The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art is a discontinued APS-C DSLR zoom with a constant F1.8 maximum aperture. It may suit photographers who want a fast standard zoom, but whether it is a good buy depends on the exact mount, camera compatibility, condition, and current asking price—not a blanket claim of professional-grade performance or value.
What the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 is—and what it is not
The full designation is Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM, Art line, edition A013. “DC” identifies it as part of Sigma’s APS-C-format DSLR lens family. It is not a full-frame lens: Sigma warns that vignetting occurs on sensors larger than APS-C, as well as on 35mm and APS film SLR cameras. See Sigma’s official specifications.
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On an APS-C camera, its 18–35mm range covers wide-angle through normal perspectives. Sigma’s 2022 catalogue gives a 27–52.5mm 35mm-format equivalent focal range; actual field of view depends on the camera format. The lens’s defining feature is its constant F1.8 maximum aperture across the zoom range. Sigma’s 2022 catalogue calls it the first interchangeable DSLR zoom to achieve that, based on Sigma research as of April 2013. That is a dated manufacturer claim, not an independently verified current ranking.
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| Specification | Sigma’s published figure |
|---|---|
| Focal length and maximum aperture | 18–35mm; F1.8 throughout the zoom range |
| Optical construction | 17 elements in 12 groups |
| Angle of view | 76.5°–44.2° |
| Diaphragm | 9 rounded blades; minimum aperture F16 |
| Minimum focusing distance | 28cm |
| Maximum magnification | 1:4.3 |
| Filter size | 72mm |
| Dimensions and weight | For Sigma SA mount: 78 × 121mm and 810g. Sigma notes measurements vary by mount. |
Figures are from Sigma’s product specification page; the equivalent focal range and historical first-zoom claim are in its 2022 lens catalogue. These are manufacturer specifications and claims, not independent optical test results.
#1 Best Overall
- 18-35mm focal length, 27-52.5mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras
- F1.8 maximum aperture; F16 minimum
- Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing, 72mm filter size
- Minimum Focusing Distance 28 cm/ 11.0 in.USB Dock Compatible, MC-11 Compatible.
- Available in Canon EF (EF-S), Sony Alpha (DT), Nikon F (DX) mounts
Will it work with your camera?
Sigma lists versions for Sigma SA, Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax, and Sony A mounts. Those are distinct versions, not interchangeable fittings. Sigma marks the lens discontinued, so a listing’s exact mount matters as much as its condition.
- Identify your camera’s mount. Match it to the lens version named on the listing; do not assume an adapter makes every camera-and-lens combination fully functional.
- Check Sigma’s compatibility resource. Search the exact camera model and lens mount in Sigma’s camera compatibility list. Sigma notes that some combinations have functional or performance restrictions.
- Check firmware information for the specific mount. Sigma’s A013 firmware page documents mount-specific histories. It lists MC-11 compatibility updates for Sigma SA and Canon EF versions; that does not establish identical support for every mount or camera body.
Is it worth buying now?
There is no single value verdict for a discontinued lens. Sigma’s official material establishes the specifications and discontinued status, but it does not establish current prices or prove that a particular used copy offers good value. Compare listings for the same mount and condition, and weigh the asking price against the lens’s age, compatibility with your body, and your need for a constant F1.8 aperture.
Rank #2
- 18-35mm focal length, 27-52.5mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras
- F1.8 maximum aperture; F16 minimum
- Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing, 72mm filter size
- Minimum Focusing Distance 28 cm/ 11.0 in.USB Dock Compatible, MC-11 Compatible.
- Confirm that the listing is for the A013 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art, not a different Sigma zoom.
- Verify mount, included accessories, and stated condition before comparing prices.
- Ask about operation and return terms, especially if the camera body or mount combination is not one you have already verified.
- Factor in the 72mm filter size if you need a compatible filter; Sigma lists 72mm as the filter thread.
How it compares with Sigma’s longer APS-C F1.8 zoom
The Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM is a related APS-C DSLR Art zoom, but it covers a longer focal range rather than replacing the 18-35mm as a like-for-like option. Sigma lists Sigma SA, Canon EF, and Nikon F mounts for that model. Check its own product information and camera compatibility separately; availability and support should not be assumed to match the 18-35mm.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished it shows limited or no wear
- Includes all original accessories plus a full manufacturer warranty
- 17 elements in 12 groups. F16.72mm Minimum aperture. 72mm Filter Size. 76.5 - 44.2 Angle of view (SD1). 28cm/11.0in Minimum focusing distance. 9 diaphragm blades (Rounded diaphragm). 1:4.3 Max magnification ratio. Dimensions 78mm x 121.0mm/3.1in. x 4in.
- The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens for Nikon is a wide-angle to normal-length zoom lens that features a fast, bright constant f/1.8 maximum aperture. It is specifically designed for use with APS-C-sized sensors and provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 27-52.5mm.
- An internal focusing and zooming mechanism helps to maintain a consistent overall lens length and a non-rotating front ring facilitates more efficient use of circular polarizers
Rank #4
- Designed specifically for APS-C sized sensors
- Internal focusing and zooming allows for more usability and functionality
- The 18-35mm is ideal for landscapes, portraits, still life, snap shots, casual, and close-ups
Rank #3
- Designed specifically for APS-C sized sensors
- Internal focusing and zooming allows for more usability and functionality
- The 18-35mm is ideal for landscapes, portraits, still life, snap shots, casual, and close-ups
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
