Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM | A - Canon Mount
Discussion
Have been taking photos at the local car meets using a couple of lenses on my Canon 700D, namely the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens and the Canon 24mm f2.8 lens. I've found that the 50mm provides much superior bokeh, but when taking photos of whole cars I have to stand a long way back which sometimes isn't possible at these car meets where they are parked up close to one another. The 24mm lens is outstanding in this respect, but lacks the 1.8 aperture so doesn't blur out the background anywhere near as well, aka the bokeh effect which is what I'm looking for.
So having chatted to the local dealer he mentioned that Sigma manufacture a 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM A lens, which looks on paper as to be near perfect for what I'm looking for, so does anyone on here have experience or use this lens and might perhaps make comment as to whether it would be suitable, because at £550 it's quite pricey?
Any tips or tricks much appreciated, along with recommended alternative lens suggestions
So having chatted to the local dealer he mentioned that Sigma manufacture a 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM A lens, which looks on paper as to be near perfect for what I'm looking for, so does anyone on here have experience or use this lens and might perhaps make comment as to whether it would be suitable, because at £550 it's quite pricey?
Any tips or tricks much appreciated, along with recommended alternative lens suggestions
Another approach would be post-processing. If you were to invest £8.57 a month you could get Photoshop and Lightroom, and use focus stacking to get the depth of field you require, or there are various filters which can blur the background to whatever degree you require.
It's good to do these things in the camera abut sometimes it really isn't possible in practical terms.
It's good to do these things in the camera abut sometimes it really isn't possible in practical terms.
singlecoil said:
Another approach would be post-processing. If you were to invest £8.57 a month you could get Photoshop and Lightroom, and use focus stacking to get the depth of field you require, or there are various filters which can blur the background to whatever degree you require.
It's good to do these things in the camera abut sometimes it really isn't possible in practical terms.
Thank you for the suggestion, is something I hadn't considered, though I would prefer to buy the software outright except that Photoshop is so damn expensive, I think Lightroom is something I need to invest in. I appreciate what you mean about wanting to take the photo using the camera without post editing but sometimes it's just not possible. The major obstacle I have is that I'm using an old iMac so the software may not be compatible with the OS and I don't want to have to start upgrading all my kit because that will work out to be very expensive. It's all working very well at the moment so I don't want to rock the apple cart It's good to do these things in the camera abut sometimes it really isn't possible in practical terms.
Phunk said:
You'll also find that the focal length effects the amount of Bokeh you'll get. The best option here might be to go full frame.
Something like a 5DII can be picked up for £500 and you'll be able to use your 50mm 1.8 and stand closer
Now that is something that had never occurred to me. From reading about the 5D2 it was and still is a very good camera, I don't need video or GPS or WIFI, and at approx £500 it's certainly a potentially affordable option. I had forgotten that full frame means that I will be able to stand much closer using the 50mm lens along with better Bokeh. Something like a 5DII can be picked up for £500 and you'll be able to use your 50mm 1.8 and stand closer
In terms of depreciation and affordability, I guess it's only a matter of time before the next new and improved 5D4 is released onto the market which should further reduce the prices of the existing models.
Hey I could lug round two cameras at the car meets which would save changing lenses, one with a 24mm lens and the other with the 50mm lens... and the RX100 in the pocket as a back-up
In the meantime the Sigma offers 18-35mm at f1.8 sounds astonishingly good, and from the reviews is an excellent bit of glass.
rich888 said:
singlecoil said:
Another approach would be post-processing. If you were to invest £8.57 a month you could get Photoshop and Lightroom, and use focus stacking to get the depth of field you require, or there are various filters which can blur the background to whatever degree you require.
It's good to do these things in the camera abut sometimes it really isn't possible in practical terms.
Thank you for the suggestion, is something I hadn't considered, though I would prefer to buy the software outright except that Photoshop is so damn expensive, I think Lightroom is something I need to invest in. I appreciate what you mean about wanting to take the photo using the camera without post editing but sometimes it's just not possible. The major obstacle I have is that I'm using an old iMac so the software may not be compatible with the OS and I don't want to have to start upgrading all my kit because that will work out to be very expensive. It's all working very well at the moment so I don't want to rock the apple cart It's good to do these things in the camera abut sometimes it really isn't possible in practical terms.
