Beautiful shots. I didn't see any focusing issues. I have the 18-35mm Art on the f/1.8 on the 80D & absolutely love it & this is next on my lens list. Q? I didn't notice any 1.8 shots, mostly 2-2.8. Any specific reason not shooting wide open?
Word is that the 50-100mm doesn't seem to have the reported focus issues reported on some others. FWIW; I purchased the Sigma USB dock & used the Optimization Pro software to Micro Adjust my 18-35mm f/1.8 lens. It took me a little bit to get used to it, but once you get some time invested which it WILL take BTW, you'll get better & faster doing the calibrations. It helped immensely & was well worth all of the effort & time involved doing it for the1st time. I highly recommend calibrating your AFMA w/ the Optimization Pro & USB dock.
Honestly its not the lens its the off sensor PDAF points struggling to see the real focus point of the lens as its too shallow for the AF sensor. This lens is great on my a7ii using the MC-11 adapter as well as my sdQ.
Different type of focusing system.. The 50-100mm would focus dead accurately each time if he used live view on the 70D or 80D. But thats just not practical..
Thanks for the great video. This has become one of my most used lenses, but I use it mainly for video. This thing is amazing paired to an a7R2 4K in crop mode with IBIS on a monopod for event work.
Yeah, with the G7 successor to be announce soon and with a DUAL IS MK II already confirmed, people should be able to use the Sigma Dynamic Duo and a focal reducer with the G85 and GH5, what a nice kit it will be, Super 35 video with IBIS in a Micro4/3 camera.
Hi Tony, an update of this review could be very interesting in nowadays with new apsc camera like EOS R7, with eye autofocus tracking, sensir stabilized and higher sensor Mpix. Thanks
@@cooloox Did you use it on a R7? I‘d like to know if sports photography is possible with it and for that I really need a good auto focus. I‘m using the R10. Hope you see this and respond!
Hi Tony, I had the same focusing problem with the 18-35 f1.8 art lens on my Pentax K-3. I would focus just fine in live view but not through the view finder. I used the USB dock from Sigma to adjust it and that fixed the problem. I was very disappointed that Sigma didn't make this lens for Pentax, with that in body image stabilization it would've made it a low light beast combo, but hearing how disappointed you are with it, it makes me feel a little better.
7:10 The focusing issue with Sigma lenses is a real problem. I've had to ditch around 40% of shots with my Sigma 18-35. It's so frustrating to take a group of nicely framed shots only to discover half of them are blurry back-focuesd. I recently opted for my Tokina manual cine lens as I knew it'd be a closer focus than the Sigma. Luckily, most of my work is film so it's all manual focusing.
i have that problem and solve it with the sigma usb dock. Its frustrating the necessity to buy it but really solve the problem (after like 5 hours of calibration -_- but the results worth it)
I noticed that too. First, sorry for my english. I have only theorys but i think is because that internal focusing elements moving, mixed with the shallow dept of field make the focus inconsistent in different focal lengths, and different focus distances. I noticed it tends to fail or hit depending that, thats why the usb dock solve my problem, you can microadjust every single focal length trough near to far focus distances. I think sigma knows, thats why make the dock
Mr Yamaki stated that the SIGMA service centres can calibrate the lens to your specific camera body. It is possible to do so with the dock yourself, however, it is one of the procedures that requires a high-level of expertise, so it's better to take your camera and lens to a service centre. According to the LensVid interview, he stated that SIGMA must licence and then reverse-engineer the capacities of CANON/NIKON etc so they keep a stable of cameras to calibrate from, however, each camera is different; a D500 and a D7100 would need different calibration, for instance. If you use the most popular camera for each mount, for each country then you will probably have the fewest problems. Apparently, the new heights of resolution exacerbate this. Contact SIGMA, they will likely have a service centre close by.
I guess i really got lucky i use the 50-100 and 18-35 and never really had issues with missing focus. Didn't need to micro adjust or anything. I'm #Blessed
Me too having zero problems using SIgma 18-35 on Canon 60d since the very first day of purchase. When i hear people talking about focus problems it seems to me that they have problems with their style of shooting mentioning the narrowest depth of field theese lenses give yoy at open aperture. Just imagine that after you succesfully focused, you moved your arm half a centimeter away, and that all - you lost your focus point. Thats all said using my own 18-35 lens on 60d body for around 2+ years for now.
What a fantastic team you both make Tony and Chelsea. I have just started amateur but serious hobby p'graphy, so dropping by on what ever i can to read and learn, and i have been hooked to your videos for the past 2 days. Detailed, informative, raw, and clear cut. No shenanigans and fanboyism and hipster kinda stuff. The sheer amount of info and knowledge you guys share is commendable. Would have taken you for a beer if i was there :)
It's 2024 I placed this lens on my Nikon z6III and the stabilization on this full frame camera is fantastic. No Focus Breathing but do feel the focus working all of the time. It is fast and quiet is quiet. Also used this lens on my Leica Sl2-S and it is fantastic with a Pholsy Nikon to L adapter with an Aperture Control Ring. Placed this lens on the Nikon Z30 which only has Digital Stabilization only and video was only good when still. Photos from all three cameras were excellent and sharp. I did all tests in different modes Auto, Program and Apterture plus Manual. Cheers!
Tony, I don't know if you hear this ENOUGH, but THANK YOU for respecting us viewers enough to GET TO THE POINT quickly :) It's making RUclips a better place :)
Bought this lens on June 10 and have used it more than any other lens in this 3 months period. It's a beauty and I would say the same about its construction. Cannot agree with the comments about it easily scratching but maybe I just take better care of ALL my equipment. I have used it to capture action, portraits, social events (weddings) and just about everything and mostly at F2. I have it paired with my Sony a6000 via the Sigma MC-11 adapter and the camera and lens have not been separated since the date of purchase. I often use it in poor light - because of its max fast aperture - and I find the results are outstanding. Regarding the focus - this took me a little time to adjust but now I get a high success rate. However, with the MC-11 adapter the auto-focus is not lightening fast but is no slouch and definitely faster than manual focus. I suspect it might focus faster mated directly to say a Canon body. All in all, this is the best lens I've ever handled. Worth noting that I have the Sony a7 mated to the Sony 70-200 F4 but the Sigma results are better by far.
Had a lot of focus issues on 70d, since i moved to 7d2 its nearly unnoticeable. I use 9 focus point in a group and it rarely misses. I use 18-35 and 50-100 and both work rather well.
Interesting - and thank you for the review about it. I purchased the 18-35 a couple of months ago and at first I thought I'd made a big mistake. When I started to try and calibrate it, it seemed to have that random back or front focus problem. I was really beginning to despair that I'd wasted my money. But I then made some changes, and it seems to be fine now. I have a 70D, and I remembered that the 70D has problems focusing using the central focusing point at f1.8. So I changed the calibration to use the focus point just to the right - and I also only bothered to calibrate it to infinity and also to the next stage down (about 0.5m). It seems to be fine now. Plus in actual use I have only used it on a tripod, and using the live focus with the touch screen. In doing that the images have been sharp, and focused exactly where I wanted them to be. Maybe this would also work with the 50-100? Of course you used the Nikon version, so I don't know if that made a difference or not.Either way, thank you again for the review - I was one of the ones who requested you do it in the first place so it is much appreciated. I may well hold off on buying the 50-100 to see if there is any sort of way to get around these issues that you found...
My 18-35 had the issue so I sent it back for re calibration, haven't had a chance to put it through the paces since returned. The 50-100 was the shop model from The Camera Store (probably the same one from the review they did) and it seems to work fine. My hope is that now the m5 has focus peaking, buying that and switching to manual if needed. These lens take great shots so I can't see myself selling, but the focusing is a real frustration that I hope they can fix with firmware. *if* canon and Nikon ever get around to higher mpxl, stabilized sensors, and the focusing issues are fixed, these lemses would age fantastically
To whom may read this on 2020 and after. I'm using the Sigma 18-35 and 50-100 with 2 Fringer Pro ii on my fuji cameras,XT3 and XH1. No focus isuues,always hit the mark,very fast AF and excellent results.
