Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR
- No Longer Available
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Lens now incorporates the HSM feature, which gives this lens the capability to auto focus with all Nikon DSLR cameras (including the D40 and D40x). In addition, with the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) incorporated into this lens, focusing will be quieter and more responsive.
The 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Lens has a maximum magnification rating of 1:3, with a minimum focusing distance that is as close as 7.9" (20 cm), which makes it 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. 27-75mm when used with a Nikon 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, or for 35mm size "full-frame" digital cameras, e.g. Kodak Pro SLR/n.
- Incorporation of the HSM feature allows it to autofocus with all Nikon DSLR 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" (20 cm) |
| Magnification | 1:3 |
| Zoom/Focus Control | Two touch |
| Angle of View | 69.3-27.9° |
| Groups/Elements | 13/15 |
| Length | 3.4" (86mm) |
| Maximum Diameter | 3.1" (79mm) |
| Weight | 1.2 lb (535 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 69 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
92%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (62)
- Consistent output (42)
- Durable (34)
- Strong construction (34)
- Easily interchangeable (33)
Cons
- Heavy (11)
- Blurry focus (8)
- Lens creep (3)
- Slow focus (3)
Best Uses
- General purpose (30)
- Night photography (26)
- Landscape/scenery (19)
- Low light (18)
- Macro photography (17)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (17), Photo enthusiast (13), Semi-pro photographer (12), Professional (8), Semi-professional (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
One of the best lens ever purchased
I use this lens for portraits, glamour, generally wide shots. First off I started with a 50mm 1.4 Nikon lens and that lens was well worth the money, but i needed something which ...Read complete review
I use this lens for portraits, glamour, generally wide shots. First off I started with a 50mm 1.4 Nikon lens and that lens was well worth the money, but i needed something which can give me a wide angle at fast aperture, this lens does that, at a great price. I don't really need zoom, I can come as close as I want to my subjects Other companies have a similar lens like nikon or tamron but let me tell you why its worth getting this one, first off, the others cost double or tripple, and deliver same to nothing results.
+ the lens has macro, which the more expensive equivalents do not offer
+ the lens focuses quieter than my 1.4 50mm nikon lens
+ the price is great and worth purchasing for any photographer that has limited light needs but also needs to get portrait to wide angle ranges
+ results are sharp and professional
+ came with a lens hood that looks solid, rear and front lens caps and a heavy duty nylon pouch to carry it in, shows that the company values their product, i appreciate that.
+ the lens has a lock on it, and a auto and manual switch for focus
+ the lens has a good feel for a plastic lens focus ring, and zoom ring feels solid, and both have a good rubber grip to get accurate steady results.
- at the widest angle at 18 mm i did notice somewhat of a barrel distortion, it is minimal and still worth considering because you are getting a great lens for pennies
- its plastic, the more expensive versions of this lens are made of metal (nikon) but i refuse to pay 3 times more for metal and no macro.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Beware of Sigma - Severe Focus Issues
I always appreciate reading the reviews that other photographers have written and it is a principle factor when I am choosing which lenses to buy. Nonetheles, I am always too busy/lazy to write ...Read complete review
I always appreciate reading the reviews that other photographers have written and it is a principle factor when I am choosing which lenses to buy. Nonetheles, I am always too busy/lazy to write my own reviews. After my experience with Sigma lenses, however, I decided that enough is enough and I owed it to anybody considering buying one to give them my opinion. I have owned two of these lenses and both of them have had SEVERE focusing issues. In fact, I have owned 4 Sigma lenses (a 30mm f/1.4; a 24-70mm f/2.8; and 2 18-50mm f/2.8) and every single one of them has had SEVERE focusing issues.
The first 18-50mm f/2.8 lens that I owned had problems with front focusing - basically unless it was at 50mm it would not produce an in focus image. Before I could send it back or get it fixed it was stolen. I thought perhaps I had gotten a defective copy so I decided to give it another shot and bought another one. It had the same problem, so bad that if I wanted to make sure that a photo was in focus I had to zoom in to 50mm, lock the focus, re-compose and then take the picture. I sent it back to B&H, who sent it back to Sigma, and after way too long sent it back to me saying that they had fixed the problem. The problem most certainly was not fixed and I clearly remember one time when I was hanging off the side of a helicopter trying to photograph with this lens I was struck with a violent urge to chuck it down hundreds of feet below to smash into a million tiny pieces.
Don't get me wrong, it's a decent lens - the macro is wonderful, the contrast and definition is great, and the price tag compared to the Nikon equivalent ($1300) certainly can't be beat. But folks, if the lens can't focus right nothing else matters. Sigma lenses can potentially produce wonderful images, and are very affordable, but I will never buy another one again, and I will tell all my friends and anybody who asks to do likewise.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 69 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Durable
- Extremely close macro
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
Great lens - and for what a great price (it's over $1000 for similar focal length range f/2.8 lenses by Nikon or Canon...).
Performs great, too.
Focuses much closer than according to specs (I was maybe 1-2" from the subject and would still focus on it). I used it in extreme cold and in fog - and it still works. Has sharp focus and very pleasing bokeh.
