Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Review

July 9, 2013 | Mark Goldstein | Rating star Rating star Rating star Rating star Rating star

Conclusion

On paper the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM effectively replaces fast 28mm, 35mm and 50mm equivalent optics in your camera bag, saving space and money whilst offering the convenience of a zoom lens. In reality, this new lens more than lives up to its promise, with acceptable sharpness wide-open at F1.8, excellent build quality, lovely bokeh and fast and quiet auto-focusing, all at a surprisingly affordable price.

The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is a fast and tack-sharp lens from F2.8 onwards, and one that exhibits low chromatic aberrations. Vignetting at wide-open apertures and barrel distortion at 28mm are the only real optical issues of note, something that other fast wide lenses also suffer from, and stopping down to F4 solves the light fall-off problem altogether.

Build quality is also excellent, with the brass lens mount and sober all-black design adding to the high-quality feel, and Sigma have even generously included a very good lens hood and padded case. The internal HSM focusing was very quick on the Canon EOS 700D that we tested the lens with, and manual focus over-ride at any time is a great feature.

Even the price of the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is attractive, significantly undercutting the purchase of several equivalent prime lenses, whilst offering excellent image quality and the convenience of a zoom. If you don't mind losing the longer focal lengths of the typical standard zoom lens, then the new Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is an essential purchase for APS-C DSLR owners.

5 stars

Ratings (out of 5)
Design 4.5
Features 4.5
Ease-of-use 5
Image quality 5
Value for money 5