Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM lens full review (with samples)

Photographers who like to keep up with the news will undoubtedly have heard of this completely new, unique lens. A zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8! But if you're anything like me, when you heard about it you might have had your cynic's hat on and wondered how awful the picture quality was going to be. Could it actually turn out to be a great performer? Take a look and find out.
Find it here (Canon version) (Amazon Affiliate link):
geni.us/sigma1...
By the way, I'm honestly not a Sigma fanboy!!! I just happen to have reviewed a few of their more notable lenses recently ;-) I'll do some nice Canon telephoto lenses soon, I promise...
If you've found this or other videos I've made to be helpful, then support me on Patreon! www.patreon.co...
All pictures taken by me on my trusty (and slightly exhausted) Canon 60D.
Equipment I use to make my videos (Amazon affiliate links):
Canon EOS R5: geni.us/CanonE...
Canon EF-RF Adaptor: geni.us/CanonE...
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 'Art': geni.us/Sigma5...
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM: geni.us/CanonR...
Marumi Fit and Slim CPL Filter: geni.us/Marumi...
AudioTechnica AT2020USB+ Microphone: geni.us/AT2020...
Rode Smartlav+ Microphone: geni.us/RodeSm...
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Zoom H1n Recorder: geni.us/ZoomH1...
DJI Mini 2 Drone: geni.us/DJIMin...
Music: 'Opportunity Walks' by Kevin Macleod (www.incompetech.com)

[@clouisphotography]

"...did this thing fall from a spaceship or something?" Your comment is about the best way to describe how unbelievable their ART lenses are, specially this one! Great review!

[@moyrml]

One of the best video-reviews I've seen in a long time.

[@carlosreyesf19]

This lens is absolutely brilliant. For anyone worried about the autofocus issues on new cameras, I just bought one today and it works fine on my Rebel SL3 (both in viewfinder and live view). Though I still have to test it out in a real-life situation. I actually was allowed to try it out before purchasing it (new) by the store owner. See if you can do the same before buying!

[@NorDixonSkiSchool]

I can no longer afford to watch your channel since every video makes me want to buy new lenses...

[@lb7144]

I recently found this channel and just purchased this lens 😅 This channel has cost me some money with these excellent reviews.

[@Pixel112]

Im using this lens and can confirm: razor sharp lens; could be cheaper a bit, but price is still acceptable for me......

[@chadj.w.anderson5473]

This lens made me finally take the leap from using only Canon lenses. I also love that this lens is made in Japan. It has been amazing so far and with videos like this from Christopher I learn more and more. 🇺🇸

[@ironnpinoy7128]

Been doing photography for 14 years now, never did I use at any brand of lens except Canon EF L. After bumping at this channel about the nifty 50 review, I tried the ART 50mm 1.4 Sigma and never could get happier. Thank you Christopher. 👍🏼

[@YahyaNaell]

you are the king of lens reviews dude ... thanks for sharing all these nice videos with us

[@bluesmokegamer272]

Picked this lens up a couple months and been so happy with it.

[@boyy1296]

If you don't know if your DSLR has an APS-C sensor, I hope you have an APS-C camera.

[@leonardocabrera9915]

LOL, so true!

[@thecolorofmysould]

🤣 🤣 🤣 Made my day but it's true 🤣🤣🤣

[@saadman920]

Right

[@TheSackless]

Why

[@jacobreal31]

@nikki gomez No. because it would be tragic if someone with a full frame camera doesnt even know what it is.

[@andrecruz4484]

I bought my lens following his recommendation years ago... Best thing ever!!! This lens hardly leaves my camera. I pair it with my D7200, and it is super sharp (it paired perfectly with my camera, not needing micro AF adjustment - impressive). It never failed me (hobby photography).

[@vinaychinapanjwani2060]

From how far distance this lens can take photos ?