I'm very, very pleased with this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
We were out shooting a dam with backed up ice and I was able to get in really close and the pictures are so perfectly clear!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I bought it for my Nikon D7000 and this is the only lens I have on the camera. Autofocus is fast and sharp. HSM is super quiet. Before this I was using the kit lens (18-105) on my D90, it is a good lens but Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX is much better in the range of 18-50 and I don't miss at all zooming to 105.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- General Purpose
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I bought this as a f/2.8 companion to the 50~150mm f/2.8. The performance of this lens pales in comparision. The wide open aperature is better suited to bragging rites than to bagging photos. It's soft until you stop down one and a half stops, preferably two. Then it's a good lens. I do wish the focus ring didn't move. I keep resting my finger on the ring.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I've been using the lens for about a week now. I really love it. It's sharp, fast and the images are great. I love the macro feature. It also focuses really fast. I haven't had any problems or complaints. I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to spend the extra cash on the Nikkor version. It may be a little heavy but to me that just means it's built solid. Wasn't hard to get used to.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I bought it for outdoor photography and used it for the first time last week on a fishing trip. the results are good. As I use it more and it gets knocked around some, I'll see how it holds up. So far, I am glad I bought it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Great Value Versatility
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Haven't learned of any
Best Uses
- Fast general use lens
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
Works for low-light group photography as well as well as landscape photography - Oh, and for macros it can focus much closer than advertised.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I had this lens and few others covering the public event and realized end of it that this lens covered all the angels I needed with amazing clarity.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
A really versatile lens that works well in most light conditions.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
This is a very sharp lens, and produces excellent contrast and defination. It is best stopped down slightly - like most lens. It is heavy. I have had this lens for about 2 years now, and the only complaint I have is the plastic barrel. I bumped the lens sightly, and broke the zoom internally. I had it reparied at Sigma.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
For a while I was looking around for a quality lens with good optics, that takes great pictures and that is fast. Now the Macro and continuous 2.8 is definitely a well liked bonus. The lens has fast and quiet auto focus, which I try not to use too much, pictures are crystal clear and the picture quality is exactly what I read in the reviews. One thing that I did not read about is the pin cushion but it is not that noticeable and I guess there is no such thing as a perfect lens. The lens itself is a little bit on the bulkier side, it is almost the size of my 18-105 Nikon, and it is also heavier but it just feels sturdy and you can feel the quality when you hold it. This is something that I like because with all the electronics and any quality product that I had it was on the bulkier side but always ended up lasting me a lot longer than the cheaper looking light products. All in all this is a great lens where if you wanted to get the same quality from Nikon you would have to pay well over 1500. Great bargain and a great investment.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
Very pleased with this lens, pictures are sharp and have very good contrast. It focuses a bit slow in low lighting situations but fast in good light.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I was looking for an all purpose lens to replace my kit lens. I wanted something with a larger aperture range and this lens filled that bill. I was a little concerned because of a few bad reviews I have read about this lens but I can say that it is serving my purposes extremely well. I have no cons to report so far. This lens fills my needs perfectly!
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
ok here we go i have never rated a product until now: i am a semi-pro, took a chance on this lens. 30 some yrs. ago i would have called sigma "junk lenses". UNTIL NOW i ordered the 18-50 macro 2.8 abt. one month ago,put it on my d80 and have not taken it off my camera i use this lens as my walkaround lens. checked all apreatures fom 2.8 and the result is great photos corner to corner.oh yea the price cannot be beat, try it you'll like it [...] right out of the box the lens felt solid and still is. not a lightweight, but that is why i ordered it in the first place. i fell that at this price [...] how can you go wrong.
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
Used this on a brand-new D300s, which has been tested with several Nikon and Tamron lenses.
I have tried two copies of this lens. The front focus was so bad on both copies, that it couldn't be adjusted with camera's AF fine tune feature. It's a real shame because everything else about this lens is great - color, contrast, sharpness (if you can focus it) and build. But as an AF lens it is useless to me.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
love the lens. it just what i needed. i haven't taken it off since i received it in the mail. works super well in low light and is really sharp. id recommend this to anyone. it will be very useful for portraits and wedding photography.it seems like it might have a little lens creep.there is a zoom lockout button to keep it from moving around when not using it. which comes in useful.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
This is a great fast lens. A little on the heavy side, but that is to be expected from this type. Been a great lens so far.
Left hand zoom takes a short while to get used to.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
We were on a family trip and went to B&H. It is always an extraordinary experience to go to that wonderful and unique store. We bought a 18-50 mm 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Lens for Nikon Digital SLR by Sigma. It was certainly a very good product and we are happy with that purchase.
Pros
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
i bought this lens even after reading all the reviews and it seemed that people were about 50/50 on it. Well, I too am suffering from very soft images. I only have a D80 so I have no way to adjust the focus sensor on the body. If I had that ability and could get super sharp images i would be giving this 5 stars.
the price is great for this lens but i would say that you have a 50% chance of soft images so just beware of that if you don't have a way to adjust the focus on the body.
i think some of the people who are saying that their images are sharp have no idea what a soft image is anyway.
macro abilities are cool when the image is sharp.
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
Very fast and smooth focus. I love that I can get close for macro shots. Lens is a little heavy but I've gotten used to it. I will likely keep this lens on my camera as my everyday lens. I haven't removed it yet.
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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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