This lens just arrived - now available here locally. I was wondering who has tested or purchased this lens. I might go to JTPhoto to try it out but nothing beats actual owners getting some real world shots.

Just wanted to share a response from a dpreview poster about how this lens fares.

here's my post in dpreview...
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&thread=21593522

and here's the sample shots

http://www.pbase.com/wembly/sigma_1850mm_f28_ex_dc_macro_testshots


Very impressive indeed!

http://www.pbase.com/kocho/tamron_vs_sigma_28

Hi Marty,

Basta EX series ng sigma maganda as for a photog friend. Medyo short nga lang ang 18-50. Meron ka pala ng 85nikkor. I'll be getting the 24-70/2.8 and the 12-24. Sana pwede terms sa JT.

Hi Marty,

Basta EX series ng sigma maganda as for a photog friend. Medyo short nga lang ang 18-50. Meron ka pala ng 85nikkor. I'll be getting the 24-70/2.8 and the 12-24. Sana pwede terms sa JT.

just got dis lens last week at jt. was suppose to get it in terms (0% int) but they said that terms are no longer offerred. SHAZAM! i got d lens anyway heheheh...

was thinking of getting the 24-70 2.8 since it already has good performance reviews, but i needed the 18mm at the wide end more so i got this lens instead. no regrets. d lens is sharp and the 1:3 macro magnification really comes in handy... i also like the warm colors from sigma lenses.

sample shot:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/345972218_9d953a7469.jpg
f/3.2 1/25sec
50mm

I already have the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 EX and I love it. Pero I miss the 18mm. Thanks for the sample shot. mukang ok if I also have this lens

I was waiting for this lens to finally hit our shores. It'd complement my 50-150 very nicely. How much is it? I know the old non-macro version was about P23500 at JTPhoto.

26500 i believe. anyone thinking of buying? let's buy in bulk for discounts - i hope.

Nice shot. I have the sigma 24-70 EX but i feel i need the 18mm too. I am thinking to get the 18-50 ex macro or wait for the tokina 16-50. But i think the macro version is nicer. Well, il just wait for the Photoworld this Feb. for the discounts and to see what other lens will be released.

Just got my Sigma 18-50 2.8 Ex macro lens from JT Photo this Thursday.
Here is a shot I took at OWG on March 29,2007. No post processing done. Image converted to low resolution.
Canon 350D; @f/4.0; 40mm; ISO:800; 1/100s
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/cacsounds/Sigma18502.jpg

Testing the Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC macro.
Canon 350D; @2.8; 33mm; ISO:800; 1/60s
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/cacsounds/backfocus.jpg

@wena,
since it backfocuses, will JT re-calibrate it?

The focus was set on the bag. So i think that's perfectly alright. No calibration needed since the lens is working great. I had another shot where i focused on the lens box and it focused where i wanted also. :)

i think it was for 21,000 at Jtt. A guy bought one there while I was buying an expedition 3. that time, he was still able to get it with terms.

The Sigma 2.8 EX DC macro is P23,500 at JT Photo.
Here's another test shot taken at OWG.
Using Canon 350D; Sigma 2.8 EX DC macro
@f/4.0; 31mm; 160s; ISO: 800
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/cacsounds/Sigma2.jpg

@Marty,
Im planning to get the 10-20mm next month at JT.

My good friend tipped me off abt this lens. I only had to pick from 2 lenses the tarmon 28-70mm and the sigma 18-50mm. I wanted the wider lens and macro so the sigma won me over. I just got 1 today and used it at the Manila Autoshow and its impressive. TAke note, when you get your 18-55 make sure you try at least 3 copies. They only let me try 2 and the other 1 seems to underexpose so I just chose the better copy. Hopefully I wont have any focusing issues w/ this lens even if its got warranty its such a hassle to go back and forth and have it repaired. Downside is that they wont replace the lens but they wil repair it just in case theres are issues w/ it.

crop only
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2895/classicbenzzi7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/cacsounds/Sigma18-50f4.jpg
Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC Macro; canon 350D; Canon 580Ex
ISO: 400, flash used
@f/4.0; 46mm