[@camil721]

Hello, Chris! After 7 years from your very good review (you set standards, you know), I finally bought this sigma 18-35 for video on my Sony A7R3 and it's a marvel. "Very highly recommended" you said, and that's it, indeed! The bokeh is wonderful, even on APS-C. And it works very well on full frame, from 28mm onwards, even on 42 MPx. Thank you, again!

[@Walidjabranevideo]

Hi Camil, Have you had issues with the absense of stabilization when video shooting? How did you get around that

[@ErikJensenDetroit]

If this lens had image stabilization, it would be absolutely perfect for what I shoot! I'm mainly a concert photographer (small clubs), and I really need that huge aperture for light gathering. IS would be the icing on the cake.

[@Walidjabranevideo]

Do you think a gimbal would solve that?

[@jck0]

You're my favourite lens reviewer! And I love your hints at your faith as well! Keep it up and good work! :-D God bless!

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks - God bless :-)

[@travelforphoebe]

Great review, love the detail and different examples you show, especially to do with filming. I just bought one of these and your review has been really helpful. Thank you!

[@BlueNostal]

I got this lens earlier in the year and I have used it for a while. I agree with the majority, this Sigma 18-35mm is AMAZING. Primarily, I find my self shooting in the dark and of inanimate objects and this glass brings in so much light and beautiful bokeh it is pleasing to my eyes. When doing portrait photography, the focal range may not be the best but I was still able to obtain excellent results that I can love. F1.8 ZOOM is just excellent.

[@TheGemGoddess]

What was the focal range like? I was thinking of getting this lens for portrait, and video. How close or far did you have to stand from your subject?

[@juzellejardin7777]

Leanna Amiree at 35mm and 80cm away from your subject you'll get head&shoulders results.

[@Taykorjg]

"It is metal and it feels fantastic" Almost got the lyrics right

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

I've heard wonderful things about the image quality of this lens, but recently have also heard that it has been plagued by severe and systematic autofocus issues. Mostly these have been discussed with reference to Pentax APS-C cameras when shooting still images through the eyepiece, although not unique to them. Your review is now well over a year old, which means you've surely gathered a substantial body of experience with the thing, albeit not on a Pentax body. Can you make any comment in this regard?

[@horaciomillan4181]

Dear Christopher, I bought this lens two months ago in Torino, Italy, following in good part your review. Thank you very much, cause it´s delightfull to use. As you say, I am using it for everyday and never change it from my cam since I aquired it. I have a Canon 70D I bought in London last year and they are the perfect match.

[@grdprojekt]

It's amazing how Sigma back then was still known for a budget lens manufacturer, but 8 years ago they predicted the future with this lens. With the rise of budget "cinema" camera with the MFT mount, the 18-35 has been the darling for a lot of videographers.

[@gtamediaproductions1]

I've had this lens for several years now. It's my favorite lens and used the most on my 70d and c100mii.

[@muani9684]

Is this lens an art lens

[@anadichakraborty273]

@@muani9684 Yup,you can see it on the box when Chris was unboxing the lens.

[@DrCatalinIlie]

i salute you! I bought this lens because of your's reviews and is like you said! Thank you ! World willl be better if people like you share knowledge , kindness, neutrality and balance about everything !

[@bklug53095]

I bought this lens (used - A+ rating) because of my research and your review. I absolutely LOVE it!! I haven't taken it off my camera since. Thanks for the great review!

[@MonsterMass3d]

Your videos are so crisp and elegant. New to photography and I feel like your videos clearly explain details that are commonly overlooked by other photography channels. Subscribed!

[@martinjanda2153]

sigma kicked some serious ass with this one

[@capturedbyhisdesign8656]

Chris - Love your reviews. I shoot Nikon but you are my favorite reviewer of lenses. I love the subtle hints pointing towards Christ and salvation. Keep it up...you are doing a great job.

[@christopherfrost]

+Josh Brown Thanks! God bless :-)

[@kristinm.3243]

This may just be the best review of any item I have every watched. Great quality, superb and subjective info, concise and meaningful! Thank you gobs chap!