You should certainly consider giving it a try especially as I believe they do a month's free trial. Not much to lose there and enough tutorials on YouTube to shake three sticks at.
Cheers guys for the info, I've been researching this and Adobe Lightroom 6 is currently available as a Mac/PC standalone download via Amazon for £103.88 which is very tempting, though it would seem that Photoshop is cloud based only which I'm not interested in and won't be downloading anytime soon.
The Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 zoom lens seems on paper to offer everything I'm looking for, and does away with carting round two fixed lenses which is good. The reviews seem very impressive, along with the fact that it would fit on a full frame camera as and when I decide to upgrade my 700D, and with an aperture of f1.8 it is light-years better than the current f3.5 or f4.5 variants. The only stumbling block to purchasing it is the credit-card statement and the wife!
The Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 zoom lens seems on paper to offer everything I'm looking for, and does away with carting round two fixed lenses which is good. The reviews seem very impressive, along with the fact that it would fit on a full frame camera as and when I decide to upgrade my 700D, and with an aperture of f1.8 it is light-years better than the current f3.5 or f4.5 variants. The only stumbling block to purchasing it is the credit-card statement and the wife!
The Sigma 18-35 is APS-C sensor size only, it is not designed for FF cameras.
Sigma’s DC lenses are designed for cropped sensors and the image circle on this lens is designed to match the smaller size of the image sensor on small-frame sensor cameras (DX-format on Nikon and EF-S on Canon)
I think you have two choices and you need to look at the long term on both of these.
a) If you are going to stay with crop sensors for a long time, then get the 18-35 Sigma. BTW MPB have a s/h one at £429.
or
b) if you can see yourself going for FF in the future, then now is the time to do it. A 5DII or 6D will cost you similar money to the 18-35 (£, your current 50mm and 24mm will work fine on a FF sensor. If you want to shoot in low light then the 6D is the one to aim for. It is also noticably lighter than the 5DII if that matters to you.
You also need to read this http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/digital... especially with regard to depth of field. A 50mm f1.8 is capable of producing a smaller effective depth of field on a FF sensor than it is on an APS-C sensor, taking into account working distance variations. You'll be surprised at the increased bokeh potential on your 24mm f1.8 on a FF sensor.
LIghtroom is definitely a good idea, and at £8 a month the CC package really is a no brainer, even if you use Lightroom alone, you will not now get updates/bug fixes/new features with the standalone version without upgrading it each time.
You need to get things right in camera, all of use amateurs need to do that, singlecoils suggestion of focus stacking will work, but sometimes you only have that single shot! Its just not practical to rely on post processing.
Sigma’s DC lenses are designed for cropped sensors and the image circle on this lens is designed to match the smaller size of the image sensor on small-frame sensor cameras (DX-format on Nikon and EF-S on Canon)
I think you have two choices and you need to look at the long term on both of these.
a) If you are going to stay with crop sensors for a long time, then get the 18-35 Sigma. BTW MPB have a s/h one at £429.
or
b) if you can see yourself going for FF in the future, then now is the time to do it. A 5DII or 6D will cost you similar money to the 18-35 (£, your current 50mm and 24mm will work fine on a FF sensor. If you want to shoot in low light then the 6D is the one to aim for. It is also noticably lighter than the 5DII if that matters to you.
You also need to read this http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/digital... especially with regard to depth of field. A 50mm f1.8 is capable of producing a smaller effective depth of field on a FF sensor than it is on an APS-C sensor, taking into account working distance variations. You'll be surprised at the increased bokeh potential on your 24mm f1.8 on a FF sensor.
LIghtroom is definitely a good idea, and at £8 a month the CC package really is a no brainer, even if you use Lightroom alone, you will not now get updates/bug fixes/new features with the standalone version without upgrading it each time.
