The HSM systme has been incorporated into this large aperture standard zoom 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO. This lens is capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras ( inculding the D40 and D40x). Aspherical lens, SLD lens and ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) provide high picture quality throughout the entire zoom range. Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.
Layer Coating and lens power layout provide high picture quality throughout the entire zoom range.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/images/upload/18_50mm28HSM_NA_small.jpg

Any idea when will this available locally and how much?

Oh my!!!! the 18-50mm 1st and 2nd generation are awesome lenses what more w/ hsm. Wow!!! It doesn't get any better than this. :)

Question, is the "macro" tag more of a close-focus mechanism or a real macro setting?

interesting model... thats another lens to worry about when buying in that range... how much is it here?

now this is worth the buy!

Lets wait and see...

wow. i hope the HSM version becomes available soon. :) i wonder if the price is still the same?

Just bought this yesterday from tony of New Sankyo for HKD 3,400. have yet to test it

can you please post some pics taken using this lens? thanks

Hi Gabriel :Grin: Here are a few sample shots from the 18-50mm. So far, its output has pleased me (a weekend photog and newbie).

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1326/1171424524_f47be1a57a.jpg

Camera: Nikon D40 (http://www.flickr.com/cameras/nikon/d40/)
Exposure: 1/60
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal Length: 50 mm


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1008/1170575849_ee99f72eee.jpg

Camera: Nikon D40 (http://www.flickr.com/cameras/nikon/d40/)
Exposure: 1/60
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 50 mm


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1038/1164425995_5084b36293.jpg

Camera: Nikon D40 (http://www.flickr.com/cameras/nikon/d40/)
Exposure: 1/4
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 40 mm


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1134/1164400997_c1d594f977.jpg

Camera: Nikon D40 (http://www.flickr.com/cameras/nikon/d40/)
Exposure: 1/15
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm

@jill: is this the HSM version you used here? i noticed kasi na d40. haha. so how much is it locally? the lens has also nice bokeh. :)

@jill: is this the HSM version you used here? i noticed kasi na d40. haha. so how much is it locally? the lens has also nice bokeh. :)

Yes Gabriel :Grin: It's the HSM version. We checked with JT Photo 3 weeks ago and it wasn't available yet. Luckily, my hubby was ably to pick one up in HK for HKD 3,400 (or roughly PHP 20,400). Ones with international warranty were available but for more bucks. The non-HSM version is listed at PHP 23,500 at JT.

i see. well i hope it becomes available soon :Grin: since the non-HSM version is priced at 23.5k.. i guess the HSM one would be a bit pricey.. :(

Nice sample shots Jill..... Looks like aside from the HSM, the characteristics are still the same. Kinda soft at 2.8 at 50mm.... but its OK!!! I just love this lens. :)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1218/962487156_239887caab.jpg

Nice sample shots Jill..... Looks like aside from the HSM, the characteristics are still the same. Kinda soft at 2.8 at 50mm.... but its OK!!! I just love this lens. :)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1218/962487156_239887caab.jpg

Wow Peter. It's amazing how're you're able to make this piece of glass really work for you! :Grin:

i wonder when will this lens become available at quiapo...

could you post some 100% crops of the HSM version at different F-stops? :)

any update on this? i'd love to see crops at 100% at different F-stops

any update on this? i'd love to see crops at 100% at different F-stops

me too :)

available now at JT PHOTO

You can try it out at JT, I think this is around P26T

went to their makati branch yesterday and they didn't have one available/in stock :) to the guy who bought one: could you post some of those 100% crop pics at diff f-stops? :)

Only 3 copies of the lens arrived at JT makati. Joy was kind enough to let me try. Im still think if I will get one

Only 3 copies of the lens arrived at JT makati. Joy was kind enough to let me try. Im still think if I will get one

how was it? does it scream buy me? i hope somebody post more photos taken from this lens, thanks :)

how was it? does it scream buy me? i hope somebody post more photos taken from this lens, thanks :)

Its kinda soft wide open at 50 mm....but its really tempting as compared to Nikkor 17-55mm w/c I've tried ( Ivan's copy...w/c is really sharp)Imagine at P 26,500 @ 6 mos no interest....Must think really hard. Im torn....hehehehe:(

Its kinda soft wide open at 50 mm....but its really tempting as compared to Nikkor 17-55mm w/c I've tried ( Ivan's copy...w/c is really sharp)Imagine at P 26,500 @ 6 mos no interest....Must think really hard. Im torn....hehehehe:(

hahhaha, with a P40T difference plus 6 months, im made on this... :)

hahhaha, with a P40T difference plus 6 months, im made on this... :)

Yah U have apoint there. As for me I've already save around 60K. With that kind of budget my original plan was to buy a Sigma UWA and a Sigma 18-50mm f 2.8. kya lang....konti na lang Nikkor na tsk..tsk...tsk:(

hahhaha, with a P40T difference plus 6 months, im made on this... :)

Yah U have apoint there. As for me I've already save around 60K. With that kind of budget my original plan was to buy a Sigma UWA and a Sigma 18-50mm f 2.8. kya lang....konti na lang Nikkor na tsk..tsk...tsk:(

Yah U have apoint there. As for me I've already save around 60K. With that kind of budget my original plan was to buy a Sigma UWA and a Sigma 18-50mm f 2.8. kya lang....konti na lang Nikkor na tsk..tsk...tsk:(

if im in your shoes, ill go all the way :)

All in!!! :)

Diego - 18-50 2.8 macro is at P26,500 + 10-20 is P24,800 so that's P51,300 for 2 great lenses. You still have P8,700 for Sigma UV filters and a new bag to carry those lenses. Plus the fact that you can pay for it for 6mos at 0%. I opted for the 6mos. even if I had the money when I got the 70-200 2.8 since there is no difference paying it straight. You are also buying from the official distributor so you have a 1 yr. warranty.

I also want the 18-50 2.8 macro for my d40x (I'll sell my Tokina for this) and a 50-500 and probably after which I'll stop. I sure hope so.

ibang klase rin naman kasi the nikkor so it's really a hard decision.. my say if you're really a pro or intend going pro go for the nikkor, but otherwise get the sigmas :) those nikkors are real investments kasi! you got to sort out what your need from what you want hehe

Diego - 18-50 2.8 macro is at P26,500 + 10-20 is P24,800 so that's P51,300 for 2 great lenses. You still have P8,700 for Sigma UV filters and a new bag to carry those lenses. Plus the fact that you can pay for it for 6mos at 0%. I opted for the 6mos. even if I had the money when I got the 70-200 2.8 since there is no difference paying it straight. You are also buying from the official distributor so you have a 1 yr. warranty.



hmmm....interesting :) thanks for that ryan....makes me think, hehehe :Grin:

Diego - 18-50 2.8 macro is at P26,500 + 10-20 is P24,800 so that's P51,300 for 2 great lenses. You still have P8,700 for Sigma UV filters and a new bag to carry those lenses. Plus the fact that you can pay for it for 6mos at 0%. I opted for the 6mos. even if I had the money when I got the 70-200 2.8 since there is no difference paying it straight. You are also buying from the official distributor so you have a 1 yr. warranty.

I also want the 18-50 2.8 macro for my d40x (I'll sell my Tokina for this) and a 50-500 and probably after which I'll stop. I sure hope so.

Yap I know....I can go to that option NOW. Kya lang iba pa rin ang Nikkor glass. I may regret someday that I was almost there ( ready to buy the Nikkor) but then hesitated. Mahirap din "bile tapos benta tapos bile uli tapos benta uli" I know some guys who were like that with their setup. Kya I was advise to " follow your dream":)

Diego - 18-50 2.8 macro is at P26,500 + 10-20 is P24,800 so that's P51,300 for 2 great lenses. You still have P8,700 for Sigma UV filters and a new bag to carry those lenses. Plus the fact that you can pay for it for 6mos at 0%. I opted for the 6mos. even if I had the money when I got the 70-200 2.8 since there is no difference paying it straight. You are also buying from the official distributor so you have a 1 yr. warranty.