I got this Lens for half a year now. Use it on my Canon 80D and don´t have ANY focus issues. The lens is perfectly adjusted with the Sigma dock. For me it works fine.
I have both the Sigma 18-35 and the 50-100. Ive used them on a canon 80D, a C200 and on a C300 miii and Ive never had focusing issues. I love these lenses.
So far I'm loving this lens on my Nikon D7100. So far I've taken a few hundred shots and I've had no focus issues. Either I've been lucky or a got one of the good lenses.
I have both the sigma 18-35 & 50-100 f/1.8 on my canon 90D,a match made in heaven. I haven't had any issues with focusing as both are sharp as.. no calibration needed,I also have the doc but haven't needed it for these lenses. Faster shutter speeds to help with stability coupled with f/1.8 helps to combat blur.
This is the go to lens for my D500. The only thing I can compare it to is when I was shooting with the Nikon 200mm F2 on my D810. I do not experience as much focus issues as Tony is describing, but I have had a few, but have not found them to be detrimental to any shoot. This is an absolute great lens!
I rented this lens to shoot a wedding of a friend. I acted as second shooter with my 70D. The lens performed well in that capacity. However, I did notice finicky focus. As a second shooter on a wedding this lens works out well in my opinion as I did not have the pressure on me to take the primary shots. The pictures that did come out were amazing and the feedback from the customer was very positive.
I too, was really looking forward to this lens! So disappointing, the focus issues... ended up returning mine because of that. :( Still, love the hell out of my 18-35 f1.8 and my 150-600 Sport Sigma lenses! I have the 7D Mark II for anyone who is wondering.
Yeah I have the 7DII as well. I've had problems with my 18-35 1.8 even after a self & factory calibration, and opted to go all OEM prime instead. Never looked back since. My 35mm f/2.0 IS USM, and a 24mm 2.8 IS USM now takes it's place. Not as sharp, but I razor sharpness is not critical decision factor for me. I use those two lenses because they make my 7DII very practical to grab & go. Sigma can be too front heavy, and I end up babying it too much.
I've had my 18-35 for nearly a year now and had similar (inconsistent) focusing issues, that is until the latest firmware came out sometime this past Summer (2016) after which it performs MUCH better. Now there was zero mention of "Fixes some focus issues" in the bullet points for the update but I suspect that Sigma's marketing department may have decided not to mention them because that would mean they were admitting there was an issue in the first place. I also have it attached to a 7D mark II.
***** I sold my 18-35 because it was just too inconsistent. I'm guessing the 50-100 would be just as inconsistent. I got the Canon 35mm IS USM after I sold my 18-35. The form factor and consistency was much more important for me that the added sharpness. I'm glad the focus issues are mitigated on the 18-35mm, but I still won't get it again because of it's heavy weight. even on a 7D MII it's front heavy. For me it hinders my workflow I find. If you are a landscape photog, I highly recommend it still. Just be prepared to use manual focus.
Tony, another great review and SUPER helpful. I own the 18-35 1.8 and use it on a Panasonic G85 with a Metabones speed booster. The Pani 85 has in-camera 5 axis stabilization and the speed booster takes the 18-to 35 to f 1.1---and the image, low light performance, sharpness, and bokeh are amazing--my best lens. I shoot only video and use manual focus 90+% of the time, and while stabilization is an issue when I'm using the Sigma on the C300 mk II, it's no problem at all with the G85. From your review I get the sense this is my next lens---and I think I'll be able to do almost all of my shooting with the G85 with only these two lenses--plus maybe the Canon 24-105 f.4, which drops to f. 2.5 with the metabones speed booster. Thank you for this review. You and Chelsea are the greatest!
I picked one up today---with my forklift. Damn, that sucker is heavy. But the image is really, really beautiful. I'm thinking the logistics of the lens dictates I'll be using it about 15% to 20% of the time in run 'n gun---hand held. But the 5 axis stabilization of the G85 works super well.
By the way, the speed booster on the G85 gives a super 35 perspective and, on the 50-100, the f-stop opens to 1.2. Talk about background blur. And since I manual focus every thing the AF issues are no issue at all. Highly recommended for MFT, in stabilization cameras. Sadly, the 50-100 mounted by a speed booster adapter on an aps-c like the a6500 has a pretty good amount of vignetting. Fap!!!!
I got this lens too and I use it with Panasonic GX8 and metabones 0.71x speedbooster. I also experience lack of I.S problems but the focus was never a problem for me.
Exactly your opinion. The Sigma 18-35 focuses much easier if you get a proper one. As there is not much to focus they work perfectly then and exceed the dynamic range of full frame as the ISO is 4/3 stops lower. But in the tele range focus problems and missing image stabilization are much worse.
I will actually chime in that I experienced something similar with my 18-35 f/1.8 and had a horrible time trying to micro adjust correct it and could never seem to get it right, it felt like it was missing on both sides of the focal plane. However as soon as I ran through a Magic Lantern auto micro adjust calibration on my Canon 70D, it's been locked on ever since in studio, street, anywhere I use it. I didn't have this kind of difficulty with seemingly either side of the focal plane on any of my other Canon f/1.8 or faster primes either and could always find what side of the focal plane it was shifted, so I do wonder if the 50-100mm will behave the same. Once I grab the lens (to replace my 50-150mm f/2.8) I'll update here.
I have this lens and use it on a nikon d7200, gotta say super-sharp, and no focus issues here, did at first but soon figured out it was user error, only had issue when using viewfinder, no problems ever in live view, now got it working just great with viewfinder too
Yes I entirely agree my Sigma lens 18-35, I sold it last year I could not put up with the Miss focusing any more even though I had the adapter to micro-adjusted it still would never ever work properly and I got so fed up with keeping my fingers crossed hoping it where would focus correctly to such an extent and I was taking more shots than necessary in order to hope that one of them would turn out, many thanks for all of your reviews Dave Newby
So, I've now shot over 11,000 images on this lens between my D5300 and my new D7100. While focusing was inconsistent on my D5300, it has been rock solid on my D7100. It has missed a few times, like all cameras and lens I've used-but very reliable. I've noticed that shooting portraits in AF-S, it has had no issues. My technique was off at the beginning as well
Did everyone forget about the Sigma 50-150 OS lens? I know it was last made in 2012, I believe, and it's 2.8 but I think it's a pretty good lens. And I think it still is the only other APS-C lens of it caliber.
I needed the OS because I do a lot of event photography. The OS version definitely not compact, size and weight about the same as a 70-200. But both versions are really good lenses. If you don't need OS the none OS is definitely cheaper.
btw about front focusing/ back focusing issue on Sigma - try it on Sony mirrorless. Seriously. I had a similar issue with BF on my Sigma 35/1.4 art on Canon back in the days, but that lens working on Metabones with Sony A7RII seems doesn't have that problem. So try it out, might help.
I agree. so many people blaming the lens and even sending then back thinking they are flawed when its likely the camera body tollorences not being good enough and the pdaf being f5.6 or in better cameras a few f2.8 spots not being able to see the true focus point of the lens. the 50-100 is awesome on my a7ii.
To get over focus problems, either calibrate using USB dock or shoot in live view. This is why mirrorless is the future, no micro-focus adjustments necessary. But still gonna get this lens for my 700D, the sharpness is awesome!
It's a shame Sigma have chosen not to produce this lens in Pentax mount because matched to the Pentax K3 series cameras it would be a stunning combination.
Maybe Pentax new KAF4 mount with electronic aperture control will make them reconsider. They did state in an interview that the mechanical aperture lever does increase the cost and time to adapt lenses to K-mount - now that's gone, let's see.
AGH331 yes that would be great. Just updated the firmware of my K3 to v1.30; now has KAF4 functionality. Getting a Pentax 55-300mm PLM lens delivered this week. Hoping this combo is quick enough for wildlife/bird shots with AF, no manual readjust. And other quick shots.
Cool review. Ive had this lens for several months now using a canon t2i and I experience focus problems a lot. The super shallow dof can be great but its also somewhat of a burden. I feel this is because I'm somewhat of an amateur photographer too though. If canon or sony released a higher pixel apsc type camera id be on that like wildfire.
