these are only Sigma DC 17-50mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX OS HSM (highly recommend this lens) and Tamron Di II SP 17-50mm F / 2.8 VC B005.

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM


All fast universal zoom lenses

Below is a list of all such aperture-type universal zoom autofocus lenses for SLR and mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor or less.

Tokina (DX, various mounts)

  1. Tokina AT-X PRO SD 16-50 F2.8 DX Internal Focus, model AT-X 165 PRO DX, for Canon (C/EF version) and Nikon (N/AIS version), from July 2006. Optical design is the same as Pentax SMC DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM

Tamron (DI II, DI III-A, various mounts)

  1. Tamron Aspherical LD ​​XR DI II SP AF 17-50 mm 1: 2.8 [IF], model A16 N / E / P / S (under Nikon [N], Canon [E], Pentax [P], Sony / Minolta [S]), since February 2006. Produced in Japan, China and Vietnam
  2. promaster DIGITAL XR EDO AF Ashperical LD ​​[IF] 17-50 mm 1: 2.8 MACROprevious lens under the brand Promaster
  3. Tamron Aspherical LD ​​XR DI II SP AF 17-50 mm 1: 2.8 [IF], model A16 NII (only for Nikon cameras), since March 2008
  4. Tamron Di II SP 17-50 mm F / 2.8 VC B005, model B005 E / NII (for Canon [E] or Nikon [NII]), from September 2009, Japan or China)
  5. Tamron 17-70 mm F / 2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Model B070, Model B070, Sony E only, from December 2020

Sigma (DC, different mounts)

With constant maximum aperture (DC EX and DC ART series):

  1. Sigma DC ZOOM 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX (+ -D), since July 2004, for Sigma SA, Nikon F, Canon EFS, Pentax K. The version for the '4/3' system has been available since February 2006 (not mass-produced). The version for Nikon in its name includes the prefix 'D'.
  2. Sigma dc 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO, from September 2006, for Sigma SA, Nikon F, Canon EFS, Pentax K
  3. Sigma dc 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM, since June 2007, for Nikon DX cameras only (Nikon F mount)
  4. Sigma dc 17-50mm 1: 2.8 ZOOM EXOS HSM, from February 2010, for Sigma SA, Nikon F, Canon EFS, Pentax K, Sony / Minotla A
  5. Sigma dc 18-35mm F1.8 A [ART, HSM], from April 2013, for Sigma SA, Nikon F, Canon EFS, Pentax K, Sony / Minotla A
  6. SIGMA DC 18-50 mm 1: 2.8 DN C [Contemporary], since Oct 2021, for Sony E, Leica L

With variable maximum aperture (DC and DC Contemporary series):

  1. Sigma dc 17-70mm 1:2.8-4.5, February 2006, for Sigma SA, Nikon F, Canon EFS, Pentax K, Sony / Minotla A
  2. Sigma dc 17-70mm 1:2.8-4.5 MACRO HSM, from July 2007, for Nikon DX cameras only (Nikon F mount)
  3. Sigma dc 17-70mm 1:2.8-4 MACRO HSM OS, from December 2009, for Sigma SA, Nikon F, Canon EFS, Pentax K, Sony / Minotla A
  4. Sigma dc 17-70mm 1:2.8-4 C, [MACRO, OS, HSM, Contemporary], from September 2012, for Sigma SA, Nikon F, Canon EFS, Pentax K, Sony / Minotla A
  5. Sigma dc 18-50mm 1:2.8-4.5 HSM OS ZOOM, from March 2009, for Sigma SA, Nikon F, Canon EFS, Pentax K, Sony / Minotla A

Nikon (DX, F mount)

  1. Nikon DX VR AF-S Nikkor 16-80mm 1:2.8-4E ED N, Nikon F mount, from July 2015
  2. Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm 1: 2.8G ED IF SWM, Nikon F mount, from July 2003

Pentax (DA, Q, K and Q mounts)