I also want the 18-50 2.8 macro for my d40x (I'll sell my Tokina for this) and a 50-500 and probably after which I'll stop. I sure hope so.

Yap I know....I can go to that option NOW. Kya lang iba pa rin ang Nikkor glass. I may regret someday that I was almost there ( ready to buy the Nikkor) but then hesitated. Mahirap din "bile tapos benta tapos bile uli tapos benta uli" I know some guys who were like that with their setup. Kya I was advise to " follow your dream":)

Hmmm... I guess those who buy and sell their gear are those who initially thought it will satisfy their shooting style even after reading all the reviews and testing it out kasi iba naman talaga if you get to use that "gear" for a few weeks and get to know it intimately.

I have sold a D40 and a 55-200vr w/ some losses. Masakit pero ganyan talaga hehehe... Swapped my 18-135 kit lens w/c I am happy about.

If you want the 17-55 and can wait for a few mos. before getting a UWA then go for it. Gotta love that lens and it seems that there are no 2nd hand units of these so those who bought it really love it.

I still would like the 18-50 2.8 macro as it won't break the bank.

OT: We are talking about really expensive gear, I haven't computed my total cost in photography taking into account the losses. Parang gusto ko magpa-insure ng gear.

OT: We are talking about really expensive gear, I haven't computed my total cost in photography taking into account the losses. Parang gusto ko magpa-insure ng gear.

Yah me too....have not computed mine too:(. I bet is gonna much more expensive than all my other hobbies....and you have to include travels, hired models and studios. Geeeee this is getting more expensive than my car

Diego - 18-50 2.8 macro is at P26,500 + 10-20 is P24,800 so that's P51,300 for 2 great lenses. You still have P8,700 for Sigma UV filters and a new bag to carry those lenses. Plus the fact that you can pay for it for 6mos at 0%. I opted for the 6mos. even if I had the money when I got the 70-200 2.8 since there is no difference paying it straight. You are also buying from the official distributor so you have a 1 yr. warranty.

I also want the 18-50 2.8 macro for my d40x (I'll sell my Tokina for this) and a 50-500 and probably after which I'll stop. I sure hope so.


Daming plans ni Ryan :D hehehe GO!!! GO!!! GO!!!! :D

If you want the 17-55 and can wait for a few mos. before getting a UWA then go for it. Gotta love that lens and it seems that there are no 2nd hand units of these so those who bought it really love it.

Guilty as charged!!! :D

Seriously, me and my gf were talking about this lens last night.. It was really one sharp and fast lens! Its her favorite..

I was in that situation before.. Tried out the Sigma at first. I thought I was satisfied but comparing the colors to the Nikkors, there was a big difference for my taste. If you can take the difference on colors, Sigma lens will do the job. If not, I guess it has to wait or else you'll end up losing more in the long run.. :)

Ivan, expensive kasi taste mo eh :D Hahaha...

Kidding aside. Its all in your preference. If you are the type that don't PP then go for something that you like out of the cam.

Diego, ayaw ko nga compute kasi baka sumakit lang ulo ko :Grin:

Oo nga pala Ivan, pa-insure mo na yang D300 at lenses mo :)

Guilty as charged!!! :D

Seriously, me and my gf were talking about this lens last night.. It was really one sharp and fast lens! Its her favorite..

I was in that situation before.. Tried out the Sigma at first. I thought I was satisfied but comparing the colors to the Nikkors, there was a big difference for my taste. If you can take the difference on colors, Sigma lens will do the job. If not, I guess it has to wait or else you'll end up losing more in the long run.. :)

If you factor in price the sigma is still a better buy. Even if you do a side by side comparo for some the sigma 18-50mm macro not the 1st gen. beats the 17-55 nikor. There are a few reviews that already stated that is it better. I cant say wc ones better coz I havent done a comparative test yet but I was able to use both and ive got nothing but praises for these lenses. If you shoot raw I dont know if you'll notice the diff maybe if you pixel peep. The only advantage of the nikor is its build quality and sharpnes at the border coz the sigma tends to be soft wide open. Now if you take care of your sigma lens itll last too downside is it cant keep its value not like the nikor glass!!! Btw Ive met several 17-40L users who switched to the 2nd gen Sigma 18-50mm and now w/ hsm n good price, its hard to resist. If you get a good copy I tell ya you'll be rewarded.

Kidding aside. Its all in your preference. If you are the type that don't PP then go for something that you like out of the cam.

This is VALID and true. Im the kind of guy who does not know and is lazy to photoshop my shots. I prefer the camera to do it for me ( kya lagi JPEG ang shots ko). I completely trust my camera on this and Im satisfied with the output ( Nikon...eh:))

Ivan, expensive kasi taste mo eh :D Hahaha...

Kidding aside. Its all in your preference. If you are the type that don't PP then go for something that you like out of the cam.

Diego, ayaw ko nga compute kasi baka sumakit lang ulo ko :Grin:

Oo nga pala Ivan, pa-insure mo na yang D300 at lenses mo :)


Hahahaha :D

Yeah you're right Ryan, I am the type who does not PP because I don't know how :D but don't get me wrong, I would love to do some PP if I only knew how..


I have to get those insurance.. I will inquire one of these days.. Kumuha ka na?

OT: Ivan - I am planning too. I just don't know how it works. I think we should invite someone from Malayan to explain in one of the BIG EBs of DPP. Is it per body? Or is it all the equipment of one photographer. New avatar ha!

Alan - I have seen a couple of reviews of the 18-50 2.8 HSM and that is why I am inclined to get one. It will work on the D40x pa! So my Tokina can go if ever. I just wish that JT priced it around P22T range.

Only a few lenses are sharp wide open and if ever they are, prices are prohibative to most.

Those with this lens pls. post! Hehehe... (ma-convince pa iba)

reading all your discussions make me wanna buy this lens.... parang i have to let go of the 18-70 ah....

aken nalang 18-70 mo! haha

OT: Ivan - I am planning too. I just don't know how it works. I think we should invite someone from Malayan to explain in one of the BIG EBs of DPP. Is it per body? Or is it all the equipment of one photographer. New avatar ha!

Alan - I have seen a couple of reviews of the 18-50 2.8 HSM and that is why I am inclined to get one. It will work on the D40x pa! So my Tokina can go if ever. I just wish that JT priced it around P22T range.

Only a few lenses are sharp wide open and if ever they are, prices are prohibative to most.

Those with this lens pls. post! Hehehe... (ma-convince pa iba)


OT: Ryan - Oo nga, someone from Malyan should post about their insurance policy as regards to gears..

Needed a fast lens mainly to document indoor activities. Used a nikkor 50mm f/1.8 before. It was okay but would only manually focus on my d40. After a while manual focusing became too cumbersome. Also, the field of view (?) was too narrow at times.

Bought this lens because I could get one without having to transfer my children to public schools. Some initial observations:

a) HSM focus about the same speed as the 18-200 VR.

b) Crummy side-pinch lens cover is still used. It is almost impossible to remove when the petal hood is attached. Sigma must have made millions of these and is still in the process of disposing of them. Why else would they insist on attaching them to new lenses despite an apparently universal loathing for them?

c) It's probably just me and my lack of fine motor skills, but I find attaching the rear lens cap rather difficult; so difficult that I am contemplating using the cheap white plastic cover used in the d40 kit lens as a substitute.

d) Some issues on AF-A mode at 50mm. I still have to look deeper into this, but apparently at 50mm. with the shutter half-pressed, the lens is reluctant to refocus when the camera is pointed at another subject.


Please excuse the crappy still life. There is nothing much in my office save for junk and I figured I would use common and readily identifiable objects to facilitate color and image analysis. All photos have been resized to 640x420 resolution.