Hey Tony I took your advice from your buying guide and found the discontinued sigma 50-150 f2.8 os for Nikon. I was wondering if you have had an opportunity to test it, and what your thoughts are on either having 1f stop vs have 50mm extra reach and image stabilization are. Edit: Also Amazing review as always! Keep up the awesome work!!
tony. i have been watching your videos for over a year and ive noticed that recently you have upped your game quite a lot. especially the video of smartphones destroying the compact camera business was a masterpiece. keep up the great work tony and chelsea. i was thinking of purchawing the nikon 50mm and 85mm primes. could this guy better them both?
I notice that many people recommend using live view focusing with this lens. I wanted to introduce a theory I have heard about why we get questionable focus from wide apertures on modern cameras sometimes. Some people blame this phenomenon on the modern focusing screens placed between the prism and the mirror in DSLR's. Unlike the older glass ones, these are plastic ones that are used to both save money and provide a brighter viewfinder even at small apertures. Because of this, autofocus wider than 2.8 is usually iffy. People who changed their focusing screens when this was still an option from at least Canon say the problem disappears if you use the more precise screens. Newer models no longer have interchanging screens. Critics suggest that live view focusing works every time due to the fact that you are seeing exactly what the sensor sees without a processor making the decision for you about what is sharp or not. Does anyone else have experience with this?
I had this exact focus problem with two different Sigma 18-35mm on 3 different Canon bodies. I was wondering if this lens had the same issue and apparently it is.
Hi Tony, I shoot on a Canon 70D and often rent the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS for indoor event photography. I’d like to stop renting and buy a lens for this purpose. Should I go with the Sigma 50-100, or the Tamron 70-200 G2? On one hand the Sigma may be sharper since its built for crop sensor cameras, on the other hand the Tamron has that incredible image stabilization and longer reach. Since the indoor events I shoot are often dim, I’m leaning toward the Tamron. What do you think?
Great review... Planning on buying your book - question for you - Does the paper back also give you access to an e-book download? Or would I have to buy each separate.
Hello Tony and Chelsea, nice review! I always appreciate your honesty when comes to reviews, always follow your videos here on RUclips, they're helping me to understand and make better decisions on the photography world, thanks for the content. Well I'm facing a big problem with APSC lens for Canon, I have a 80D (I know it's not the greatest for video but it's what I'll have to work with for a little while -> just bought it). Every "good" lenses that I see around doesn't have IS and the ones who have it doesn't seem to work well with constant focus like the Sigma 18-50mm (I need to take advantage of Canon's good focus at some point), my best option are getting either get L series with IS (that I know it's not as good in an APSC as they are in a full frame camera) or to get the kit lenses that I'm trying to avoid (I have Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5, Canon 85mm f/1.8 and 55-250mm f/4-5.6) . Do you guys have any advice? I'm looking for something to cover my gap between 20 to 85mm that have IS because I'm planning to do videos but I need to be able to do something hand hold. Thank you for your attention!
that's some thing special. this is what a review all about. u gave the both positives and negatives about this lens now its upto us should we go for it or NOT.. Thanks Tony Northrup for this lovely video. i really appreciate that :)
Yes - I have sigma lens in my camera bag, & I do use them when the job calls for this lens. I still have several for my old film cameras, from the film days. Sometimes I wish they never invented digital. Now you can use a smart / iPhone and get a great photo, but no control of depth of field. I would only use a sigma lens, where I could take the photos over if something went wrong. My bottom line, Nikon on a Nikon and Canon on a Canon, to get the best auto focus. Great review, always helpful. / Gary from Michigan 🚂
I had shocking problems with focus on my 18-35 Sigma and eventually I dropped the money for the USB dock and calibrated it at all 3 focal lengths. I think that is the answer to thinking the focus is "inconsistent". It would front focus at the short end and back focus at the long etc. After calibration it is almost perfect.
Hi Tony, Long time ago you make a comparison between the Canon 24-105 and the Sigma. Now, with the new Mark IV, Canon released a new 24-105. The question is, will you make a new comparison between this three lenses? thank you Greetings from Italy
Tony, you're awesome. Thanks for all the very informative information that true users are looking for. You really dive into all angles of the equation and put it all together.
I become more impressed with your content each video I watch, thumbs up! I have the sigma 18-35mm which is great on my 80d. Am always tempted by the 50-100mm, but then I think maybe it's better not to be locked in to APS-C only lenses, if I ever went full frame it would be good to have all my lenses stay the same. Or is that a false economy? Sigma impress me a lot. I grabbed the 24-105mm F/4 from them and was instantly loving it, and the 120-300mm F/2.8 I dream of owning. Do you think it's a bad idea to grab high quality full frame lenses before getting a full frame camera? I feel like they'd be great to use even on APS-C and then on going full frame I'm only switching out the body.
This video is 8 years old. However, I got the Canon R7 APS-C camera and, with its higher resolution sensor (32.5 MP), purchasing this lens is very tempting... It appears quite difficult to find a lens (in 2024) that can keep up with a cropped sensor with such a high pixel density (a full frame sensor with the same pixel density would offer more than 80 MP...).
I own this lens and use it with my Nikon D500 body. At a recent indoor event I used my Nikon 17-55 2.8 with a speed light and a flash bracket and I used my other D500 with my Sigma 50-100 to use without flash. The sharpness is outstanding but I noticed that the focus seemed to hunt much more than my 17-55. This was my first shoot with this lens and I learned to slow down a bit to let it achieve focus. I don't know if this lens will focus fast and accurately for sports.
Most SIGMA lens have Focus Problem in Canon camera, I got the 17-50 mm F/2.8 and it often go outta focus, while the cheap kit lens on the canon is sharp all the time. I guess it must be some software or electronic problem on the sigma lens when is not the native Sigma camera.
Besides how good the overall sharpness and the bokeh is, if you miss focus a lot it is a deal breaker. If have sold such lenses because you never feel really comfortable during shootings.Thank you Tony for the review.
Tony, you should look at the lens they retired the Sigma 50-150mm 2.8.....this lens is sharp and because I have it, I am not interested in the 50-100 f1.8 lens as soon as I saw that it had no stabilization. The Sigma 50-150mm 2.8 has Image Stabilization on it, different modes of stabilization, just a fantastic lens in my opinion! I pair that lens with my 18-35 f1/8 lens when I use the 70D and those two rock! Check it out and compare these two, you'll be surprised with it and the results.
Tbh Canikon lens isn't immune by the AF problems. Used to shoot with 5D3 + 35L and when I do the test like you described (take 10 shots refocusing between each shots) it barely gets 50% of them in perfect sharp focus at where I wanted.. Problem stems from the traditional PDAF system used by DSLR. In terms of AF ACCURACY mirrorless with eye detection is KING. Will never go back to DSLR ever again.
I have both lenses the 18-35 on a Canon T3I and the focus and sharpness are spot on no issues whatsoever, the 50-100 on a Canon T5I and sometimes it does miss focus but all in all not being a professional photographer I am quite happy and I use both lenses for landscape with amazing results, I have shot amazing sunsets with the 50-100 trust me, even if Nikon or Canon were to manufacture fast lenses for apsc bodies I wonder what the cost of such lenses would be, I know that They both have a 17-55 F2.8 and if I'm not mistaken they are expensive. Thanks Tony for the great video.
i bought the 24-105 as per your reccomendation for my new 810 and its perfect. i havent tried it on my 7200 yet soooo, i dont need tis but i have many that shoot great on my 7200. everything shoots nice on a 7200. thanks again buddy.
Great review as always Tony! about the misfocusing problem, did you notice whether the back-focusing/front-focusing shots were related to which focusing points you were using in your camera's AF? I have a Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8. After calibrating the back-focus issue at the center AF point, I realized that the lens consistently back focuses when using AF points on the left side and front focuses with AF points on the right side, essentially forcing me to always use the center focusing points and focus recompose. Disappointed to hear about this len's focusing issue. I was interested in purchasing one.
interesting - I think I shall still try to hold out untill I can afford a (secondhand) 70-200 IS and a 6D though. Nice to see all the shots in my country :) - are you going to be doing a video or tutorial based on all the shots in Ireland?
