Sigma 18-50mm f3.5-5.6 DC HSM

Overview

Zoom lens that designed to suit the characteristics of digital cameras.

Exclusively designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras.
The Image circle was designed to match the size of the image sensors of most digital SLR cameras and this has resulted in a compact lightweight lens. The use of aspherical lenses provides correction for various aberrations and makes high quality images a reality throughout the entire zoom range. Corresponding AF Mounts: SIGMA SA mount, NIKON mount, CANON mount, PENTAX mount.

Compact-Lightweight zoom lens
Compact-Lightweight zoom lens has a maximum diameter of 62mm (2.4in.), overall length of 67.5mm (2.6in.) and weight of only 250gr (8.7 ounces) and filter size of 58mm. Compact dimensions offers superb handling and mobility. The use of aspherical lenses provides correction for various aberrations throughout the entire zoom range and produce high level of optical performance.

Exclusively designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras.
We took digital characteristics into consideration when designing the lens power layout and created the most suitable lens that makes high quality images a reality throughout the entire zoom range. We used the most appropriate Coating for digital products to cut down flare and ghost caused by digital SLR cameras and to produce the best Color balance. It can be used with the supplied lens hood to block out extraneous light.

Very convenient lens design
18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC zoom lens has a minimum focusing distance of 25cm (9.8in.) at all focal lengths and is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5. The focus ring provides easy operation in manual mode. A distance scale on the focus ring is an easy to use and convenient addition.
* Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.

Lens Specifications

Generic Lens Specifications

Lens Type: Zoom
IS / VR / OS: None
Min Focal length (mm): 18
Max Focal Length (mm): 50
Number of Elements: 8
Element Groups: 8
Max Aperture: 3.5
Minimum Aperture: 22
Diaphragm Blades: 7
Closest Focus Distance (m): 0.25
Maximum Magnification: 1.35
Filter Type: Screw In
Filter Diameter (mm): 58
Diameter at widest (mm): 69
Lens Length (mm): 60
Weight (g): 250

Details

How to read MTF chart

MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) is one of the measurements that evaluates a lens' performance, and it Contrast sensitivity at different spatial frequencies.
The horizontal axis is in millimeters and shows the distance from the center of the image toward the edges, and contrast value (highest value is 1) is shown in the vertical axis.

The readings at 10 lines per millimeter measure the lens's contrast ability (red lines), repeating fine parallel lines spaced at 30 lines per millimeter measure the lens' sharpness ability (green lines), when the aperture is wide open.
Fine repeating line sets are created parallel to a diagonal line running from corner to corner of the frame, are called Sagittal lines (S) and sets of repeating lines vertical to these lines are drawn, called Meridional (M) line sets.

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Field of View of this lens

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User Lens Reviews

Average user rating from: 4 user(s)


Overall rating (weighted)		3.7
Sharpness		4.3
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		2.8
Value for Money		3.8

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Good starting point, but..., Saturday, 18 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		2.8
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		3.0
AF Speed		2.0
Value for Money		2.0

The lens is a Bit better than the kit lenses from Canon, it has a nice finish, includes the hood, and a metal mount. On the other hand the image quality is Ok for amateur use, but if you care about image quality; the lens will disappoint you.

Even if the focus is spot on, and you're using a tripod the lens is very soft. The colors and contrast cannot be compared to other more expensive lenses.

So overall, better than the kit lens, but don't expect great pics from this lens.

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Price and Performance = 5 Stars, Tuesday, 12 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.5
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		4.0

Simply put, I am completely satisfied with this lens. It was affordable, it works like it should and I use it almost everyday. I love it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Good Cheap Lenses !!, Saturday, 02 February 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		2.8
Sharpness		3.0
Build Quality		3.0
AF Speed		1.0
Value for Money		4.0

A good replacement for the Canon 18-55mm Standard Lens to be used on cameras that don't support EF-S lentes (i.e. EOS 10D)
I've bought this lenses a month ago, and it's really useful for outdoor photography, it works really fine !!

When used indoor in low light conditions you must use a flash, because of the f/3.5-5.6 making them a slow lenses, but it's Ok for the price !

For Amateur use I highly recommend it.

If you're looking for fast lens this is not the option... look for another f/2.8 or wide aperture lenses but you must expend 4 times this amount of money...

Why should you care what I think?

My relationship with this item: I own it
Where did you buy this item?: Chesters
Price paid: 110
When did you buy this item?: 2004

Conclusions at a glance

Would you recommend this Item: Yes
Pros: Cheap,
Cons: Slow

Good Cheap Lenses !!, Wednesday, 15 December 2004


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		5.0