All photos are at 40mm. and -.7EV. No PP's or crops.

f/2.8
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/cjverzo/DSC_01990008.jpg

f/3.5
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/cjverzo/DSC_02000009.jpg


f/5.0
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/cjverzo/DSC_02010010.jpg

f/8.0
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/cjverzo/DSC_02020011.jpg

f/11.0
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/cjverzo/DSC_02040012.jpg

So far I haven't encountered any backfocusing problems the Sigmas are notorious for. I'm still crossing my fingers, though.

f/16
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/cjverzo/DSC_02050013.jpg

f/22
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/cjverzo/DSC_02050013.jpg

ISO auto adjusted as follows:

f/2.8 to f/8.0 at 200
f/11 at 320
f/16 at 560
f/22 at 1250



Are the images sharp enough? Well, as far as I can tell, they are sharper than my middle-aged eyes can discren. Anyway, I'm not much into artistic photography YET. Like I said, the fast lens was bougt mainly for documenting indoor activities (my daughter's dance performances and my son's tae kwondo matches). I hope the lens will do its job where it counts.

Will try some real world photos as soon as the real world stops raining.

To those contemplating purchasing this lens, I hope this helps.

Huling hirit. My merienda. :Grin:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/cjverzo/DSC_01920004.jpg

looks good! thanks for sharing :)

would you mind posting 100% crops at the area in focus at different F-stops? :) especially f2.8, f4, f8 and f11 :)

c) It's probably just me and my lack of fine motor skills, but I find attaching the rear lens cap rather difficult; so difficult that I am contemplating using the cheap white plastic cover used in the d40 kit lens as a substitute.

Carlo all you have to do is to align the red dot on the lens and the dot imprinted on the rear lens cap when attaching. I also had this problem before until I discovered this. :)

aba, aba, aba... brother jing, ganda talaga ng sigma! now i really miss my 24-70 f2.8

hmmm...grabe this is a good lens.... maybe this is a stupid question... worth it ba to buy this lens and dispose the 18-70 Nikkor?

hmmm...grabe this is a good lens.... maybe this is a stupid question... worth it ba to buy this lens and dispose the 18-70 Nikkor?

worth it if you're after the constant 2.8 aperture :)

i'm torn nga between this one or the 10-20 as my next lens purchase haha

Eto lang masasabi ko guys... I use this lens 99% of the time. I've been pondering on the Nikkor 17-55 for some time now, but this lens just kept on delivering! As to the colors, that depends on a persons taste, I shoot mostly portraits so I like my colors warm. Which is the color characteristic of Sigma lenses. For me the only remaining advantage of the Nikkor 17-55 is the build quality. Sharpness wise, it's right up there.... I have the non HSM version pa, and would probably get the HSM version next time I'm back in Manila. :)

This lens kicks ass on the wide setting btw. :)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1138/1333490813_de943bad03.jpg

hmmm...grabe this is a good lens.... maybe this is a stupid question... worth it ba to buy this lens and dispose the 18-70 Nikkor?

Go ahead and try one Marvin, turn off the flash and shoot ambient(indoor) using both lenses... you will be amazed by the difference. :Grin:

Eto lang masasabi ko guys... I use this lens 99% of the time. I've been pondering on the Nikkor 17-55 for some time now, but this lens just kept on delivering! As to the colors, that depends on a persons taste, I shoot mostly portraits so I like my colors warm. Which is the color characteristic of Sigma lenses. For me the only remaining advantage of the Nikkor 17-55 is the build quality. Sharpness wise, it's right up there.... I have the non HSM version pa, and would probably get the HSM version next time I'm back in Manila. :)

This lens kicks ass on the wide setting btw. :)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1138/1333490813_de943bad03.jpg

I know the discussion should be about the lens but I can't help but say WOW on this. Very surreal bro. Mind sharing the exif? Was this composed via HDR?

Thanks :)

Go ahead and try one Marvin, turn off the flash and shoot ambient(indoor) using both lenses... you will be amazed by the difference. :Grin:

im off to JT na hahaha: 18-70 nikkor good condition... any takers? :Grin:

Eto lang masasabi ko guys... I use this lens 99% of the time. I've been pondering on the Nikkor 17-55 for some time now, but this lens just kept on delivering! As to the colors, that depends on a persons taste, I shoot mostly portraits so I like my colors warm. Which is the color characteristic of Sigma lenses. For me the only remaining advantage of the Nikkor 17-55 is the build quality. Sharpness wise, it's right up there.... I have the non HSM version pa, and would probably get the HSM version next time I'm back in Manila. :)

This lens kicks ass on the wide setting btw. :)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1138/1333490813_de943bad03.jpg

OT: with any lens pete, you still kick ass, hehehe :)

OT: with any lens pete, you still kick ass, hehehe :)

+1 I agree 100% .... hehehe.

Guys anymore sample pics ?

so anyone else have this lens? any more feedback? :)

+1 I agree 100% .... hehehe.

Guys anymore sample pics ?

Hehehe. Thanks Marvin. :Grin:

OT: with any lens pete, you still kick ass, hehehe :)

Oh wow, thanks sa compliment master Cocoy.... :)

Here's another sample...

Natalia
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1195/1480362472_d8fba0a38f.jpg

the HSM version doesn't have manual focus override? to MF i'd have to use the switch pa? aw man

Diego: Did you have a copy of the lens na?? :)

roy: nope, lang pera hehe :)

worth it if you're after the constant 2.8 aperture :)

i'm torn nga between this one or the 10-20 as my next lens purchase haha

Now that I have found this thread and the sample shots of Peter, I am having an ambivalence too on which one to get the 10-20 or 18-50mm F2.8.

How much is the 18-50mm F2.8 back there in the Philippines? I think I won't mind about the build quality if you say that the lens quality is nearly the same. :Grin:

I'm going to buy the 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO for my 350D tomorrow...should I hold out and wait for a sale or not? :KO:

Now that I have found this thread and the sample shots of Peter, I am having an ambivalence too on which one to get the 10-20 or 18-50mm F2.8.

How much is the 18-50mm F2.8 back there in the Philippines? I think I won't mind about the build quality if you say that the lens quality is nearly the same. :Grin:

hi jose, the 18-50mm f2.8 macro hsm is P26,500 at jtphoto :)

hi jose, the 18-50mm f2.8 macro hsm is P26,500 at jtphoto :)

Thanks Cocoy, now I have a price to compare from. Don't know yet how much is it in Bangkok. :Oops:

get it locally nalang para may full local support ka sa JT :)

@jose
you're welcome :-)

@diego
i agree :-)

The reviewer at photodo says that this is the sharpest lens he has ever tested (http://www.photodo.com/topic_14.html). Specifically at 28mm and F5.6 the measured center resolution seems higher than some prime lenses, although the edges don't seem as good. Maybe it could be a substitute to an old 28mm prime lens that I'm having a hard time hunting down. Too bad my K-mount doesn't support HSM.

roger, the one reviewed was the non-HSM version

Oh. Hehe thanks I missed that. Could the HSM and non-HSM be the same optically? I'm intrigued by this lens. I'm normally a prime person but it seems today's new zooms are getting better and better.

got this lens 2 hours ago. Joy of JT didn't allow me to test another copy but the focusing was still okay. I have yet to test the lens to the full extent. I hope I got a good copy...:)

Rafael - Huh? Why not? Maybe they didn't have another copy. When I got my 70-200 2.8, I tested 3 on my 1st inquiry and 2 (one was sold) on time of purchase.