[@ezekieludoh6735]

Wow. such a sterling review for this lens. I don't think I have heard you praise any other lens this much. I can see why, though. Will add it to my wish list!

[@Gibson1976uk]

I bought one of these and its been great :) I came across the angry photographers views on Sigma? he just says everything they make is crap? hes the only guy ive come across who has really bashed this lens on comments? without doing any reviews or samples to prove his points! hes even made a comment somewhere to say the plastic Nikon kit len’s stuff will out live an Art Len’s?? I like the kit stuff but they are very plastic!!!

[@christopherfrost]

Anyone who says that is living 10 years in the past.

[@st2816ven]

The angry photographer is a very painfull guy!

[@Victorkapz]

he hates sigma lol

[@R3tr0v1ru5]

According the charts I've seen, this lens is sharpest at f2.8.

[@howzchannel9843]

It really is a sharp lens, only thing I worry about is the bad CA and some have AF issues... and no IS can be a pain if hand-held video.

[@inSpyr]

Howlin and the loud autofocus noise in video mode is a drag

[@officialjeremy]

Love your reviews, love this lens when I bought it a couple of years ago, still going strong, no issues, my go to lens on my 70D for video work and stills! However, you crack me up on your pronunciation of the milometers, you pronounce them lamilometers lol. Anyways great work!!

[@EmelieBoss]

Your channel has been my go-to to research new camera gear since I first bought my first DSLR 6 years ago! SOLID reviews!

[@pdebie1982]

Great review! I just found your channel by looking for videos for this lens. You've got a new subscriber sir! :)

[@dutchyamahariders5945]

Thank you so much for this amazing review. I was looking for a good lens for my EOS 750D and now I've found the perfect one for my trip to Iceland this october.

[@zaironjacobs]

Dylan Bakker did you get the lens? If so, how does it perform on your 750D?

[@dutchyamahariders5945]

Yes I have te lens, it performs very well on my 750D. Quality is breathtaking. So much sharpness and the lens feels very solid.

[@SeriousKeto]

Stellar review! Very helpful. I just got mine this weekend and look forward to using it in food photography and cooking videos. Thanks so much!

[@bala1000mina]

Thank you Christopher for the helpful review! Keep creating!

[@TheDevilakshmi]

Great lens and nice review, thanks.

[@Slashplite]

Would you recommend Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 or Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 for APS-C camera? Which will be sharper on APS-C?

[@christopherfrost]

Take a look at my fast zoom lens comparison video :-)

[@danielpalma3804]

I just ordered this lens. Can't wait to receive it. Amazing review! Subscribed

[@jakelyell7008]

Your reviews are awesome, Chris. Thanks so much for helping me with Canon advice!

[@EmericTimelapse]

Is it a good lens for astro-photography?

[@christopherfrost]

It's a good start, especially when used at 18mm and f/1.8

[@EmericTimelapse]

Thanks. I do timelapse photography mostly and I just need something that makes great images at affordable prices. Like the Samyang 14 f2.8, I love that one. So trying to find another good deal like that for astro-photography and a zoom lens is perfect but 16-35mm f2.8 from Canon is so damn expensive!

[@georgepistikoudis]

This lens is build for APS-C cameras. if you do have an aps-c camera and try to get Astrophotos @ 18mm, you have to think that with this will result in a focal length 18mm x corp factor. That is 18 x 1.5 = 27mm for Nikon or 18 x 1.6 = 28.8 mm for Canon . This might be a good lens choice due to its big aperture of 1.8 from which your Astrophotos will benefit, but at the cost of a smaller filed of view. With my Aps-c Canon 750D, i usually use Samyang 10mm f/2.8 to shoot wide field Astrophotos.

