Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC Aspherical Zoom Lens for Olympus and Panasonic Digital SLR Cameras

by Sigma

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.3 x 4.3 inches ; 8.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0006A05QI
• Item model number: B0006A05QI
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

This zoom lens was exclusively designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras. The image circle was designed to match the size of the image sensors of digital SLR cameras, and this produced a compact lens with a maximum diameter of 60mm (2.3 inches), overall length of 67.5 mm (2.6 inches), and weight of only 245 grams (8.6 ounces). It has a variable angle of view of 69.3 degrees to 27.9 degrees. The use of aspherical lenses provides correction for various aberrations throughout the entire zoom range and produces a high level of optical performance. The 18-50mm f3.5-5.6 DC lens has a minimum focusing distance of 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) at all focal lengths and is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5.

Product Description

Sigma 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC - This zoom lens was exclusively designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras. The image circle was designed to match the size of the image sensors of digital SLR cameras, and this produced a compact lens with a maximum diameter of 60mm (2.3in.), overall length of 67.5mm (2.6in.) and weight of only 245gr (8.6 ounces). It has a variable angle of view of 69.3degree~27.9degree. The use of aspherical lenses provides correction for various aberrations throughout the entire zoom range and produce high level of optical performance. 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC lens has a minimum focusing distance of 25cm (9.8in.) at all focal lengths and is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5. Filter size - Rear (gelatin filter insert type) - Does not use any front, screw-in filters Lens construction - 17 elements in 13 groups Maximum aperture - F3.5-4.5 Minimum aperture - F22-32 Dimensions - 3.42 Diameter x 5.12 Long Includes protective case

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars buy the real thing from olympus, October 30, 2006

By 

HMMWV "God, Country, Corps" (santa clara, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

I tried this from 47th street direct - somehow I thought it broke my body and I went into a panic. I switched to the factory lens and matched the focal length then did an MTF comparison between the two with a 5.4 degree diagonal 10% - 90% brightness transition. The MTF curves were proof that the lens was truly junk. Often MTF values at F/8 dropped to 30. Wide open the MTF dropped to 18 and was a wavy line. Having evaluated it I returned it and stayed with OLY's lens, which all things considered isn't that bad. Don't bother with this one - you'll wonder why things are not working. Perhaps the more expensive sigmas are worth it

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Zuiko 14-42mm, March 28, 2008

By 

Matticus (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC Aspherical Zoom Lens for Olympus and Panasonic Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I've been using the Zuiko 14-42mm for over 3 years now on my Olympus evolt e-300 , and the Sigma 18-50mm lens is far better. I have just recently got it and have used it many times. It's now become my favorite lens.

The Auto Focus is far faster, the Manual Focus is very smooth. It's easy to switch from one another with a click of the button. The images are clearer and the focusing is amazing on it for selective focusing. Fits good in the hand and everything turns and moves smooth.

The price is amazing.

Only problem I see, is it feels delicate compared to the Zuiko and the shipping was not 2-3 days like I order, more like 8 but it's all good.

-Matt

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Inexpensive is sometimes cheap, August 2, 2006

By 

David Hughes (Hooksett, NH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I recently bought this lens to get better macro shots wusing my Olympus Evolt 500. It was inexpensive and worth the shot. Well, inexpensive = cheap! Even on a tripod the pictures are often a little blurred and ALWAYS grainy and dark. I bought the same lens but from Olympus and, though I cannot get as close, the pictures are flawless! And the Olympus is also a very powerful wide angle lens. The lesson here, for me, is to save my pennies for a lens build for my camera - especially my Olympus cameras.