23500 at JT...no problems whatsoever

Just got my Sigma 18-50 2.8 Ex macro lens from JT Photo this Thursday.
Here is a shot I took at OWG on March 29,2007. No post processing done. Image converted to low resolution.
Canon 350D; @f/4.0; 40mm; ISO:800; 1/100s
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/cacsounds/Sigma18502.jpg

Hi Wena... I was there too. I like ur shots...sharp and contrasty. Can I post my shots too side by side with URs so we can compare. I used my 18-200 mmVR on the D 40.:)

Hi Wena... I was there too. I like ur shots...sharp and contrasty. Can I post my shots too side by side with URs so we can compare. I used my 18-200 mmVR on the D 40.:)

ok. you may post your pics side by side with mine. I also posted my most recent test shots of Sigma 18-50 2.8 macro (unprocessed and original large files) at my flickr site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rowenaphotography

I was suppose to test it side by side w/ an 18-200mm vr but owner of the Vr didnt want. He said that it beat an L lens in a review so he said theres no need to do a comparison. Sabagay, Its for diff use so we just ended up testing both our lenses. Conclusion, hes going to get himself a sigma but says hed still keep the 18-200 Vr. I think he just went to Jt photo today and got himeself 1. All I can say is that this lens can hang side by side w/ the big boys.

I was debating between the Sigma 18-50 and the Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS, normally I would go for the Canon but in this case the price difference was just too much. The Sigma cost 23.5k while the Canon was at 56k, I thought to myself that 30k difference for the IS was too much.

In the end, you get what you pay for and so far I'm getting much more than what I paid for the Sigma.

I also wanted to get the canon 17-55 IS but for the price of P53-56k for an EFS lens i would rather get a Canon L lens perhaps a 70-400 L IS or a 17-40L which is also full-frame compatible.

ok. you may post your pics side by side with mine. I also posted my most recent test shots of Sigma 18-50 2.8 macro (unprocessed and original large files) at my flickr site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rowenaphotography

Hi Rowena....Thanks for sharing your pictures. You can view my shots from the OWGs session at this link:http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=4916&page=13 and at this one:http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=4916&page=16.
Hope you have a nice and peaceful Holy Week.:)

Just got my Sigma 18-50 2.8 Ex macro lens from JT Photo this Thursday.
Here is a shot I took at OWG on March 29,2007. No post processing done. Image converted to low resolution.
Canon 350D; @f/4.0; 40mm; ISO:800; 1/100s
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/cacsounds/Sigma18502.jpg

Mam, what happens to your sigma 24-70mm f2.8 lens. Do you retain it or let go in favor of the sigma 18-50mm f2.8?:)

Got a 5D and my sigma 18-50 vignettes but the 24-70 2.8 works good. Since i got a nice ( THE only full frame DSLR for now) body, might as well dispose of the 3rd party lenses and buy the important ones. 16-35mm L f2.8, 17-40mm L f4 and go Canon na rin. Now i gotta work harder to buy my toys....

--------------------------------
PS3
XBOX 360
PSP
Nintendo Wii
Nintendo DS
--------------------------------
Analog

Zenit 3M
Hasselblad 501
Mamiya 528 AL
Canonet QL 17
Nikon FE10
Nikon F60
Minolta Dynax 300

Digital

Canon 400D
Canon 30D
Canon 5D
Canon Powershot g7
Canon Ixus T-900
Leica D-Lux 3
Minox Digital Classic leica M3

Mam, what happens to your sigma 24-70mm f2.8 lens. Do you retain it or let go in favor of the sigma 18-50mm f2.8?:)

I already sold my Sigma 24-70 2.8 because i realized i needed the wider 18-50 2.8 for events and I find the 24-70 2.8 a bit heavier too for walk-around. Although i do miss having the 50-70mm for portraits. Anyway, I plan to get a 70-200 2.8 later on to complement my 18-50.

hey guys do u know how much the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 EX DG is? and is it a good lens?