[@minhu9701]

Your voice sounds like a friendly Gordon Ramsay for filmmaking

[@oshi4542]

Love this guy. Well spoken and in depth reviews. I bought this lens and it's fantastic easy my favourite lens. I would but the 50-100 but I'd want OS on it and weather sealing as well. Great reviews though Chris 👍👍👍

[@AM-wi6gw]

Just as it excited me and I think that this is the perfect zoom wide lens being quite for video. The bombshell of no image stabilisation drops. 😫😫😫

[@zeejay6595]

How about between sigma 18-35mm f1.8 or sigma 24-105mm f4

[@christopherfrost]

You mean, how do they compare? They're totally different so it depends on what kind of lens you need.

[@sssfinxxx]

Great reviews man. I was looking for some info on new lens since i want to replace the 18-55mm from the kit (which worked just fine so far for my work) Im still undecided between this one and Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 DC EX HSM OS. It's f/1.8 for freezing and fast shots vs VR although Im not filming but in rare ocasions and i plan on a slow motion action camera anyway for my videos (D7000 here so i dont have 60 fps available since i bought the D7000 months before D7100 got on the market) So i might miss the VR because Im getting shots by free hand in 99%, that's why Im till undecided.

[@Hirotoro4692]

Just get this lens and then get something like a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II for telephoto stuff and you're pretty much sorted

[@sssfinxxx]

actually.. i was thinking on 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art to have a complete set since i dont plan on using tele. this way i would cover my needs, both photo and video (that smooth zooming is really helpfull0.. not to mention the 1.8 on both

[@TeacherNickoy]

sssfinxxx what lens did you buy? Im having the same dilemma with 17-50 or 18-35. I don’t want to go pro for another 3 years. So i want to practice. So when I go for photography business, I won’t be afraid of anything. So back to you, 18-35 or 17-50? What did you buy and how was it?

[@kevinastley2562]

Your channel is class Chris. Keep up the excellent work. I always use your reviews in my decisions

[@TsjernoKid]

Out of all the art lenses (24mm, 30mm and 35mm) you sound the most positive about this one. Since its even cheaper than most of those i think im getting this one

[@christopherfrost]

They're all great really :-)

[@martinuswilbert7746]

Thanks to you , now i`m certant to buy this sigma lens

[@martinuswilbert7746]

thanks for revewing this lens christ

[@lucbeloix8348]

Did you need some sort of adapter to mount it on the 6D? thanks! p.s. Your review are the best around :)

[@christopherfrost]

iocopoco maioco No - watch the video, and you will see how it works on a Canon 6D. :-)

[@lucbeloix8348]

Christopher Frost Photography Now that i read back what i wrote, i think it was a bit of a silly question. The real question is, The 35mm on a full frame, it should look like an actual 21 mm right? Thanks! It would be awesome if in the future you could do review of the samyang cine lenses :)

[@christopherfrost]

iocopoco maioco The 35mm on full-frame, will look like 21mm does on APS-C

[@Stubbleman]

iocopoco maioco I completely agree with you on the fact that these are the best reviews around!

[@lucbeloix8348]

Victor Peña Orrego :)

[@thelaird1]

I always watch your reviews before deciding on a purchase. Your reviews are the best ones

[@ArunWadhwa]

Love the review! The best Sigma 18-35 f1.8 HSM review I have came across so far!

[@kipling1957]

Why don't Sigma make this with an E-mount?

[@puttemacguff7666]

Plz plz plz, get a Nikon camera, we need somone that does real review to :'c

[@janosch8145]

Putte MacGuff hey!! ;))

[@TheRealBrownKid]

I just watched Jared Polin "review" this lens and he said nothing positive about the lens. At all. DRTV even made the lens worth purchasing. And you have done the same! Thank you for the most realistic reviews out there, as some people only care about putting on a show rather than _reviewing_ the lens at hand!

[@christopherfrost]

+TheRealBrownKid What?! JP doesn't always get it right as we all know...maybe the lens didn't smell good enough for him...

[@TheRealBrownKid]

Christopher Frost Photography Haha most likely! Your reviews are excellent though. You give the audience what they want to hear. Not a stupid smell test.

[@2X4Studios]

Hey dude, congrats on 100K! You're my go-to for all lens related gear, you've got great consistency in all your videos which makes choosing lenses so much easier, You helped me convince meself to buy this lens and a few others (Canon 15-85mm and Tamron 70-300) so keep up the great work!