Tony, did you try a different copy of the lens. A lot of times with Sigma, you have to keep sending it back til you get one that works. :p thanks for the review. I really wanted the lens to be awesome. I had a 24mm Art that I got open box, and I think they just got a bad one and resold it right off. I spent nights adjusting that thing using the dock.
The calibration process of the Sigma lens is more complicated and depends on the focal length plus the distance to you subject. E.g. the lens can be front focusing on 50mm but back focusing on 100mm. Also it can be front focusing on 50mm when the subject is close but back focusing when the subject is far away, hence the random results. With the sigma dock you can make adjustments for 4 different focal lengths and 4 different subject distances in a 4x4 matrix. It is a tedious process but should fix the problem.
thank you for this really good review, I bought the 18-35 based on your review of that lens and and was preparing myself to buy this lens but held back till your review, I now have second thoughts, Thanks Tony
both the sigma 18-35 and 50-100 f1.8 art series lens have bad focusing out of the box. It can be fixed using a sigma USB dock (sold seperately) and manually calibrate the focusing through their software on a PC. Tedious but the results are GODLY
Hi Tony. I actually got this lens and the 18-35 Art for my a6500 with the mc-11. I have the Sigma 30mm as well. I have found that I have missed focus on all my lenses both Sony and Sigma at times. When I do get the focus these lens blow away the Sony glass. I actually utilize one of your tips and just go into high/mid/low continuous shooting take the shot and pull many images and then hit the button again and get another round of images. This has worked well for me. I have found that I get good focused images when there is good contrast, when there is a low contrast subject it will miss or go to the higher contrast plane in the frame. I love these lenses. I am thinking of selling all my Sony glass as they do not hold up to the image quality of these Sigma lenses including my Zeiss 24mm. Sony better get on the ball with the prices they are charging.
Thank you for this review. There are too few sources on the Internet, that explain why full-frame or APS-C makes no difference, if you put equivalent lenses in front of them. Some hopefully constructive criticism: I think you should have mentioned, that the focus breathing is quite significant, if you plan to do video (the AOV shifts a lot while focusing)! About the focus problems: I've got them with my 18-35 1.8, and of course tried in-camera micro-adjustment, which didn't work. In the future I plan to get the dock, because what I noticed is that the issue is related to the focusing distance. When I calibrated the lens with a chart 4m away, everything at 4m would focus properly, but objects at different distances will front- or back-focus. This can hopefully be calibrated with the dock. Until then I'll continue to shoot in live-view. Canon's Dual-Pixel AF is amazing and a good workaround in most cases.
Tony, good review man. Can you test the focusing and Eye AF with the MC-11 Adapter on the a6300 and report on it? I'm looking to use this lens professionally with the a6300 but I'm holding back to watch some reviews and then deside if i'm gonna buy it or not. But I haven't seen any reviewers testing it with that perticular setup. Appeciate it a lot, Thanks
I have the a6300 and mc-11 adapter, and i already ordered the sigma 50-100mm, i hope the focusing won't be as bad as Nikon and Canon cameras, it would be nice if we have comparison between canon 80D and a6300 with this lens for AF, and whether the face detection and Eye AF helps us get accurate focusing, especially that this lens will be used mainly for portraits.
I have focus problems with sigma lenses in the past. I had the 18-35mm prior for my 7D Mark II, but sold it as it was too inconsistent for me. I would hope they fix it with a firmware update, but I'm not holding my breath. I've tried to calibrate it with the spyderlens cal, dot tune method and even took it in for service. No joy. My Tamron 24-70 used to be very inconsistent, until I took it in for service, and remains as accurate as Canon's OEM lenses, so I was lucky there. My policy now is to only go for OEM lenses. While focus on OEM is not always perfect, they are at least consistent enough to calibrate. Prime lenses also give more accurate AF hit rates I find.
Thanks for this review. One I have been waiting for since I heard about the lens. I'm sorry to hear that it didn't hold that great standard that the 18-35 gave. Appreciate your honest review
I use the 18-35 1.8 and had to calibrate in camera but also get the focusing issue but normally I just knock the lens out of focus manually and let it refocus - the lens seems to be lazy when it is close to focus and does not move so a good turn of the focus ring before auto focus normally gets me sharp images. I can only guess the same apply s to the 50-100, I think the colour reproduction of the sigma glass really rocks.
A little late to the party but yes, I too, am having issues with focusing when up close. Although, not so much when a good 3 ft or more away from my subject. I can hear the AF clicking as if it's coming up against a hard stop when trying to focus. The manual focus doesn't help either. Love the video review, BTW, Tony. Keep it up!
Sigma does need to get their focusing fixed. I have had this same issue with my 18-35 Art. Which is why I just use it for video now. The older Sigma lenses that had the old style focusing system like on their contemporary lenses are more consistent and accurate once you did a MFA. I am going to skip this lens IMHO and just wait for Canon to update the 85mm f/1.8 to nano USM like they just did with the 70-300..
⭐ Get the Sigma 50-100 f/1.8 on Amazon help.tc/s100 ⭐
Here are sample photos onfotolife.com/Home/lens_sample_photos?lens_name=Sigma%20A%2050-100%20mm%20f/1.8%20DC%20HSM&page=1
Tony & Chelsea Northrup what about the sigma 50-150 2.8 EX OS
Beautiful shots. I didn't see any focusing issues. I have the 18-35mm Art on the f/1.8 on the 80D & absolutely love it & this is next on my lens list. Q? I didn't notice any 1.8 shots, mostly 2-2.8. Any specific reason not shooting wide open?
Is the focus problem now fixed in August 2018?
Word is that the 50-100mm doesn't seem to have the reported focus issues reported on some others. FWIW; I purchased the Sigma USB dock & used the Optimization Pro software to Micro Adjust my 18-35mm f/1.8 lens. It took me a little bit to get used to it, but once you get some time invested which it WILL take BTW, you'll get better & faster doing the calibrations. It helped immensely & was well worth all of the effort & time involved doing it for the1st time. I highly recommend calibrating your AFMA w/ the Optimization Pro & USB dock.
Good that you addressed focus issues. Sharpness don't mean shit if the focus is off.
Too true! That's the reason I returned this lens.
Yeah and it is not even a cheap lens. This sort of things is not acceptable for lenses above $1000
Honestly its not the lens its the off sensor PDAF points struggling to see the real focus point of the lens as its too shallow for the AF sensor.
This lens is great on my a7ii using the MC-11 adapter as well as my sdQ.
Paul Monaghan This is heresy, the Nikon has perfect autofocus accuracy. :p
Different type of focusing system.. The 50-100mm would focus dead accurately each time if he used live view on the 70D or 80D. But thats just not practical..
I swear you all make the best lens reviews on RUclips. I love you two and everything you all do.
Thanks for the great video. This has become one of my most used lenses, but I use it mainly for video. This thing is amazing paired to an a7R2 4K in crop mode with IBIS on a monopod for event work.
do you use the mc-11 adapter?
Yes.
Yeah, with the G7 successor to be announce soon and with a DUAL IS MK II already confirmed, people should be able to use the Sigma Dynamic Duo and a focal reducer with the G85 and GH5, what a nice kit it will be, Super 35 video with IBIS in a Micro4/3 camera.
Do you have any issues with the mc-11 adapter?
So you buy the sigma mount then? Does all the native Sony stuff work with this lens and adapter?
Hi Tony, an update of this review could be very interesting in nowadays with new apsc camera like EOS R7, with eye autofocus tracking, sensir stabilized and higher sensor Mpix.
Thanks
2020 and this lens still has no alternative on any APSC System.
EXACTLY
good thing there is 32mp on canon mirrorless
... and now in 2022 we have the R7 and this lens focuses flawlessly on it! There is still no competitor to it though, LOL.
@@cooloox Did you use it on a R7? I‘d like to know if sports photography is possible with it and for that I really need a good auto focus. I‘m using the R10. Hope you see this and respond!
