Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens

Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens – Constant Aperture Zoom for APS-C Cameras

The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens is a groundbreaking zoom lens designed exclusively for APS-C format DSLR cameras, offering a combination of innovation, optical excellence, and professional-grade build quality that few competitors can match. As the world’s first constant f/1.8 zoom lens, it delivers prime-like performance across its entire 18–35mm focal range, translating to approximately 27–52.5mm on Nikon or 28.8–56mm on Canon APS-C bodies—making it a versatile choice for wide-angle landscapes, environmental portraits, events, travel, and creative videography. Its fast f/1.8 aperture gives photographers unmatched low-light capability and superior depth-of-field control, allowing for beautifully blurred backgrounds and subject isolation that outshines typical f/2.8 zooms. Inside, the lens features an advanced optical design of 17 elements in 12 groups, including 4 glass-molded aspherical elements and 5 Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements, ensuring razor-sharp resolution, excellent contrast, and minimal chromatic aberration from edge to edge. A 9-blade rounded diaphragm enhances bokeh smoothness, making it ideal for artistic compositions and cinematic video production. Its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus system ensures fast, accurate, and whisper-quiet focusing, while the internal focusing and zoom design mean the front element never rotates—perfect for using polarizers and ND filters with its 72mm filter thread. The build quality reflects Sigma’s Global Vision “Art” line, with a thermally stable composite barrel, metal mount, and precise engineering that guarantees durability in demanding shooting conditions. Weighing approximately 810 grams with a compact 78mm diameter and 121mm length, it balances well on APS-C DSLRs, offering professional handling without excessive bulk. The lens also supports Sigma’s USB Dock for firmware updates and custom focus adjustments, future-proofing your investment. With a minimum focusing distance of just 28cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.23x, it doubles as a close-up lens for detail shots and product photography. Whether you’re a photographer seeking sharpness that rivals prime lenses, a videographer craving cinematic shallow depth of field, or a creative who demands flexibility without compromising image quality, the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art is an unmatched value in the market. Award-winning since its launch, it redefines what a zoom lens can achieve, making it the ultimate upgrade for serious enthusiasts and professionals alike who want to capture every detail with clarity, brilliance, and artistry.

Features:

First Zoom Lens with Constant f/1.8 Aperture

The Sigma 18–35mm is the world’s first zoom lens to feature a constant maximum aperture of f/1.8 throughout its range. Unlike traditional f/2.8 zooms, this lens offers significantly more light transmission, enabling photographers to shoot confidently in dimly lit environments. The wide aperture also allows for professional-level shallow depth of field, making it a perfect option for subject isolation, cinematic video, and artistic portraits. This groundbreaking design sets it apart from every competitor in its category.

Prime-Like Sharpness Across the Zoom Range

Many zoom lenses compromise on image quality compared to prime lenses, but the Sigma 18–35mm breaks that mold. Thanks to its 17-element, 12-group optical design—including 4 aspherical lenses and 5 Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements—it delivers razor-sharp images across the entire frame, even wide open at f/1.8. This ensures professional clarity whether you’re shooting wide-angle landscapes at 18mm or standard close-ups at 35mm, rivaling prime lenses in optical performance.

Exceptional Low-Light Performance

With its constant f/1.8 aperture, this lens excels in low-light shooting scenarios where other zooms would require slower shutter speeds or higher ISO. Whether capturing indoor events, night cityscapes, or dimly lit creative shoots, the lens allows photographers to maintain clean, noise-free images with fast shutter speeds, giving them a crucial edge over competitors still limited to f/2.8.

Smooth and Pleasing Bokeh

The lens employs a 9-blade rounded diaphragm that produces beautifully smooth out-of-focus areas, enhancing bokeh quality for portraits, product shots, and video. The circular shape of the aperture blades ensures that highlights in the background appear soft and natural, which is particularly important for achieving a cinematic feel in video work or flattering subject isolation in still photography.

Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) Autofocus System

Sigma integrates its advanced Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) into the 18–35mm, delivering fast, accurate, and nearly silent autofocus performance. This makes the lens highly versatile for both photography and videography. The inclusion of full-time manual focus override allows creators to fine-tune their focus without disengaging AF, ensuring precision control when needed. The internal focusing design means the barrel does not extend, maintaining balance during shooting.