Post some test shots, to get others salivating hehehe

She said that there are picky buyers who will know if the box has been 'opened' already and that would turn them off. Oh well, what's done has been done. Too bad they don't do replacements, only repairs (that's what she said at least). I will provide test pics tomorrow, then maybe all of you can help if it is indeed a good copy :)

Oh. Hehe thanks I missed that. Could the HSM and non-HSM be the same optically? I'm intrigued by this lens. I'm normally a prime person but it seems today's new zooms are getting better and better.

i don't know about the optical quality but i'm pretty sure it's the same or better. what i like about the HSM is the focus speed, silence and accuracy.

hey rafael, is it true that it doesn't have manual focus override? you'll have to turn the switch pa to manual focus?

got this lens 2 hours ago. Joy of JT didn't allow me to test another copy but the focusing was still okay. I have yet to test the lens to the full extent. I hope I got a good copy...:)

huh? i wonder why....

diego, yup...you still need to switch to MF. but i think you can still 'force' it because it allows me to do so...it is unlike others wherein it really feels stiff. just don't know the consequence of doing FTM with a non-FTM lens :)

She said that there are picky buyers who will know if the box has been 'opened' already and that would turn them off. Oh well, what's done has been done. Too bad they don't do replacements, only repairs (that's what she said at least). I will provide test pics tomorrow, then maybe all of you can help if it is indeed a good copy :)

Oh really now, you should have told her that it's your right to test atleast two lenses. Anyway, maybe next time. When I do get this lens, I'll test 2 :D

diego, yup...you still need to switch to MF. but i think you can still 'force' it because it allows me to do so...it is unlike others wherein it really feels stiff. just don't know the consequence of doing FTM with a non-FTM lens :)

Don't!!! You'll damage the HSM.

I have the non-HSM version (canon mount). ofcourse I won't do that :)

Here are sample photos:

1/30s
f/2.8
50mm
ISO 100
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/rafaelz5/IMG_4595.jpg

1/250s
f/2.8
50mm
ISO 800
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/rafaelz5/IMG_4684.jpg

1/50s
f/4.0
50mm
ISO 1600
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/rafaelz5/IMG_4749.jpg

1/8s
f/4.0
18mm
ISO 400
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/rafaelz5/IMG_4923.jpg

1/15s
f/4.5
18mm
ISO 400
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/rafaelz5/IMG_4984.jpg

I know JT sells this but is this available in other shops around hidalgo?

Anybody got an idea how much it sells?

OT: ever thought of getting the Tokina AF 16-50mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX instead?

its 26k at JT i believe.. hm.. i wonder if this is available at hidalgo as well. i hope its much cheaper there :D

I know JT sells this but is this available in other shops around hidalgo?

Anybody got an idea how much it sells?

OT: ever thought of getting the Tokina AF 16-50mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX instead?

I have been wanting the Tokina before too. It's only advantage is the superior build quality and the 16mm wide end. Other than that the optical performance is not that good, it's very very soft wide open, and the CA is worst compared to all the other lenses in this range. Sayang talaga.

Peter - I saw someone post from the other forum that the Tokina 16-50 2.8 is a better lens compared w/ the Sigma and cheaper Tamron 17-50 2.8

I plan to get the Sigma version since I want one that will AF w/ my D40x

played around with it kanina and i'm impressed with the focusing accuracy and it was pretty fast too. just my opinion but i was really disappointed that it doesn't have the MF override like the other HSM lenses..

diego - did you get one? sample pics naman

nope didn't get one. took some shots, wide open is pretty soft.

i'd get one if i had the money. i'm gonna get the 10-20 first probably hehe

nope didn't get one. took some shots, wide open is pretty soft.

i'd get one if i had the money. i'm gonna get the 10-20 first probably hehe

il get the nikkor 12-24 if meron money :)

its 26k at JT i believe.. hm.. i wonder if this is available at hidalgo as well. i hope its much cheaper there :D

This lens is 25k (with local warranty) sa MAYERS per order basis daw

Peter - I saw someone post from the other forum that the Tokina 16-50 2.8 is a better lens compared w/ the Sigma and cheaper Tamron 17-50 2.8

I plan to get the Sigma version since I want one that will AF w/ my D40x

the Tokina is better in the build department and 16mm reach only preng Ryan. It's really soft at f2.8, and the CA is really bad. Pero porma wise is a knockout, ala nikkor 17-55.

It's really soft at f2.8, and the CA is really bad. Pero porma wise is a knockout, ala nikkor 17-55.

Peter,

are you referring to the Sigma here or the tokina?

What's your comment on the Sigma 18-50 2.8?

Peter,

are you referring to the Sigma here or the tokina?

What's your comment on the Sigma 18-50 2.8?

I was referring to the Tokina.

I love my Sigma 18-50, it's on my D80 90% of the time. Do a back read on this thread and you'll see how much I like this lens. :)

Peter does love his 18-50! I wish I can get one already. My D40x is lusting for it!!!

Im planning to buy a fast lens this month and I am torn between Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO HSM and Sigma 24-70 mm f2.8. The price is almost the same. I will use it for events mainly weddings. I have the 18-70 mm nikon kit lens, nikon 50 mm f1.8 and nikon 50-200mm VR. Advise, please. Hard earned money ipangbibili ko kaya ayoko magmadali at magkamali. Thanks in advance.

@Rodel

Since you have the 18-70mm you'd better with the 24-70. 18mm at f/3.5 is not that far with 18mm f/2.8.


Also, you might need the extra reach of 70mm for wedding though not that much difference with 50mm at the end :)

Thaks. I'll consider your recommendation.

gahd. i'm in a loop. should i upgrade from a d40 to a d80.. or get the 18-50 2.8? ahaha. photography sure does need a lot of decision making..

btw, is this available at hidalgo? thanks thanks :D

gahd. i'm in a loop. should i upgrade from a d40 to a d80.. or get the 18-50 2.8? ahaha. photography sure does need a lot of decision making..

btw, is this available at hidalgo? thanks thanks :D


are u referring to the 18-50 2.8 hsm?if so,its now available at jtphoto if im not mistaken.:D the last time we checked the availability of the lens was during the photo congress at megamall last week ;)

Rodel - I have a 28-80 2.8 Tokina (not far in mm from the 24mm end of the Sigma) and tried using it in some events/gathering. I tell you, I would love to have the 18-50 2.8 more since in events when stepping back to go wide you will have a hard time stopping people crossing your shot. When you need to zoom in, stepping forward is easier.

Also, unless you have two bodies to accomodate the 18-70 and the 24-70 to switch back and forth then it will be hard. You can sell your 18-70 and get the Sigma 10-20 coupled w/ Sigma 24-70 could also be another option.

Gabriel - Visit the fotocafe thread and you'll sa thread by a D40 user w/ the same predicament (si diego)

@Rodel

Since you have the 18-70mm you'd better with the 24-70. 18mm at f/3.5 is not that far with 18mm f/2.8.

If you're shooting with flash indoors/lowlight/night that 1 stop difference makes ALOT of difference. It will mean more pops on your speedlight, and faster quicker more accurate AF. :)

are u referring to the 18-50 2.8 hsm?if so,its now available at jtphoto if im not mistaken.:D the last time we checked the availability of the lens was during the photo congress at megamall last week ;)

ah i see. hehe. is it only availabe at JTphoto? or is the HSM version also available at hidalgo? :D

Rodel - I have a 28-80 2.8 Tokina (not far in mm from the 24mm end of the Sigma) and tried using it in some events/gathering. I tell you, I would love to have the 18-50 2.8 more since in events when stepping back to go wide you will have a hard time stopping people crossing your shot. When you need to zoom in, stepping forward is easier.

Also, unless you have two bodies to accomodate the 18-70 and the 24-70 to switch back and forth then it will be hard. You can sell your 18-70 and get the Sigma 10-20 coupled w/ Sigma 24-70 could also be another option.

Gabriel - Visit the fotocafe thread and you'll sa thread by a D40 user w/ the same predicament (si diego)


I have 2 D70 bodies. One has the 18-70 mm kit lens and the other one has the Nikon 50-200mm f4-5.6VR lens. I want to shoot my future events (weddings) in available light as much as possible(the trend today in wedding photography) and with my present lenses, its very difficult to achieve. If we are to disregard the 6 mm difference on the wide side and the 20 mm on the tele side, which is the better lens in terms of sharpness and bokeh? And another thing, can I use the 18-50 mm f2.8 in wedding portraitute? TIA.

