Opinions on Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC

I am thinking about buying this lens for my brother for Christmas as general usage lens. What are your thoughts on it? Any good? Are the lens internally focus? or do the glass rotate as it focus?

Not sure about the focussing details but the sigma usa site should say.

In general terms it is near identical to the canon EFs 18-55 kit lens in concept and performance.
Here's a thought- if you want to get a bargain just buy a near new kit lens instead.There are tons of them available secondhand but allmost unused

Not too enthusiastic about the lens either.
Haven't used it, but haven't heard anything favourable about it, either.
What's the price you'd have to pay?
Maybe ask some other relative to participate in the present, and get him a Sigma 18-50/2.8 EX instead (which is supposed to be a very good lens)

Best regards,
Andy

The 18-50 EX f/2.8 is a fantastic lens - L quality optics (not quite the same build quality), and at a fantastic price. That being said, it's still a good deal more expensive than the lens you are looking at.

From what I know, the 3.5-5.6 is an ok lens - it's fine for a walkaround lens, and with some care, should produce some great images.

Otherwise, if you don't have much budget but want to get him a cracker of a lens - how about the Canon 50mm f/1.8? This probably gives the most bang per buck of any EF fit lens, and is about the same price as the 18-50 3.5-5.6 but in ways is more flexible, because, as it has a much wider aperture, you can use it indoors with low light levels, and no need for a flash

I had this lens for a time.It's light and compact, gives reasonable results but the front element rotates and the focusing motor is noisy. OK for occasional use but not a long-term solution.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

F5.6 is far too slow IMHO.