Hesitant about Sigma 18-35

A while back I bought a Sigma 17-50/2.8 to replace my kit lens as allround/walkaround lens to go with my 700D.
Sadly it suffered from focus issues (back/front) that was not resolved after being sent to Sigma for calibration so I decided to return the lens for store credit.
I'm now looking for another lens.

I am very interested in the Sigma 18-35 but i have some concerns and would love some input from those with experience.

1. I've read reports that the 18-35 suffers from auto focus issues? Is this something to be worried about?
I have no problem buying the USB-dock and doing some calibration, but if the AF misses there is really not much one can do?

2. How big of deal is the lack of image stabilization? I am mostly interested in still photography and not video.

While I had no problems with my 17-50, Sigma's ART series lenses are in a whole different class than their older stuff. My 18-35 has barely left my camera since I bought it, which seems to be pretty common. I haven't missed the IS, but who knows how you shoot. The only downside for me with this lens is the limited focal range,

If you google any lens/camera, your going to read about all the "issues" they have, it's the nature of the internet. Seems this is one of the least complained about lenses.

If you get their adaptor puck that allows you to MFA, I think you would be OK. I have no problems with my 17-50 and it doesn't need any MFA, but with a 7D at least I have the option. That is why I would get the puck if you have a camera without that ability.

I have two friends who each own the 18-35mm and it's a fantastic lens.

If you're worried about AF issues, just buy the $30 USB base and tweak it until you're happy.

mclaren777 wrote in post #17476194
I have two friends who each own the 18-35mm and it's a fantastic lens.

If you're worried about AF issues, just buy the $30 USB base and tweak it until you're happy.

My concern is that there will be issues with AF and that the lens misses focus, something not correctable by the dock.

Its a great lens. I had one and sold it after moving to a FF camera. I even used it at 35mm on my FF. Either body, images were super sharp and good AF.

Would the store let you test out this lens in the store? Spend 5-10 minutes walking around to see if you like it?

That should be enough time to decide if you can trust its AF tendencies.

johnandbentley wrote in post #17476307
Its a great lens. I had one and sold it after moving to a FF camera. I even used it at 35mm on my FF. Either body, images were super sharp and good AF.

How did you use it on a FF? It's a crop censor only lens.

wanner wrote in post #17476291
My concern is that there will be issues with AF and that the lens misses focus, something not correctable by the dock.

Front or back focusing is corrected via the dock. Mine needed a bit of adjustment but it had been perfect since. The 18-35 is an amazing lens. Fast, sharp, fast AF, and well built. If you're ok with the focal tenge of it Id say pick one up!

BlakeC wrote in post #17544430
How did you use it on a FF? It's a crop censor only lens.

It's designed for crop sensor but it will mount to a ff body as well. It will have vignetting in the wider focal length but that disappears as you near the long end of the lens.

gremlin75 wrote in post #17544510
Front or back focusing is corrected via the dock. Mine needed a bit of adjustment but it had been perfect since. The 18-35 is an amazing lens. Fast, sharp, fast AF, and well built. If you're ok with the focal tenge of it Id say pick one up!

It's designed for crop sensor but it will mount to a ff body as well. It will have vignetting in the wider focal length but that disappears as you near the long end of the lens.

Wow...i was literally JUST ready this on another review! lol

I could use it between 28 and 35mm on my 5d3. There was some noticeable vignetting at 28, but it was still useable.

To the OP, I highly recommend getting the USB dock with the 18-35. I had this lens when I was shooting a 7d. It took some trial and error with the adjustments, but I dialed it in after my second attempt. Back button focus will also help.

The lens is awesome. I've had a few shots that didn't turn out as sharp as I'd like, but when I used DPP to locate the focus point, I realized that I'd missed my intended focus point and hit something just past it. Couple that with a very thin DoF at f1.8, and you'll get shots that are less sharp than you thought they'd be. I have several Sigma lenses and the USB adapter. I haven't had to use it on the 18-35, though.

This was shot with the 18-35 wide open on an SL1 body.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/q4HZ​TX

When in doubt check out the reviews for the 18-35. I don't think I've seen anything but great reviews for it so far.

The 18-35 never leaves my camera. I have had no focus issues at all. I think a lot of the focus issues come from people using f1.8 for the first time. Shallow depth of field is a new thing to these people and is often said to be focus issues.

Don't think, just get it. If anything, just rent it first if you're so worried.