We are a little late with this review but finally here it is ... our test of the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM "Art" (Canon mount, Nikon will follow eventually). The lens produced quite some buzz when it was released earlier this year.

This is a very sharp lens from 18-35 focal length wide open. Sharpness is comparable or better than fixed lenses I own (35mm f1.8G and 50mm f1.8D) Focusing is precise and there is no need to use the micro focus adjustment on my Nikon D7000. Build quality is outstanding. Comes with a free hood too.

Very sharp and precise focus

I wish they added vibration reduction; Using it without a tripod indoors without flash would soften the image when you pixel peep in the monitor; Totally acceptable in prints 5x7 and below; Also, can only be used is APS-C sensor cameras

When the announcement of Sigma's new 18–35mm lens arrived, some of our staffers chuckled upon opening the e-mail. Why? Because of what appeared to be a typo in the headline: Instead of f/2.8, it quoted f/1.8 as the maximum aperture!

When sigma announced that it was developing the world's first zoom lens to feature a super-fast, fixed aperture of f/1.8 throughout the focal length range, the news certainly turned some heads in the photography world.

Credit must be given to Sigma for taking the plunge and being the first to pull off this optical feat. Despite being a touch heavy – especially for a lens intended for smaller APS-C format D-SLRs – the 18-35mm impressed us in almost all areas of testing.

The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is a true game changer. I may not be a technical guru, but I love to snap pictures. I use my camera every day, and am always looking for new, incredible equipment that enhances my ability to capture a moment.

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

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.

Ground-breaking f/1.8 maximum aperture wide-angle zoom for APS-C DSLRs gets a workout

f/1.8 maximum aperture; Excellent image quality; Full-time MF option; Very good sharpness

Not full-frame coverage; Somewhat weighty; Modest 2x zoom range

Few lenses provoke genuine excitement in hardened photo journalists but Sigma's new 18-35mm f/1.8 zoom is a very deserving exception. Not only does it feature a constant aperture across its zoom range but, for the first time ever, that aperture is a staggering f/1.8 from 18mm right through to 35mm.

f/1.8 maximum aperture; Excellent image quality; Full-time MF option; Very good sharpness

Not full-frame coverage; Somewhat weighty; Modest 2x zoom range