Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 HSM. Any advice regarding this lens?

[66217]

I had posted a couple of months ago I was intending to buy a 17-55mm f/2.8 Nikkor this christmas. But I never saved enough money (and I really think it is just too much) and I'm currently debating which lens to get. I just don't like my 18-55 anymore.

So my options are three (if you have any other suggestions do say them)
- Keep the Nikkor 18-55 f/2.5-5.6 and get the new 50mm f/1.4
- Buy the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8
- Buy a Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6

I've read the Sigma is soft at f/2.8, and also the possible problems they might come with (front focusing, etc).

I have a Nikon D40x.

 

[MaddMacs]

I have the Pentax mount of this lens 18-50mm EX DC 2.8 and am still practicing with it... so far its worlds better than the kit lens. I really like the wide angle, and the moderate zoom (27-75mm on a crop sensor camera). It is a great walk around lens, and not bad in low light. I still want the Pentax 50mm 1.4 though... for the price... they are both good lenses but stopped down, not perfect... for the price... Check out my flickr for examples.

 

[66217]

Nice photos. Was this one taken with the Sigma?

It has a nice bokeh, which is something I miss from my kit lens. Also, you say it is not that sharp, but do you find that photos at f/2.8 are acceptable?

Thanks. =)

 

[MaddMacs]

Yes it was. Now, don't get me wrong, it's a good lens, but there is always something better....and more expensive. I thought at around $300 it was a good buy. The reviews say it is a little soft at 2.8 on the high and low focal lengths... but here is a high-res version so you can judge for yourself:

Camera: Pentax K200D
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Here's another stopped up:

Camera: Pentax K200D
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/180)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100

 

[66217]

Thanks for posting the photos. It's a bit soft at f/2.8, but that second photo looks sharp.

It ¡s starting to look as a very good option to replace my 18-55. I really think that it being constant 2.8 aperture is going to be a much better option than going for a 16-85.

Tho I'm still afraid of the problems they may have.

 

[yaroldb]

Roco,

I own this lens for the Olympus 4/3rd system. I have to say it is currently my favorite lens. I heard a lot about this lens being soft wide open and also had problems at 50mm. I purchased it used for about $325 from a user on Amazon. This lens is super sharp wide open and at 50mm. I love it. I could not have asked for a better lens. I read that the problem with Sigma was quality control. There are good and bad copies of this lens. I must have gotten a good copy. This picture was taken at 2.8. It is a bit small (I do not have a higher res version here at work) but it will give you an idea of the lens. Click here

Converted to B&W in LR.
ISO 400
f/2.8
Olympus E-520.