The following sample shots were taken with a D7000 and RAW-converted via Capture One.
Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
50.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/320s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
50.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.5
Exposure
1/1600s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
18.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/160s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
34.0mm
Aperture:
f/3.5
Exposure
1/3200s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
40.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/400s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
18.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.8
Exposure
1/2500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
40.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/800s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
18.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.8
Exposure
1/2000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
24.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/800s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
50.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/200s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/640s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
23.0mm
Aperture:
f/9.0
Exposure
1/250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
18.0mm
Aperture:
f/9.0
Exposure
1/400s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.0
Exposure
1/1250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
18.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/400s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
23.0mm
Aperture:
f/3.2
Exposure
1/2000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
23.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
26.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/400s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
28.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/800s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
18.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.8
Exposure
1/2000s
Verdict
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM left us with mixed feelings. Physically it is no doubt a welcome step-up from Nikon's own entry-level offerings. The build quality is on a very high level for this lens class. The only issue here is the focus ring that rotates during AF. Thanks to HSM the AF itself is quiet and reasonably fast and the optical stabilization is a welcome feature even at short focal lengths.
Optically, however, things look different. The center resolution is no doubt nothing to worry about at any focal length. The border and corner sharpness is also very good at 35mm and above, however it is really disappointing towards the short end of the focal range. Vignetting and especially CAs are also higher than one might hope for. Unlike lack of resolution, both can be handled in post-processing, though.
In the end, it comes down to wether one uses short focal lengths to shoot subjects that do not require even sharpness across the frame. This lens is certainly not made for landscape photographers. If the main usage is towards the longer end of the focal range or does not require sharp borders at wide angles (for example for party photography), the lens may be worth a look as an alternative to Nikon's own kit lenses.