This and the 18-35 f1.8 are still completely unchallenged in the APS-C market for fast, high quality, zoom lenses.
Hi Tony, I had the same focusing problem with the 18-35 f1.8 art lens on my Pentax K-3. I would focus just fine in live view but not through the view finder. I used the USB dock from Sigma to adjust it and that fixed the problem. I was very disappointed that Sigma didn't make this lens for Pentax, with that in body image stabilization it would've made it a low light beast combo, but hearing how disappointed you are with it, it makes me feel a little better.
7:10 The focusing issue with Sigma lenses is a real problem. I've had to ditch around 40% of shots with my Sigma 18-35. It's so frustrating to take a group of nicely framed shots only to discover half of them are blurry back-focuesd. I recently opted for my Tokina manual cine lens as I knew it'd be a closer focus than the Sigma. Luckily, most of my work is film so it's all manual focusing.
I have the exact same problem.
i have that problem and solve it with the sigma usb dock. Its frustrating the necessity to buy it but really solve the problem (after like 5 hours of calibration -_- but the results worth it)
Cheers guys, I have considered the usb dock but like what Tony said, it's focusing properly too so not sure if it'll sort.
I noticed that too. First, sorry for my english. I have only theorys but i think is because that internal focusing elements moving, mixed with the shallow dept of field make the focus inconsistent in different focal lengths, and different focus distances. I noticed it tends to fail or hit depending that, thats why the usb dock solve my problem, you can microadjust every single focal length trough near to far focus distances. I think sigma knows, thats why make the dock
Mr Yamaki stated that the SIGMA service centres can calibrate the lens to your specific camera body. It is possible to do so with the dock yourself, however, it is one of the procedures that requires a high-level of expertise, so it's better to take your camera and lens to a service centre.
According to the LensVid interview, he stated that SIGMA must licence and then reverse-engineer the capacities of CANON/NIKON etc so they keep a stable of cameras to calibrate from, however, each camera is different; a D500 and a D7100 would need different calibration, for instance. If you use the most popular camera for each mount, for each country then you will probably have the fewest problems.
Apparently, the new heights of resolution exacerbate this.
Contact SIGMA, they will likely have a service centre close by.
I guess i really got lucky i use the 50-100 and 18-35 and never really had issues with missing focus. Didn't need to micro adjust or anything. I'm #Blessed
me too using this one for 3month...never faced it...never micro adjusted it just nail focus....n its quite fast too....I used with d7200 mostly n d500
same here, i did at first have issues, but realised i really didnt the d7200 af system, now i do and have zero problems
SIGMA calibrate to specific camera bodies, so perhaps you are using the camera that they reference from for that mount. Which camera do you use?
Me too having zero problems using SIgma 18-35 on Canon 60d since the very first day of purchase. When i hear people talking about focus problems it seems to me that they have problems with their style of shooting mentioning the narrowest depth of field theese lenses give yoy at open aperture. Just imagine that after you succesfully focused, you moved your arm half a centimeter away, and that all - you lost your focus point. Thats all said using my own 18-35 lens on 60d body for around 2+ years for now.
I've had this lens for four months and have not had any focusing issues either. Nail the focus on the first try. Shooting with a nikon d5500.
What a fantastic team you both make Tony and Chelsea. I have just started amateur but serious hobby p'graphy, so dropping by on what ever i can to read and learn, and i have been hooked to your videos for the past 2 days. Detailed, informative, raw, and clear cut. No shenanigans and fanboyism and hipster kinda stuff. The sheer amount of info and knowledge you guys share is commendable.
Would have taken you for a beer if i was there :)
It's 2024 I placed this lens on my Nikon z6III and the stabilization on this full frame camera is fantastic. No Focus Breathing but do feel the focus working all of the time. It is fast and quiet is quiet. Also used this lens on my Leica Sl2-S and it is fantastic with a Pholsy Nikon to L adapter with an Aperture Control Ring. Placed this lens on the Nikon Z30 which only has Digital Stabilization only and video was only good when still. Photos from all three cameras were excellent and sharp. I did all tests in different modes Auto, Program and Apterture plus Manual. Cheers!
Please test the Sigma 50-100 f1.8 art on Canon R7
I saw this video because I am considering buying it for my new Canon R7. Have you tried it with the R7? Thanks!
Great review as always. Sigma and Tamron really have upped their games in the past two years. Despite some issues.
Tony, I don't know if you hear this ENOUGH, but THANK YOU for respecting us viewers enough to GET TO THE POINT quickly :) It's making RUclips a better place :)
After shooting two weddings and a number of social events I'd like to say that I love this lens.
Hi Delme thanks for the feedback. Do you experience issues with focusing?
i have this lens and i can recommend it. My copy nails focus every time on a D500 body. Maybe they got a lemon.
Tony is using THE FORCE at 6:58.
Legitimate telekinesis.
That camera moves.
your eyes got some focus problem
It definitely moved. Tony had superpower !
Bought this lens on June 10 and have used it more than any other lens in this 3 months period. It's a beauty and I would say the same about its construction. Cannot agree with the comments about it easily scratching but maybe I just take better care of ALL my equipment. I have used it to capture action, portraits, social events (weddings) and just about everything and mostly at F2. I have it paired with my Sony a6000 via the Sigma MC-11 adapter and the camera and lens have not been separated since the date of purchase. I often use it in poor light - because of its max fast aperture - and I find the results are outstanding. Regarding the focus - this took me a little time to adjust but now I get a high success rate. However, with the MC-11 adapter the auto-focus is not lightening fast but is no slouch and definitely faster than manual focus. I suspect it might focus faster mated directly to say a Canon body. All in all, this is the best lens I've ever handled. Worth noting that I have the Sony a7 mated to the Sony 70-200 F4 but the Sigma results are better by far.
Had a lot of focus issues on 70d, since i moved to 7d2 its nearly unnoticeable. I use 9 focus point in a group and it rarely misses. I use 18-35 and 50-100 and both work rather well.
Interesting - and thank you for the review about it. I purchased the 18-35 a couple of months ago and at first I thought I'd made a big mistake. When I started to try and calibrate it, it seemed to have that random back or front focus problem. I was really beginning to despair that I'd wasted my money. But I then made some changes, and it seems to be fine now. I have a 70D, and I remembered that the 70D has problems focusing using the central focusing point at f1.8. So I changed the calibration to use the focus point just to the right - and I also only bothered to calibrate it to infinity and also to the next stage down (about 0.5m). It seems to be fine now. Plus in actual use I have only used it on a tripod, and using the live focus with the touch screen. In doing that the images have been sharp, and focused exactly where I wanted them to be. Maybe this would also work with the 50-100? Of course you used the Nikon version, so I don't know if that made a difference or not.Either way, thank you again for the review - I was one of the ones who requested you do it in the first place so it is much appreciated. I may well hold off on buying the 50-100 to see if there is any sort of way to get around these issues that you found...
My 18-35 had the issue so I sent it back for re calibration, haven't had a chance to put it through the paces since returned. The 50-100 was the shop model from The Camera Store (probably the same one from the review they did) and it seems to work fine. My hope is that now the m5 has focus peaking, buying that and switching to manual if needed.
These lens take great shots so I can't see myself selling, but the focusing is a real frustration that I hope they can fix with firmware. *if* canon and Nikon ever get around to higher mpxl, stabilized sensors, and the focusing issues are fixed, these lemses would age fantastically
How is it now?
To whom may read this on 2020 and after.
I'm using the Sigma 18-35 and 50-100 with 2 Fringer Pro ii on my fuji cameras,XT3 and XH1. No focus isuues,always hit the mark,very fast AF and excellent results.
Do the fuji cameras have in camera sensor for stabilization?
I got this Lens for half a year now. Use it on my Canon 80D and don´t have ANY focus issues. The lens is perfectly adjusted with the Sigma dock. For me it works fine.
I have both the Sigma 18-35 and the 50-100. Ive used them on a canon 80D, a C200 and on a C300 miii and Ive never had focusing issues. I love these lenses.
