Sigma 18-35 f1.8, is it really that good?

Seriously guys, is the sigma 18-35 really that good? What lens is better that is sub $1000? How does it compare to canon L series primes? I just have a hard time believing that a zoom lens can be sharper with better contrast than a prime. I currently own an entire set of rokinon primes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

IMO it's more appealing than the entire set of Rokinons, from experience.

Only thing it's missing is a 24-70/2 companion.

IMO it's more appealing than the entire set of Rokinons, from experience.

Only thing it's missing is a 24-70/2 companion.

More appealing how? Just because of the zoom or image quality? Or both?

As I understand it, the Rokinon/Samyang lenses are value for money are as sharp as you need it to be.

Having said that, yes the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is really that good. Prior to this lens, no other standard zoom could go as fast as f/1.8. It is fast and sharp wide open without having to stop down.

It is also solidly built (and heavy).

When you focus or zoom, the barrel doesn't extend or retract either so that's a little bonus.

The only thing that is missing is IS but for everything else this lens can do, it is still that good.

IMO it's more appealing than the entire set of Rokinons, from experience.

Only thing it's missing is a 24-70/2 companion.

More appealing how? Just because of the zoom or image quality? Or both?

Both. They Rokinons are horribly soft wide open, sort of defeats the point of labeling them 1.4s etc. The 16/2 isn't too bad, one of the betters.

I'm pretty sure the Sigma wide open at every focal length is as sharp as equivalents in Rokinon's @ 2.8.

But, a lot of it's subjective, so

IMO it's more appealing than the entire set of Rokinons, from experience.

Only thing it's missing is a 24-70/2 companion.

More appealing how? Just because of the zoom or image quality? Or both?

Both. The lens is a complete steal.

I own the Sigma 18-35 and the cinema 24, 35, 85 Rokinons, which I bought first.
(anyone want to buy the Rokinons let me know).

Can't speak to how it compares to Canon because I already parted company with my Canon product.
Some might say "it's subjective." I'd say, if you can find one, screw it on your camera and decide for yourself.

how 'zat?

Hahah. Dittos

I sold my Rokinons (16, 24,35) after I got the sigma. I don't know if the sigma's all THAT much better but it definitely seemed at very least a little better optically and definitely sharper wide open than the rokinons. Throw in the easier(i.e. lazier) composition requirement and the 1000 bucks difference in price compared to other 3 and it just seemed like a no brainer.

But I did like the Rokinon's.

I'm not too fond of the Speedbooster, I am fond of the Sigma and I don't want to mix glass anymore... so I'll buy an SB and eat the subtle changes in lens characteristics...

=P That's how good the Zoom is me thinks, especially paired with good NDs.

I got the Sigma 18-35 + Speedbooster combo yesterday.

Build quality of both is superb. Understandably they add a top heavy weight to the little cam but this feels good hand held and alleviates micro jitters because of the added weight.

Havent had much chance to shoot yet but am very happy thus far!

I use it on my Nikon 300 as well as on my BMCC 2.5 with a Speedbooster. I think it's a good replacement for all primes in this price range. And it is (nearly) holding the focus point while zooming. Great lens!

[CaptainHook]

I'm gonna do some comparisons soon to compare Hoya Pro ND's to Tiffen IRND's and the Tiffen VND (with and without Hoya IR Cut) and will compare the Sigma 18-35/1.8 to our Canon L glass while i'm at it on both BMCC and Pocket Cam.

I hear the Genustech Eclipse ND Faders are pretty well regarding also?

I'm gonna do some comparisons soon to compare Hoya Pro ND's to Tiffen IRND's and the Tiffen VND (with and without Hoya IR Cut) and will compare the Sigma 18-35/1.8 to our Canon L glass while i'm at it on both BMCC and Pocket Cam.

Hey Mr. Hook,

I look forward to these tests - especially your thoughts about the Sigma 18-35/1.8. I am still trying to decide between the Sigma vs. the Tokina (Duclos-mod) 11-16.

What about the Tiffen T1? I've seen from other studies that the Tiffen T1 with the Tiffen Hot Mirror + "regular" NDs provides the best IR protection. However, that's a lot of glass - particularly with a wide lens. I have seen the T1 with Schneider NDs and the IR suppression looks very reasonable on the BMCC with minimal color cast and very little post IR correction. Have you used the Tiffen T1?

I just sold my tokina 11-16. I didn't like how it looked. The rokinons were substantially better. Not talking just sharpness. But color and contrast too. Is the sigma 18-35 anything like the tokina? Because everyone creams themselves over the tokina too. I was very disappointed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The 11-16 is a good lens, just not on very cropped sensors. Hence why it's been rehoused by so many companies, and why Tokina's rehousing the third version of it.

It's also a different focal range than the 11-16.

Dregenthal said it best, find one and try it. Just subjective, but there's no way I would choose Rokinons over the Sigma.

Out of curiosity; as this lens seems electronic for iris-- how are you controlling it on the BMS? I have a pocket and it looks like a nice zoom for that; but bh didn't seem to have it in a M4rds mounting.

I think people are using the nikon mount with a speedbooster or red rock live lens for the ef mount.

I'm gonna do some comparisons soon to compare Hoya Pro ND's to Tiffen IRND's and the Tiffen VND (with and without Hoya IR Cut) and will compare the Sigma 18-35/1.8 to our Canon L glass while i'm at it on both BMCC and Pocket Cam.

Looking forward to this, as I'm considering the canon 16-35L vs. the sigma. All common sense points me towards the sigma but I would still like to see a side by side.

Yes it's good.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/lens-wi ... 35&av2=1.4

[CaptainHook]

Have you used the Tiffen T1?

I hired one very early on when i first got my BMCC, it was the only IR filter i could find locally to hire after a day of calling all the rental companies here! It's only good up to 0.9 according to Tiffen so IMHO not very useful for us (read last paragraph):

http://www.tiffen.com/press_release_T1IR_filter.html

Looking forward to this, as I'm considering the canon 16-35L vs. the sigma. All common sense points me towards the sigma but I would still like to see a side by side.

Don't have the 16-35L sorry, mostly have Canon L Primes. Only have 24-70/2.8 V1 and 70-200/2.8L IS V2 in canon zooms. Otherwise have 14/2.8L, 24/1.4L, 35/1.4L, 50/1.2, 85/1.2 (doesn't work on BMD line), and 100/2.8L Macro IS that i can compare against. Maybe i can find one to borrow for this though.

Is sharpness really the determining factor for if a lens is good for video though?

Probably not, but most of the footage I've seen shot with the Sigma looks very nice indeed.
Everything is subjective isn't it. One person's dream lens is another person's garbage.
I think the general opinion going around the web is that the Sigma 18-35mm makes an ideal partner for BMD m4/3rds cameras. Beyond that you have to make up your own mind I guess.