We go hands-on with the new Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC lens - the brightest zoom lens available.
| Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC in Interchangeable Lenses
Sigma has announced the new Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC lens for APS-C (crop) sensor Digital SLRs, made in Japan. We have a hands-on look at a pre-production model, and give our first impressions, although unfortunately we are unable to post any images taken with the lens.
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Key Features
- 18-35mm, 27.5-52.5mm equivalent
- Constant f/1.8 aperture - f/16 minimum
- 9 rounded diaphragm blades
- 17 elements in 12 groups
- Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass
- A - Art series lens
- 72mm filter thread
- Internal focusing and zooming
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- AF/MF switch on side
- 28cm closest focus distance
- 1:4.3 maximum magnification ratio
- Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM)
- 78x121mm (diameter x length)
- 810g
The lens has the fastest maximum aperture of any zoom lens, at f/1.8 throughout the zoom range, and for APS-C cameras it is a much brighter option that the standard kit zoom lens provided which often give an aperture range of f/3.5-5.6. The lens is provided with a deep petal shaped lens hood, with subtle labelling so that it can easily be matched to the lens. The bright aperture will allow a shallower depth-of-field without the need for separate prime lenses. With internal focusing and zooming, the front of the lens does not rotate which makes it possible to use cicular polariser filters on the 72mm thread.
The lens is a solidly built lens with a metal and plastic construction, with rubber grips making it easy to adjust zoom and focus. The rear lens mount is made out of coated brass, and the lens feels extremely well built with a decent weight. Marked on the side is three digits of its release year so the lens can be identified by the date of launch. Focus was quick and silent and the front ring allows full time manual focusing adjustment. With just a brief period of time shooting with the lens, results look impressive with sharp images at both wide and telephoto ends of the lens, and good bokeh performance when using the lens wide open.
We will be putting the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC lens through a full review when production versions of the lens are available. For more information have a look at the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC lens announcement.
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC Photos of Equipment
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC Specifications
| Manufacturer | Sigma | |
| General | ||
| Lens Mounts |
| |
| Lens | ||
| Focal Length | 18mm - 35mm | |
| Angle of View | 44.2° - 76.5° | |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 | |
| Min Aperture | f/16 | |
| Filter Size | 72mm | |
| Stabilised | No | |
| 35mm equivalent | 27mm - 52.5mm | |
| Internal focusing | Yes | |
| Maximum magnification | No Data | |
| Focusing | ||
| Min Focus | 28cm | |
| Construction | ||
| Blades | 9 | |
| Elements | 17 | |
| Groups | 12 | |
| Box Contents | ||
| Box Contents | Front and rear caps, lens hood, case. | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 810g | |
| Height | 121mm | |
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We don't have the latest price however the link below will take you to the most relevant items. Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC SEARCH |
We don't have the latest price however the link below will take you to the most relevant items. Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC SEARCH |
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