Sigma 18-50 single

[Thierry]

Looking for an affordable wide-angle lens for my EOS10D, I saw that Sigma is coming out with 2 lenses designed for digital (not full frame): a 18-50 and a 50-200 (or so). I'm not interested in the second one but only in the 18-50. Unfortunately here in the US, they seem to be only sold together !
Any idea where to get it single in the US ?
Thanks.
Thierry

[defordphoto]

Explain your definition of "affordable."

[Thierry]

I'm thinking comparable to Tamron's 19-35 so below 200 USD, but I like the wider focal range of this new one.
Thierry

[Andy_T]

I talked to a guy in a photoshop that has the Sigma 18-50 about price and quality.

Price was about 150 EUR, if I recall correctly, to the quality he said that there are no reviews yet but that they (the photo chain) supposed it was similar to the Canon 18-55.

Not much of hard data, I know.
But most likely some tests are coming up.

Regards,
Andy

[merlyn9]

ok... I saw an add for this just before leaving Calf. for home (Chi.) a 1-1/2 weeks ago. So I dropped by a new favorite West coast camera store... & they didn't think they would see this lense this year. They had no idea about pricing either...

But from what I've seen, this should be a sweet lense if it holds up to the hype! I had not heard about the two lenses deal, I would only need the one as well? :D

good luck;
---michael

[fwhitesides]

I used Froogle, and found this:
http://www.tristatecamera.com/lookat.php3?sid=i5zu3n8l&sku=SIGAFDC2LKNIK&cs=store.php3&store=9&levels=0223&st=0

The 18-50 / 50-200 combo kit retails for $234.99 at the above link. (Okay, that link is to the Nikon mount version, but I feel sure the Canon mount kit will be very close in price, if not identical). At that price, I am highly suspect of the quality. My experience is that low-end Sigma lenses are crap.

I bought a DRebel kit, so I already have a so-so 18-55 lens. If only they could make a cheap, huge aperture 18-XX zoom that doesn't suck. Yeah, it's not going to happen—at least not anytime soon. But a guy can dream.

[Thierry]

Thanks to all of you guys.
Here some more infos:
B&H show the kit available in stock for 239.00 USD:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=304150&is=USA

and here the some tech details by sigma:

Compact - Lightweight zoom lenses designed to suit the characteristics of digital cameras. (2003.10.27)

18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC. This zoom lens was exclusively designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras. The image circle was designed to match the size of the image sensors of digital SLR cameras, and this produced a compact lens with a maximum diameter of 60mm (2.3 in.), overall length of 67.5mm (2.6 in.) and weight of only 245g (8.6 oz.). It has a variable angle of view of 76.5 degree - 31.7 degree. The use of aspherical lenses provides correction for various aberrations throughout the entire zoom range and produce high level of optical performance. 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC lens has a minimum focusing distance of 25cm (9.8 in.) at all focal lengths and is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5.

50-200mm F4-5.6 DC
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC. This compact telephoto zoom lens was exclusively designed for use with digital SLR cameras. The image circle was designed to match the size of the image sensors of digital SLR cameras that also allows compact body and lightweight with overall length of 84.6mm (3.3 in.), and weight of only 310g/10.9 oz. It has a filter size of 55mm, maximum diameter of 70mm (2.7 in.). This remarkably compact high performance zoom lens is ideally suited to a wide range of subjects. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 110cm (43.3 in.) and maximum magnification of 1:4.

But again, happy me if you find the 18-50 to purchase alone...
Thierry