Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM

★★★★★ 4.6 (7,132)

A constant f/1.8 aperture across its 18-35mm zoom range makes this lens a unique APS-C workhorse, delivering full-frame-equivalent depth of field control and low-light performance unmatched by standard zooms. Its optical design, incorporating 4 aspherical and 5 SLD elements, ensures high sharpness and contrast, while the Hyper Sonic Motor provides fast, quiet autofocus. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers using Canon EF-mount APS-C bodies who need a single, bright zoom to replace multiple fast primes.

Focal length 18-35mm
Aperture f/1.8
Mount Nikon F
Weight 810 g
af type HSM
lens type zoom
Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM lens
77 Overall Score
Also available in:

Snapshot

What owners think

How owner sentiment changed over time

Exclusive

Based on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.

Owner sentiment has held steady over time
1★2★3★4★5★Q2 '16: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ3 '17: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ4 '17: 5.0★ · 1 reviewQ3 '20: 4.8★ · 22 reviewsQ4 '20: 4.7★ · 17 reviewsQ1 '21: 5.0★ · 9 reviewsQ2 '21: 5.0★ · 7 reviewsQ3 '21: 5.0★ · 10 reviewsQ4 '21: 5.0★ · 6 reviewsQ1 '22: 5.0★ · 4 reviewsQ2 '22: 5.0★ · 2 reviewsQ3 '22: 5.0★ · 4 reviewsQ4 '22: 5.0★ · 2 reviewsQ1 '23: 5.0★ · 2 reviewsQ2 '23: 4.3★ · 3 reviewsQ3 '23: 4.5★ · 2 reviewsQ4 '24: 5.0★ · 3 reviewsQ2 '25: 5.0★ · 4 reviewsQ4 '25: 4.5★ · 2 reviewsQ1 '26: 5.0★ · 1 review1112217971064242232434211Q2 '16Q4 '17Q4 '20Q2 '21Q4 '21Q2 '22Q4 '22Q2 '23Q3 '24Q2 '25Q1 '26Q2 '26
Avg ratingHappy (4-5★)Unhappy (1-2★)Bar height = number of reviewsEstimated date
  1. Q2 202583/1005.0★4 reviews

    Buyers praise the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art lens for stunning image quality, sharpness, and fast constant aperture on Canon crop-sensor cameras. Some note the learning curve and weight.

    • Exceptional image quality, sharpness, and color rendering widely praised.
    • Versatile 18-35mm focal range and constant f/1.8 aperture highly valued for video and photo.
    • Autofocus described as not for beginners, requiring some skill to master.
    • Solid build quality and premium feel, though lens is heavy.
  2. Q4 202480/1005.0★3 reviews

    Buyers praise this lens as versatile and sharp, comparing it to multiple primes. It is favored for events and video work.

    • Versatile zoom that replaces multiple primes, ideal for cars, hiking, concerts.
    • Sharp performance even at wide apertures (f/1.8) for both photos and video.
    • Pairs well with 70-200mm lens, preferred over standard 24-70mm by some users.
    • Theme extraction limited by review count; no defects or reliability issues mentioned.
  3. Q3 2024100/1004 reviews

    Buyers praised the lens for its sharpness, colors, and build quality. Compatibility with Canon R7 and R50 was noted positively.

    • Excellent image sharpness and color reproduction, especially reds and magentas.
    • High build quality and materials; feels balanced despite weight.
    • Fast and reliable autofocus, handles glare well.
    • Compatible with Canon R7 and R50, works as expected.
  4. Q2 202387/1004.3★3 reviews

    Buyers praise the lens's sharpness, build quality, and low-light performance, but note vignetting at 18mm and lack of IS hinders video use.

    • Excellent image sharpness, detail, and robust build quality.
    • Strong low-light performance, especially with speedbooster on GH4.
    • Vignetting at 18mm and heavy weight; some find it not ideal for walking around.
    • No image stabilization limits video use without gimbal or steady hand.
  5. Q3 2022100/1005.0★4 reviews

    Buyers in Q3 2022 praised this lens as sharp, fast, and well-built, ideal for motion work with a BMPCC 6K Pro.

    • Lens is sharp, fast, and suitable for high-def motion work.
    • Excellent condition for a used G-grade with only hood scratches.
    • Desired internal stabilization but understood given the cost.
    • Consistent go-to lens across multiple projects over time.
  6. Q1 2022100/1005.0★4 reviews

    Buyers in Q1 2022 praise this lens as exceptional for astrophotography and video work, noting sharpness, build quality, and versatility.

    • Excellent image quality, especially for low-light aurora shots and video.
    • Sharp and solid build; works well on multiple camera systems.
    • Versatile zoom range ideal for music videos and various coverage.
    • So good it becomes the primary lens; users wish they bought sooner.
  7. Q4 202183/1005.0★6 reviews

    Buyers praised sharpness, speed, and image quality for the price, noting it's ideal for crop sensor cameras like the Blackmagic 6K Pro.