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks!

[@kyawminhtut9666]

Hi Chris I bought this one according to ur review and am very happy with this lens. This guy is fantastic. Thanks a lot for ur review.

[@WupperVideo]

I'm using it on my Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K with Super35 mm sensor and it looks great!

[@SuburbanWhiteBoy4lif]

What is up with that building at 10:41 with the crazy windows? That is incredible!

[@duncandrake2580]

Yes, there are so many windows! What do they do there?

[@yourdjuk]

Thanks for your reviews Chris, they are excellent. I have bought a lot of lenses off your advice alone. I have a Tokina 2.6 11-20 atm, but was looking at the Canon 16-35 2.8 L, but Based on this lens review I think this is a better contender on my 70d. I use the lens for when i am Djing (so low light), but also for baby/family photos so this should do the job of creating some nice arty pictures. Its a bit overkill for my Photo Booth, but should increase the quality from my kit lens! My other fav lens is my 24mm 2.8 pancake, so want that with a 100d for holidays and back up for the Photo Booth. I may keep the Tokina as I love the wide angle, shame the Sigma is not 16mm as that 2mm makes a difference.

[@prisonervi]

And with Pentax cameras' in-body stabilisation even better!! My only very minor criticism is no weather sealing which would obviously have made the lens more expensive, but worth it on such a great lens. Still-next year it will have pride of place on my Pentax K3 ii-when I get that as well. Great review of this fine lens. Thanks very much!

[@GabrielTrosell]

haha i have already bought this lens, just came to hear your voice and praises about this lens,, Makes me happy that you find it this good, and to hear you talk and share your detailed and professional opinion :) Thanks

[@janaineperboni]

The best revew about this lens! I'm going to buy it.

[@marroquinjonathan88]

I love my sigma 18-35!!! I always check your videos before purchasing a new lens. Thanks a lot

[@johnnycincocero]

Thank you so much for the review. I'm pulling the trigger on this lens for my D500. Subscribed.

[@yudi.g9544]

You make the best lens reviews on youtube

[@budthecyborg4575]

Nothing escapes the march of time, what was once a piece of alien technology is now pedestrian. It's amazing to compare this review at 18MP with the same lens on the R7 at 32MP, modern lenses really do have incredible resolving power and by modern standards this lens now mildly disappointing.

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

So a 24mm (36mm full frame equivalent) focal length with no barrel distortion? That is amazing. No reasonably priced prime 24mm apsc lens I have seen can do that. The fact a zoom lens can do that means this lens is worth every penny. With as deep of a depth of field a lens featuring this focal length (24mm), this lens is perfect for most landscapes and general street photography. Christopher, thank you for this great review.

[@ilyasovich]

We need a re-review of this lens on the EOS R7 👀

[@hanshut8124]

This lens is very attractive. Not for full frame but, of course, for example, video camera with a super 35 mm sensor. The review was again very professionally.

[@matthewwilkes6065]

super review, have decided on this lens for my Sony a77ii, will be a lovely match and perfect for my needs. thank you, all the best.

[@artistjoh]

One of the most popular usage scenarios for this lens is on a speedbooster on a Micro Four Thirds camera like the G9, GH5 M2, or the GH6, where is gives an aperture around f1.2 26-50mm lens which is amazing. While the Panasonic 10-25mm f1.7 is technically a little better (better contrast, flare resistance, chromatic aberrations) I love the character that the imperfections give this lens. Plus it is way cheaper than the Panasonic lens. It is also a good option for speedboosting onto Sony APSC.

[@spiritualantiseptic]

I simply love the Sigma 50mm Art and this zoom lens sounds like the best gift I can give to myself :P. It also looks like a perfect choice for astrophotography and everything else!