I have been using it for events and wedding and so far it has been amazing..I use D7200 nikon
So far I'm loving this lens on my Nikon D7100. So far I've taken a few hundred shots and I've had no focus issues. Either I've been lucky or a got one of the good lenses.
I have nikon d7100 I lookin the good lens ara you recamand this lens
I have both the sigma 18-35 & 50-100 f/1.8 on my canon 90D,a match made in heaven. I haven't had any issues with focusing as both are sharp as.. no calibration needed,I also have the doc but haven't needed it for these lenses. Faster shutter speeds to help with stability coupled with f/1.8 helps to combat blur.
This is the go to lens for my D500. The only thing I can compare it to is when I was shooting with the Nikon 200mm F2 on my D810. I do not experience as much focus issues as Tony is describing, but I have had a few, but have not found them to be detrimental to any shoot. This is an absolute great lens!
Did you get more out of focus shots since then? I get them 80% of the time on my 18-35 1.8 it's maddening
I rented this lens to shoot a wedding of a friend. I acted as second shooter with my 70D. The lens performed well in that capacity. However, I did notice finicky focus. As a second shooter on a wedding this lens works out well in my opinion as I did not have the pressure on me to take the primary shots. The pictures that did come out were amazing and the feedback from the customer was very positive.
how its compare with full frame ?
I appreciate your unbiased views
Tony, now that Canon M6 mk2 and 90D has 32mb sensor, please test this lens again, thanks
I too, was really looking forward to this lens! So disappointing, the focus issues... ended up returning mine because of that. :( Still, love the hell out of my 18-35 f1.8 and my 150-600 Sport Sigma lenses! I have the 7D Mark II for anyone who is wondering.
As we have the same lenses and camera I for one really appreciate your views on this lens.
thank you! I too was keen for this lens. sad to hear the focus issues
:( I have a 7D ii as well. would probably get the 50-150 2.8
Yeah I have the 7DII as well. I've had problems with my 18-35 1.8 even after a self & factory calibration, and opted to go all OEM prime instead. Never looked back since. My 35mm f/2.0 IS USM, and a 24mm 2.8 IS USM now takes it's place. Not as sharp, but I razor sharpness is not critical decision factor for me. I use those two lenses because they make my 7DII very practical to grab & go. Sigma can be too front heavy, and I end up babying it too much.
I've had my 18-35 for nearly a year now and had similar (inconsistent) focusing issues, that is until the latest firmware came out sometime this past Summer (2016) after which it performs MUCH better. Now there was zero mention of "Fixes some focus issues" in the bullet points for the update but I suspect that Sigma's marketing department may have decided not to mention them because that would mean they were admitting there was an issue in the first place. I also have it attached to a 7D mark II.
***** I sold my 18-35 because it was just too inconsistent. I'm guessing the 50-100 would be just as inconsistent. I got the Canon 35mm IS USM after I sold my 18-35. The form factor and consistency was much more important for me that the added sharpness. I'm glad the focus issues are mitigated on the 18-35mm, but I still won't get it again because of it's heavy weight. even on a 7D MII it's front heavy. For me it hinders my workflow I find. If you are a landscape photog, I highly recommend it still. Just be prepared to use manual focus.
Tony, another great review and SUPER helpful. I own the 18-35 1.8 and use it on a Panasonic G85 with a Metabones speed booster. The Pani 85 has in-camera 5 axis stabilization and the speed booster takes the 18-to 35 to f 1.1---and the image, low light performance, sharpness, and bokeh are amazing--my best lens.
I shoot only video and use manual focus 90+% of the time, and while stabilization is an issue when I'm using the Sigma on the C300 mk II, it's no problem at all with the G85.
From your review I get the sense this is my next lens---and I think I'll be able to do almost all of my shooting with the G85 with only these two lenses--plus maybe the Canon 24-105 f.4, which drops to f. 2.5 with the metabones speed booster.
Thank you for this review. You and Chelsea are the greatest!
Yeah, that should be a great combination. Enjoy!
I picked one up today---with my forklift.
Damn, that sucker is heavy. But the image is really, really beautiful.
I'm thinking the logistics of the lens dictates I'll be using it about 15% to 20% of the time in run 'n gun---hand held. But the 5 axis stabilization of the G85 works super well.
By the way, the speed booster on the G85 gives a super 35 perspective and, on the 50-100, the f-stop opens to 1.2. Talk about background blur. And since I manual focus every thing the AF issues are no issue at all. Highly recommended for MFT, in stabilization cameras.
Sadly, the 50-100 mounted by a speed booster adapter on an aps-c like the a6500 has a pretty good amount of vignetting.
Fap!!!!
I've been waiting for this review for SO long!
I got this lens too and I use it with Panasonic GX8 and metabones 0.71x speedbooster. I also experience lack of I.S problems but the focus was never a problem for me.
Can you do an update with the canom r7 🤣I have the r7 n just purchased the 18-35 1.8 and now I'm thinking of buying this one too
Exactly your opinion.
The Sigma 18-35 focuses much easier if you get a proper one. As there is not much to focus they work perfectly then and exceed the dynamic range of full frame as the ISO is 4/3 stops lower.
But in the tele range focus problems and missing image stabilization are much worse.
I will actually chime in that I experienced something similar with my 18-35 f/1.8 and had a horrible time trying to micro adjust correct it and could never seem to get it right, it felt like it was missing on both sides of the focal plane. However as soon as I ran through a Magic Lantern auto micro adjust calibration on my Canon 70D, it's been locked on ever since in studio, street, anywhere I use it. I didn't have this kind of difficulty with seemingly either side of the focal plane on any of my other Canon f/1.8 or faster primes either and could always find what side of the focal plane it was shifted, so I do wonder if the 50-100mm will behave the same. Once I grab the lens (to replace my 50-150mm f/2.8) I'll update here.
I have this lens and use it on a nikon d7200, gotta say super-sharp, and no focus issues here, did at first but soon figured out it was user error, only had issue when using viewfinder, no problems ever in live view, now got it working just great with viewfinder too
Yes I entirely agree my Sigma lens 18-35, I sold it last year I could not put up with the Miss focusing any more even though I had the adapter to micro-adjusted it still would never ever work properly and I got so fed up with keeping my fingers crossed hoping it where would focus correctly to such an extent and I was taking more shots than necessary in order to hope that one of them would turn out, many thanks for all of your reviews Dave Newby
I have the Sigma 18-35 bought refurbished in 2017. No focus issues at all. I believe the problem was fixed with a firmware update.
Love you guys. Was really interested in this lens but focusing issues and no IS is not what I want for my new D500. Thanks again!
So, I've now shot over 11,000 images on this lens between my D5300 and my new D7100. While focusing was inconsistent on my D5300, it has been rock solid on my D7100. It has missed a few times, like all cameras and lens I've used-but very reliable. I've noticed that shooting portraits in AF-S, it has had no issues. My technique was off at the beginning as well
Hi Tony,
Thanks for the review, just a question:
are you going to review the new canon 24-105 in the near future?
By the way love your book.
Did everyone forget about the Sigma 50-150 OS lens? I know it was last made in 2012, I believe, and it's 2.8 but I think it's a pretty good lens. And I think it still is the only other APS-C lens of it caliber.
They discontinued that lens, I was looking for it as it also has OS.
eBay is the only place to get one, I have two.
I have the one without OS, also a great lens, main advantage is the compact size.
I needed the OS because I do a lot of event photography. The OS version definitely not compact, size and weight about the same as a 70-200. But both versions are really good lenses. If you don't need OS the none OS is definitely cheaper.
Too bad it was canceled. It's a sharp lens even at 150mm.
I have this on my XH2 w/a Fringer adapter, works swimmingly
btw about front focusing/ back focusing issue on Sigma - try it on Sony mirrorless. Seriously. I had a similar issue with BF on my Sigma 35/1.4 art on Canon back in the days, but that lens working on Metabones with Sony A7RII seems doesn't have that problem. So try it out, might help.
I agree.
so many people blaming the lens and even sending then back thinking they are flawed when its likely the camera body tollorences not being good enough and the pdaf being f5.6 or in better cameras a few f2.8 spots not being able to see the true focus point of the lens.
the 50-100 is awesome on my a7ii.
