Sigma 18-50mm f/2,8-4,5 DC OS HSM Review

Sigma 18-50mm f/2,8-4,5 DC OS HSM

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2009.
The lens belongs to the category standard zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2009 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma 18-50mm f/2,8-4,5 DC OS HSM:

"For use with smaller chip APS-c cameras only

Offers Sigma’s OS System (Optical Stabilization) allowing handheld photography even in low-light situations

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet and high-speed auto focus

Internal focus & zooming systems

Compact and lightweight at only 14 ounces

A lens hood and front & rear lens caps are included with the lens.

With the widespread popularity of the small sensor APS-c format cameras, the standard “kit” lens is often supplied at a very attractive price. Unfortunately, some of those kit lenses may be lacking in features and in image quality. In order to offer photographers an alternative to the camera manufacturers’ lenses, we have introduced our own “standard zoom” lens. Sigma’s 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM with an almost 3 to 1 zoom range, this compact lens is great for vacations scenic, quick snap shots of the kids playing in the backyard, a day at the beach or even casual portraits. Three Aspherical glass elements offer correction for distortion, two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction and sharpness And Super Multi-Layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting and assures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. It employs Sigma’s state of the art technology to assure top quality images at a value price. "

Product description from Sigma at launch 2009

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 18-50 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 29-80 mm if you have a Canon camera or 27-75 mm if you have a Niko camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8-4,5.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 18 mm the lens brightness is f/2,8 and at 50 mm the brightness is f/4,5. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 67 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH730-02 580".

Pictures (product and sample images)

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Light weight (395 gr)
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • Poor aperture value with its f/4,5
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma 18-50mm f/2,8-4,5 DC OS HSM.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

Best deals on Sigma 18-50mm f/2,8-4,5 DC OS HSM

Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.

Pictures (product and sample images)

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.