  1. Pentax SMC DA * 16-50 mm 1:2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM, Pentax KAF2 mount, since February 2007. Optical design is similar to the lens Tokina AT-X PRO SD 16-50 F2.8 DX Internal Focus (joint development of Tokina and Pentax)
  2. HD PENTAX-DA * 1: 2.8 16-50 mm ED PLMAW, from July 2021, Pentax KAF4 mount
  3. HD Pentax-DA 1: 2.8-4 20-40 mm ED Limited DC WR, Pentax KAF3 mount, black or silver body, from November 2013
  4. SMC Pentax 1: 2.8-4.5 5-15 mm ED AL [IF] [LENS 02], Pentax Q mount (crop factor Kf=5.53X or Kf=4.65X)

Canon (EFS, EF-S mount)

  1. Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 17-55mm 1: 2.8 IS USM (Image Sabilizer, Ulstrasonic, EFS), Canon EF-S mount, since May 2006

Sony (DT, A and E mounts)

  1. Sony DT 2.8/16-50 SSM, Sony A mount (Minolta A), since August 2011
  2. Sony E 2.8/16-55G, Sony E bayonet mount, from August 2019

Fujifilm(X)

  1. Fujinon Ashperical Lens Nano-GI XF 16-55mm 1: 2.8 R LM WR, Fujifilm X mount, since January 2015
  2. Fujinon Ashperical Lens Super EBC XF 18-55mm 1:2.8-4 RLM OIS, Fujifilm X mount, September 2012

Samsung (NX)

  1. Samsung lens 1: 2-2.8 S 16-50 mm ED OIS i-Function, Samsung NX mount, since January 2014

Olympus/Panasonic/Leica/Yongnuo (4/3, Micro 4/3, Kf=2X)

Mirrored 4/3:

  1. OLYMPUS ZUIKO Digital 11-22 mm 1:2.8-3.5, from February 2004
  2. OLYMPUS Digital 14-54 mm 1:2.8-3.5, from June 2003
  3. OLYMPUS Digital 14-54 mm 1:2.8-3.5 II, from November 2008
  4. OLYMPUS ZUIKO Digital 14-35 mm 1: 2 ED SWDsince January 2005
  5. Panasonic Lumix LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 1: 2.8-3.5 /14-50 ASPH. MEGA OIS, from July 2006

Mirrorless Micro 4/3:

  1. OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-40 mm 1:2.8 PRO, since October 2013
  2. Panasonic Lumix Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25 mm f / 1.7 ASPH.since May 2019
  3. LUMIX G VARIO 1: 2.8 /12-35 ASPH. POWER OIS, since June 2012, in March 2017 an improved sub-version is released (outwardly they do not differ in any way)
  4. Panasonic Lumix Leica DG Vario-ELMARIT 1: 2.8-4.0 /12-60 ASPH., since March 2017
  5. Yongnuo 12-35 F2.8-4 STM ASPH, since April 2023

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM

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Results

The Sigma 18-50 / 2.8 Macro is a balanced all-rounder. The model is outdated, but still is a worthy candidate as a fast zoom for a wide range of photo tasks.

Advantages

  1. low cost in the secondary market (especially compared to Nikon 17-55 / 2.8G)
  2. convenient set of focal lengths
  3. rear mount lens hood
  4. metal mount, rubberized focus and zoom rings. Soul Warming Marking 'EX'
  5. lock for fixing the lens in position 18 mm
  6. special optical elements in the optical circuit (Sigma SLD, ELD, ASP)
  7. good maximum magnification ratio for macro shooting, which is 1: 3
  8. ultrasonic built-in focus motor
  9. not slow focusing (comfortable for work)
  10. focus type internal
  11. lack of focus-shift during iris
  12. constant maximum relative aperture of 1: 2.8 over the entire range of focal lengths
  13. the presence of a lens profile in most popular RAW converters (certainly there is in ACR, Lightroom)
  14. good optical performance (good sharpness on covered apertures in the center of the frame, normal sharpness on open apertures in the center of the frame, other parameters are within the normal range for this kind of lens)

