Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM is a lens dedicated to digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors offering a large aperture and Sigma's Optical Stabilization and provides a high level of optical performance. The combination of the large aperture of f/2.8 and anti-shake function makes capturing exceptional photos in low light achievable, and the wide angle is well suited for indoor photography. It offers superior peripheral brightness as well as a compact and lightweight construction. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and three Aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. Designed with inner focusing and inner zooming systems, high image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 11.8 inches (30cm) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.1.
Note! Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras. For Pentax mount, if the camera body does not support HSM, auto focus will not be available.
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Sigma's anti-shake function makes capturing exceptional photos in under most lighting situations achievable.
- HSM Autofocusing for Sony D-SLR Cameras
- Inner Focus System
- An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the petal-type lens hood (supplied) plus circular polarizing filters.
- Excellent optical design
- Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements provide excellent correction of color aberrations. This lens produces an exceptional level of optical performance.
- Reduced Ghosting and Flare
- The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghost. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.
- Ideal For Portraits and Snaps
- With a minimum focusing distance of 7.9", and a maximum magnification of 1:3, this large aperture standard zoom lens, with close-up ability, is ideal for portrait and snap shots.
- Compact and Lightweight Lens
- Its design incorporates both glass-mold and hybrid aspherical lens technology which offers a compact and lightweight construction.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18 - 50 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 - 4.5 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony Alpha, Minolta AF |
| Format Compatibility | DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Angle of View | 69.3° - 27.9° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.8" (29.97 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.24x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.1 |
| Groups/Elements | 12/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.91 x 3.49" (7.39 x 8.86 cm) |
| Weight | 13.93 oz (395 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 17 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (10)
- Consistent output (9)
- Easily interchangeable (9)
- Durable (8)
- Strong construction (8)
Cons
- Heavy (3)
Best Uses
- Low light (11)
- Weddings (10)
- Landscape/scenery (7)
- Night photography (5)
- Sports/action (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (5), Semi-pro photographer (5), Casual photographer (3), Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (12)
Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent low cost zoom
This is a fantastic lens for the money. [$] is kit lens territory, yet this is not a kit lens by any means. This would be an excellent lens at $350. I ...Read complete review
This is a fantastic lens for the money. [$] is kit lens territory, yet this is not a kit lens by any means. This would be an excellent lens at $350. I am a pro that prefers prime lenses, but needed a zoom for events when using the A55. This does the trick - relatively sharp wide open, but perfect stopped down. For an event/party, aperture priority F5.0 and ISO 1600 makes for a great combo. Stopped down even further, it gives some of my primes a run for their money with the exception of extreme corners. Bottom line is that this lens is a great value and a great performer. Unless you have a specific need for a constant F2.8 zoom, this is your lens. CA does find its way into images with extreme contrast, but it is only visible under pixel peeping.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Decent lens for the price
I would consider this a "good" lens, although not quite as "great" as some of the reviews make it out to be.
On the positive, it...Read complete review
I would consider this a "good" lens, although not quite as "great" as some of the reviews make it out to be.
On the positive, its well built, fairly sharp and responsive for the price. On the negative its big, heavy and slow to focus at times. Its about twice the size/weight of some of my much larger range Minolta Lenses which is a shame.
Value-wise its a good choice - at least for a new lens. Its certainly a big upgrade over the kit lens that sony supplies with its cameras, which is great for its price range. The focus is WAY smoother than the sony 18 - 55 kit lens and its much easier to keep clean because of the non-moving external zoom.
One of the things I find most annoying about this lens is that it is so big that when you take macro shots (one of the reasons i wanted a lens that was 18mm) the lens actually throws a shadow of itself from the flash! Obviously this is solved by not getting so close, not using flash and/or using an external flash, but having to find a "way around" something suggests a design flaw to me.
Bottom line: depending upon what you are doing, this lens may be a good choice. Its not a terrible lens by any means but its not one of those "oh wow" lenses either. If you're simply looking for a good, inexpensive upgrade to the kit lens supplied with most sony DSLRs, this would be a good place to start.
Ideally, Id give it a 3 1/2 stars if 1/2 were available above.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 17 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-17
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Excellent in low light
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- Noisy autofocus motor
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
Great low light lens for the price, you couldn't do better for the cost. Autofocus is noisy but tack on, image quality is great at f1.8, excellent at f5.6. Focus ring isn't very big but it has a rubberized coating for a good grip. Plastic construction isn't bulletproof but with care it won't be a problem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
I got it just in time for a shoot, and I love it. It has a slight wide-angle, which I find perfect for most photos. You can adjust the scene to incorporate the wide angle feel, or disguise the wide angle easily. This is my second lens, and upgrade from an old kit lens. The image quality is much better. It was a bit more than I had planned on spending, but am definitely glad I purchased it.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
I would consider this a "good" lens, although not quite as "great" as some of the reviews make it out to be.
On the positive, its well built, fairly sharp and responsive for the price. On the negative its big, heavy and slow to focus at times. Its about twice the size/weight of some of my much larger range Minolta Lenses which is a shame.
