The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM delivers on its promise; it boasts the speed and sharpness of a prime lens, along with the convenience of a zoom. (4.5 out of 5) Editor's Choice Pros Sharp Wide aperture Reasonable price tag Available for several camera systems Cons Big No optical stabilization Some...

Sharp; Wide aperture; Reasonable price tag; Available for several camera systems

Big; No optical stabilization; Some wide-angle barrel distortion; Modest zoom ratio

Sigma's 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM ($800) is a formidable piece of glass if you're looking for a medium focal length (short, if you're shooting full frame), wide aperture add-on for your DSLR, provided you've got the budget for an $800 lens.

Terrific image quality; Wide f/1.8 aperture; Snappy autofocus

Short zoom doesn't do much; May be overkill for APS-C users; Flaky lens cap

As long as it stays at a sub-$1,000 price, the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM lens will be a great deal for photographers using APS-C dSLRs.

The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM lens currently occupies a unique spot as a wide-aperture zoom lens built specifically for APS-C mounts.

Lacks optical stabilization

The word "groundbreaking" seems inadequate for describing the awesomeness of the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens. The primary reason for that awesomeness is the not-seen-in-any-other-zoom-lens f/1.8 aperture.

Sigma's 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM is part of their DC series of lenses designed for APS-C-sized sensors so the imaging circle is matched to the size of the sensor. For this assignment, I used a Canon EOS 60D with a 22.3x14.9mm sensor, producing an equivalent angle of view of a 28-56mm lens.

The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM lens is built for APS-C format cameras, providing a 27-52.5mm equivalent full frame field of view. At 1.78 lbs, the lens is not quite a bear; however, you'll definitely notice an increase and size and weight from other variable aperture zoom lenses built for APS-C...

Handling and features This much anticipated standard zoom lens for APS-C format cameras sports a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range and silent internal focusing with full time manual override.

This lens was right out of the box and onto my camera. I found the focus to be tack sharp without any tuning and all focal lengths tested. Great color and contrast. Focus was fast and quiet. The constant length, and non-rotating lens is a plus for me.

I have no hesitation in joining the chorus of praises for this lens as far as pure optics and ground breaking parameters. If you want to replace 2-3 prime lenses and can adjust to the size and weight, this is lens can do the job, but for me, the limited range and lack of stabilization made it a...

I replace my Tamron 17-50 f2.8 by this lens and I do not regret. It is sharp and on my D7100 it is a perfect match. The only negative comment, it is a big and heavy lens compare to my Tamron.

Sharp; price f1.8

Weight