Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro

opinion of Sigma 18-50 EX DC Macro for Canon First off, don't miss the C designation, this lens is not for full-frame sensor cameras. Having just bought a 5D, i only used the lens a little, on a D60, but i liked it for its compactness. MACRO! The macro is fabulous, focuses to just a few inches from the lens, and seems sharp and clear. The focus speed is much better than a similar sigma i had previous to this. I've given the lens to my son along with the D-60 and the combo is perfect. I had no complaints about the lens, this is a sigma EX series lens, and stands well in comparison to Canon L glass, just note it is a C lens. Perfect for most dslr shooters, though a full-sized lens will generally offer less distortion even on a C sensor camera, the price diff is a huge consideration for most, and this unit is at the top of its class, and half the size and weight of a full-frame unit. Most of you know this, but this lens on a C sensor cam is really the equivalent of about a 28-80. One day maybe "they" will designate these focal lengths differently, but for now we must convert to know what the numbers mean. It is still a very wide angle zoom, perfect for a one-lens guy or gal. If this is your price range, i would choose it over a standard canon lens,and it is, as i said, quite compact for its range. REmember also that this is a 2.8 lens, through the entire zoom range, quite fast for a zoom, so especially recommended for low-light, portrait, and higher shutter speeds, (not necessarily at the same time of course). The wide-open setting is where the camera focuses, so the bigger glass makes for faster focusing as well. I just didn't use it long enough to give it excellent rating, but i think it probably is. Highly rec'd anyway. Comes in a nice case too, (better than a 1200.00 Canon L case), and typical petal-shaped lens hood. These lenses, even Canon's, can vary, so if you get one that seems out of whack, send it back, but try another.

Ok but not great. If you can afford it, get the new Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens instead. I bought this 18-50mm f2.8 to use for video in manual mode but the focus ring sticks and is not consistently smooth. Have to do several takes to get follow focus right. Sharpness is ok but not great. That said the zoom range is great for street photography but the autofocus is slow and hunts most of times. Reviews on the new 17-50mm HSM says the auto focus is much improved and quieter.

Quirky AF The glass is great, but the AF can be quirky. It rocks in auto mode. If you switch it to AP, it just can't find that place easily and the motor noise is very irritating.