To get over focus problems, either calibrate using USB dock or shoot in live view. This is why mirrorless is the future, no micro-focus adjustments necessary. But still gonna get this lens for my 700D, the sharpness is awesome!
Great review Tony! I plan on getting this and the 18-35mm Sigma.
It's a shame Sigma have chosen not to produce this lens in Pentax mount because matched to the Pentax K3 series cameras it would be a stunning combination.
Agreed!
Seconded - got a K3. Thanks Tony for the honest appraisal of the lens.
Maybe Pentax new KAF4 mount with electronic aperture control will make them reconsider. They did state in an interview that the mechanical aperture lever does increase the cost and time to adapt lenses to K-mount - now that's gone, let's see.
AGH331 yes that would be great. Just updated the firmware of my K3 to v1.30; now has KAF4 functionality. Getting a Pentax 55-300mm PLM lens delivered this week. Hoping this combo is quick enough for wildlife/bird shots with AF, no manual readjust. And other quick shots.
Cool review. Ive had this lens for several months now using a canon t2i and I experience focus problems a lot. The super shallow dof can be great but its also somewhat of a burden. I feel this is because I'm somewhat of an amateur photographer too though. If canon or sony released a higher pixel apsc type camera id be on that like wildfire.
gonna work towards it nest year but I have the 17-50mm f 2.8 and WOW has ti significantly impacted my wedding and portrait photography.
Now with the Canon EOS R7, I feel like the time is right for this lens. It's next on my list.
Hey Tony I took your advice from your buying guide and found the discontinued sigma 50-150 f2.8 os for Nikon. I was wondering if you have had an opportunity to test it, and what your thoughts are on either having 1f stop vs have 50mm extra reach and image stabilization are.
Edit: Also Amazing review as always! Keep up the awesome work!!
tony. i have been watching your videos for over a year and ive noticed that recently you have upped your game quite a lot. especially the video of smartphones destroying the compact camera business was a masterpiece. keep up the great work tony and chelsea. i was thinking of purchawing the nikon 50mm and 85mm primes. could this guy better them both?
I notice that many people recommend using live view focusing with this lens. I wanted to introduce a theory I have heard about why we get questionable focus from wide apertures on modern cameras sometimes. Some people blame this phenomenon on the modern focusing screens placed between the prism and the mirror in DSLR's. Unlike the older glass ones, these are plastic ones that are used to both save money and provide a brighter viewfinder even at small apertures. Because of this, autofocus wider than 2.8 is usually iffy. People who changed their focusing screens when this was still an option from at least Canon say the problem disappears if you use the more precise screens. Newer models no longer have interchanging screens. Critics suggest that live view focusing works every time due to the fact that you are seeing exactly what the sensor sees without a processor making the decision for you about what is sharp or not. Does anyone else have experience with this?
Good video. I just love your in depth techie videos on lens and cameras.
Think this will pair nicely with my 90D with the 32.5 MP.
Tony, can you do a video with that combo?
I had this exact focus problem with two different Sigma 18-35mm on 3 different Canon bodies. I was wondering if this lens had the same issue and apparently it is.
Peltwerk- yea, I have the same issue with the 18-35 lens on my Sony body.
Hi Tony,
I shoot on a Canon 70D and often rent the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS for indoor event photography. I’d like to stop renting and buy a lens for this purpose. Should I go with the Sigma 50-100, or the Tamron 70-200 G2? On one hand the Sigma may be sharper since its built for crop sensor cameras, on the other hand the Tamron has that incredible image stabilization and longer reach. Since the indoor events I shoot are often dim, I’m leaning toward the Tamron. What do you think?
Great review... Planning on buying your book - question for you - Does the paper back also give you access to an e-book download? Or would I have to buy each separate.
The paperback includes the ebook. Enjoy!
Hello Tony and Chelsea, nice review! I always appreciate your honesty when comes to reviews, always follow your videos here on RUclips, they're helping me to understand and make better decisions on the photography world, thanks for the content. Well I'm facing a big problem with APSC lens for Canon, I have a 80D (I know it's not the greatest for video but it's what I'll have to work with for a little while -> just bought it). Every "good" lenses that I see around doesn't have IS and the ones who have it doesn't seem to work well with constant focus like the Sigma 18-50mm (I need to take advantage of Canon's good focus at some point), my best option are getting either get L series with IS (that I know it's not as good in an APSC as they are in a full frame camera) or to get the kit lenses that I'm trying to avoid (I have Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5, Canon 85mm f/1.8 and 55-250mm f/4-5.6) . Do you guys have any advice? I'm looking for something to cover my gap between 20 to 85mm that have IS because I'm planning to do videos but I need to be able to do something hand hold. Thank you for your attention!
I had the exact same focusing problems with a Sigma 50/1.4 Art back when I was shooting Canon. Had to return it, because I couldn't trust it.
I recently purchased the 18-35mm and I love it. This will be the next lens I will be purchasing.
that's some thing special. this is what a review all about. u gave the both positives and negatives about this lens now its upto us should we go for it or NOT.. Thanks Tony Northrup for this lovely video. i really appreciate that :)
Yes - I have sigma lens in my camera bag, & I do use them when the job calls for this lens. I still have several for my old film cameras, from the film days. Sometimes I wish they never invented digital. Now you can use a smart / iPhone and get a great photo, but no control of depth of field. I would only use a sigma lens, where I could take the photos over if something went wrong. My bottom line, Nikon on a Nikon and Canon on a Canon, to get the best auto focus. Great review, always helpful. / Gary from Michigan 🚂
I had shocking problems with focus on my 18-35 Sigma and eventually I dropped the money for the USB dock and calibrated it at all 3 focal lengths. I think that is the answer to thinking the focus is "inconsistent". It would front focus at the short end and back focus at the long etc. After calibration it is almost perfect.
Hi Tony,
Long time ago you make a comparison between the Canon 24-105 and the Sigma.
Now, with the new Mark IV, Canon released a new 24-105. The question is, will you make a new comparison between this three lenses?
thank you
Greetings from Italy
Tony, You can not say about yourself that you are not biased
other ppl say it about you and that is why they watch and trust you guys.
Tony, you're awesome. Thanks for all the very informative information that true users are looking for. You really dive into all angles of the equation and put it all together.
I become more impressed with your content each video I watch, thumbs up!
I have the sigma 18-35mm which is great on my 80d. Am always tempted by the 50-100mm, but then I think maybe it's better not to be locked in to APS-C only lenses, if I ever went full frame it would be good to have all my lenses stay the same. Or is that a false economy?
Sigma impress me a lot. I grabbed the 24-105mm F/4 from them and was instantly loving it, and the 120-300mm F/2.8 I dream of owning. Do you think it's a bad idea to grab high quality full frame lenses before getting a full frame camera? I feel like they'd be great to use even on APS-C and then on going full frame I'm only switching out the body.
Hi Tony,
Regarding the focus issue.
Almost 4 years passed since your review. Are you aware if sigma fixed it?
I solved all my back focusing problems withe the Sigma dock and a calibration table, now is pretty damn sharp
This video is 8 years old. However, I got the Canon R7 APS-C camera and, with its higher resolution sensor (32.5 MP), purchasing this lens is very tempting... It appears quite difficult to find a lens (in 2024) that can keep up with a cropped sensor with such a high pixel density (a full frame sensor with the same pixel density would offer more than 80 MP...).
I own this lens and use it with my Nikon D500 body. At a recent indoor event I used my Nikon 17-55 2.8 with a speed light and a flash bracket and I used my other D500 with my Sigma 50-100 to use without flash. The sharpness is outstanding but I noticed that the focus seemed to hunt much more than my 17-55. This was my first shoot with this lens and I learned to slow down a bit to let it achieve focus. I don't know if this lens will focus fast and accurately for sports.
Most SIGMA lens have Focus Problem in Canon camera, I got the 17-50 mm F/2.8 and it often go outta focus, while the cheap kit lens on the canon is sharp all the time. I guess it must be some software or electronic problem on the sigma lens when is not the native Sigma camera.