I have 2 D70 bodies. One has the 18-70 mm kit lens and the other one has the Nikon 50-200mm f4-5.6VR lens. I want to shoot my future events (weddings) in available light as much as possible(the trend today in wedding photography) and with my present lenses, its very difficult to achieve. If we are to disregard the 6 mm difference on the wide side and the 20 mm on the tele side, which is the better lens in terms of sharpness and bokeh? And another thing, can I use the 18-50 mm f2.8 in wedding portraitute? TIA.

One of the country's best wedding photographer John Mateos Ong uses a Nikkor 17-55, which is closer to the Sigma 18-50 2.8. There's no such thing as lens for wedding portraiture, ANY lens can be used.

But to make life easier. Always try to get the fastest lenses, since most weddings are still done in dimly lit churches and such.

So If you asked me... I'd say get a Nikkor 17-55 & 70-210 VR(80-200 2.8) if you have the money. If you're on a budget, get a Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX HSM & Sigma 50-150 2.8 HSM.

Any opinion on the Toki 16-55 2.8 ATX as another alternative ?

anyone interested with a 2nd hand 18-50mm? send me a pm for a "volt-in" buy :).

Any opinion on the Toki 16-55 2.8 ATX as another alternative ?

from the little i've read (translate: not much research), people have been really anticipating for this lens but not as great as expected.

have a go at google with "tokina 16-55mm review", i'm sure you'll find a lot of info

Any opinion on the Toki 16-55 2.8 ATX as another alternative ?

Hello Doc! The Tokina 16-50 was my 1st choice for a 17-55 alternative. Since the Tokina is built like a tank. But to my dismay, the performance at wide open 2.8 is very poor. The worst of all the zooms in this range (compared to Tamron 17-50, Sigma 18-50, Nikkor 17-55). And the CA is also very bad.

Hello Doc! The Tokina 16-50 was my 1st choice for a 17-55 alternative. Since the Tokina is built like a tank. But to my dismay, the performance at wide open 2.8 is very poor. The worst of all the zooms in this range (compared to Tamron 17-50, Sigma 18-50, Nikkor 17-55). And the CA is also very bad.

Thanks Peter. I actually researced including its price. At Tony Leung its more than 1k HK more expensive than the sigma so I thought it may be better. Also from the review I read, I dont think it was a very reliable source.

Since I am happy with my Toki 12-24 I was thinking of the Toki 16-50.

Any link to a more reliable review on Toki 16-50? Or anyone here who owns one?

Thanks Peter. I actually researced including its price. At Tony Leung its more than 1k HK more expensive than the sigma so I thought it may be better. Also from the review I read, I dont think it was a very reliable source.

Since I am happy with my Toki 12-24 I was thinking of the Toki 16-50.

Any link to a more reliable review on Toki 16-50? Or anyone here who owns one?

Here you go Doc,

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/tokina_1650_28_nikon/index.htm
http://flickr.com/photos/nschaden/1332341897/

I have researched quiet a bit on this lens too Doc. I'll try to find some more sites later. Oh btw, I got the Tokina 50-135 2.8 ATX also hehehe. :)

Saw the comparison ... pretty bad at 16 2.8 huh. So Sigma is the better choice. How about the lemon issues on the Sigma Peter? Is it true?

Saw the comparison ... pretty bad at 16 2.8 huh. So Sigma is the better choice. How about the lemon issues on the Sigma Peter? Is it true?

i'm okay with my sigma. i think you would be too. if not they'll replace it anyway

Saw the comparison ... pretty bad at 16 2.8 huh. So Sigma is the better choice. How about the lemon issues on the Sigma Peter? Is it true?

Those are things of the past Doc. Lately Sigma's QC has improved alot. And it's always better to purchase directly at JTphoto and test out copies of the lens before buying. I tested 3 copies before deciding.

Sometimes it's not really the lens's fault, every camera body is different. So there will always be a bit of front and back focus. That's the reason the newer D300 and D3 has this feature of customizing the focus of your lenses. Cool huh! hehe. :)

Saw the comparison ... pretty bad at 16 2.8 huh. So Sigma is the better choice. How about the lemon issues on the Sigma Peter? Is it true?

@ Doc Israel... here is a sample shot of my Sigma 10-20 UWA. I recently acquired it from JT in Pasong Tamo for P 24,500 at 0% interest for 6 months


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a290/jigsdoh/Manila%20Bay/dragonboatresize500.jpg

Sorry guys....I got confused there...wrong posting. Now ...how do I delete the above post?#*

@ Doc Israel... here is a sample shot of my Sigma 10-20 UWA. I recently acquired it from JT in Pasong Tamo for P 24,500 at 0% interest for 6 months


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a290/jigsdoh/Manila%20Bay/dragonboatresize500.jpg

Thats pretty sharp Diego, nice capture also. I got myself the 23-24 Toki for UWA.

@ Peter - thanks for the info Peter, I think the Sigma is good enough because Cocoy also got one and another Doctor friend of mine. :)

Thats pretty sharp Diego, nice capture also. I got myself the 23-24 Toki for UWA.

@ Peter - thanks for the info Peter, I think the Sigma is good enough because Cocoy also got one and another Doctor friend of mine. :)

hehehe :) so far so good doc :) but id like to try the nikkor equivalent.....try lang....no buy muna, hehehehe :Grin:

hehehe :) so far so good doc :) but id like to try the nikkor equivalent.....try lang....no buy muna, hehehehe :Grin:

I'm gonna do some comparative tests between the Sigma 18-50 to the Nikkor 17-55 this week Coy. So we'll really see if there's a 40K difference in the image quality. :)

Peter - I am excited w/ the results! How are you gonna test it? Controlled conditions like a studio or outdoor.

Peter - I am excited w/ the results! How are you gonna test it? Controlled conditions like a studio or outdoor.

Studio and outdoor if I have the time Ryan. :)

I'm gonna do some comparative tests between the Sigma 18-50 to the Nikkor 17-55 this week Coy. So we'll really see if there's a 40K difference in the image quality. :)

That is a nice IDEA!!! Go ahead I will be waiting for the results too. Let us see if there is any difference between a 69 K and a 26 K worth of glass and metal. This will help me a lot B4 I decide to buy my next lens. Can U pls show us the result in raw form without any post processing. Thanks Peter:)

I'm gonna do some comparative tests between the Sigma 18-50 to the Nikkor 17-55 this week Coy. So we'll really see if there's a 40K difference in the image quality. :)

if its a weekend, im in :)

Peter - keep us posted!!!

Hi guys.. got this lens at ACEL today for 22k.. =)

jayson - you are in a buying spree! won't this overlap w/ the other sigma lens you got?

@ryan - hehehe xmas shopping.. the 18-50 is for my fiancee's d40 =) and the 28-70 is for me..

hmm question.... i mean just want to get your opinion.. is it worth it to swap my nikon 18-70 to a sigma 18-50 f2.8 non macro version + 5k? hehehe i love the 18-70 kc but just want to get your opinion..