Disadvantages

  1. very small distance from the subject to the front lens during macro photography
  2. in the vast majority of cases, it will be impossible to perform macro shooting at the maximum possible scale for the lens with the lens hood attached (lens hood rests on the subject)
  3. the direction of rotation of the focus ring and zoom does not match the original similar lens Nikon 17-55 / 2.8G
  4. large enough diameter for light filters (72 mm)
  5. small stroke of the focus ring, insufficiently convenient manual focus
  6. lack of dust and moisture protection (critical for a professional lens)
  7. rotation of the focus ring during auto focus. Lack of continuous manual focus control
  8. no depth of field scale and tags for working in the infrared spectrum. The focus distance scale is not made in the form of a window, but is simply applied to the focus ring
  9. rear lens movement while changing the focal length, small effect of a vacuum cleaner / air pump
  10. not even enough hole aperture on covered diaphragms
  11. there may be incompatibility with some cameras and / or teleconverters (no exact data)
  12. lack of data about the lens in modern cameras, which makes it difficult to automatically correct some types of distortion (distortion, vignetting etc.)
  13. lack of updating to the version with the HSM focusing motor for cameras Canon, Sigma, Sony, Pentax, 4/3. The difficulty of identifying the version of the lens
  14. palpable barrel-shaped distortion 18 mm focal length, tangible vignetting 18 mm focal length, poor resolution at 18 mm in the corners of the frame on open apertures, noticeable glare in backlight

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Michael

 

 

Comments: 45, on the topic: Sigma DC 1 review: 2.8 18-50mm EX MACRO HSM

  • Alexey

    For my money, a completely normal lens. Thank you for the review.

    • Andrei

      I totally agree.

  • Zed

    It's just fucking how much Niccor 17-55 / 2.8g costs. It seems that it is made of precious metals by Japanese anime schoolgirls.
    Sigma 17-50 / 2.8 EX is very cheap compared to Nikkor.
    PS Beautiful tummy of the model ~ aww ~ :-)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The new 16-80 / 2.8-4E is not much cheaper.

  • anonym

    Model!…….)

  • Michael

    Arkady, this proposal is not clear: "A similar behavior during macro shooting is observed with the Sigma DC 18-50mm 1: 2.8 EX MACRO HSM lens." Maybe there should be a different lens? Are we talking about this?
    Thanks for the review!

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Fixed

  • scif

    Well oooooochen, very similar to sigma 24-70 2.8 EX

  • Vadim Berezin

    Interesting review. Yuzal several similar lenses, incl. tamron 17-50, nikkor 17-50, sigma 17-50, sigma 18-35. Most of all liked the 18-35 1.8, just an optical masterpiece. But it had an extremely unpleasant feature - it focused where it should be stably only in daylight. Incandescent lamps, fluorescent - anywhere, but not where it should be. Cameras 7000, 7100, 18-35 on d600 and 610 in the range 28-35, the same bullshit. Only the LP helped out.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The arts of something with the Nikons in terms of focus are not very friendly.

      • Michael

        With canons, too, problems with focus

  • Nicholas

    Thanks for the review, as always on the level.
    Is there a chance to see a review on the Sigma DG 17-35 f2.8-4?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      There is always a chance :) I will try.

  • Michael R

    Arkady, thank you so much for the topic!
    I looked very closely at this particular lens - but there were no sensible reviews anywhere
    Don't consider it boring - but I just want to clarify for myself
    You write: "The number of focusing misses is minimal."
    Is this compared to what? After all, everywhere they write that lenses of third-party manufacturers "smear" much more often
    How would you rate the number of misses of this Sigma compared to Tamron and of course Nikon
    similar focal lengths

    • Arkady Shapoval

      In my hands, Tamron 17-50 / 2.8 VC and tamron 17-50 / 2.8 XR with and without a motor do not smear at all, but there the focus speed is not so hot. This sigma with 1000 frames at about 50 frames clearly missed.
      If in general, then there are no problems. Perhaps, different cameras may have their own characteristics, as well as features with one or another mode and focusing method.