Got a 5D and my sigma 18-50 vignettes but the 24-70 2.8 works good. Since i got a nice ( THE only full frame DSLR for now) body, might as well dispose of the 3rd party lenses and buy the important ones. 16-35mm L f2.8, 17-40mm L f4 and go Canon na rin. Now i gotta work harder to buy my toys....


i think the sigma is a DC so it works better for cropped slr's not for full frame

Ano difference ng EX series and non-EX Series? I know that the DG series are designed for Digital SLRS...

Ano difference ng EX series and non-EX Series? I know that the DG series are designed for Digital SLRS...

DG is for both full frame and smaller sized sensors while DC is for smaller sensors; i guess similar to EF and EF-S lenses of Canon

for the others go to:

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses.asp (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses.asp)

hello to all sigma 18-50 2.8 users. is this lens sharp at 2.8 i have noticed that some sample photos were shot at f4.

The Sigma lens is sharp has fast Autofocus. You can check out the latest review here, http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/4118/lens-test-sigma-18-50mm-f28-ex-dc-macro.html

As expected, SQF tests found sharpness and contrast in the Excellent range at all focal lengths.
For tabletop shooters who like to reach out from the camera position to reposition or otherwise manipulate their subject, this 1:3 macro is probably the closestfocusing lens in its class. In all, it's a stellar performer, and significantly better by virtually all optical benchmarks than its predecessor, or, for that matter, competitors such as Nikon's comparable 17-55mm f/2.8.
Hope this helps.

I used to have this lense & if it wasn't for it's Front focus problem I would have kept it :(
http://www.dcfever.com/photosharing/photos/20060401/l752601144495298.jpg

The Sigma lens is sharp has fast Autofocus. You can check out the latest review here, http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/4118/lens-test-sigma-18-50mm-f28-ex-dc-macro.html

As expected, SQF tests found sharpness and contrast in the Excellent range at all focal lengths.
For tabletop shooters who like to reach out from the camera position to reposition or otherwise manipulate their subject, this 1:3 macro is probably the closestfocusing lens in its class. In all, it's a stellar performer, and significantly better by virtually all optical benchmarks than its predecessor, or, for that matter, competitors such as Nikon's comparable 17-55mm f/2.8.
Hope this helps. thanks very much i'm having lot of thoughts on getting this lens...

I used to have this lense & if it wasn't for it's Front focus problem I would have kept it :(
http://www.dcfever.com/photosharing/photos/20060401/l752601144495298.jpg it is the same macro version? i believe the macro version is the new one...

The Sigma lens is sharp has fast Autofocus. You can check out the latest review here, http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/4118/lens-test-sigma-18-50mm-f28-ex-dc-macro.html

As expected, SQF tests found sharpness and contrast in the Excellent range at all focal lengths.
For tabletop shooters who like to reach out from the camera position to reposition or otherwise manipulate their subject, this 1:3 macro is probably the closestfocusing lens in its class. In all, it's a stellar performer, and significantly better by virtually all optical benchmarks than its predecessor, or, for that matter, competitors such as Nikon's comparable 17-55mm f/2.8.
Hope this helps. have you also tested this lens by yourself?

Ano difference ng EX series and non-EX Series? I know that the DG series are designed for Digital SLRS... ex series have wider aperture opening than the ones not.

@Glen
have you also tested this lens by yourself?
Yes, I have this Sigma 18-50 2.8 macro. You can check some of the shots i took using this sigma at my multiply or flickr site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rowenaphotography/sets/72157600190195273/ :)

ex series have wider aperture opening than the ones not.

EX is more of Sigma's classification of finishing

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses.asp (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses.asp)

@Glen
have you also tested this lens by yourself?
Yes, I have this Sigma 18-50 2.8 macro. You can check some of the shots i took using this sigma at my multiply or flickr site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rowenaphotography/sets/72157600190195273/ :) ok thanks very much for the info.

EX is more of Sigma's classification of finishing

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses.asp (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses.asp) quite true but still notice that all ex have wide aperture opening compared to their others lines. examples: sigma 18 - 50 ex f 2.8 and 18 - 50 f 3.5-5.6, 70-200 ex f2.8 and 70-300 f 4-5.6, 24-70 ex f2.8 , 24-60 ex f2.8, 28-70 ex f2.8, 20-40 ex f2.8, 12-24ex f 4.5-5.6 anyway i'm sorry if i was wrong about it...

