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

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.

Fact of life: fast lenses are expensive, and fast zoom lenses are expensive and heavy. While we can't do anything about its bulk, as long as Sigma's $799 price for its 18-35mm f1.8 doesn't rise to the $1,160 currently in strikethrough type on Sigma's Web site, this lens will remain a great bargain...

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

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.

Lacks optical stabilization

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...

Great Lens. Still quite sharp wide open. even better at 2.8. Solid build not too heavy. Has a72mm filter wish it was 77mm. Overall 5 stars

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.

When it was announced roughly a year ago, Sigma's 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens was the first of its type with a constant f/1.8 maximum aperture. Designed exclusively for cameras with APS-C sized sensors, it covers the 35mm equivalent of 29-56mm on Canon DSLRs and 27-52mm on other bodies.

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.

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.