    • Sharpness and image quality consistently highlighted as superb.
    • Fast autofocus and speed appreciated in interviews and events.
    • No stabilization and weight noted as downsides by some users.
    • Compatibility with Canon T7i and Sigma SD Quattro praised; no AF on some versions.
  8. Q3 202195/1005.0★10 reviews

    Buyers praise this lens as exceptionally sharp and versatile for video, especially with BMPCC 6K. Some note weight and a minor aperture display quirk.

    • Sharp, crisp photos and buttery smooth video performance.
    • Excellent pairing with BMPCC 6K; great for video work.
    • Some report aperture shows F1.7 instead of F1.8 on BMPCC 6K.
    • Heavy; nearly double the weight of a D5600 body.
  9. Q2 202195/1005.0★7 reviews

    Buyers praised the lens for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and excellent color rendition, calling it a versatile day-to-day lens for APSC cameras.

    • Sharp images and fast autofocus, even compared to primes.
    • Excellent for street, portrait, landscape, and travel photography.
    • Some light fall-off wide open, but not an objectionable issue.
    • No optical stabilization, but tripod mitigates for long exposures.
  10. Q1 2021100/1005.0★9 reviews

    Buyers praised the lens as sharp, versatile, and affordable, ideal for cinema cameras and crop sensor bodies. It paired well with adapters for a cinematic look.

    • Lens praised for sharp, crisp images and creamy quality, suitable for 4K video and photography.
    • Great value for the price, considered a budget-friendly alternative to expensive cine lenses.
    • Solid build quality, with fast autofocus and well-placed controls; effective with adapters.
    • Users on Blackmagic 6K and GH5 highlight compatibility for video, aided by speedboosters.
  11. Q4 202088/1004.7★17 reviews

    Overwhelmingly positive for sharpness, build, and value on crop sensors, but a few report focus issues and black edging.

    • Sharpness and build quality praised, often called a "poor man's cinema lens."
    • Excellent value and results on APS-C/MFT/BMPCC bodies; preferred over Canon L glass.
    • Some users report focus accuracy problems; others had no issues on mirrorless.
    • Black vignetting/edging noted on some camera bodies.
  12. Q3 202086/1004.8★22 reviews

    Buyers praise sharpness, build quality, and value, especially for APS-C cameras with adapters. Weight is a consistent drawback; autofocus issues and needed USB dock are noted.

    • Excellent sharpness and image quality across zoom range and wide aperture.
    • Heavy build and large size are noted, but acceptable for the quality offered.
    • Great value and versatility for APS-C cameras, using adapters for other mounts.
    • Autofocus issues reported, optional USB dock needed for calibration.

Based on 108 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.

The proof

Performance

Performance Percentiles

AF 54.6
Bokeh 94.4
Build 24.1
Macro 40.6
Optical 97.7
Aperture 94.1
Versatility 70.4
Social Proof 83.1
Stabilization 38

Specifications

Full Specifications

Optics

Type Zoom
Focal Length Min 18
Focal Length Max 35
Elements 17
Groups 12
Aspherical Elements 4
ED Elements 5
Coating Super Multi-Layer Coating

Aperture

Max Aperture f/1.8
Min Aperture f/1.8
Constant Yes
Diaphragm Blades 9

Build

Mount Nikon F
Format APS-C
Weather Sealed No
Weight 0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs
Filter Thread 72

AF & Stabilization

AF Type HSM
Stabilization No

Focus

Min Focus Distance 280
Max Magnification 0.23x

vs Competition

Spec Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Sony G SELP28135G.SYX
Focal Length 18-35mm 17-28mm 28-75mm 12-60mm 28-70mm 28-135mm
Max Aperture f/1.8 f/2.8 f/2.8 f/2.8 f/22 f/4
Mount Nikon F Nikon Z Sony E Micro Four Thirds Canon RF Sony E
Stabilization false false false true true true
Weather Sealed false true true true true true
Weight (g) 810 450 540 320 495 420
AF Type HSM Stepping Motor VXD linear motor STM SSM
Lens Type zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom
Compare Compare Compare Compare Compare
Product AFBokehBuildMacroOpticalApertureVersatilitySocial ProofStabilization
Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM 54.694.424.140.697.794.170.483.138
Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare 8788.173.686.38785.868.164.638
Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 Compare 54.688.167.287.387.885.878.283.138
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare 9888.183.150.490.285.893.163.583.2
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Compare 8725.970.280.48522.677.287.998.5
Sony G SELP28135G.SYX Compare 94.280.275.531.28769.992.450.292.8

Usage Scores

Macro (63.1)Overall (77.2)Budget (83.5)Street (74.9)Travel (52.2)Portrait (91.8)Landscape (60.2)Professional (74.7)Video Cinema (84)Wildlife Sports (55.4)

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