A couple of questions...

I'm now based in Sing, and have asked around for this lens and on average, the cheapest I've found was $750 sing or P22,500. Is it cheaper in JT?

Second, is it true that the DC series (or lenses that say "For Digital") will negate the crop factor? Meaning, the 18-50 really is 18-50 not 28.8-80mm on a 1.6 crop sensor? That's the explanation the salesperson told me when I asked what the difference is between the DC model and the non-macro/non-DC model.

Thanks

A couple of questions...

Second, is it true that the DC series (or lenses that say "For Digital") will negate the crop factor? Meaning, the 18-50 really is 18-50 not 28.8-80mm on a 1.6 crop sensor? That's the explanation the salesperson told me when I asked what the difference is between the DC model and the non-macro/non-DC model.

Thanks


no. this simply means that the size of the image projected on the sensor is smaller than the size of a full-frame

I'm now based in Sing, and have asked around for this lens and on average, the cheapest I've found was $750 sing or P22,500. Is it cheaper in JT?


i got mine for 23k at jt...so small difference

I dunno if this is helpful, I have this lens and upon fitting it on my 5D I found out it has a real big circular vignette, like a peephole. It can't be used full frame on a full frame sensor. So in essence it's a fake 18mm.

Any one experience softness with this lens? I've just notice that.

btw, share ko lang some photos I took with this lens

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterglass/sets/72157600212245521/

Francis: DC tagged Sigma lenses are designed for cropped sensors only hence the vignetting issue with full-frame cams...

Marty: Yeah, found that out yesterday when reading reviews... hehe, friggin saleman.

I dunno if this is helpful, I have this lens and upon fitting it on my 5D I found out it has a real big circular vignette, like a peephole. It can't be used full frame on a full frame sensor. So in essence it's a fake 18mm.

it is a DC lens, meaning it is for cropped sensors, not FF... you can still use it w/ your 400D and 30D. for FF use the DG series of sigma

@glen, i think it's more of a coincidence....my 10-20 is an EX and it's max opening is from 4-5.6

I will be purchasing a lens in this zoom range this week... i got 3 choices the tokina 16-50 2.8(not yet available) the Tamron 17-50 2.8 and the Sigma 18-50 2.8 Macro.


To those who own this lens, is the macro feature a useful feature in this lens? The reviews say that the Tammy is sharper, but if I cant find one, then Sigma is my only choice left.

Finally got this lens last time I was in Manila... And although it's not fantastic, it's still very good. A bit soft at f2.8 at 50mm on longer distances, but at portrait distances it's still very sharp. This lens has been on my camera since I bought it, and it hardly leaves my D80. I'm loving it so far.... up until I get my Nikkor 17-55. :)

Sample image: repost from another thread (http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=6680)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1228/673908066_6a17dccb74.jpg

Tested both Tamron and Sigma offerings, I found the Tamron to be sharper and has a tad bit better saturation... Although I've only tested 2 units.

I just love this lens... Yup, it's not perfect but so far it's my favorite lens on my lineup...

for an ad...
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1361/636921305_66d28c03c5.jpg

Did another food shoot yesterday, the client needed square crops hence the image below. Just resized to 800x800, no sharpening... check out how sharp this lens it... wow!

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/p_jaena/DSC_4055.jpg

Did another food shoot yesterday, the client needed square crops hence the image below. Just resized to 800x800, no sharpening... check out how sharp this lens it... wow!

