Customer Reviews

Sigma 18-50mm F/2.8 EX DC Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I took a look a this lens almost as a fluke -- I wanted something that gave me quick speed at 2.8 but had more range than than the prime standard 50/1.8...and I was so pleased with the lens I have used it quite a bit more than I thought I would. The quality of the photos is excellent, good colors, good contrast. The lens is relatively light (less than a pound) so it "feels good" on the body. Compare this lens to the Tamron 17-50/2.8 They are virtually identical. This is a supurb replacement for your standard kit lens.

I use this lens on my Nikon D70. It's great. Before I bought it, I thought I should get a lens with better range, example, the Nikon 18-200mm lens. My friend had told me about this one, so I decided to buy it for the heckuvit. I was glad I did. The range isn't a big deal now, but the only problem is--umm--uhh--I can't really think of any problems I've had with this lens, besides the fact that I all of my lenses, I use this one the most, and I paid all that money for the other lenses! Trust me, it's great.

I bought this lens because my REAL Nikon film lenses did not perform well with my new digital SLR. To make the whole story short, I had invested $1400 in a digital SLR in hopes that I could use my Nikon lenses. But to my surprise...those lenses didn't perform well at all. So I took a chance on this Sigma lens (after reading the reviews of course). It was the least expensive lens in my bag but it gave the best result. The images were very sharp with good colors and detail. Again, thanks to those who took the time to write the earlier reviews. They had helped me tremendously.

This is a good lens to have in the bag for an amateur photographer like myself. The lens is relatively fast with a constant 2.8 aperture throughout the zoom. The lens is sharp at f-stops 4 and above and workes quite well even wide open. I use it on a Nikon D50. Focusing is fast. Overall I am quite happy with the purchase. Check out pictures at

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I purchased the Sigma 18-50mm F/2.8 EX DC Lens for my "new" Nikon D7000 Digital SLR. I was a little apprehensive about buying a non-Nikon lens at first because I cannot afford a $1,000.00 plus price tag on a new (or used), Nikkor lens. After two weeks of heavy research I settled on the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 large aperture lens for extensive low light shooting.

Initially, Out Of The Box: I purchased this as a "refurbished lens" from a reputable camera retailer on Amazon. A 6-month manufacturer's warranty was attached to it, as well as a store warranty, which made the deal even sweeter. I received the signature Sigma semi-hard case, warranty and registration cards, front and back lens caps, instructions written in 12 languages, plus the original retail box and packaging. Well worth the price-- so far.

My Concerns: I have read many stories about focusing issues with the Nikon and about Sigma and other top lens brands. Those few bad reviews that I read were not consistent with usage. It's not always the camera, and it's not always the lens. The most common fault is user faults, like incorrect shutter speeds, holding the camera or lens incorrectly, unstable or shaky grip, or uncorrected diopter adjustment, to name a few. Sometime it's just too easy to blame the lens as being "a bad lens". Case in point, my wife and I shot the same subject, from the same distance with the same settings, with the same camera and same lens. My shots were in crisp focus and hers were off about a centimeter from the edge. She admitted she may need glasses ;) But really, you get what you pay for. Any lens, under $350.00, I would shy away from. It takes quality glass to make a great lens.

Testing: I ran a minimal focal test on the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens (test charts available online), and only had a 2mm forward correction to make in the Nikon AF Fine Tune Function. I ALSO want to note that I had to make the SAME adjustments with my Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 prime lens too. Which leads me to believe the lenses are just FINE. The bokah is excellent, because of the larger aperture, and details are really crisp. The depth of field at f/2.8 is extremely shallow. How shallow? How does 1 centimeter sound? Wow!

Credentials: I used to work camera retail, back in the day of film cameras and manual exposure. So I know cameras, especially lenses. I am employed as a product photographer for a retailer and I use a Canon 5D at work. Thus, my "work camera" is not always available when I "need" a camera for the weekend. I have personally owned, or had access to, some type of Canon camera for the past 35 years. Both Canon and Nikon are truly great cameras. I have shot with very expensive lenses and I have shot with really bad lenses. Including Canon brand "kit" lenses, which I dislike because of the quality, or lack thereof (It's a $50.00 lens!).

Bottom Line: I selected a Nikon D7000 (body only), and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens for its ability to take photos in low light, without a flash. The Sigma is a great alternative to the more expensive "brand" lenses for the photo enthusiast and semi-pros. I got a really nice combo of lens and camera and I saved a ton of cash. If you're pro and have the cash, and money is no problem, you shouldn't be looking at this review. You know who you are.

For the rest of us, Sigma is the way to go for the cost-conscience! Go for it.