Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for Canon AF

ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
edited July 26, 2006 in Accessories
Does anyone have this lens? The reviews look pretty promising. The application would be Wedding and Event photography, with some landscape and scenic as well. The lens would be used with a dRebel XT and basically replace the "kit" lens.

Thanks,

ziggy53
ziggy53
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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Comments

  • hollynlahollynla Registered Users Posts: 21 Big grins
    edited July 12, 2005
    I'm eyeing the same lens as you for my 20D. The reviews looks excellent and the price is great too. I'd also like to hear of anyone who uses this lens.
  • ScottMcLeodScottMcLeod Registered Users Posts: 753 Major grins
    edited July 12, 2005
    This lens quirked my interest when I saw it in the Amplis Photo (sigma supplier) book the other day.

    Perhaps I should get this instead of the Tamron 28-75 XR Di...

    Maybe later though, i'm short on cash, and found a deal on FredMiranda for one.
    - Scott
    http://framebyframe.ca
    [Bodies] Canon EOS 20D - Canon EOS 500
    [Lenses] Sigma APO 70-200 f/2.8 - Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 - Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 - Tamron XR Di 28-75mm f/2.8 - Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
    [Flash] Sigma EF500 Super DG Flash
    [Tripod]
    Manfrotto 055 Pro Black
    [Head] 484RC2, 200RC2
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 13, 2005
    I ordered the lens today. I'll post some results of tests when I get it.


    ziggy53
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 20, 2005
    It's here!
    I received the lens. Tests and samples are forthcoming.


    First impressions: This is a well made, great feeling lens. Actions are smooth and focus lock is quick. There is some sound while focussing, but not objectionable to me. The f 2.8 through the zoom range is great and seems accurate.

    This lens replaces both the "kit" lens and a fixed 28mm, so my back is happy, but this is a substantial lens by itself.

    I will comment on image-related issues after testing.

    ziggy53
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • PatrickPatrick Registered Users Posts: 7 Beginner grinner
    edited July 22, 2005
    I would be interested in your results of the new Sigma too. I am the proud new owner of a used 20D (only used for 10 shots!!) and it of course came with the EFS 18-55mm kit lens. I am more than a little disapointed with this lens and it kind of takes away the excitement of the new camera.

    Sigma also make an 18-85mm zoom, can't recall speed. I like this range
    more. Any comments on advantages or disadvantages to this lens over
    the Sigma you have choosen?

    How "bad" is the 20D kit lens anyway?

    Patrick
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    Test results for Sigma 18-50mm, f2.8 DC EX
    Procedure and equipment:

    Canon dRebel XT, 100 ISO, Aperture Priority, tripod for most of the "brick wall" shots. Parameter 2, Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation and Color Tone zeroed.
    Sigma 18-50mm, f2.8 DC EX lens

    Original shots scaled to 640 x 480, crops are 100%, no software manipulation beyond scaling or cropping.

    First shot: File:IMG_0715.JPG
    Scaled for WEB
    18mm
    ExposureTime - 1/250 seconds
    FNumber - 2.80
    ExposureProgram - Aperture priority
    ISOSpeedRatings - 100
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    Center crop, 100%
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    Crop Lower Left
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    18mm, f4, scaled for WEB
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    18mm, f4, center crop 100%
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    18mm, f4, Crop Lower Left
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    18mm, f8, scaled for WEB
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    18mm, f8, center crop
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    18mm, f8, crop Lower Left
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    50mm, f2.8, scaled for WEB
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    50mm, f2.8, center
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    50mm, f2.8, crop Lower Left
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    This test checks focus accuracy. I used a single center spot for focus and focussed on the slightly taller post central in the image. 50mm, f2.8
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    Center crop of above focus test. 50mm
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    focus accuracy test, 18mm, f2.8
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    18mm, f2.8, center crop
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    Those tests were from July 21, 2005, and the clouds kept moving in and out, varying the exposure. I realized later that I had a UV filter on the lens during the tests. I tested again just at 18mm and just wide open to determine the effects of the filter.


    This is with the filter attached:
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    100% Crop Lower Left, filter attached:
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    This time without the filter:
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    100% Crop Lower Left, without filter:
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 22, 2005
    Summary and comments
    All of the following are very much IMHO and only represent my brief tests with this single lens. YMMV

    This is a great lens! At f2.8 and 18mm it is a little soft, especially in the corners. I do think USM or better sharpening would be effective and convincing. At f4 everything sharpens nicely and I would be proud of the results right out of the camera.