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/p_jaena/DSC_4055.jpg



wow!!! nice shot peter! :) dat shot made me wanna grab some coffee to go with it.. yummy stuff! nice sharp lens :)

dang, i want the middle blueberry one hehehe

taken with sigma 18-50mm

Hi guys. Is this Sigma's latest with HSM? Thanks for the info :Grin:

Hi guys. Is this Sigma's latest with HSM? Thanks for the info :Grin:

Not yet, it's comming pa lang... damn!!! I want one, hehehe. I'm addicted to my 18-50 2.8... tsk tsk. I wonder if I can still sell this. :Grin:

sarap ng muffin! :D spam's planning to get one too. go spammy! :)

hi! i've a newbie question regarding macro lenses. does it mean that you can only use this lens for macro/close-up shots? or can you also use this as a regular walkaround lens (e.g. landscape, portrait, etc)? what about for other types of macro lenses (e.g. nikkor 105mm vr), does it also mean that they are only for macro, or also for macro?

hi! i've a newbie question regarding macro lenses. does it mean that you can only use this lens for macro/close-up shots? or can you also use this as a regular walkaround lens (e.g. landscape, portrait, etc)? what about for other types of macro lenses (e.g. nikkor 105mm vr), does it also mean that they are only for macro, or also for macro?

Nope, they can also be used for different purposes. Generally when you say macro lens, it means that it can focus on a subject at very close distances compared to normal lenses. Inherently also, macro lenses tend to be sharper too. But of course not all the time. :)

ok thanks for the info peter! :)

Not yet, it's comming pa lang... damn!!! I want one, hehehe. I'm addicted to my 18-50 2.8... tsk tsk. I wonder if I can still sell this. :Grin:

How much?:)

What advantages will the new sigma 18-50 mm f2.8 macro hsm have ove rthe one without hsm?

What advantages will the new sigma 18-50 mm f2.8 macro hsm have ove rthe one without hsm?

well, it supposedly focuses faster and quieter.. and you can use autofocus on a d40/x. other than that i guess there is really no need to upgrade if you have the non-hsm.

OK. Thanks for the info.

Hello Guys,

Here is my review of the new sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX Macro lens.

After reading the incredible review of this sigma lens in DPP fashion issue. I decided to buy this as my first non canon lens.

I was in hongkong a few days ago. I met Tony Leung. FYI a very nice guy. And purchased The new Sigma 18-50 F2.8 EX Macro lens from him on my first day.
It was my first sigma. It was big, beautiful and impressive looking and seemed built well. Its casing, box, lens, finishes, bag exuded a impression of quality.

The lens is fine when taking pictures during the daytime. Slightly soft but pwede na. but at night when you need the 2.8 feature it really dissapointed me. My copy seemed to focus very softly. Macro mode seems to focus softly as well. Manual mode improved the focus but only slightly.
I spent my first night in hongkong tinkering with the lens. I couldnt see the improvement in pictures over my 18-55 canon kit lens.It also had problems with night shots. It would not focus it it was not brightly lit. (eg. hotel hallway at night with overhead lights)I thought Iwas a really bad photographer. I decided in the morning that it was the sigma that was bad. I called Tony Leung and informed him of my problem and he said he would replace it.

The 2nd Sigma lens was still soft and had the same focusing problems of the 1st lens.
What a hassle. Tony Leung said that sigmas tended to focus slightly soft. He offered e to try out a Tamrom 17-50mm that he claimed was sharper. I tried it out and was really sharper than the 2 sigmas (Just like my Canon Kit Lens) in outdoor situations. Indoors it was Sharper than the sigma but still slighty soft. An improvement yes but still not enough to make me purchase it. The cheap-looking exterior fit & finish of the tamrom betrays its price and made me question its long term reliability.

In the end I decided to stick to my Canon Kit 18-55mm lens. Despite some bad reviews i found it to be sharp, light and reliable. If the 16-50 tokina comes out, I would check it out but for now the Canon kit lens stays in my camera.

Still on the lookout for the cheaper version of Canons 17-55mm 2.8 IS lens

Hello Guys,

Here is my review of the new sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX Macro lens.

After reading the incredible review of this sigma lens in DPP fashion issue. I decided to buy this as my first non canon lens.

I was in hongkong a few days ago. I met Tony Leung. FYI a very nice guy. And purchased The new Sigma 18-50 F2.8 EX Macro lens from him on my first day.
It was my first sigma. It was big, beautiful and impressive looking and seemed built well. Its casing, box, lens, finishes, bag exuded a impression of quality.