Nope: Nikon is Nikon...Sigma is Sigma, Althought it is large aperture lens...nothing can still beat a Nikon lens

hmm question.... i mean just want to get your opinion.. is it worth it to swap my nikon 18-70 to a sigma 18-50 f2.8 non macro version + 5k? hehehe i love the 18-70 kc but just want to get your opinion..

if you need the constant 2.8 aperture, why not? in other words, it depends on YOUR needs/wants :)

Can this lens be worth using in events like wedding, birthday,corporate party?

what ya think guys? :)

haaaayy im confused again.. hehehe.. anyway.. ill try out this lens kapag hindi ok kuha na lng ulit ako ng 18-70 hehehe

haaaayy im confused again.. hehehe.. anyway.. ill try out this lens kapag hindi ok kuha na lng ulit ako ng 18-70 hehehe

If you want to shoot in low light at constant 2.8, then the Sigma 18-50 will beat the socks off the nikkor 18-70. But if you will shoot mostly outdoors with lots of light, then the 18-70 is better since you gain an extra 20mm. If you asked me, I'll go with constant 2.8 lenses. :)

even if its not the HSM macro version? hehehe medyo nag aalala kc ako sa difference in quality of the photos... ive seen the photos you took Peter and grabe hands down ako... but its the macro version ... pero the first release...hehe im not really sure yet

even if its not the HSM macro version? hehehe medyo nag aalala kc ako sa difference in quality of the photos... ive seen the photos you took Peter and grabe hands down ako... but its the macro version ... pero the first release...hehe im not really sure yet


check mo yung reviews of the lens at www.fredmiranda.com

Can this lens be worth using in events like wedding, birthday,corporate party?

what ya think guys? :)

i think it depends on what style or what you want to achieve in those photos. i think a speedlight would make a bigger impact in event photography

even if its not the HSM macro version? hehehe medyo nag aalala kc ako sa difference in quality of the photos... ive seen the photos you took Peter and grabe hands down ako... but its the macro version ... pero the first release...hehe im not really sure yet

Oops, sorry ndi ko nakita na non-macro version pala. If that's the case, dont! Same lang din magagastos mo if you got a 2nd hand na 18-50 macro. Mahal yang nag deal sayo ng non-macro 18-50. Keep your nikkor 18-70 Marv. :)

Hi guys.. got this lens at ACEL today for 22k.. =)

where is ACEL?

katapat ng Avenue.

edited kasi baka magpagalitan ng mga mods!

I'm soo tempted to replace my d40x kit lens w/ this one already. Yet, P26,500 is no joke.

Jayson - was that new at acel? warranty?

yup 26,500 is no joke.. but this lens aint a joke either :) i can't wait to get one too! ipon lang ng ipon...

@Ryan
Yup it was brand new with 1 year warranty at ACEL :) we'll be trying this lens later at Urbandub's album launch at eastwood..

Will JTPhoto accept the service/repair after warranty period if its bought from ACEL??

I was on my way to JT today to get this lens but I called them up while in traffic. Its sold out!!! Stocks will be in next week!!! And I need it by Dec. 1. I'll try acel. Roy, can you PM me their number if you have it? TY

sana may stock na naiwan sa acel or at the other hidalgo shops. pag wala sila stock, they send a messenger to get the item at JT's store in Paco or in Makati

Will JTPhoto accept the service/repair after warranty period if its bought from ACEL??

I'd like to get back to this...

Will JT honor warranty from ACEL? Or is ACEL just offering in-store warranty?

TIA

I think Acel is offering store warranty so it won't be honored at JT but you can have it repaired there.

Sent you pm Ryan, but for others info ...

ACEL PHOTOGRAPHY (http://www.luk4.com/luk4/generic-listing.eyp?id=106475&type=1) G/F 737 R. HIDALGO STREET QUIAPO Manila
Phone:7330492

Got the last copy at JT. Good thing its sharp!!! Love it so far. I just asked Joy again about this lens and there was one reserved lens that the supposed buyer didn't show. Inspite of the kudeta, I sped off to makati.

last copy na??? damn i was thinking of getting one this holiday season :(

Wow Diego, it took you a short time to save ah :)

happened to make some money lately but still thinking about this or an sb800 as my next purchase :)

In my case, i put on hold my planned purchase on this lens the time i was satisfied using my sunpak flash on indoor or nightshots. But i find it a hassle to always attach the flash when i need to take a shot.

last copy na??? damn i was thinking of getting one this holiday season :(

Diego - next week they'll have a new set coming. If you plan to avail of the 0% then up to this year na lang

Diego - next week they'll have a new set coming. If you plan to avail of the 0% then up to this year na lang

no more next year? hmm wonder why

Trying out my Sigma 18-50 2.8

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/1.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/4.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/5.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/6.jpg

Still trying to get a hang of it.

Diego - they haven't renewed their contract w/ the cards but for sure it will be back soon. Its a big hit for them. I hope CDSC follows.

i like the first 2 and the last photos ryan :) i hope i'll have enough money to get one next week

ey guys does using the built-in flash with the D80 cause a shadow in the bottom of the photo?

If you have a lens hood on diego it will

If you have a lens hood on diego it will

Congrats on your new lens Ryan!

I also have one 18-50mm f2.8 for sony alpha mount, so far can't say anything about its performance and picture quality... it really is outstanding... but had to return the lens to JT Photoworld for recalibration because of Back Focus and to have it recalibrated to be sharper... overall, I love the lens...

how about with the d40, will the built-in flash produce the "lens shadow" (without the lens hood)?

If you have a lens hood on diego it will

if it will on the bigger bodies, then it will on the d40

oh ok. but what i was curious about was if the lens hood was not attached, 'coz i think ryan only mentioned that it will cast a shadow with a lens hood. thanks in advance!

if it will on the bigger bodies, then it will on the d40

ah onga pala noh. i was referring to it having the lens hood on. my bad, baldwin :)

yeah i'd like to know that as well. ryan?

pop up flash will cause a shadow to cast over the lower portion of the picture if a lens hood is on a certain lenses esp. if at a wide angle.

also, on my old d80 + tokina 28-80 2.8 at certain angles at 28mm there will still be a shadow cast even w/o a lens hood.

I also have one 18-50mm f2.8 for sony alpha mount, so far can't say anything about its performance and picture quality... it really is outstanding... but had to return the lens to JT Photoworld for recalibration because of Back Focus and to have it recalibrated to be sharper... overall, I love the lens...

How did you test focusing? Tape measure test? Is it reliable? Isn't the camera body one of the probable causes that a lens will back or front focus?

JT covers recalibration of the lens in their warranty? Hmmm... I'll have my lenses calibrated before the warranty runs out hehehe :D

hehehe it's ok diego! thanks ryan! i'm also thinking if i should get this for my d40. btw, is it easy to look for parking when going to jt?

How did you test focusing? Tape measure test? Is it reliable? Isn't the camera body one of the probable causes that a lens will back or front focus?

JT covers recalibration of the lens in their warranty? Hmmm... I'll have my lenses calibrated before the warranty runs out hehehe :D

with a ruler, I was aiming at 5 then 4 is the one that is sharp... I think that JT covers the warranty for this... I hope so... :)

hehehe it's ok diego! thanks ryan! i'm also thinking if i should get this for my d40. btw, is it easy to look for parking when going to jt?

You can park at the gate just after the store. Its an A/C shop. They'll let you park

Roy - Thanks!

If you factor in price the sigma is still a better buy. Even if you do a side by side comparo for some the sigma 18-50mm macro not the 1st gen. beats the 17-55 nikor. There are a few reviews that already stated that is it better. I cant say wc ones better coz I havent done a comparative test yet but I was able to use both and ive got nothing but praises for these lenses. If you shoot raw I dont know if you'll notice the diff maybe if you pixel peep. The only advantage of the nikor is its build quality and sharpnes at the border coz the sigma tends to be soft wide open. Now if you take care of your sigma lens itll last too downside is it cant keep its value not like the nikor glass!!! Btw Ive met several 17-40L users who switched to the 2nd gen Sigma 18-50mm and now w/ hsm n good price, its hard to resist. If you get a good copy I tell ya you'll be rewarded.

Thats where the problem is. Getting a good copy.:)

But still.... I am planning to have one. Maybe Ill ask for help (getting a good copy) when I finally decide to but.

got this lens 2 hours ago. Joy of JT didn't allow me to test another copy but the focusing was still okay. I have yet to test the lens to the full extent. I hope I got a good copy...:) What if the copy was not good. Kaya bang i calibrate ng JT yung lens. Say kung back/ front focus sya. Maayos pa ba through repair?

One of the country's best wedding photographer John Mateos Ong uses a Nikkor 17-55, which is closer to the Sigma 18-50 2.8. There's no such thing as lens for wedding portraiture, ANY lens can be used.

But to make life easier. Always try to get the fastest lenses, since most weddings are still done in dimly lit churches and such.

So If you asked me... I'd say get a Nikkor 17-55 & 70-210 VR(80-200 2.8) if you have the money. If you're on a budget, get a Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX HSM & Sigma 50-150 2.8 HSM.