Close Focusing Capability

With a minimum focusing distance of just 28 cm (11 inches) and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.23x, the Sigma 18–35mm doubles as a semi-macro lens. This feature makes it excellent for capturing detail shots such as flowers, food, products, or creative compositions where you want to get closer to your subject while still enjoying the shallow depth of field advantages of f/1.8.

Professional Build Quality

As part of Sigma’s Global Vision Art line, the 18–35mm is built to professional standards. Its thermally stable composite (TSC) barrel and solid metal mount ensure reliability in different shooting environments, from hot outdoor sessions to cold-weather shoots. The precision engineering and premium finish not only provide durability but also give the lens a professional feel that inspires confidence during every use.

Compact Yet Solid Form Factor

Despite its groundbreaking optical performance, the Sigma 18–35mm maintains a relatively compact size at 78mm diameter × 121mm length and weighs just 810 grams. This makes it manageable for handheld shooting while still offering the ruggedness expected of a professional lens. The 72mm filter thread also allows compatibility with standard filters, and the non-rotating front element ensures easy use with polarizers and variable ND filters.

Internal Zoom Mechanism

Unlike many zoom lenses that extend outward when zooming, the Sigma 18–35mm uses an internal zoom design. This keeps the lens length consistent, improving handling and stability when mounted on a gimbal, rig, or tripod. For videographers in particular, this is a valuable feature, as it reduces balance shifts during recording.

Customizable with Sigma USB Dock

The Sigma 18–35mm is compatible with the Sigma USB Dock, allowing users to apply firmware updates and fine-tune focus calibration directly through Sigma Optimization Pro software. This future-proof feature ensures that your lens can adapt to new technologies and remain at peak performance, a major advantage over competing models that lack this flexibility.

Versatility for Multiple Photography Styles

Covering a focal length equivalent of 27–52.5mm (Nikon) or 28.8–56mm (Canon) on APS-C sensors, this lens bridges the gap between wide-angle and standard focal lengths. It’s suitable for landscapes, architecture, street photography, events, portraits, product shots, and creative videography—all with the added benefit of prime-like image quality. This versatility makes it a “one-lens solution” for many shooting situations.

Award-Winning Recognition

Since its release in 2013, the Sigma 18–35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art has received critical acclaim and industry awards, including Lens of the Year at Japan’s Camera Grand Prix. This recognition underscores its groundbreaking status and solidifies its reputation as one of the most important lenses in modern photography.

• Portrait Photography – Create beautifully blurred backgrounds with its constant f/1.8 aperture, offering shallow depth of field and sharp subject rendering.
• Event Photography – Perfect for weddings, parties, and indoor events where lighting is often challenging, thanks to its superior low-light performance.
• Landscape Photography – At 18mm, it delivers wide-angle coverage for dramatic scenery, architecture, and travel shots with high sharpness across the frame.
• Street Photography – The versatile focal range allows discreet shooting, capturing candid urban moments without switching lenses.
• Product & Food Photography – Its close focusing distance (28 cm) and 0.23x magnification make it excellent for detailed shots of products, dishes, and small objects.
• Videography & Filmmaking – Constant f/1.8 aperture, smooth bokeh, and internal zoom design make it a strong choice for cinematic video production and gimbal use.
• Astrophotography – Wide field of view with f/1.8 brightness enables clear, detailed shots of the night sky with reduced noise and shorter exposures.
• Documentary & Travel Work – One-lens solution for wide-to-standard coverage, eliminating the need to carry multiple primes while maintaining high image quality.
• Creative Close-Ups – Semi-macro ability allows artistic compositions where subjects fill the frame with creamy background separation.
• General Everyday Photography – From family gatherings to creative projects, its flexibility makes it a reliable all-around performer on APS-C cameras.

Pros

• Constant f/1.8 aperture across the zoom range (unique in the industry).
• Prime-like sharpness and optical quality rivaling fixed focal length lenses.
• Excellent low-light performance, allowing faster shutter speeds and lower ISO.
• 9 rounded aperture blades produce smooth, pleasing bokeh.
• Fast and quiet autofocus with Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM).
• Internal focusing and zoom design keeps the barrel length constant.
• Close focusing distance of 28 cm with 0.23x magnification for semi-macro shots.
• Robust build quality using thermally stable composite material and a metal mount.
• Compatible with Sigma USB Dock for firmware updates and focus fine-tuning.
• Versatile range coverage (equivalent to 27–52.5mm on Nikon / 28.8–56mm on Canon APS-C).
• Excellent value compared to high-end zooms with slower apertures.