  • Vadim Berezin

    It seemed to me that sigmo zooms work more stable on older cameras. Starting from 7000 kmk, taking a sigmo zoom is just crazy. Fixes are worth considering, zooms are more reliable in terms of af in tamroeea. But this is only my experience

    • Arkady Shapoval

      That is why I write “Lens from a third party manufacturer. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some Nikon cameras ”

  • Molchanov Yuri

    Thanks for the interesting review. Personal opinion on the Sigma velvet finish:
    it seemed to me unnecessary nonsense making it difficult to clean the lens with a simple napkin.
    And now, when Sigma Art tries to slip out of my hands when changing the lens on the street, I warmly recall the old coating. Moreover, it was not so difficult to clean.
    But it seems they will not return to this.

  • Ilya

    The review, as always, is excellent. Interesting and useful. Thank you for such a job.
    Dealt with two Sigmas for Nikon: 17-70 f / 2.8-4 and 20mm f / 1.8. Sigma 17-70 is really very similar to the lens from the review. Heavy and very pleasant to the touch. But not as sharp as the Nikkor 17-55, which I bought later (I'm glad so far). And Sigma 20mm really washed on open diaphragms, and after selling it I decided not to mess with sigma (at least for a long time), I have experience of communicating with different Tamrons - so they seemed a bit sharper.

  • Vitaly U.

    I'll put in my “five cents”) Yesterday I received a package from “Fotika” with this Sigma (I suspect that the glass is from this review)). I took it as a wagon for the last remaining crop from Nikon: d50 and Fuji C5Pro (F bayonet). On both chambers the glass works very, very well. On Propyatka from 40-50mm frontal, but this is a problem of the camera (“proprietary disease”, not treated in any way), sharp at d50 with 2.8 (in the center) at all focal points. Boke is unpretentious IMHO, in comparison with the same boring half-line G (at 2.8) there is simply nothing. I think the ability to shoot macro is not a bad bonus. There is no “wow” effect from the lens, but it also “won't spoil the furrow”). The construct does not cause concerns, everything is reliable. Here's to fixing the hood in the stowed position, there are questions: it is kept on parole ... not solid) As a staff for a crop that is needed (I consider spending $ 600 for a used Nikkor 17-55 a waste of money). Special thanks to Arkady for the review!

  • seva8698

    For three years I used this Sigma on the D300 and D7100. An excellent lens for normal money.
    Optically I liked it more than Sigma 17-50. At 2.8 the edges and corners were full. As a staffer, I recommend it.

    • Alex

      I did not like the lens, very weak sharpness

  • Vladimir

    Thanks to Arkady for the review, everything is extensively and concisely laid out. Recently I got this sigma for myself, and here are the impressions: the Nikon D7000 is flying normally (the focus is clear, rarely refocusing, the picture is decent, the sharpness at 2.8 by 50mm is normal, by 24-35 mm a little better). It’s solid to look at the camera, just the middle ground between huge and very small zooms. The quality of the assembly, while also satisfied. I haven’t been in a serious battle yet, but in a couple of days I’ll shoot him to the maximum, and if the nuances come out I will share it in comments.

  • Roma

    I sold Tamron 18-50 vc on the nikon d7000 is pretty solid, I want to take this sigma, what do you say?

  • UstasFritZZZ

    Hi fellow hobby / profession! Such a question: will this lens work correctly on the Nikon D7500? There is a good offer, but not sure whether to take it. But I can’t check it live, because they sell glass in another city.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, the d7500 should work as expected, but better add money and take the version with the stabilizer

  • Alexander

    Arkady thank you very much for the review. True, there is a question. What gives one mm 17-50 or 18 = 50 or 17-50 better build quality ????

