Alright, buckle up, because I’m gonna spill the beans on my experience with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.7 lens. I know, I know, it’s not exactly new news, but hear me out – I just got my hands on one, and I’ve been putting it through its paces.
So, first things first, why this lens? Well, I’ve been looking for a versatile, fast lens for my APS-C sensor camera. I wanted something that could handle both stills and video, and something that wouldn’t break the bank. I kept hearing whispers, then shouts, about this Sigma 18-35mm f/1.7. The f/1.7 aperture? On a zoom lens? Seemed too good to be true, but I had to try it out.
I snagged a used copy online – gotta save those pennies! The first thing I noticed when I unboxed it was the weight. It’s a hefty piece of glass, no doubt about it. But it felt solid, well-built, and that gave me some confidence. I slapped it on my camera and immediately started fiddling.
Now, let’s talk about that aperture. Shooting at f/1.7 is a game-changer. The shallow depth of field you can achieve is insane. Portraits just pop, backgrounds melt away into creamy bokeh. I went out shooting some street photography, and even in broad daylight, I was getting some seriously dreamy shots. The low-light performance is also fantastic. I was able to shoot in dimly lit cafes without having to crank up the ISO to ridiculous levels.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses. That wide aperture can be a bit of a double-edged sword. The depth of field is so shallow that you really have to nail your focus. Miss it by a hair, and your subject is gonna be soft. It takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s so worth it.
I also used it for some video work. The constant f/1.7 aperture is a godsend for maintaining consistent exposure while zooming. The lens is also surprisingly sharp, even wide open. I shot some interviews with it, and the footage looked great. The only real downside for video is the lack of image stabilization. You definitely need a tripod or a gimbal to get smooth, stable shots.
Here’s the thing I really learned though, the lens isn’t perfect, it’s a bit heavy and lacks image stabilization. But the image quality, the versatility, and that glorious f/1.7 aperture more than make up for its shortcomings. It’s become my go-to lens for almost everything. I’ve been carrying it around with me everywhere, and it’s really helped me improve my photography and videography.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a fast, versatile lens for your APS-C camera, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.7 is a no-brainer. Just be prepared to spend some time getting used to that shallow depth of field!
- Buy used to save money.
- Practice nailing your focus at f/1.7.
- Get a tripod or gimbal for video work.
Seriously, go try it out. You won’t regret it.
