18-35mm F1.8 Sigma DC zoom lens

matt_gh2

Very cool to know the old 50 matches the 18-35.

vicharris

Yep. 50 is coming out but I have the old 50 1.4 and it cuts just fine and is pretty sharp by 1.8. Also some dude in TX makes these awesome pressure, 360 gears for any lens. You can add up to an inch, maybe more in focus through and they are damn cheap. The difference between the Roks and these are night and day. It's really not even close and the damn 16mm Rok doesn't match the rest of the set, so that kills the matching set idea.

matt_gh2

@Umii I think Sigma has a 50mm lens that either just came out or is supposed to come out.

Umii

I'm torn between getting this with a speed booster or a set of samyang / rokinon primes with a speed booster once I get the GH4 and have focus peaking in camera.

Is it easy enough to get a follow focus on it ? that was my main reason for going with the primes but this is sounding like a better idea in the price range then find something to cover the 50/85mm that would match.

Sangye

Here's a photo I recently took on this thing. I was using a stopless speedbooster so I don't know the exact f/stop, but I'd estimate f/2.2.

The reason I post it is that it's really, amazingly, kind of insanely sharp.

astraban

You need at least a basic adapter : nikon to mft (they're not expensive) You can add a speedbooster (same mount but more pricey) if you want 2 zoom in one.

tinbeo

Sound like new bee , always with -;), but I wonder if I just buy this nikon mount and put in Gh2, Gh4. Don't I need an adapter, speed booster...?

Vitaliy_Kiselev

MikeLinn

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Nikon mount lens is in stock now -

Brian202020

I just almost exclusively used the Sigma 18-35 on a 3 day shoot and it performed very very well. It's one of the best purchases I've made in the film industry.

vicharris

Well, I personally don't think the Roks are usable till 2.4-2.8ish and the sigma is better at f1.8 than the Roks are at 2.8.

joethepro

Thanks @vicharris. So its not a terrible loss, then. I guess with the speedbooster then that puts it around the same light capability as an F1.4 prime, correct?

Edit: I see ala_img spoke about this in nov.

vicharris

I tested this lens against 3 Rokinon cine primes and I had to stop each Rok down to t2.2 to get the same exposure as the sigma at f1.8

joethepro

I've seen differing reports of the actual T-stop measurement of the sigma 18-35, anywhere from T1.8 to T2.8. Is there any conclusive data on this?

konjow

Ive been waiting long time for Nikon in terms of video (still not there yet) Wanted to get one for pictures and video but I will not talk about Nikon here. Id like to get d5300 and sigma 18-35 now IF they work together well. I know there where issues before. I can't find any info since Sigma update (about AF in stills and not at all about AF i video) Test it in a shop its not the option for me :)

vicharris

Nikon upgrade?

konjow

I really waiting for nikon upgrade since d70s as Im with Panasonic Gh1 Gh1 Gh3 now and this lens is dream came throw for me for Nikon. Can someone tell me please how Autofocus of this Sigma works with nikon d5300 in video and photography?

starios

I have a tokina 12.5-75 f1.2, no contrast at all, aberation, lovable lens but not professional

nomad

Now that a BMPCC specific Speedbooster is coming, it'll really be the fastest wide zoom.

But it's true there are zooms for 2/3" with constant 1.2 speed out there, like the Computar 12.5 to 75.

_OZ

@Tscheckoff: I am renting the newer version with the wider teeth.

Tscheckoff

@_OZ:

About the Novoflex: The older version (with the fine "teethed" blue aperture ring) is quite bad. The newer model (with the raw teeth - or let´s call them grooves) is way better. Not (that much) play in the aperture ring any more, better fit all in all AND at least my model had less "over the infinity point" focusing.

Sangye

I ordered this lens and am very excited about it, but I am a bit confused as to why people keep saying it's the fastest zoom lens. That isn't true. There are plenty of F1.7 and even F1.2 zoom lenses for smaller sensors. This is the first F1.8 zoom lens for APS-C, which is cool, but it's by no means the fastest zoom lens out there.

Here's a question: those that ordered from B&H recently, what was your wait time? Has anyone received a Nikon mount copy from B&H yet?

_OZ

Picked up a Nikon mount version and am using it on a GH3 with Novaflex adapter. Will post a vid soon, but here are some initial thoughts:

Incredible close focus distance, especially at 35mm. Seriously, we're talking 4 inches or something like that from the front element. I don't hear this aspect mentioned that much, so I thought I'd bring it up here.
Huge, heavy, unwieldy. I'm used to my SLR Magic 25mm, which is not exactly light. The sigma is a monster in comparison. I don't enjoy it nearly as much for handheld stuff. I see this as lens to use on a rig, either shoulder or on sticks. Also, I don't trust the gh3 mount+adapter combination over the long haul, so a lens support is probably a good idea.
Focus ring is very smooth, but if you're coming from great manual glass, it still leaves you wanting a bit more throw and fine control. Also as mentioned, definitely not parfocal.
As everyone already mentioned, it's very sharp.
With the novaflex, it focuses passed infinity...WAY passed infinity. Never experienced a lens going so far passed infinity. Ironically, the very expensive Novaflex has noticeable play where it connects to the lens. My $20 F to MFT adapter off ebay has zero play. The Novaflex is a rental though, so maybe it's been used and abused?
Colors look very natural and neutral to my eyes. Definitely less character than my SLR Magic, but still very pleasing. Bokeh is beautiful. Very smooth.

Short vid demonstrating macro qualities coming soon.

Let me know if you want any specific types of tests. I'll do my best.

_OZ

MikeLinn

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