    • Michael

      17-50 newer and has a stabilizer

    • Arkady Shapoval

      17-50 is a completely different lens, with a different circuit, stabilizer and more. This is not a 1 mm question, but the question is that 17-50 and 18-50 are two different generations of similar lenses from Sigma.

  • Roman

    Arkady, thanks for the review. A lot of useful information about an already forgotten lens seems to be.
    This is my dilemma. I own a D5100 with a 35mm fix, I am happy with everything except that you always need to run legs and in this connection there was a desire to purchase Sigma 17-50 f / 2.8.
    Duck, the new lens has somehow sharply risen in price and now costs 28-30 thousand in greedy chain stores.
    I was looking for a used one, but for some reason no one is selling, apparently 17-50 is quite good, since everyone is holding onto it like that. Searches for a long time are not crowned with success, so I decided to look at this miracle.
    Still, your opinion, is it worth overpaying for a 17-50 let used / 18-50 worthy competitor and work exactly like 17-50 for 100%?

    Thank you in advance :)

    • Alex

      If suddenly it is still relevant - I recently tested 18-50 and 17-50. As a result, I bought myself exactly 18-50 - yes, there is no stub and it is much more difficult to shoot at long exposures, but otherwise I liked 18-50 more. The trunk does not fall out, the sharpness is in order. After the whale, the lens is weighty and solid in appearance, the aperture is much better, autofocus works faster. I am more than satisfied with the purchase, so I recommend it if the question is still relevant.

    • Denis

      sell used. and more
      on ebay the price of a new 18 tyr. if you wait, you can wait 25% of the discount and take for 16

  • Maria

    I want to know if there is an analog of the expected lens for a full frame on Nikon?

  • Nanachi

    Can such a lens be mounted on a full-frame nikon d610? What alternative for full frame can you advise?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Good afternoon, you can, but not desirable. Take a look at Tamron 28-75 / 2.8, there you will find a list of all alternatives.

    • Artyom

      On the D610, autofocus does not work.

      • Artyom

        If anyone is interested - I rolled back the firmware on the D610 to 1.01 - now it works)

  • Alexander

    I wanted to take a used one at a good price. I twisted it in my hands, liked it in terms of construction, heavy, well assembled. I shot at a target, at 18 more or less, at 50mm, the front focus is very strong, behind the DOF zone. Even in leave viev mode, autofocus does not even try to move. Nikon d5300 carcass. I understand that the camera is conditionally new for this lens. Maybe someone will come in handy infa.

  • Alexey

    I bought such a lens today. Still going. Only he is without a hood. I want to buy it. How to identify it? What to ask Google to get the result? Thanks to Arkady for a wonderful review!

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Should fit LH780-03 from 17-70

  • Denis

    Perhaps I will repeat myself, but I could not decide. 18-50 or 17-50? Which is better? Carcass 7200.
    The price for a used + is the same. I read the reviews of both lenses and did not dare. I understand that 17-50 is newer + stub, but judging by the comments they write that 18-50 is more reliable and the picture seems to be better. Are there those who compared these glasses with each other? Thanks in advance for your reply. Thanks to the author for the reviews, I read for hours

    • Victor

      The price for a used one is still not the same)) At 18-50 spins in the region of 8-10 sput, at 17-50 from 15..16. And 18-50 is more reliable, oddly enough due to the absence of the notorious, not the most reliable, stub))

  • Artyom

    Lens gun. I've been using it for almost 8 years on my D90. There is also nikkor 35mm 1.8G
    I find it more pleasant to use sigma than 35tka. Universal, sharp at 2.8 and chromatic aberrations are simply SEVERAL less than at 35tk. In short, the 35tka just sits there 90% of the time.

  • Matthew

    Thanks for the review, I’m looking at this lens, the Canon version, to replace the whale.

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