Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System)
- No Longer Available
The popular Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens has now been improved with closer focusing capabilities - as close as 7.9" (20 cm) - and has a maximum magnification rating of 1:3, ideal for close-up photography. This lens is exclusively designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras. The characteristics of digital SLR cameras were taken into consideration when designing the lens power layout. The advanced lens design corrects various aberrations. This lens provides the utmost correction against lateral chromatic aberration which is a serious problem for digital SLR cameras.
This lens is also specially coated to get the best color balance with a digital camera, while also cutting down flare and ghost caused by reflections from the digital image sensor and lens. It has correction for vignetting and superior peripheral brightness is ensured. Ideal as a standard quality zoom lens with added macro capability, this lens provides an equivalent range of approx. 36-100mm when used with an Olympus digital SLR camera (*).
DC lenses are exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras. The image circle (rear of lens) is made to match the smaller dimensions used for the image sensor on digital cameras. As a result these lenses are also more compact and lightweight, and are better matched to digital SLR cameras.
Note! (*) Not suitable for 35mm film SLR cameras.
- EX lens series denotes excellence of engineering and new technology
- Large aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range
- Correction for various types of aberration provided by one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element and two aspherical lenses
- Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces flare and ghosting from which digital cameras tend to suffer
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| f/Stop Range | 2.8-22 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 7.9" (20cm) |
| Magnification | 1:3 |
| Angle of View |
53.1 x 36.9° @ 18mm 20.4 x 13.7° @ 50mm |
| Groups/Elements | 13/15 |
| Length | 3.4" (86mm) |
| Maximum Diameter | 3.1" (79mm) |
| Weight | 15.9 oz (450g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (11)
- Strong construction (8)
- Consistent output (7)
- Durable (6)
- Easily interchangeable (6)
Cons
- Heavy (6)
Best Uses
- General purpose (8)
- Landscape photography (4)
- Sports/action (3)
- Wildlife (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (5), Semi-professional (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Rugged
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- General Use
- Landscape Photography
- Upgrade
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
Good general purpose lens. A little darker than a fixed lens, but a small price to pay for the flexible zoom range. I'm very happy with the macro clarity. Solid build and good bang for your buck. I use this lens for everything now.
Pros
- Durable
- Quick Focus
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Landscape Photography
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
I have only used the lens for a couple of weeks but I have been impressed so far. The macro shots are vivid and clear with no distortions. I used the lens for a group of family shots and they turned out very well. I also took the camera on a trip to Mackinac Island with our Boy Scout troop and received great shots. The lens is very quiet, much quieter than the lens that came with my olympus kit.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Loud motor
Best Uses
- General Use
- Landscape Photography
- Wildlife
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
This is a great lens. the f2,8 over the full range is wat I like most about it. Very sharp and fine color match. One thing that aren't so good is the AF-motor. It's quite loud and sometimes it scares animals away...
- Recommended:
- General Brand 72mm UV Protector Filter - Glass
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fun To Use
- Lightweight
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- None found
Best Uses
- General Use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
This is a great lens for nature photography. Floral photos and the inscets on them are easily captured with this lens. Using a 2x teleconverter this is also a very good lens for wildlife photos.
- Recommended:
- General Brand 72mm UV Protector Filter - Glass
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Quick Focus
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
This lens is very quick and sharp. I use it as my general all purpose lens, and for indoor sports and am amazed at the pictures i get. I was a little unsure on it at first because i have never owned a sigma before but after reading reviews bought it and love it. For an all purpose lens it doesnt get much better.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Quick Focus
- Rugged
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
Sharp as a tac on my E-3.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Quick Focus
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
- Well damped zoom ring
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Macro
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Upgrade
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
Excellent glass. I use this lens for general portrait/wedding photography. Also for macro work of wedding details. The manual focus ring is a little loose, but the zoom ring is good and tight. Very fast lens, good for on the fly photojournalism style photography that I use. Slightly heavy, but has a superb feel overall to it. I also keep it on as an all around lens. Price a little high compared to what is made for other brands, but, as 4/3 gains popularity, price will come down. I use and E-500 and E-510, both from B&H, with another Sigma lens, the 30mm f/1.4, another great choice for discerning photographers of any skill level.
- Recommended:
- Tiffen 72mm UV Protector Glass Filter
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Easy To Clean
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
Bought this for an olympus e510 body. Impressed with the build quality and love the pictures it takes.
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
...in spite of its constant maximum aperture. What elsecould you ask for? Weather-sealing? So far I haven't neededit with either my E-510 or my brand new E-3.It's become my walk around lens. With the E-3 it snaps intofocus immediately. It is the ideal combination for indoorsas well as for landscape photography.
Expertise: Aspiring Kertesz Amateur
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Sigma 18-50mm 3.5-5.6
Items I Recommend: Olympus E-3, Circular Polarizer, Neutral-Density filter
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
I bought this lens instead of the Zuiko 14-54, because I wanted the constant F2.8, and the macro part was just a bonus.I have been nothing but happy with this lens after 6 months. I would recommend to anyone.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: E-500, E-330, Zuiko 11-22, Zuiko 50-200, Zuiko 14-45, Sigma 18-50, FL-50, FL-36
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus (4/3 System):
Clear glass. Works great with the Evolt-500. Love the manualfocus ring. Much faster than the floating manual focustypes. Great build quality. Heavy, but feels good.
Problems Encountered: None yet.
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Olympus 14-45mm std. Lens
Displaying reviews 1-11
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $31.50
- Price: $44.39
Care & Cleaning
- Price: $6.95
Color Balancing / Lens Calibration
- Price: $94.95
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $24.95
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood
- Case
- 1-Year Worldwide Warranty + 3-Year Extended USA Warranty
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