I owned TWO COPIES of that 17-50 f2.8 for my canon 70D and both were great.
Besides how good the overall sharpness and the bokeh is, if you miss focus a lot it is a deal breaker. If have sold such lenses because you never feel really comfortable during shootings.Thank you Tony for the review.
Tony, you should look at the lens they retired the Sigma 50-150mm 2.8.....this lens is sharp and because I have it, I am not interested in the 50-100 f1.8 lens as soon as I saw that it had no stabilization. The Sigma 50-150mm 2.8 has Image Stabilization on it, different modes of stabilization, just a fantastic lens in my opinion! I pair that lens with my 18-35 f1/8 lens when I use the 70D and those two rock! Check it out and compare these two, you'll be surprised with it and the results.
Tbh Canikon lens isn't immune by the AF problems. Used to shoot with 5D3 + 35L and when I do the test like you described (take 10 shots refocusing between each shots) it barely gets 50% of them in perfect sharp focus at where I wanted..
Problem stems from the traditional PDAF system used by DSLR. In terms of AF ACCURACY mirrorless with eye detection is KING.
Will never go back to DSLR ever again.
I have both lenses the 18-35 on a Canon T3I and the focus and sharpness are spot on no issues whatsoever, the 50-100 on a Canon T5I and sometimes it does miss focus but all in all not being a professional photographer I am quite happy and I use both lenses for landscape with amazing results, I have shot amazing sunsets with the 50-100 trust me, even if Nikon or Canon were to manufacture fast lenses for apsc bodies I wonder what the cost of such lenses would be, I know that They both have a 17-55 F2.8 and if I'm not mistaken they are expensive. Thanks Tony for the great video.
The same thing happens with my Canon 50mm 1.8 STM lens. But that's only if I shoot using viewfinder. There are no problems in live view.
i bought the 24-105 as per your reccomendation for my new 810 and its perfect. i havent tried it on my 7200 yet soooo, i dont need tis but i have many that shoot great on my 7200. everything shoots nice on a 7200. thanks again buddy.
Great review as always Tony! about the misfocusing problem, did you notice whether the back-focusing/front-focusing shots were related to which focusing points you were using in your camera's AF? I have a Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8. After calibrating the back-focus issue at the center AF point, I realized that the lens consistently back focuses when using AF points on the left side and front focuses with AF points on the right side, essentially forcing me to always use the center focusing points and focus recompose. Disappointed to hear about this len's focusing issue. I was interested in purchasing one.
interesting - I think I shall still try to hold out untill I can afford a (secondhand) 70-200 IS and a 6D though. Nice to see all the shots in my country :) - are you going to be doing a video or tutorial based on all the shots in Ireland?
Put it on a Sigma Dp Quattro H and you have more pixels to work with and maybe even the focus problems minimised :)
Tony, did you try a different copy of the lens. A lot of times with Sigma, you have to keep sending it back til you get one that works. :p thanks for the review. I really wanted the lens to be awesome. I had a 24mm Art that I got open box, and I think they just got a bad one and resold it right off. I spent nights adjusting that thing using the dock.
Thank you for being honest
The calibration process of the Sigma lens is more complicated and depends on the focal length plus the distance to you subject. E.g. the lens can be front focusing on 50mm but back focusing on 100mm. Also it can be front focusing on 50mm when the subject is close but back focusing when the subject is far away, hence the random results. With the sigma dock you can make adjustments for 4 different focal lengths and 4 different subject distances in a 4x4 matrix. It is a tedious process but should fix the problem.
Great review as always Tony. I was getting excited about the lens, so thanks for the honest review!
thank you for this really good review, I bought the 18-35 based on your review of that lens and and was preparing myself to buy this lens but held back till your review, I now have second thoughts, Thanks Tony
both the sigma 18-35 and 50-100 f1.8 art series lens have bad focusing out of the box. It can be fixed using a sigma USB dock (sold seperately) and manually calibrate the focusing through their software on a PC. Tedious but the results are GODLY
Awesome video Tony, would you still recommend this lens over a Sigma 70-200 2.8? To be used on a Canon 80D
I just finished a 7day rental of this lens and did not experience these focus problems (thankfully), but my 18-35 definitely does have issues!
Hi Tony. I actually got this lens and the 18-35 Art for my a6500 with the mc-11. I have the Sigma 30mm as well. I have found that I have missed focus on all my lenses both Sony and Sigma at times. When I do get the focus these lens blow away the Sony glass. I actually utilize one of your tips and just go into high/mid/low continuous shooting take the shot and pull many images and then hit the button again and get another round of images. This has worked well for me. I have found that I get good focused images when there is good contrast, when there is a low contrast subject it will miss or go to the higher contrast plane in the frame. I love these lenses. I am thinking of selling all my Sony glass as they do not hold up to the image quality of these Sigma lenses including my Zeiss 24mm. Sony better get on the ball with the prices they are charging.
Thank you for this review. There are too few sources on the Internet, that explain why full-frame or APS-C makes no difference, if you put equivalent lenses in front of them.
Some hopefully constructive criticism: I think you should have mentioned, that the focus breathing is quite significant, if you plan to do video (the AOV shifts a lot while focusing)!
About the focus problems:
I've got them with my 18-35 1.8, and of course tried in-camera micro-adjustment, which didn't work. In the future I plan to get the dock, because what I noticed is that the issue is related to the focusing distance. When I calibrated the lens with a chart 4m away, everything at 4m would focus properly, but objects at different distances will front- or back-focus. This can hopefully be calibrated with the dock.
Until then I'll continue to shoot in live-view. Canon's Dual-Pixel AF is amazing and a good workaround in most cases.
Tony, good review man. Can you test the focusing and Eye AF with the MC-11 Adapter on the a6300 and report on it? I'm looking to use this lens professionally with the a6300 but I'm holding back to watch some reviews and then deside if i'm gonna buy it or not. But I haven't seen any reviewers testing it with that perticular setup.
Appeciate it a lot,
Thanks
I have the a6300 and mc-11 adapter, and i already ordered the sigma 50-100mm, i hope the focusing won't be as bad as Nikon and Canon cameras, it would be nice if we have comparison between canon 80D and a6300 with this lens for AF, and whether the face detection and Eye AF helps us get accurate focusing, especially that this lens will be used mainly for portraits.
photos.app.goo.gl/wLWJ8oEBpJCQ25eP9
I have focus problems with sigma lenses in the past. I had the 18-35mm prior for my 7D Mark II, but sold it as it was too inconsistent for me. I would hope they fix it with a firmware update, but I'm not holding my breath. I've tried to calibrate it with the spyderlens cal, dot tune method and even took it in for service. No joy. My Tamron 24-70 used to be very inconsistent, until I took it in for service, and remains as accurate as Canon's OEM lenses, so I was lucky there. My policy now is to only go for OEM lenses. While focus on OEM is not always perfect, they are at least consistent enough to calibrate. Prime lenses also give more accurate AF hit rates I find.
Thanks for this review. One I have been waiting for since I heard about the lens. I'm sorry to hear that it didn't hold that great standard that the 18-35 gave. Appreciate your honest review
I use the 18-35 1.8 and had to calibrate in camera but also get the focusing issue but normally I just knock the lens out of focus manually and let it refocus - the lens seems to be lazy when it is close to focus and does not move so a good turn of the focus ring before auto focus normally gets me sharp images. I can only guess the same apply s to the 50-100, I think the colour reproduction of the sigma glass really rocks.
A little late to the party but yes, I too, am having issues with focusing when up close. Although, not so much when a good 3 ft or more away from my subject. I can hear the AF clicking as if it's coming up against a hard stop when trying to focus. The manual focus doesn't help either.
Love the video review, BTW, Tony. Keep it up!
Sigma does need to get their focusing fixed. I have had this same issue with my 18-35 Art. Which is why I just use it for video now. The older Sigma lenses that had the old style focusing system like on their contemporary lenses are more consistent and accurate once you did a MFA. I am going to skip this lens IMHO and just wait for Canon to update the 85mm f/1.8 to nano USM like they just did with the 70-300..