[@Ime2195]

very detailed review, this is exactly the kind of review ive been looking for

[@ghostpanic]

Word of advice I tried 2 of these lenses now on my D7100 and D7200 (own both) and neither hit target with auto focus not even 50% of the time, even after *painstaking calibration , I have sent both back This IS a GREAT lens if you can find a copy that works but its very hit and miss be aware, I think With Nikon Owners mostly

[@ebrahemmh]

Jayden Styles Thanks for commenting. Do you use the View Finder for focusing? And what is your focusing mode? I mean single or continuous / center points or peripheral points. Because I get feedback from users that it has NO problem when using the center focusing points. Thanks.

[@RozelyLindim]

until now this is legendary one-of-a-kind superbly high image quality zoom lens with none competitor yet..well done sigma for producing such a great lens.

[@davidgoya7157]

Thanks for your great & extensive review, Christopher 😉😊☺

[@TheMetalButcher]

This thing is magic I swear. Good everywhere.

[@rocheuro]

Sigma again made a state of ART lens. which is hard to miss allround world photographers . one of a kind btw.lens

[@villegas24]

I ordered this baby yesterday,nice review!

[@ArianOby]

".........did this thing fall from a spaceship or something" 7:20 ............ That's the point when I clicked on the Amazon "Buy" button 6 months later.......... I'm still drooling (like Homer in a doughnut shop across from a Bar)! I love this lens!!

[@christopherfrost]

Hehe - it is a seminal lens :-)

[@LuckzorCorrea]

Thank you for the review, Christopher! Helped me a lot! :D

[@kameraeskura]

I wont to say Chris that I like very much of your reviews!greetings from Portugal.

[@redtails]

Wow, this must be one of the best wide-angle big-aperture zoom lenses you've ever made a review on. Though admittingly, it does cost almost twice the amount of money what an entry-level dslr costs these days

[@WoeiPatrickP90]

i love your review so much, somehow i feel relax when i listen to your voice. i want to see your review on editing photo on lightroom and photoshop too. :)

[@vincentnavea6999]

because of your positive review I bought this lens for my 80D and I am so happy I did. I just wished Canon has gone with in body stabilization.

[@exaeb]

Vincent Navea how's the focusing with 80d? do you find it often miss focus?

[@OneSingleCheezIt]

Excellent review. Can't wait for my back-order to come!

[@danielsolstrand]

I cant get enough of reviews of this lens. It kicks ass!

[@RyougiVector]

Others probably have mentioned this before me, but just in case, it's worth repeating that Olympus beat Sigma to the punch by a few years when it comes to making f/2 zooms for their Four Thirds DSLRs. The 14-35mm f/2 has a standard zoom range of 28-70 equivalent, an MF ring that's always available, and very robust weather sealing. The sister zoom, the 35-100mm f/2, was released at around the same time with similarly robust build quality but a slower focus mechanism. If we just look at working copies, both are fantastic lenses. Not downplaying the Sigma f/1.8 zoom lenses, though.

[@vividanteproductions]

Amazing review. I've been considering getting the lens, now I definitely wanna get it🙂

[@echtvergoldet]

I'm glad I bought this lens. And having image stabilization inside my sony a 77ii body makes it a even better lens.

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Very awesome review. Thank you for sharing! I am looking to get this lens for my channel, and this really helped me decide...

[@FrankBoyd91]

This is a fantastic lens for backyard astrophotography.

[@arisgemino]

Your review is all that matters and I am buying this lens now.

[@ion-christopherstudio490ac3]

Relating to your work on the Canon 17-85 lens - I could not post this comment about your pics - but they were breathtaking - especially your China stuff.

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks :-) those pictures were taken in South Korea, by the way. All the best

[@jtoyp]

I used it 6 years ago on nikon d5300 and the image looks almost full framed camera could show. Yes

[@VincentLeeW]

Great review man, love the way you say "This makes me happy. I hate barrel distortion."

[@itt-itamartechtime8867]

Is it good for portrait

[@tomsmith3965]

Great reviews! Very technical, but practical!

[@Gorangrooves]

Fantastic review (as always). Thank you!