The lens is fine when taking pictures during the daytime. Slightly soft but pwede na. but at night when you need the 2.8 feature it really dissapointed me. My copy seemed to focus very softly. Macro mode seems to focus softly as well. Manual mode improved the focus but only slightly.
I spent my first night in hongkong tinkering with the lens. I couldnt see the improvement in pictures over my 18-55 canon kit lens.It also had problems with night shots. It would not focus it it was not brightly lit. (eg. hotel hallway at night with overhead lights)I thought Iwas a really bad photographer. I decided in the morning that it was the sigma that was bad. I called Tony Leung and informed him of my problem and he said he would replace it.

The 2nd Sigma lens was still soft and had the same focusing problems of the 1st lens.
What a hassle. Tony Leung said that sigmas tended to focus slightly soft. He offered e to try out a Tamrom 17-50mm that he claimed was sharper. I tried it out and was really sharper than the 2 sigmas (Just like my Canon Kit Lens) in outdoor situations. Indoors it was Sharper than the sigma but still slighty soft. An improvement yes but still not enough to make me purchase it. The cheap-looking exterior fit & finish of the tamrom betrays its price and made me question its long term reliability.

In the end I decided to stick to my Canon Kit 18-55mm lens. Despite some bad reviews i found it to be sharp, light and reliable. If the 16-50 tokina comes out, I would check it out but for now the Canon kit lens stays in my camera.

Still on the lookout for the cheaper version of Canons 17-55mm 2.8 IS lens

Hi ....almost bought that 18-50 mm f/2.8 too, but I opted for the Sigma 30 mm f/1.4. Its ok with me because its a prime lens and it has a wider aperture than the 2.8s. BTW. did U pump up the ISO when U were shooting in dark places? Some times I do that when Im not contented with the exposure and metering. Its sad to hear that the Sigmas 18-50 did NOT live up as to UR expectations ( after several trials). But there are some guys here in DPP who are well satisfied and contented with it ( I hope they share their experiences with you). In fact its out stock in JT Photoshop. Well what can U say its a 3rd party lens...there is no way comapring it with the BRANDED lens....but at least its a budget alternative. As they say " different folks...different strokes". Happy shooting:)

Hi! Which has noisier AF, canon 18-55 kit lens or sigma 18-50 EX Macro? Since canon mounts doesn't have HSM.

Not yet, it's comming pa lang... damn!!! I want one, hehehe. I'm addicted to my 18-50 2.8... tsk tsk. I wonder if I can still sell this. :Grin:

Peter... how much for your lens? serious buyer here! hhehee

I was at JT Photo earlier with a plan to purchase this lense. As usual, Joy and the rest of the gang are very accomodating. I got there before the rain, and I went home after the rain and instead a D40 battery was in my hand.

Joy gave me 2 units immediately, both of which has front focusing issue, one was really way off. The third unit was super soft at f2.8, and the fourth unit was the best of the bunch but not better than my kit lense even at f4. I was really frustrated, they even gave me Dunkin Donuts. The customer service is damn great, but I didn't got a copy I could say WOW!

:(

Peter... how much for your lens? serious buyer here! hhehee

Marvin! You can afford to buy brand new, hehehe. Why oh why would you wanna buy mine?? :Grin:


Taken w/ a Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2342734980_eb188932fa.jpg

I was at JT Photo earlier with a plan to purchase this lense. As usual, Joy and the rest of the gang are very accomodating. I got there before the rain, and I went home after the rain and instead a D40 battery was in my hand.

Joy gave me 2 units immediately, both of which has front focusing issue, one was really way off. The third unit was super soft at f2.8, and the fourth unit was the best of the bunch but not better than my kit lense even at f4. I was really frustrated, they even gave me Dunkin Donuts. The customer service is damn great, but I didn't got a copy I could say WOW!