    At 50mm, it seems to do better in the center and the edges, even wide open.

    F8 seems to be the sweet spot for this lens and it is sweet indeed! Very sharp edge to edge.

    Focus accuracy appears very good with slight hunting some of the time. Very slight. Not a concern. Time will tell what happens under difficult conditions of low contrast or low light.

    The filter had some impact wide open and wide-angle, but not enough to make me take it off, ever. The protection benefits are just too great and the image degradation is too small and mostly limited to the corners.

    I love this lens and I think this copy is a keeper.

    ziggy53
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ExposeTheMomentExposeTheMoment Registered Users Posts: 271 Major grins
    edited July 27, 2005
    ziggy53 wrote:
    All of the following are very much IMHO and only represent my brief tests with this single lens. YMMV

    This is a great lens! At f2.8 and 18mm it is a little soft, especially in the corners. I do think USM or better sharpening would be effective and convincing. At f4 everything sharpens nicely and I would be proud of the results right out of the camera.

    At 50mm, it seems to do better in the center and the edges, even wide open.

    F8 seems to be the sweet spot for this lens and it is sweet indeed! Very sharp edge to edge.

    Focus accuracy appears very good with slight hunting some of the time. Very slight. Not a concern. Time will tell what happens under difficult conditions of low contrast or low light.

    The filter had some impact wide open and wide-angle, but not enough to make me take it off, ever. The protection benefits are just too great and the image degradation is too small and mostly limited to the corners.

    I love this lens and I think this copy is a keeper.

    ziggy53
    I prefer to use my Canon 16-35 F2.8 L Lens for weddings, only the best if making a profit on someones special day.

    23886082-L.jpg
    Gary Harfield
    Owner/Photographer
    Expose The Moment

    Had a list of gear, now its to long, so lets say I have 2 bags and 15,000 worth of stuff.
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited July 27, 2005
    Thanks Gary,


    I noticed at the Corbally Wedding it looks like you teamed that lens (Canon 16-35 F2.8 L) with the Canon 20D. It also looks like you prefer f4 and you shoot often at the 35mm length.
    Do you find the lens much sharper at f4 or do you prefer the little extra DOF, or both?
    Do you ever wish you had a little longer zoom?

    Thanks,

    ziggy53
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ExposeTheMomentExposeTheMoment Registered Users Posts: 271 Major grins
    edited July 27, 2005
    ziggy53 wrote:
    Thanks Gary,


    I noticed at the Corbally Wedding it looks like you teamed that lens (Canon 16-35 F2.8 L) with the Canon 20D. It also looks like you prefer f4 and you shoot often at the 35mm length.
    Do you find the lens much sharper at f4 or do you prefer the little extra DOF, or both?
    Do you ever wish you had a little longer zoom?

    Thanks,

    ziggy53

    Well first off, my normal setup is the following.

    Canon 20D
    Canon 16-35 2.8 L
    Canon 550ex Flash
    Gary Fongs LSII

    I like having DOF, but I do have and use a Sigma 70-200 2.8

    From this point forward, I will be using a two camera setup at my weddings.

    So I'll end up with.

    Camera One

    Canon 20D
    Canon 17-35 2.8 L
    Canon 550ex Flash
    Gary Fongs LSII

    Camera Two

    Canon 10
    Sigma 70-200 2.8D
    Canon 550ex Flash
    Gary Fongs LSII

    My list of gear is pretty large.
    Canon 20D & BG-E2 Grip, Canon 10D & BG-ED3 Grip, Canon 16-35 2.8 L
    Sigma 20mm 1.8, 17-35mm f/2.8-4.0, Canon 17-55 (20D) Sigma 70-200 2.8
    Canon 580EX Flash, Canon 550EX Flash, (2) LightSphere II
    Lumiquest Pocket Bounce, Vosonic 2160 (20GB) Hand-Held Photo Storage
    (1) 4GB Sandisk Flash Card (1) 1GB Compact Flash Card
    (3) 1GB Sandisk Ultra II (2) 512mb Compact Flash Cards
    (1) 256mb Compact Flash Card
    (9) Sets of 4 MAHA PowerEx 2500 AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
    and PowerEx MH-C777 PLUS-II Charger
    Gary Harfield
    Owner/Photographer
    Expose The Moment

    Had a list of gear, now its to long, so lets say I have 2 bags and 15,000 worth of stuff.
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