You need to get things right in camera, all of use amateurs need to do that, singlecoils suggestion of focus stacking will work, but sometimes you only have that single shot! Its just not practical to rely on post processing.
DavidY said:
You need to get things right in camera, all of use amateurs need to do that, singlecoils suggestion of focus stacking will work, but sometimes you only have that single shot! Its just not practical to rely on post processing.
Getting things right in camera does presuppose that the shot the OP wants is physically possible with a single shot. If it is then that is what he (and all of us) should strive for. If it isn't, then other avenues should at least be looked at.DavidY said:
The Sigma 18-35 is APS-C sensor size only, it is not designed for FF cameras.
Sigma’s DC lenses are designed for cropped sensors and the image circle on this lens is designed to match the smaller size of the image sensor on small-frame sensor cameras (DX-format on Nikon and EF-S on Canon)
I think you have two choices and you need to look at the long term on both of these.
a) If you are going to stay with crop sensors for a long time, then get the 18-35 Sigma. BTW MPB have a s/h one at £429.
or
b) if you can see yourself going for FF in the future, then now is the time to do it. A 5DII or 6D will cost you similar money to the 18-35 (£, your current 50mm and 24mm will work fine on a FF sensor. If you want to shoot in low light then the 6D is the one to aim for. It is also noticably lighter than the 5DII if that matters to you.
You also need to read this http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/digital... especially with regard to depth of field. A 50mm f1.8 is capable of producing a smaller effective depth of field on a FF sensor than it is on an APS-C sensor, taking into account working distance variations. You'll be surprised at the increased bokeh potential on your 24mm f1.8 on a FF sensor.
LIghtroom is definitely a good idea, and at £8 a month the CC package really is a no brainer, even if you use Lightroom alone, you will not now get updates/bug fixes/new features with the standalone version without upgrading it each time.
You need to get things right in camera, all of use amateurs need to do that, singlecoils suggestion of focus stacking will work, but sometimes you only have that single shot! Its just not practical to rely on post processing.
Thank you, you have certainly given me some ideas for the future and yes if I went FF I could use the 50mm 1.8 but the 24mm 2.8 is EFS so wouldn't be compatible. Can I also say thanks for the link to the Cambridge in colour depth of field tutorials, will take a look later and study quite intently what they can offer because I need to know more.Sigma’s DC lenses are designed for cropped sensors and the image circle on this lens is designed to match the smaller size of the image sensor on small-frame sensor cameras (DX-format on Nikon and EF-S on Canon)
I think you have two choices and you need to look at the long term on both of these.
a) If you are going to stay with crop sensors for a long time, then get the 18-35 Sigma. BTW MPB have a s/h one at £429.
or
b) if you can see yourself going for FF in the future, then now is the time to do it. A 5DII or 6D will cost you similar money to the 18-35 (£, your current 50mm and 24mm will work fine on a FF sensor. If you want to shoot in low light then the 6D is the one to aim for. It is also noticably lighter than the 5DII if that matters to you.
You also need to read this http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/digital... especially with regard to depth of field. A 50mm f1.8 is capable of producing a smaller effective depth of field on a FF sensor than it is on an APS-C sensor, taking into account working distance variations. You'll be surprised at the increased bokeh potential on your 24mm f1.8 on a FF sensor.
LIghtroom is definitely a good idea, and at £8 a month the CC package really is a no brainer, even if you use Lightroom alone, you will not now get updates/bug fixes/new features with the standalone version without upgrading it each time.
You need to get things right in camera, all of use amateurs need to do that, singlecoils suggestion of focus stacking will work, but sometimes you only have that single shot! Its just not practical to rely on post processing.
You have of course further complicated the issue with the comments regarding buying a used 5D2 or 6D. I'm led to believe that a 6D2 is due out anytime soon so that should further depress prices on the used market so it's probably a good idea to hang back till this is unleashed. The question now is of course whether to invest in a 5D* or a 6D* so will have to do more research on the pros and cons of each model.