Cons

• No optical image stabilization, making handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds more challenging.
• Limited to APS-C cameras; not compatible with full-frame without vignetting.
• Relatively heavy (810g) for an APS-C lens, which may be bulky for some users.
• No weather sealing, so it needs extra care in harsh environments.
• Short zoom range compared to general-purpose zooms (18–35mm is limited vs. 18–105mm or 17–55mm).
• Autofocus inconsistency on some DSLR bodies without calibration.
• Lack of compact portability compared to primes, despite delivering similar optical performance.

• Canon EF, Nikon F, & Sigma SA-Mount Lens
• 28.8-56mm (35mm Equivalent)
• Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
• Five SLD Elements
• Four Aspherical Elements
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
• Flare and Ghost Reduction

• Product Name: Sigma 18–35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens
• Manufacturer: Sigma Corporation
• Lens Series: Art (Global Vision)
• Announcement Date: April 18, 2013
• Focal Length: 18–35mm (APS-C format)
• Full-Frame Equivalent: 27–52.5mm (Nikon), 28.8–56mm (Canon)
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8 (constant)
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Angle of View (Diagonal): 76.5° – 44.2°
• Optical Construction: 17 elements in 12 groups (4 aspherical, 5 SLD elements)
• Diaphragm Blades: 9 rounded blades
• Autofocus System: Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), full-time manual focus override
• Focus Type: Internal focusing, non-rotating front element
• Zoom Mechanism: Internal zoom, non-extending barrel
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 28 cm (11 inches)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.23× (1:4.3)
• Filter Thread Size: 72mm
• Front Element Behavior: Does not rotate during focusing
• Lens Hood: Petal-type LH780-03 (included)
• Dimensions: 78mm diameter × 121mm length
• Weight: 810 g (28.6 oz)
• Mount Compatibility: Canon EF-S, Nikon F (DX), Sigma SA, Sony A (DT/Alpha), Pentax K
• Sensor Format: APS-C (DC – Digital Crop)
• Special Features: Compatible with Sigma USB Dock for firmware updates and focus calibration
• Build Quality: Thermally stable composite barrel with metal mount
• Award Recognition: Lens of the Year – Camera Grand Prix (Japan)

• Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens
• Lens Hood (LH780-03)
• Front Lens Cap (LCF-72mm)
• Rear Lens Cap (depending on mount type)
• Padded Lens Case
• User Manual
• Warranty Card

Is the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art compatible with full-frame cameras?

No, this lens is designed specifically for APS-C format (crop sensor) cameras. When used on a full-frame camera, it will cause vignetting since it does not cover the full-frame image circle.

What mounts are available for the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art?

This lens is available in Canon EF-S, Nikon F (DX), Sigma SA, Sony A (DT/Alpha), and Pentax K mounts, making it versatile for multiple DSLR systems.

Does the Sigma 18-35mm have image stabilization?

No, the lens does not feature optical image stabilization. However, its wide f/1.8 aperture allows for faster shutter speeds that help minimize motion blur in low-light situations.

What is the minimum focusing distance of this lens?

The minimum focusing distance is 28 cm (11 inches), with a maximum magnification ratio of 0.23x, making it useful for semi-macro photography and close-up detail shots.

Can this lens be used for video recording?

Yes, the constant f/1.8 aperture, smooth bokeh, and internal zoom/focus design make it an excellent choice for video, especially when paired with gimbals or rigs.

What type of autofocus system does it use?

The lens uses Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance. It also offers full-time manual focus override for precision adjustments.

Does the front element rotate when focusing?

No, the front element does not rotate, making it compatible with polarizing filters and ND filters via its 72mm filter thread.

What makes the Sigma 18-35mm unique compared to other zoom lenses?

It is the world’s first zoom lens with a constant f/1.8 aperture, delivering brightness and sharpness that rivals prime lenses, while offering the flexibility of a zoom.

Is the lens weather-sealed?

No, the Sigma 18-35mm does not feature weather sealing, so it should be protected when shooting in harsh conditions such as rain or dust.

Does it support customization or firmware updates?

Yes, the lens is compatible with Sigma’s USB Dock, allowing users to update firmware and fine-tune autofocus for different shooting needs.