Thanks Peter.

@Ryan
Yup it was brand new with 1 year warranty at ACEL :) we'll be trying this lens later at Urbandub's album launch at eastwood..

Follow up. Okay ba yung copy na nakuha mo sa ACEL. 4 thousand is 4 thousand.

Trying out my Sigma 18-50 2.8

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/1.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/4.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/5.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/6.jpg

Still trying to get a hang of it.

Diego - they haven't renewed their contract w/ the cards but for sure it will be back soon. Its a big hit for them. I hope CDSC follows.

You got a good copy, I think. The pics are all sharp. If its okay what is you camera model. Bka me bearing din yon sa outputs.

Trying out my Sigma 18-50 2.8

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/1.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/4.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/5.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/18-50%20test/6.jpg

Still trying to get a hang of it.

Diego - they haven't renewed their contract w/ the cards but for sure it will be back soon. Its a big hit for them. I hope CDSC follows.

ganda! hmmm i'm being tempted

Thats where the problem is. Getting a good copy.:)

i've had 7 sigma lenses; 4 i have kept till now; 3 i've sold and replaced with its canon equivalent

all were good copies with one i purchased on-line so i wasn't able to test it

ganda! hmmm i'm being tempted

marty, here are some taken some time ago with the non-hsm unit

http://www.pbase.com/hochiabaya/image/81599408.jpg
1/1000s f/6.3 at 50.0mm iso800

http://www.pbase.com/hochiabaya/image/81475301.jpg
1/2500s f/2.8 at 150.0mm iso800

http://www.pbase.com/hochiabaya/image/81475995.jpg
1/1600s f/4.0 at 50.0mm iso800

2nd pic: wow either you were real close to the action or some good cropping there

2nd pic: wow either you were real close to the action or some good cropping there

i shoot for the urcc. the organizers of urcc are friends of mine and they allow me to shoot at ringside

i shoot for the urcc. the organizers of urcc are friends of mine and they allow me to shoot at ringside

Hochi - Do they allow dSLRs there? I wanna test my lens for sports :Grin:

Hochi - Do they allow dSLRs there? I wanna test my lens for sports :Grin:

yes they do but unless you are given permission to shoot at ringside then you will have to use your zoom

yes they do but unless you are given permission to shoot at ringside then you will have to use your zoom

No problem, I can use my zoom. Just need a cam body muna :Grin:

Do they have a site for their events?

Guys, do you think SIGMA will release an OS version of this? :Thinking:

Boylet - The range is too short for an OS version. I think they would put OS in the 50-150 or 70-200 ranges but since they released v.2 of that w/out one then for sure that the 18-50 won't be having OS anytime soon.

Boylet - The range is too short for an OS version. I think they would put OS in the 50-150 or 70-200 ranges but since they released v.2 of that w/out one then for sure that the 18-50 won't be having OS anytime soon.


Hu hu hu ... too bad. an OS would be a great help for low light situations where flashes arent allowed. :( .... now where did i put that tripod.

i shoot for the urcc. the organizers of urcc are friends of mine and they allow me to shoot at ringside

oh i thought the pics were from the 18-50 lens but seeing the photo again it said 150mm pala

Just had a short chat with Joy.... she said that 5 units will arrive around next week yata... may mga naka reserve na so better reserve yours... hehehe

Confirmed din wla na daw 0% after december... sad sad sad

Just had a short chat with Joy.... she said that 5 units will arrive around next week yata... may mga naka reserve na so better reserve yours... hehehe

Confirmed din wla na daw 0% after december... sad sad sad

Hehehe... I guess it took longer to get the new stocks. I have the sigma lenses I need for now. Next would be a 70 macro or a 50-500. Lets all wish that next year is a better year for all of us and the exchange rate.

played around with 150mm macro HSM dang that's a sweet sweet lens

oh i thought the pics were from the 18-50 lens but seeing the photo again it said 150mm pala


my mistake that was with canon 70-200 pala; thanks diego

Guys, do you think SIGMA will release an OS version of this? :Thinking:

for that focal length and fixed aperture OS is not that necessary; it will just drive up the price; why do you think the canon 24-70 doesn't come with IS

played around with 150mm macro HSM dang that's a sweet sweet lens

How's its performance? If doing macro, what was the working distance? If JT just didn't have that much customers I would have tried a lot of lenses

How's its performance? If doing macro, what was the working distance? If JT just didn't have that much customers I would have tried a lot of lenses


it's really really sweet. looking at fredmiranda, it's got a very very high rating from a lot of happy users. good working distance for me, you can photo bugs and more.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/rsh78ph/ruter%20wedding/photog2.jpg

i got mine yesterday and i could say im very happy with it... was deciding if 10-20 or this and at the end of the day the 18-50 is much more to use. im surprise to see it's fast and accurate :)

got one too and i'm happy with it :) very nice build, very solid and a nice hefty feel to it

wish it were like my 10-20's HSM though with full time manual focus override. the focus ring rotates when it autofocuses and it's not as nicely damped as my 10-20.

focusing is very quick and silent though! that i'm happy about. and it focuses very closely! nice 1:3 macro capability, neat to have

got one too and i'm happy with it :) very nice build, very solid and a nice hefty feel to it

wish it were like my 10-20's HSM though with full time manual focus override. the focus ring rotates when it autofocuses and it's not as nicely damped as my 10-20.

focusing is very quick and silent though! that i'm happy about. and it focuses very closely! nice 1:3 macro capability, neat to have

Congrtas KATUKAYO! How much did U get it? Interest free ba? Are U using it on a D 40 or D 80. Post some test shots naman:)

so magkano na 10-20 and 18-50?

Congrtas KATUKAYO! How much did U get it? Interest free ba? Are U using it on a D 40 or D 80. Post some test shots naman:)


thanks diego! :) yup interest-free and i'm using a D80. i'll try to come up with some test shots later.

so magkano na 10-20 and 18-50?

10-20 is P24800, 18-50 is 26,500

congrats on your lens purchase. love this lens. next aim is a sigma 10-20!

haaay buti pa kayo na complete nyo na yung combo... hehehe i might postpone buying this lens... i need to buy a new pc... hhahaha

haha mas complete nga combo mo eh, ganda ng mga gamit mo :)

i wonder what the d40 would look like with this lens? hehe

i wonder what the d40 would look like with this lens? hehe

i saw some pictures in pbase on how it looks like with the d40x. just follow the links below:

http://www.pbase.com/agostinho/image/83756878

http://www.pbase.com/agostinho/image/83756868

btw, i also bought this lens from jt a few days ago, and so far, i'm very happy with it. :)

i did a focusing test a while back and kanina i just did a sharpness test on this lens, along with my nikkor 50/1.4 and sigma 10-20.

all at different focal lengths and different f-stops and inspected at 100%:

good sharpness, a bit soft wide COMPARED to being stopped down a little. stopped down it's very sharp. sharpness wide open at 2.8 is sharper than my 50/1.4 wide open at 1.4 which is something because i consider my nikkor 50/1.4 quite sharp wide open

corners a teeny bit softer than center sharpness

one thing i don't understand sigma doing is making the direction of the zoom ring the opposite from the other lenses. when zooming in with my 10-20 while holding my camera i'd be moving my thumb up. to zoom in with the 18-50/2.8 it's the opposite

Is there any price reduction on JTPhoto's SRP this year, since $ value is going down.

still the same prices. maybe sometime later this year

one thing i don't understand sigma doing is making the direction of the zoom ring the opposite from the other lenses. when zooming in with my 10-20 while holding my camera i'd be moving my thumb up. to zoom in with the 18-50/2.8 it's the opposite

True. Irritating that the zoom ring is of the opposite direction also that those w/ big hands would have to learn to get out of the way of the focus ring as when this autofocuses and your palm/finger is on it the af motor will squeel :Angry:

any updates on the Nikon 17-55 and Sigma 18-50 shootout?:)

True. Irritating that the zoom ring is of the opposite direction also that those w/ big hands would have to learn to get out of the way of the focus ring as when this autofocuses and your palm/finger is on it the af motor will squeel :Angry:

+1 I thought I was the only one irritated about this setup hahah

any updates on the Nikon 17-55 and Sigma 18-50 shootout?:)

yeah cant wait for this too :)

Got this lens kanina (Canon mount), ordered online on eBAY HK seller.... not sure pa if i got a good copy...sharp on most situation but really soft on 2.8 full open! focusing is very fast.

