Yet Another Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Review and Sample Pics (slrgear, shockingly sharp images)

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM
Adorama | B&H | DigitalRev

slrgear reviewed a pre-production model of the awesome Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens, the first to give you a constant f/1.8 across the zoom range, and at an affordable price ($799). An “an incredible lens at an amazing price” that’s “shockingly sharp”. I am sure this will be the most interesting lens this year (and easily also next year). Can’t wait to have it. Simply speaking: Sigma made everything right with this lens!

Some excerpts from the review:

• This is an amazingly sharp lens, even wide open at ƒ/1.8, which is typically not the case with very wide-aperture lenses.
• The Sigma does quite well in controlling chromatic aberration
• […] well-controlled vignetting
• […] distortion is nicely controlled, although not eliminated altogether
• The Sigma 18-35mm lens autofocuses very quickly, racking from closest focus to infinity in about 1 second
• […] build quality of this lens seems excellent

Sample pics shot with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 can be seen on Imaging Resource’s Flickr page. Conclusion:

The Sigma 18-35mm ƒ/1.8 DC HSM “A” lens packs a big punch in features and image quality without a big punch to the wallet. Shockingly sharp images at all apertures, even at ƒ/1.8, with excellent flatness of field and good control over chromatic aberration, distortion and vignetting make this lens a no-brainer for users of APS-C cameras looking to upgrade from their kit lens.

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM specs:

• Aperture Range: f/1.8-16
• Fast Constant Maximum Aperture
• Designed for APS-C-Sized Sensors
• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 28.8-56mm
• Hyper Sonic AF Motor
• Internal Focusing and Zoom Design
• One Aspherical Element and SLD Glass
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Canon EF Lens Mount
• Compatible with Sigma USB Dock