Sigma 18-35 F1.8

[ozimax]

After a two week long relationship with the Panasonic GH4, I decided there was too much to learn about video, so I on-sold it to a fellow photographer.

I'm still shooting happily with my Fuji XT-1/18-55 combo and the Canon 7Dii/100-400 combo. I would like to add a Canon-mount lens to the 7Dii and was thinking of the designed-for-crop-sensor Sigma 18-35, especially for astrophotography. Does anyone have any experience with this lens? It is far better priced than the Canon 16-35 F4, although it doesn't have IS or weather sealing.

Any comments/opinions appreciated.

Ozi.

[zafra52]

I'd love to advise, but your question is way off my league. But, Id love to see the results with either lens.

[ozimax]

Further to my Sigma lens' idea, I purchased the 18-35 F1.8. To summarize in one word? Dreadful. It's focussing was so bad that I called Camerapro, and sent it back for a refund, which was duly completed.

I understand that many lenses need calibrating, including Canon L series, but they should be at least generally usable within reasonable limits. At 18mm and wide open (which is why you buy a lens such as this), it front-focussed by about 18". Not acceptable in my humble estimation. YMMV. Should I have purchased the Sigma lens dock at $89? I think Sigma should include one with every ART series lens. I don't buy a car expecting to then purchase engine diagnostic tools to get it to run smoothly.

As an aside, I found the people at Camerapro (Brisbane) very professional to deal with. They understood my problem and had it resolved quickly at no cost to me, including reimbursement of return postage. Thoroughly recommended.

[gstark]

Brings us back to my well worn nickname for Sigma glass.

It's great that you had such good support from CamerPro

[ozimax]

Brings us back to my well worn nickname for Sigma glass.

It's great that you had such good support from CamerPro

Very impressed with Camerapro. I usually try and buy my gear from my local Camera House franchise. Very decent people and knowledgeable, but occasionally the online price is too good to pass up.