This was the first lens that I started out with. However, I didn't pick the Sigma 18-50/2.8 EX DC on its own merits, but because many had compared it favorably with the Nikkor 17-55/2.8 DX. I still think it was a solid choice, and I even made a user report (http://hackyourtoys.blogspot.com/2006/04/sigma-18-50mm-f28-ex-dc-af-lens-user.html) to convince myself of that fact! :D

Then over the weekend I had the chance to try out a 17-55/2.8 DX! It wasn't nearly as heavy or massive as I thought it would be, instead it felt purposeful, well-built, and overwall a serious lens. As for the image quality, I didn't get the chance to shoot enough photos to decide how much better it was than the 18-50, and maybe that's for the best! :D

Even so, my convictions about the 18-50/2.8 have sadly taken a hit! Anyone care to share their Sigma 18-50/2.8 photos to restore my faith? :)

I'll start:

http://static.flickr.com/44/176882412_ebb92befb0.jpg

Hi Gerry, question is... would you buy this again? I'm looking for an affordable f2.8 and thinking about this and the Sigma 24-60, 24-70 and 28-70 2.8's. I would be doing mostly indoor concerts and party functions (without flash). Which is the the best among them?

Well, I need the wide end for what I shoot so it's either the 18-50 or the 24-70. But I'm wary of the 24-70 because of the sample variation and focus issues. If I could be sure to get a copy that didn't have focus issues it would still be a toss-up, really. I'd still lean towards the 18-50 for the wide end. I seem to be able to get by for the longer end at 50mm for events.

If you're doing indoor concerts you'll need the long end of the 24-70. It's still better to get a telephoto or even a teleprime to complement your midzoom, whichever you choose. Personally I chose the 18-50 for the wide end.

hi gerry,

would you have any anecdotes about the focusing speed of the 18-50mm and 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses? From the various reviews i've read, the 18-50mm isn't a slowpoke for a non-HSM lens kasi. any chance you've tried te 24-70mm? :D

hi gerry,

would you have any anecdotes about the focusing speed of the 18-50mm and 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses? From the various reviews i've read, the 18-50mm isn't a slowpoke for a non-HSM lens kasi. any chance you've tried te 24-70mm? :D

Hi Chewy, my friend Raymund has the 24-70mm. The focusing speed is acceptable, I've seen how the 18-50mm focuses and it's probably a tad faster. The main issue is it's noisy - kinda like a grinding sound.

i had the 18-50 for a short while but had to sell it coz it had a serious front focus problem. i guess i;ve got a bad copy but it was fun to use indoors at its wide setting.

Hi Gerry, question is... would you buy this again? I'm looking for an affordable f2.8 and thinking about this and the Sigma 24-60, 24-70 and 28-70 2.8's. I would be doing mostly indoor concerts and party functions (without flash). Which is the the best among them?

hi marty,

here's one of my take from the 24-60mm

http://static.flickr.com/80/238121151_fc4d53203d.jpg

the copy I got is sharp all throughout. Unfortunately, the AF is not really that accurate in daylight but surprisingly good at lowlight, so at most, I have to do manual focusing in daylight!