Value-wise its a good choice - at least for a new lens. Its certainly a big upgrade over the kit lens that sony supplies with its cameras, which is great for its price range. The focus is WAY smoother than the sony 18 - 55 kit lens and its much easier to keep clean because of the non-moving external zoom.
One of the things I find most annoying about this lens is that it is so big that when you take macro shots (one of the reasons i wanted a lens that was 18mm) the lens actually throws a shadow of itself from the flash! Obviously this is solved by not getting so close, not using flash and/or using an external flash, but having to find a "way around" something suggests a design flaw to me.
Bottom line: depending upon what you are doing, this lens may be a good choice. Its not a terrible lens by any means but its not one of those "oh wow" lenses either. If you're simply looking for a good, inexpensive upgrade to the kit lens supplied with most sony DSLRs, this would be a good place to start.
Ideally, Id give it a 3 1/2 stars if 1/2 were available above.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
Four Stars? It's a[$] lens... not super lens... New to DSLR photography. Very amateur. Own an Sony Alpha a100. Kit lens is 18-70 f/3.5 - 5.6. The Sigma surpasses the quality of the kit lens. The glass is better quality. The build is stronger. The depth of field is very pleasing. Compared to the kit lens (also to the other two Sony lenses I have), the Sigma auto focus is Graveyard quiet... I plan to stay amateur, so this lens will probably never leave my Alpha...I have read reviews about distortion, etc. They are all true... however, for the price, the lens is pretty darn good...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
I'm a semi-professional photographer and I needed an all-around lens for family and dancing shots and this 'un fits the bill. At the price, it's reasonable and the build quality is solid without being too heavy. It's a little annoying being tamped down to 4.5 when zoomed in, but it's fine for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
Great lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
I just upgraded it from sony kit lens.
This lens is taking great photos from both indoor and outdoor.
It has rubber lens hoods that look very nice and easy to hold.
It is ideal for portraits and snaps with a minimum focusing distance and a maximum magnification.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
Nothing crawling back and forth, front lens does not move, stabilizer is very good (subjectively better than built-in), HSM is not so fast, just a quiet, from what may be perceived speed of focus, but definitely not slower then screwdriver. Very sharp with 2,8. Yellowness, if the sun falls on the lens. Bought to replace the kit 18-70, very happy with the money and do not regret. Nice macro capabilities, not suitable for infrared photography (REALY big hot-spot, very dark image). Cons: not very convenient lens hood, quite large lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
The clarity of my photos is greatly enhanced. My portrait and closer photos now have way better colour and sharpness. I am very pleased with the lens and what it does to make my Sony work well [...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
This is a fantastic lens for the money. [$] is kit lens territory, yet this is not a kit lens by any means. This would be an excellent lens at $350. I am a pro that prefers prime lenses, but needed a zoom for events when using the A55. This does the trick - relatively sharp wide open, but perfect stopped down. For an event/party, aperture priority F5.0 and ISO 1600 makes for a great combo. Stopped down even further, it gives some of my primes a run for their money with the exception of extreme corners. Bottom line is that this lens is a great value and a great performer. Unless you have a specific need for a constant F2.8 zoom, this is your lens. CA does find its way into images with extreme contrast, but it is only visible under pixel peeping.
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
Awesome performance, good wide angle capability at 18mm. Quiet function.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
I am very pleased with the purchase of the Sigma18-50 mm lens I could see a difference in the veryfirst picture taken.Even the view through the lens is better than lenwith camera. I look forward to many years of good picturs taking with this added lens [...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
a good little lense for events that are up close and personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
The only reason I did not give this lens 5 stars was because of the fact that it doesn't hold the 2.8 aperature through the zoom range. It forces you down to 4.5. However, I consider this an indispensable lens and it has not left my camera since I purchased it. This lens has served me well with landscapes as well as portrait work. I do however prefer my 50mm 1.8 for portrait work.
One other con is that the OS funtion eats batteries very quick. Went through 2 batteries in an hour and a half of shooting before I figured this out.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
Just got this lens recently so I haven't tested the full range of situations in which I expect to find myself, otherwise happy so far. The lens is a bit heavier than I expected, but performs like it says. I shopped around for a lens with a 2.8 setting (min.) and they were pricey, so this was a very good buy for me! I like experimenting with the 2.8-4.5 aperature settings and how it affects DOF (depth of field). I'm looking forward to shooting more with this lens. Pictures I've taken so far have been nice using this lens, especially in a lower lit room.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
- too much depth of field
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
This is a very functional lens in low light situations when using a monopod. I used it for a show inside of an event center with a lot of success (if you are looking for motion blur in your action shots). Overall I really like the lens and would recommend it.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Sony D-SLRs:
Use in everyday photography, fast focusing and great quality pictures.
Displaying reviews 1-17
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $12.49
- Price: $34.95
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- Price: $39.95
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- Original: $11.99
- Save: $1.20
- Price: $10.79
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- Price: $11.95
What's in the Box
- Petal-Type Lens Hood
- 3-Year USA Warranty
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