Sigma 1850mm f/2.84.5 SLD Aspherical DC Optical Stabilized

This lens uses a 67mm and NOT a 72mm filter
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Just a word of caution about the filter recommendation provided during checkout. I just assumed the 72mm filter suggestion was correct and ordered one. However, unlike the more expensive Sigma 18-50mm 2.8, this lens uses a 67mm filter. This is a great general purpose lens at the new $200.00 price point. IMO.

Good Quality Lens for the Money
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I bought this lens as an upgrade from the kit lens (18-55 IS) on my Rebel XS. I’m quite pleased; although, the lens is not as sharp as I’d expect at the larger apertures in low light. It’s still much better than the Canon kit. I’m just getting back into “digital” SLR photography from my “35mm” college days… so, I’m learning as I go. Overall, I got more than expected for the price tag ($199). I figure this will be a great lens to learn with and later, I’ll upgrade as my skills progress. I’m an industrial designer, so I’m really sensitive about craftsmanship (build quality), use of materials, etc. I must say I am impressed overall with the lens in this regard. It’s much better than some reviews of Sigma lenses might suggest. Particularly, I liked the rubber grip details and the use of filled plastics for impact strength. Nice job Sigma! I was a little hesitant about 3rd party lenses… won’t be an issue going forward.

Good features for the price
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I purchased this lens to replace the 18-50 kit lens on a T1i. I am pleased with the construction and performance of lens.

The auto focus motor is not as fast or quiet as the canon USM. It is faster and quieter then the kit lens. I would say it is in between the two.

The Optical stabilizer is good but under performs the kit lens. This negates the 2.8 aperture some when comparing it to the kit lens.

Unfortunately I will return this lens. The deciding factor is on my particular T1i the lens purchased does not auto focus correctly. At 2.8 aperture with its narrow depth of focus the auto focus can not be used. It is a real shame that Canon does not add the AF micro adjust feature to the T1i. I would keep this lens if I could calibrate the camera for it.

GOOD BUT NOT ENOUGH…DEPENDS ON CAMERA
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Hello: I dont want this to be too lengthy, boring & too techie, just the truth for real world usage.

I just received the lens today and I would like say that it is nice looking lens.

Build quality is very good…metal mount, matte finish, and high impact plastics.

*Overall length does not change so that means no dust or dirt could easily go in the barrel. With a zoom lens, I noticed that when zooming in and out, the lens is like a vacuum, sucking in dusts and dirt, if your not careful.

Here is a few things that I would have liked coming from this lens:

*2.8: nice but usage only on the wider end of 18mm. Not throughout the zoom range like the competitors.

*HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor): not as quiet or fast as I would like but it gets the job done. It’s more of really quiet clicks…not like my Nikon SWM.

*OS (Optical Stabilizer): not as good as I liked it to be.

*Lens Hood: a tad longer than competitors. It should block light strays though…

*I wished that it would have come with those fancy Sigma lens pouch to keep it in

I mounted this lens on my Nikon D2H and D90. The lens is sharp but not sharp enough. I guess it depends on the size of the pixels too (D2H 4MP vs D90 12.3MP). Which camera will win??

A superior lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Test photos made with this lens on a Canon XSI were beautiful.

The photos showed no chromatic abberation or edge distortion.

The colors were true and images sharp as a tack. Depth of field was excellent due to the large aperature.

Large blow up of text revels sharp edges. I would recommend this lens to anyone who likes good quality and price value.

Sharp
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
First, the item shipped with no bubble wrap or any protective material. The lens was just in a medium sized box, who knows how much it rattled through the UPS Ground system. I quickly tested the lens. There is something loose but I determined that is the OS system inside. The lens is sharp, well built, focuses much better than my 18-55mm IS. For me with HSM it’s a cheaper alternative than the Canon 17-55 IS which costs nearly three times this lens. Very happy given the cost. Sharp even when magnified. All depends on your copy for the factory and of course it’s trip through the mail.

Excellent lens for an amateur photographer on a budget!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’m an amateur photographer, whose pictures are taken indoors, with no flash. I could not afford higuer-end class just yet, so I opted for this lens, knowing that 18mm, it gives you f2.8. That is pretty awesome. IT works fantastic and smooth. From the beginning, my photos came out pretty sharp, thanks in part to the Optical Stabilization offered, something that other brands cannot offer for that price.

Strongly recommend this lens for your everyday photos. Outdoors and indoors. It is not heavy, it is fast, sharp, and practical.

Fantastic
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I have been shooting with this lens for just two days…just two days and I am already relieved of the pain of the kit lens. The f/2.8 is incredible…I can capture photos I have been dreaming to capture. This simply is a great purchase. If I had the money for the 800 dollar 17-70 Canon lens I may have bought it, but now that I have purchased this lens I am much happier to have spent 1/4th on this lens.

I recommend this lens to anyone and everyone for a substitute for the Kit 18-55mm lens.

My New Primary Lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I was using a Sigma 28-70mm until the diaphragm seized with a friend’s wedding a few days away. In the dim light, the large aperture and the optical stabilization proved to be a life-saver. I have a couple of other lenses, but this one hasn’t left my camera for weeks, now.

Spectacular replacement lens!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
As a walk-around lens I really did try to think of the best overall lens that I would want. I recently purchased another Canon body (450D) and instead of getting another 18-55 canon kit lens I opted instead to purchase body only this time. I then did my homework on which lens I thought would be best. Looking at the 18-100+ lenses, the 18-200+ lenses, and the typical overpriced L lenses really put things into perspective for me. I love the range of the kit lenses but REALLy wanted a better quality piece of glass, silent AF, and NO lens extension while zooming. This lens fit the bill perfectly! The fact that Sigma not only made the ultimate kit lens upgrade, but also included the petal hood as well for $300 really made me think about my next purchase and Canon.

Canon wants too much money for their lenses and unless you pay the high price for an L lens you don’t even get a lens hood! ENOUGH ALREADY! I am sold on Sigma quality and will continue to support them for my future lens purchases. I have now shot over 3,000+ images with this lens and I have only tossed around 15 total.

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Extremely Sharp, accurate color, little to no chromatic issues, fast, and sturdy. Buy this lens, you wont regret it!