I got this lens from an auction site, with the box, a uv filter, manual and singapore warranty.
Although I agree with all the reviews I read about the lens, but this lens for such a price is good to have.
You can get close to an object as short as 25cm (10 Inches) which is almost a macro distance.
I took close ups of dolls, watches, purses, pefumes, water bottles, juice cans and all found their way to magazine and newspapers ads.
I used it on a Nikon D80.
Finally, for such a price, even if it was made of window glass, its good to have.
Fadi - http://www.webandmedia.com
Strengths:
• Light weight
• Cheap price
• Fine results
• Short Close Up distance (25cm)
• Average to good results
Weaknesses:
• Relatively Slow
• Focusing Clunks from one end to end
Non Serious Weaknesses
• Difficult to put lens cover (if hood installed)
• Can't ocus manually with hood in reverse
• Difficult to remove filter
Similar Products Used:
Nikon 18-135
Customer Service:
The dealer in Dubai are very nice and helpfull
http://www.grandstores.com
Rating Reviewed by: Hot and dusty(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date July 18, 2006
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 4.00 of 5,
1 votes
Review 2 of 5
Price Paid:
$100.00
from Jessops UK
Summary:
Price should be GB£100
Purchased this lens to fill a gap when I got my Canon 10D, quite an amazing little lens for the amount it costs!
I was mobilised as a reservist to Iraq last year where I worked as a unit photographer (amongst other things). The lens performed remarkably well the only problems I had were with heat (I may have gone above the recommended max temp a couple of times) where it the rings became quite stiff but all inner workings worked as they should. Also at the larger end some vignetting was visible depending on the light I was shooting in. This was easliy fixed though with a couple of minutes in PS.
It stood up nicely to knocks and bangs (including an empty case fired from a pistol hitting the front element!) and a constant barrage of Iraqi talc like fine sand.
In fact 70% of the images I took in theatre were using this lens and the results are now starting to go up on Alamy as stock photography.
Over all a lovely little lens that I will continue to use, despite recently getting higher spec lenses!
Sigma deserve a pat on the back for this one!
Strengths:
Small size
Lightweight
Rugged
Best performance per £££ paid that any other kit I have right now.
Weaknesses:
Slight vignetting at wider settings
Does not like 58deg cent + heat (same as most things really)
Purchased this lens to be used on D50.
I don't understand why few people uses this len. The finish and look is great and the result is vibrant and sharp. I especially like the shade, which is circular. This lens is far better than the sloppy kit lens of Nikon D50.
Overall, I find great value. In against light situation, this len do shows its limitation but overall, I am very happy and what a good job Sigma has done. Too bad, Sigma did not get its deserved credit. Personally, I think Tamron is so overated and Sigma is so underrated.
Strengths:
Good color and sharp
Light
Tight finish
Circular Shade, lens looks a lot more professional than some flower type shade
This lens was one of two in a 'kit'.
Sigma's 18-50 3.5-5.6 is an amazing performer for $100! This lens compares quite favorably in terms of sharpness, clarity, and color rendition compared to many far more costly and certainly even some primes I've used. Yes, it is a lttle ''slow" on the 50mm end of the zoom but for a general lens out of doors or with a flash unit it works very well.
The real bonus with this that pushes the value over the top is that it is 18mm wide. For $100 dollars. There is a very minor amount of corner softness at 18mm/3.5 but by 18mm/5.6 it is no longer noticeable.
I thought I was imagining things, but would recommend potential buyers to check the MTF chart for this lens. For the money for an 'APS' sized Digital Lens, its a steal. Toss this one on your DSLR and you've covered most of your casual shooting needs. I've used this in two mounts (EOS and Sigma's SA) and had tremendous results. Pretty good with flash as well.
The similar lens listed below are all far more expensive units but in terms of the range convered are the only ones available with which I'm currently personally familiar. Their build is radically different but at least one of those listed cost me over 12 times as much money.
Strengths:
Smooth focus and zooming.
Good color.
Good center clarity and sharpness.
Fast AF.
Handy 58mm filter size.
Weaknesses:
Plastic construction, though not terrible.
Would prefer a petal hood.
Cannot focus manually with hood reversed (not a 'real' problem)
A bit slow a 3.5-5.6 for anything other than daytime and flash use.
As I posted 55-200, this lens is also a nice relation price x quality.
I compared with Canon 17-40 4.0L, and I got a big surprise with it quality image, just few purple fringing, but canon it does too ( a little bit). Sharp images, contrasty and colors. Lens construction is much better than canon 18-55 so far...Congratulation Sigma for both lens (18-50 and 55-200)!!!
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