Canon 18-55 IS or Sigma 18-50 2.8 HSM?

Just wondering how these 2 lenses compare. I have been looking for a wide-angle lens with a 2.8 apeture. I can get the sigma new on ebay for under $200. Thanks.

The 18-55 is only f/3.5 at the widest, so it isn't a contender anyway.
Edit: ... or did you mean the 17-55/2.8 IS?

No I meant the 18-55, both are in the same price range. I can't afford to spend more that $200 or so right now. I know the 18-55 is only 3.5, but I was wondering if it was still better than the sigma.

You have FOUR lenses covering 35-55, 3 covering 28-80, and 2 covering 35-105.
What's up with that?

The Sigma 18-50 2.8 is about 3x the cost of the 18-55 IS. Where exactly do you see the two of these being in the same price range?

The sigma is available new on ebay from several sellers for $179 to $199. The 18-55 IS is available for between $90 and $120. As for my other lenses, I am selling the the 18-55 (non IS),35-105 and 28-80. I plan on using the sigma as a indoor lens and the 28-135 IS USM as an outdoor lens. Also, the sigma I am looking at is not the "EX" model. It is 2.8 to 4.5 if that makes any difference.

Yes, that makes it clearer. The 18-50 macro 2.8 lens is a different animal than the cheaper Sigma 18-50 variable aperture lens. I have not had that version of the Sigma, but I have had the 18-55 IS, and I would say to go with that lens. You can find it for $85 here on the boards. I am usually advocate for several of the Sigma lenses, but the 18-55 IS lens is a really good lens, albeit a slow lens.

Sorry for the confusion. Thanks for your advice!

TS i think means the New Sigma 18-50 f/2.8-4.5 OS HSM. This is normaly a little more expensive than the Canon 18-55IS. European retail is about € 350- so about $ 450/500- US. Don't know the retail in US, so taken the exchangerate to US $.

Both come with a good stabilisation ( IS for Canon / OS for Sigma ) but the Sigma has an advantage to start at f/2.8 to f/4.5 while the Canon has f/3.5 to f/5.6.
Sigma is better build inside and outside, faster due to the HSM and comes with a lenshood.

Source Sigma:
Large Aperture, Standard Zoom with Optical Stabilization
An upgrade to its predecessor, the 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM is a lens dedicated to digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors offering a large aperture and Sigma’s Optical Stabilization. Once again, Sigma has also engineered the built-in OS function, an anti-shake system, for Sony and Pentax mount allowing the photographer to see a stabilized image in the viewfinder. The combination of the large aperture of F2.8 and anti-shake function makes capturing exceptional photos in low light achievable, and the wide angle is well suited for indoor photography. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and three Aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. Designed with inner focusing and inner zooming systems, high image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming ensuring convenient handling. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 11.8 inches (30cm) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.1. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet and high speed auto focus.

Lens Construction 16 Elements in 12 Groups
Angle of View 69.3 - 27.9 degrees
Number of Diaphragm Blades 7
Minimum Aperture F22
Minimum Focusing Distance 30cm/11.8 in.
Maximum Magnification 1:4.1
Filter Size Diameter 67mm
Dimensions Diameter 74mm X Length 88.6mm
Weight 395g/13.9 oz

http://www.sigmaphoto.​com …s.asp?id=3359&n​avigator=6

Bought this lens a few weeks ago for my wives 1000D, tested it and liked it so much i bought one extra to use specialy as a lens for my Cokin filtersets.
Sharper, brighter colours, better build than the Canon 18-55IS and f/2.8 aperture starting and just a little more expensive. Bought mine for € 129- ( about US $ 170- )

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40D/50D + 24-105L IS USM f/4, 100mm f/2.8 Macro, 70-200L f/4 IS, 55-250IS, 50+85mm f/1.8, Sigma 18-50 f2.8-4.5 OS HSM, Broken 10-22