The Sigma DC 18-50mm f/2.8 EX macro HSM is available in mounts to fit Canon, FourThirds, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony D-SLRs and its small dimensions will appeal to many. The build of the Sigma DC 18-50mm f/2.8 EX macro HSM is solid with a rubberised zoom and focus rings and a classy matte finish on most of the barrel, although the base is less refined. The zoom ring is large, easy to find and moves effortlessly through the range. The manual focus ring is narrow and although smooth, it’s not well-weighted.
The HSM motor means autofocus works on cameras without an internal motor and the performance is good, locking onto subjects well with only slight hunting. It’s not silent, though, making a whirring noise during operation.
Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer isn’t included (a problem if you don’t have an in-camera solution), but it does feature a 20cm minimum focus, SLD and ELD elements and Internal Focus, too. The short 20cm minimum focus distance makes close-ups easy and the 18-50mm f/2.8 offers a 1:3 reproduction ratio – handy, but not true macro.
This lens is a great option for a wide range of D-SLRs that utilise an APS-C image sensor and it boasts a robust but compact design. If you’re after lens-based image stabilisation or need that extra couple of millimetres at the wide-end it’s not for you, but it has good image quality (particularly at the long end) and a 20cm minimum focusing distance for close-up shots. Where it really shines though is the price; at around £320 it’s around a third of the price of the own-brand options. If you fancy a ‘fast’ standard zoom, put this one at the top of your list!
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