Long term from what you have said it would seem that full frame is the way forward especially if it provides me with the level of blurry Bokeh that I'm striving to achieve.
singlecoil said:
DavidY said:
You need to get things right in camera, all of use amateurs need to do that, singlecoils suggestion of focus stacking will work, but sometimes you only have that single shot! Its just not practical to rely on post processing.
Getting things right in camera does presuppose that the shot the OP wants is physically possible with a single shot. If it is then that is what he (and all of us) should strive for. If it isn't, then other avenues should at least be looked at.Am sure I read an article a few weeks ago of a camera that took multiple photographs in succession using a high speed burst and differing focal points, so that the optimum focus area could be achieved at a later date. Perhaps high-speed focus stacking could be added as a useful option on many modern digital cameras. Just imagine, total focus of a car from front to back, with the background totally blurred out. All done in a split second and saving hours post-editing in Photoshop.
RobDickinson said:
18-35/1.8 is the same as using a 28-55 f2.8 zoom on a full frame - in terms of field of view and depth of field.
Its pretty fast zoom for a crop and still decent for ff equivalent, heard its a decent lens. Sigma do a 24-25 f1.4 for full frame now too
Cheers Rob for the info though I can't find the Sigma f1.4 lens you mentioned, I assume you meant 24-35mm, the closest I can find is the Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM | A - Canon Mount at £700 ish.Its pretty fast zoom for a crop and still decent for ff equivalent, heard its a decent lens. Sigma do a 24-25 f1.4 for full frame now too
Have also spotted a Sigma 24 mm f/1.4 DG Art Lens for Canon Mount but it's a prime lens and costs £600 ish.
18mm at f1.8 on crop won't give that much 'bokeh'.
If you really want that look just get a full frame camera, even a humble 5D classic would be good enough. I don't use mine much, but I have a 5D paired with the 50mm f1.4 and get decent results. If I can't fit the whole car in I find myself forced to be more creative, and I end up taking more interesting pictures (in my opinion). Maybe a Sigma 35mm f1.4 lens and a FF camera will be the best compromise between cost and what you want to achieve. Focus stacking seems very impractical.
IMG_8351 by Bryan Janes, on Flickr
Porsche 911 by Bryan Janes, on Flickr
Dodge Coronet by Bryan Janes, on Flickr
Here are a couple of car shots I took with a friend's Sigma 18-35 f1.8, all shot wide open on a Canon 70D. As you can see, it doesn't give you that much 'bokeh'. Bear in mind that you'll get some colour fringing or vignetting so you don't want to shoot wide open all the time.
35mm
Dodge Dart by Bryan Janes, on Flickr
18mm
Dodge Dart by Bryan Janes, on Flickr
A friend has a 5DIII and the Sigma 35mm f1.4 art lens and gets nice looking results, and 35mm is quite wide on a full frame sensor.
CaM3s Estate by Robbie Khan, on Flickr
Hopefully you find this helpful.
If you really want that look just get a full frame camera, even a humble 5D classic would be good enough. I don't use mine much, but I have a 5D paired with the 50mm f1.4 and get decent results. If I can't fit the whole car in I find myself forced to be more creative, and I end up taking more interesting pictures (in my opinion). Maybe a Sigma 35mm f1.4 lens and a FF camera will be the best compromise between cost and what you want to achieve. Focus stacking seems very impractical.
IMG_8351 by Bryan Janes, on FlickrPorsche 911 by Bryan Janes, on FlickrDodge Coronet by Bryan Janes, on FlickrHere are a couple of car shots I took with a friend's Sigma 18-35 f1.8, all shot wide open on a Canon 70D. As you can see, it doesn't give you that much 'bokeh'. Bear in mind that you'll get some colour fringing or vignetting so you don't want to shoot wide open all the time.
35mm
Dodge Dart by Bryan Janes, on Flickr18mm
Dodge Dart by Bryan Janes, on FlickrA friend has a 5DIII and the Sigma 35mm f1.4 art lens and gets nice looking results, and 35mm is quite wide on a full frame sensor.
