Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 HSM - any good?

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Well, I took the plunge today and ordered the above used lens from MPB - I thought it would work well as a complement to my sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 and give me something better than the kit lens to play with at the wider end.

There doesn't seem to be that much around in terms of reviews on this lens, so I wondered if it's a bit like the 50-150mm, which seems to live in the shadow of the 70-200 sigma, but is loved by those who have it. Does anyone have this lens and any thoughts on it's weak & strong points? I'm thinking it's going to be a decent step up from the kit 18-55 with my D40x anyway!

It's been dispatched, so hopefully I'll be able to provide my own thoughts on here in a couple of days time!
 
I have one and it replaced an 18-55 kit lens. I don't have too much to compare it to but I would say it's significantly sharper than any of the Nikon kit lenses I've tried. It feels nicely put together and focuses quickly, quietly and accurately. Constant 2.8 is handy at times too, it's a full 2 stops faster than my old kit lens at the longest end. Like most lenses, it works best stopped down a touch but it always seems pretty sharp to me.

I can't think of any genuine weakness. I suppose it doesn't have OS, but that's not something I lose sleep over. I think you'll be pretty chuffed to be honest.
 
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Sounds good to me - if I can improve over my kit lens (and I found the 50-150 gave me a real boost in creativity!) then I'll be happy - If I can get images as sharp as that quayside, then I'll be over the moon!
 
I have the Canon Macro version and I think it is great. It is VERY sharp from F4, although it is still great wide open. Colours and contrast is good. It is a brilliant upgrade from my 18-55 IS kit lens.

Personally, I don't need stabalisation on a 'normal' zoom. If light is fading I would rather open the lens up more than extend the shutter time, as extending the shutter time will just create motion blur.
 
neil_g said:
is it the "macro" version, because that is a really nice lens.
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I think all the 18-50 2.8's are 'macro' versions. In reality its nothing to get too excited about, just 1:3 which is not dissimilar to the 18-55 kit lens.
 
gad-westy said:
I think all the 18-50 2.8's are 'macro' versions. In reality its nothing to get too excited about, just 1:3 which is not dissimilar to the 18-55 kit lens.
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there was a non-"macro" 2.8 version prior which was supposed to be quite poor in comparison to the newer.

but yes the term macro seems to be used by sigma when they reduce the min focusing distance.
 
Yes, it's the "macro" version - I had read that the earlier version was not as nice in comparison, so looking forward to playing...

Although I've now got the upgrade bug, and have been looking at used D300's...
 
Unfortunately the lens has arrived today, and is actually not the HSM version - a genuine mistake from the seller, and is going back for a refund...

Still contemplating an upgraded body though...
 
Sorry - last message should have been from me - Jump is my brother who logged in on my PC and I didn't notice he hadn't logged out!
 
A bit of a thread resurrection, but thought it worth an update. I bought an HSM version of the sigma eventually, and am very happy with it - it's a great walkabout lens especially with small kids, to let you get good looking shots, but at a reasonable price too!

I've just supplemented my kit with the addition of a D300s, which is quite a big upgrade (and I've got a lot to learn!) but is great so far - i was really feeling limited by the d40's 3 focus points, and I'm now spoilt for choice! Just got to spend some time getting a feel for the new body (and all the options now at my disposal!), and I'll get some images up!
 
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