:(

you could've chosen one and had them recalibrate it.

wow...this thread helped me in making up my mind in buying this. :D

Marvin! You can afford to buy brand new, hehehe. Why oh why would you wanna buy mine?? :Grin:


Taken w/ a Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX


Below is the reason why ... :Grin:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2342734980_eb188932fa.jpg


I don't have to worry about testing it... coz im sure about its sharpness....and it came from you...

hi!

how long they do recalibrate the lens?

im planning to buy one within the week but reading thru the post here that you have to test 3 to 4 lenses or more to get a good copy.... and the fact that i have no experience in checking how sharp is a lens. :(

cant they calibrate those lenses that were previously tried by other customers before they give it again to new customers for checking?

recalibration takes 2-3 days. As Diego said in one the threads, if the owner is their then he can calibrate it for an hour or 2.

do they do calibration in the pedro gil branch?

Cornell - No, service and main showroom is at makati but you can leave your lens at p. gil for servicing.

Im still waiting for my copy i bought via ebay. Now im getting worried if what i got is a good one. Do they calibrate sigma lenses which are not bought from them?

Im still waiting for my copy i bought via ebay. Now im getting worried if what i got is a good one. Do they calibrate sigma lenses which are not bought from them?

Yes they do Alain, don't worry. :)

Rice and More....

Taken with Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX Macro
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/2644565422_2bf7b1e055.jpg

Wow... nice pic, Peter. Very yummy, suffice it to say...

Going through this thread has me all confused. I thought I was all set on a Tamron 17-50 as my next upgrade but the Sigma 18-50 is making a strong argument for itself.

Wow... nice pic, Peter. Very yummy, suffice it to say...

Going through this thread has me all confused. I thought I was all set on a Tamron 17-50 as my next upgrade but the Sigma 18-50 is making a strong argument for itself.

Thanks Paolo. Just as long as you try out the lens at JTPhoto 1st to ensure that there are no fron/back focus issues... If you asked me, this lens is better than the Tamron... Sigma 18-50, has better Bokeh, 1:3 Macro, significantly better build, faster quieter HSM(AFS), less AF hunting in low light. :)

Just got my lens 2 weeks ago from JTPhoto. I was choosing between the 18-50 2.8 & the 17-70 2.8-4.5. It was a close call, I decided to go for constant aperture vs the 20mm extra reach. Took me 3 samples before choosing.

I was initially considering the tamron but the focusing speed and build quality of the sigma won me over. This completes my Sigma trinity, 10-20 4-5.6, 18-50 2.8 & 70-200 2.8. Overall IQ is good, soft wide open, at 3.2 onwards it rocks.

Just got my lens 2 weeks ago from JTPhoto. I was choosing between the 18-50 2.8 & the 17-70 2.8-4.5. It was a close call, I decided to go for constant aperture vs the 20mm extra reach. Took me 3 samples before choosing.

I was initially considering the tamron but the focusing speed and build quality of the sigma won me over. This is completes my Sigma trinity, 10-20 4-5.6, 18-50 2.8 & 70-200 2.8. Overall IQ is good, soft wide open, at 3.2 onwards it rocks.

Congrats on your latest purchase... Give it a month or 2 Nat, you'll notice the lens gets sharper as you continue using it. Funny sounding as it is, my copy was very soft wide open at 50mm in the beginning... now it's very good, all that without doing any calibration. But I'm not really sure, my copy might be a freak one, hehee. :D

Imagine a self-calibrating lens. hahaha :D Knowing the limitations of my gear and working around it is part the fun.

Nat - almost the same line-up, have the 18-50 & 70-200 2.8s too! But I want a fast wide lens hence no 10-20

Thanks Paolo. Just as long as you try out the lens at JTPhoto 1st to ensure that there are no fron/back focus issues... If you asked me, this lens is better than the Tamron... Sigma 18-50, has better Bokeh, 1:3 Macro, significantly better build, faster quieter HSM(AFS), less AF hunting in low light. :)

Thanks for the info, Peter. Right now, I've dropped the Tamron from my list. Tried a pretty sharp copy from a friend of mine and although it did well with sufficient light, AF took a major dive in lowlight (kinda the reason why I wanted a constant 2.8). Plus the lack of a local service center swayed me as well. Think I'll drop by Pedro Gil sometime soon :)

Just got this lens today! There was a slight front focus on the two copies brought out, however thanks to Jerome Tan (who calibrated it on the spot) my new lens is working great! Can't wait to give it a road test this weekend!