CaM3s Estate by Robbie Khan, on FlickrHopefully you find this helpful.
Edited by Janesy B on Tuesday 10th May 19:33
Janesy B said:
18mm at f1.8 on crop won't give that much 'bokeh'.
If you really want that look just get a full frame camera, even a humble 5D classic would be good enough. I don't use mine much, but I have a 5D paired with the 50mm f1.4 and get decent results. If I can't fit the whole car in I find myself forced to be more creative, and I end up taking more interesting pictures (in my opinion). Maybe a Sigma 35mm f1.4 lens and a FF camera will be the best compromise between cost and what you want to achieve. Focus stacking seems very impractical.
IMG_8351 by Bryan Janes, on Flickr
Porsche 911 by Bryan Janes, on Flickr
Dodge Coronet by Bryan Janes, on Flickr
Here are a couple of car shots I took with a friend's Sigma 18-35 f1.8, all shot wide open on a Canon 70D. As you can see, it doesn't give you that much 'bokeh'. Bear in mind that you'll get some colour fringing or vignetting so you don't want to shoot wide open all the time.
35mm
Dodge Dart by Bryan Janes, on Flickr
18mm
Dodge Dart by Bryan Janes, on Flickr
A friend has a 5DIII and the Sigma 35mm f1.4 art lens and gets nice looking results, and 35mm is quite wide on a full frame sensor.
CaM3s Estate by Robbie Khan, on Flickr
Hopefully you find this helpful.
Cheers Janesy B for your comments and useful examples of bokeh, must say I'm leaning towards a FF camera, perhaps a used 5D2 or a 6D if the price comes down ahead of the release of the MK2. If you really want that look just get a full frame camera, even a humble 5D classic would be good enough. I don't use mine much, but I have a 5D paired with the 50mm f1.4 and get decent results. If I can't fit the whole car in I find myself forced to be more creative, and I end up taking more interesting pictures (in my opinion). Maybe a Sigma 35mm f1.4 lens and a FF camera will be the best compromise between cost and what you want to achieve. Focus stacking seems very impractical.
IMG_8351 by Bryan Janes, on FlickrPorsche 911 by Bryan Janes, on FlickrDodge Coronet by Bryan Janes, on FlickrHere are a couple of car shots I took with a friend's Sigma 18-35 f1.8, all shot wide open on a Canon 70D. As you can see, it doesn't give you that much 'bokeh'. Bear in mind that you'll get some colour fringing or vignetting so you don't want to shoot wide open all the time.
35mm
Dodge Dart by Bryan Janes, on Flickr18mm
Dodge Dart by Bryan Janes, on FlickrA friend has a 5DIII and the Sigma 35mm f1.4 art lens and gets nice looking results, and 35mm is quite wide on a full frame sensor.
CaM3s Estate by Robbie Khan, on FlickrHopefully you find this helpful.
Edited by Janesy B on Tuesday 10th May 19:33
As it stands, the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens when fitted to my 700D produces some fantastic results, but isn't so good in enclosed spaces when there is limited room to back up, the 24mm is pretty much perfect except for the fact it is f2.8 so lacks the shallow depth of field to achieve the bokeh effect.
I've noticed that the 24mm APS-C lens is pretty similar to a 39mm FF lens, so as you have suggested a Sigma 35mm f1.4 lens may be the best way forward which I can fit to my 700D until I'm able to afford to go full frame.
As for choice of full frame cameras, now there is another minefield, do I chose an older 5D2 model which may well be perfect for my uses, or go for a new 6D or 6D2. I tend to take photos of my kids, wife, classic cars at shows (so mainly static or slow moving), then of course is the enjoyment of macro photography which is in stark contrast to catching birds in flight or the occasional air display. Have no interest with wifi or GPS.
More decisions to be made!!!
EDIT: Also worth considering for APS-C and FF cameras is the Sigma AF F2 DG HSM 24-35 mm Lens for Canon at £700 but this is f2.0 rather than f1.4 of the prime Sigma 35mm lens at £680.
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