Sigma 210306 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Lens for Nikon - Black

If you are reading this you probably are thinking of buying this lens. I've written this with you in mind. There are many reviews of this Sigma lens on the web, all rating it highly. Yes, this lens is a stellar performer.It's really comes down to two questions: whether this is the `right' focal length range for you? and do you really need 1.8 or would a 2.8 do? This 18-35mm 1.8 lens is made for crop sensor cameras; don't buy this for a full frame camera.18-35mm focal length might be too limiting for many. A Tamron 24-70mm 2.8 is about the same price and would make a more useful [hi-quality] workhorse lens (gets good reviews too). Sigma also do a 17-50mm 2.8. Nikon produce a 17-55mm f2.8 (look 2nd hand) that is said to be more useful on DX than 24-70mm - there are alternatives.If you're into wide angle, 18mm isn't what many consider true `wide angle'. Look at the 10-24mm range.The Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 is a very high quality lens - essentially a prime you can zoom between 18-35mm for framing (approx. 28-55mm full frame equivalent); being able to go as wide as 18mm (28mm fx) opens up many possibilities.I also own a Nikon 50mm f1.4, a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 and a Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.I found my Nikon 50mm limiting framing wise, as I guess other primes would be too in situations such as photographing in a workshop, an office, at an awards presentation with lots of seating etc. and shooting architecture at night where 'zooming with your feet' can be limited, or impossible.Portraits? Professional portrait photographers will be looking at a minimum of 50mm, 85mm, 105mm, 135mm etc.Street photography? Probably too big and obvious for many photographers; but for photographing large groups or individuals at awards ceremonies etc. this is the lens I'll reach for; results are acceptable.Low light often means having to use slower shutter speeds, which means thinking of using a tripod, or introducing flash.I have used this handheld on the street in near dark conditions, but you really do need very steady hands; focus wise you are better off focusing manually as AF will struggle. In low light (which can mean room lighting) I've found there is a point light-wise where it's better to focus manually than rely on AF - or start using flash.Being honest, it's rare you need to use f1.8. In day-light be prepared to stop this lens down to prevent images being overexposed. If doing landscapes, or daytime long exposures, you'll probably need a ND or ND grad filter. On the other hand 1.8 is useful in low light situations, if you really do need it...Lens flare control is excellent. You can shoot almost directly into the sun and flare is minimal - compared to other lenses (I leave the lens hood off).I often use this for long exposures at night; it gives great clarity and colour. It also gives good starbursts. For long exposures at night (30 seconds plus) I'm using f16 and an exposure compensation of -5 to stop the sensor being flooded by light. (I also shoot RAW and do post in Photoshop).Some reviews mention a miss-focusing issue. I've used my 18-35mm lens on a Nikon D90 and can't say I've noticed any focusing issues - certainly no more than with any other lens. When it nails focus it's very, very sharp; nice bokeh too...If, like me, you already have some good workhorse lenses - but need a good lens to go below the 50mm focal length, then this 18-35 costs less than several prime lenses (35mm, 30mm, 24mm etc.), and goes down to 18mm (dx) and gives stellar quality.Personally I'd be happier if this was, say, a 12-30mm lens (I love wide angle); for me this was a must have lens. I saved for a year to buy it and have no regrets.Downsides of this Sigma: it is big and heavy.You'll need a large carry case for a DSLR with this lens on; though this lens comes with quite a nice Sigma padded lens case for storage.If you buy from a dealer in a non EU country (I ordered mine from Japan via Amazon) bear in mind you will have to pay excise duties & VAT when it arrives in the UK. That added £140 onto my bill; I ended up paying the same as I would have had to had I bought from a UK retailer.

Believe the hype, this is without a doubt THE best lens I've ever shot with. Images are painfully sharp at any aperture or focal length, and colour rendition and contrast are beautiful. You get wonderful, creamy backgrounds, though admittedly not to the same extent as with a fast portrait lens. It's built like a tank and feels really great to hold and use ; the focus and zoom rings are quite firm but not at all in a bad way. However, it is quite heavy but it balances really well on my camera and I rarely notice the weight.The only real downside I can think of is the quite short zoom range, but I've rarely had it bother me - I bought this to replace a couple of primes so any zoom at all is excellent. I can imagine that pairing this with the Sigma 50-100mm would be a great combo, but I haven't got the money or need for that right now.Long story short if you should a lot in the wide-normal range just do yourself a favour and get this lens, it's a masterpiece of optical engineering.

Update! Just came back from the Italy trip and this lens has exceeded my expectations! A great product for landscape photography. The focus can go a bit hit and miss for portrait depending on the subject distance but once you know the lens working style you will be able to figure it out. Overall a great lens. Love it so far!

First i have to say English is not my first language, and if you see some mistake in typing peleas forgive me.after waching and reading about this lens, i deside to purchas it, and igot it.if i want to find out, how good is lens,,i use the entry level camera, and i done it with,, NIKON D3200,, and took some shot, when i wach in my laptop couldent belive my eyes D3200 BECOME like D800 Oh man,,this lens is FAAAANTAAASTIC.Focusing is fast and smooth,,image qualety is very good and very very Sharp.Culours turu this lens is perfect. the Down side of this lens is lack of ,,VR,, to be honest with focusing this fast and wide WHO needs ,,VR,,This lens is heavy, but with camera the balance is perfect,,belive me.i keep it short,,all in all very happy,all credit to sigma. well done ,,SIGMA.to people out there,,if you are looking for,, DX,,lens with top image qualety and great sharpness, fast focousing,,,,i will recomand very higely this lens. I love this lens,,,

Its not imported buy sigma imaging uk so dont expect to get 3 years extended warranty. Only 1 year EU warranty.