Nat - almost the same line-up, have the 18-50 & 70-200 2.8s too! But I want a fast wide lens hence no 10-20

I haven't browsed this thread in quite a while. Wide 2.8 that would have to be the Tokina 11-16 2.8. That's 1 piece of sharp very sharp glass.:Grin:

How do you know if you have a front focusing or back focusing problem?

I haven't browsed this thread in quite a while. Wide 2.8 that would have to be the Tokina 11-16 2.8. That's 1 piece of sharp very sharp glass.:Grin:

Nat - Correct! That's the lens I'm aiming for but the price has gone up so I'll just have to wait. I'll use my fisheye for those wide shots for now.

How do you know if you have a front focusing or back focusing problem?

This link might help you: http://focustestchart.com/chart.html

I didn't have one handy when I was trying out the lens, so I just used the store's price list:D.

Thanks for the info, Peter. Right now, I've dropped the Tamron from my list. Tried a pretty sharp copy from a friend of mine and although it did well with sufficient light, AF took a major dive in lowlight (kinda the reason why I wanted a constant 2.8). Plus the lack of a local service center swayed me as well. Think I'll drop by Pedro Gil sometime soon :)

Your'e welcome bro... Congrats on your new lens. Mine has served me very well. Too well in fact that I still can't push myself to upgrade to a Nikkor hehe. Post some pics! :)

I recently got my 18-50 2.8 MACRO, Im impressed with my lens, it can focus so close to take macro shots.

Is buying an extension tube can make the subject magnified? or will it just make the focusing distance closer? I want to shoot macro and make the subject appear big. or will close up lens will do?

I had tried a 50mm with aperture ring and full manual extension tube and was impressed! the problem now is the sigma has no aperture ring, will the full manual ET still work?

I recently got my 18-50 2.8 MACRO, Im impressed with my lens, it can focus so close to take macro shots.

Is buying an extension tube can make the subject magnified? or will it just make the focusing distance closer? I want to shoot macro and make the subject appear big. or will close up lens will do?

I had tried a 50mm with aperture ring and full manual extension tube and was impressed! the problem now is the sigma has no aperture ring, will the full manual ET still work?

No, it won't work. This lens is 1:3 macro magnification. If you want 1:1, it's better to get a dedicated Macro lens for that purpose... Ex. Micro Nikkor 60mm 2.8 & 105 2.8 or Sigma 50mm 2.8 macro or Sigma 70mm 2.8 macro.

do you mean it wont work on the full manual or all extension tubes? How about the Kenko ext tubes that has electric contact with the lens? and how about closeup lens?

I dont want to spend huge amount for macro lenses. Masakit na sa bulsa hehe

Im thinking of swapping my sigma 18-50 macro to a nikkor 60mm micro. Is it advisable to trade it to a dedicated macro? I love this lens its so flexible I can use it on anything and everyday use. I also love taking macro shots. konti lang ba ang difference nila? If i trade my sigma I dont have a standard lens anymore and i have to buy myself an 18-55 kit lens.

Im thinking of swapping my sigma 18-50 macro to a nikkor 60mm micro. Is it advisable to trade it to a dedicated macro? I love this lens its so flexible I can use it on anything and everyday use. I also love taking macro shots. konti lang ba ang difference nila? If i trade my sigma I dont have a standard lens anymore and i have to buy myself an 18-55 kit lens.

Are you planning on shooting very small objects most of the time? That's the only reason I would see to make you swap out your 18-50. Kit lens 18-55, it's sharp but is not a constant 2.8 anymore. So unless you're going insect or jewelry macro, I won't advice you to do what you're planning. 1:3 is already pretty good for most macro shots. :)

Is this the same as Sigma 18-50 mm f/2.8 DC EX HSM Macro (nikon mount), I'm planning to buy one but kinda confused with and w/out HSM.

Yes very much the same. This is an old thread which HSM was not available yet.

Yes very much the same. This is an old thread which HSM was not available yet.

Thanks alain. :)