I prefer to shoot portraits at 50mm or 85mm (or longer) but I was surprised to see just how well this lens might perform for shallow focus portrait work. I attribute this exquisite effect to the 9 curved blades of the aperture diaphragm. What I was not expecting was just how beautifully creamy the bokeh would be. Given the large aperture capabilities I expected to be able to pull of some really creative shallow focusing. This lens has a constant aperture of f1.8 which means that you can shoot a wide open f1.8 aperture from 18mm all the way to 35mm. drum roll… image quality! It’s this most important of areas where Sigma has really outdone themselves. Image QualityĪt long last we’ve reached the part the review that excites me the most. During the course of this review I have found zero reasons to doubt it’s legitimacy as a lens housing material. It looks like metal… and honestly feels a lot like metal in the hand. Think of TSC as a next level polycarbonate. There are quite a few pages of lab test results which seem to support the claim. According to Sigma, the benefits of using TSC is it’s resistance shrinking and swelling when placed in temperature extremes (much as aluminum would) while maintaining its relatively low size to weight ratio. The lens barrel is constructed using this material rather than opting for a metal housing such as aluminum. Sigma has introduced a substance called Thermally Stable Composite or TSC. The actual lens material itself is a point of interest as well. Here’s a rundown of the particulars directly from Sigma. Included in the package is a petal shaped lens hood which fits well and is reversible for carry. Here we see a size comparison to one of my favorite lenses of all time, the Canon 50mm F1.4. This makes it about 6 ounces heavier than it’s in-class cousin, the Canon 16-35mm f2.8 L II, but the Sigma is also about an inch shorter in overall length (and about half the price of the Canon). It comes in at 28.6 ounces making it substantial but by no means overly heavy. The Sigma 18-35mm simply oozes class even to the point of sporting a semi-retro charm. All the indicator points and numbers are pleasingly executed. As for aesthetics, the look is very polished and refined. This easy option to focus manually on the fly while in AF mode is a huge benefit for landscape shooters. Speaking of autofocus, the lens is equipped with manual override. The autofocus switch is crisp and is well positioned for quick no-look operation. This lens focuses and zooms internally meaning the lens length doesn’t change while zooming or focusing… which I love. The focusing ring is silky smooth not too loose while still being easy to manipulate. The manufacture of this lens is thoroughly top notch and befitting of it’s high-end reputation. The build of the Sigma 18-35mm is absolutely superb. Build and CraftsmanshipĪ warm and cuddly feeling of love struck me as soon as this lens left the box. This makes the lens ideal for an enormously wide range of lighting situations while allowing the photographer take control of focusing depth. The constant 1.8 maximum aperture means that the low light capabilities of this lens rivals anything on the market in this focal range. The lens is branded by Sigma as a premium grade option for landscapists, low light shooting, as well as a general multi-purpose wide angle utility lens with low distortion and aberrations. And it makes me beyond happy to tell you now… it definitely does not disappoint. As part of Sigma’s highly regarded “ Art” line it is counted among what is considered to represent the cream of the crop from this manufacturer as far as build and image quality are concerned. This excitement is further amplified when you know that new lens is considered top of the line.Įnter the 18-35mm f1.8 DC HSM A from Sigma. Getting new glass (or even new to you) is a very exciting time for serious shooters. More often than not, that next step manifests itself in the form of a new lens. When this happens, the dedicated photographer begins looking for the tools he or she will need in order to take that “ next step” and move forward in their journey. That being said, there does come a time when you have pushed yourself and your equipment to its maximum. These tools aren’t just the gear you happen to be using but also the skills you have acquired along the way. There’s a certain feeling of pride that comes from knowing you have made the best image you can possibly make with the tools you have.
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