Sigma 18-50mm OS HSM 2.8-4.5 opinions?

el_brio · 07-09-2010, 10:50 AM

I'm looking far a replacement for my DAL 18-55 kit lens. I found the Sigma 18-50 F 2.8-4.5 OS HSM on amazon for $199. I can't seem to find this lens in the lens database here (not with the OS and HSM anyway). This seems like a really good deal to me.... anyone have any experience with this lens? Would it bo a nice step up from the kit DAL 18-55?

Adam · 07-09-2010, 11:19 AM

You're gaining half a stop of light and losing 5mm of reach, so I'd say no. A constant F2.8 version would be a step up, however.

BTW, if you do decide to get this lens, could you add it to the database? The link to add lenses is found in the upper-right corner of the database.

el_brio · 07-09-2010, 11:31 AM

3.5 vs 2.8 is 2/3 of a stop isn't it? Anyway, I guess the HSM and in lens OS aren't worth the exta $$? Is the image quality about the same? I would like an upgrade over the DAL 18-55 but don't want to spend a whole lot of money.

Deni · 07-09-2010, 01:57 PM

Add $50 to that $200 and get a da 16-45mm f/4. A much significant upgrade over the kit lens.

If you end up using your onboard flash a lot, I'd suggest keeping the kit lens and buying a nice flash like the Pentax 360 or Metz 48 and stop down the lens to about f/7 for better lens performance.

SpecialK · 07-09-2010, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by el_brio

Anyway, I guess the HSM and in lens OS aren't worth the exta $$?

Well, the OS is not, as you already have it in the camera. HSM is not so big of a plus either.

For about another $50-100, you should be able to get something faster and sharper, though used. The 16-45 as mentioned, is popular. The Sigma constant f2.8 variety is good.

kari · 07-09-2010, 11:59 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

Well, the OS is not, as you already have it in the camera. HSM is not so big of a plus either.

If your K-x has the mirror slap issue, it's helpful. Also for shooting movies without the SR noise.

zbrueningsen · 11-29-2011, 03:22 PM

Pentax's OS is terrible compared to using Sigma's OS on a Canon body. I tried shooting at the same iso (12k) as my brother's canon and he got the picture and I got fuzz. The OS is good for the old lenses, but if you are buying a new lens I would suggest the Sigma. They are sharp (at least the 17-70 OS HSM). Sigma's build is significantly better than the 16-45 f/4. That one has a bunch of issues.

K57XR · 11-29-2011, 08:46 PM

Originally posted by el_brio

I can't seem to find this lens in the lens database here (not with the OS and HSM anyway).

It is in the database. Right here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/sigma-18-50mm-f2-8-4-5-dc-os-hsm.html

DaveHolmes · 11-29-2011, 08:53 PM

Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 blows the kit-18-55mm away...

07-09-2010, 10:50 AM	#1
el_brio New Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 12	Sigma 18-50mm OS HSM 2.8-4.5 opinions? I'm looking far a replacement for my DAL 18-55 kit lens. I found the Sigma 18-50 F 2.8-4.5 OS HSM on amazon for $199. I can't seem to find this lens in the lens database here (not with the OS and HSM anyway). This seems like a really good deal to me.... anyone have any experience with this lens? Would it bo a nice step up from the kit DAL 18-55?

07-09-2010, 11:19 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	You're gaining half a stop of light and losing 5mm of reach, so I'd say no. A constant F2.8 version would be a step up, however. BTW, if you do decide to get this lens, could you add it to the database? The link to add lenses is found in the upper-right corner of the database. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Lens or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM?	NicK10D	Pentax DSLR Discussion	7	06-23-2010 06:21 AM
Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8-4 EX ASP HSM (ver. 1) - opinions?	ajuett	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	05-02-2010 09:45 PM
the New Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM	gr8wings	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	1	03-28-2010 08:26 AM
SIGMA 50mm F1.4 HSM - want your opinions	claude21	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	06-01-2009 11:55 PM
Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM ?	Big G	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	25	05-22-2009 05:59 AM

07-09-2010, 11:31 AM	#3
el_brio New Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 12 Original Poster	3.5 vs 2.8 is 2/3 of a stop isn't it? Anyway, I guess the HSM and in lens OS aren't worth the exta $$? Is the image quality about the same? I would like an upgrade over the DAL 18-55 but don't want to spend a whole lot of money.

07-09-2010, 01:57 PM	#4
Deni Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tirana, Albania, South Europe, Planet Earth Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 621	Add $50 to that $200 and get a da 16-45mm f/4. A much significant upgrade over the kit lens. If you end up using your onboard flash a lot, I'd suggest keeping the kit lens and buying a nice flash like the Pentax 360 or Metz 48 and stop down the lens to about f/7 for better lens performance.

07-09-2010, 02:24 PM	#5
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	Originally posted by el_brio Anyway, I guess the HSM and in lens OS aren't worth the exta $$? Well, the OS is not, as you already have it in the camera. HSM is not so big of a plus either. For about another $50-100, you should be able to get something faster and sharper, though used. The 16-45 as mentioned, is popular. The Sigma constant f2.8 variety is good.

07-09-2010, 11:59 PM	#6
kari Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 142	Originally posted by SpecialK Well, the OS is not, as you already have it in the camera. HSM is not so big of a plus either. If your K-x has the mirror slap issue, it's helpful. Also for shooting movies without the SR noise.

11-29-2011, 03:22 PM	#7
zbrueningsen Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Nebraska Photos: Albums Posts: 902	Pentax's OS is terrible compared to using Sigma's OS on a Canon body. I tried shooting at the same iso (12k) as my brother's canon and he got the picture and I got fuzz. The OS is good for the old lenses, but if you are buying a new lens I would suggest the Sigma. They are sharp (at least the 17-70 OS HSM). Sigma's build is significantly better than the 16-45 f/4. That one has a bunch of issues.

11-29-2011, 08:46 PM	#8
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830	Originally posted by el_brio I can't seem to find this lens in the lens database here (not with the OS and HSM anyway). It is in the database. Right here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/sigma-18-50mm-f2-8-4-5-dc-os-hsm.html

11-29-2011, 08:53 PM	#9
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 blows the kit-18-55mm away...