All photos taken hand held.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/2211919492_d8c6db936c.jpg
50mm @ 5.6

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/2211185913_15d4ccc52b.jpg
Low light test

Sample portrait 50mm @ 2.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2212023388_1bb399cc4d.jpg

Text focusing test, 50mm 2.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2007/2212012248_041ab9b87e.jpg

I hope this will be one of the lenses on sale in Photoworld next week! Sure looks like a sweet buy.

As it turns out, this lens IS on sale.

I got it for P24,300 from P26,600.

Not bad I think. And I'm loving it!

More Sample Pics Pls.. :)

More Sample Pics Pls.. :)

Here ya go...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2383/2216160556_a334644e0e.jpg

what's the sweet spot for this lens (I am using the canon mount). :Grin:

The more I research on this lens, the more I think it's really worth more than you can possibly imagine.

I have seen 100% crops comparing the Nikkor, Tamron and Sigma equivalents and regardless of what those expert reviewer say, they are pretty much the same. When you look at the final output - you will not know what was taken by which lens in normal conditions

Lens reviewers also consider other things as AF speed, handling, etc .but All that can be compensated by YOU!!! A good technique solves that.

What matters are the pictures you took. RIGHT?

Now, how much is this again? :Evil:

yup! pero when it's wide open at 2.8 iba talaga some nikkors i.e. 70-200vr. that's tack sharp wide open.

but it's sharp enough for me, sharpness isn't EVERYTHING. it AFs very fast.

yeah get one na, enough hardware talk and shoot to your heart out :)

when i got it, it was 26k i'm sure it's teeny bit cheaper now

hmmm... hmmm hmmm ... self control.. kaya ko yan.... may 0% pa right?

pssst...jtphoto just revised their pricing. this lens is now only 22.5k, & i think meron pa nga 0% interest for 6 months.:Grin:

thanks for the info gerry.....

thank goodness I found this thread...my boss was asking me about this lens just this afternoon as he was looking out for a low cost alternative to the Nikkor 17-55mm. any idea how does this lens compares with the tamron 17-50mm f2.8? :)

edit: I found a review of the sigma vs the tamron. anybody with a 1st hand experience with the two?

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Lens is very, very similar to the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens. These lenses are more similar than different. They are very similarly sized and shaped. They function very similarly.

The differences? The Sigma is less resistant to flare. The Sigma shows more CA. The Tamron is noticeably wider (17mm vs. 18mm - and even wider than the Canon with the same 17mm designation). The Tamron focuses faster, the Sigma focuses more quietly. The Tamron focuses much more accurately - My keeper rate is far higher with the Tamron. My Sigma has a weak left side - For sharpness, the Tamron beats the Sigma easily on the left side, but the Sigma is slightly better on the right. The Sigma rings rotate the Canon direction, the Tamron rings rotate the opposite direction. The Sigma is less expensive (but not by much). The Sigma's requires its lens hood to be removed to install/remove the lens cap - this is a pain - Plan to buy the Tamron cap if you purchase the Sigma lens.

My pick? I'd go with the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens over the Sigma.

thank goodness I found this thread...my boss was asking me about this lens just this afternoon as he was looking out for a low cost alternative to the Nikkor 17-55mm. any idea how does this lens compares with the tamron 17-50mm f2.8? :)

edit: I found a review of the sigma vs the tamron. anybody with a 1st hand experience with the two?

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Lens is very, very similar to the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens. These lenses are more similar than different. They are very similarly sized and shaped. They function very similarly.

The differences? The Sigma is less resistant to flare. The Sigma shows more CA. The Tamron is noticeably wider (17mm vs. 18mm - and even wider than the Canon with the same 17mm designation). The Tamron focuses faster, the Sigma focuses more quietly. The Tamron focuses much more accurately - My keeper rate is far higher with the Tamron. My Sigma has a weak left side - For sharpness, the Tamron beats the Sigma easily on the left side, but the Sigma is slightly better on the right. The Sigma rings rotate the Canon direction, the Tamron rings rotate the opposite direction. The Sigma is less expensive (but not by much). The Sigma's requires its lens hood to be removed to install/remove the lens cap - this is a pain - Plan to buy the Tamron cap if you purchase the Sigma lens.

My pick? I'd go with the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens over the Sigma.

Haven't tried tamron equivalent yet... but I am very happy with Sigma I just don't really like the idea of removing the hood first befire you can attach or remove the lens cap this is pain! also sometimes when focusing sumasabit ang kamay ko sa rotating lens ring.... but the IQ is excellent it is very versatile lens.

Thanks Roel, for the feedback. We'll try the 2 lenses tomorrow at the store and see which one is better. :D

Question: Is there slight distortion in the pictures? or is it just my eyes. :)

hi Chuck,

it depends on what you are shooting, if you are photographing building distortion is normal.

regards,
roel

just to update, i always thought my copy was a bit soft wide open at f/2.8

i just checked and it was front focusing all along by a teeny bit. i had it calibrated and DANG it's tack sharp! really sharp!

just to update, i always thought my copy was a bit soft wide open at f/2.8

i just checked and it was front focusing all along by a teeny bit. i had it calibrated and DANG it's tack sharp! really sharp!

hi diego.. how much did you pay for lens calibration and where? thanks

at JTPhoto in Makati. it's free as i get all my sigma gear from JT :) i don't know the details if you don't get your stuff from them

just to update, i always thought my copy was a bit soft wide open at f/2.8

i just checked and it was front focusing all along by a teeny bit. i had it calibrated and DANG it's tack sharp! really sharp!

Diego, same here. That's why I had it calibrated and after w/c its like WOW! :Grin:

Got this lens kanina (Canon mount), ordered online on eBAY HK seller....

Hi, how much did you get for this? How much customs tax did you have to pay for?

pssst...jtphoto just revised their pricing. this lens is now only 22.5k, & i think meron pa nga 0% interest for 6 months.:Grin:

22.5k? saan jtphoto? sa makati or sa paco? i called the makati office today and i was advised it is 26k.. :(

how about the 0% interest thing, is it still available?

that price was til march 31 and cash basis i think.

sayang!

about the 0% installment, yeah it should still be available

diego/ryan... how long did it take for JT to calibrate your lens? I think my 70-200 needs calibration

the calibration itself is a few minutes lang, but jerome does the calibration there at the makati branch. if na-chempohan mo that he's there, less than half an hour :) so leave it there, 2 days max okay na yan. but it'll be better if you're there when he calibrates so you can test it

that price was til march 31 and cash basis i think.

sayang!

about the 0% installment, yeah it should still be available


Just wanted to share that I got the lens yesterday for 22,500. I overheard Ms. Joy and another customer talking that they were keeping the price to 22.5K since they were still trying to meet a quota (# of lenses sold, i think). By the time they meet this quota, they'd be switching back to the SRP of 26,500.

I wasn't expecting to get a discount. But that 4K discount was defintely big big savings for me!! :Grin:

congrats jiffi!

the calibration itself is a few minutes lang, but jerome does the calibration there at the makati branch. if na-chempohan mo that he's there, less than half an hour :) so leave it there, 2 days max okay na yan. but it'll be better if you're there when he calibrates so you can test it

Thanks dude!

this is a macro lens right?
can someone post a "macro" shot with this lens. Thanks. :)

not a "true" macro, up to 1.3x not 1:1

it's really handy though to be able to focus so closely :)

this is a macro lens right?
can someone post a "macro" shot with this lens. Thanks. :)