Sigma vs. Sigma vs. Sigma

[chinpokojed]

So I'm looking at picking up the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 Macro lens. Not so fast says Mr. Sigma, we have (at least) 2 varieties of that particular lens!

According to Sigma's site they only have two varieties of the 18-50 f2.8, the HSM and non-HSM versions, but amazon explicitly has a version with SLD and ELD glass, but neither with HSM. Try as I might I've only found one place that sells a Canon mount HSM version and they are in the UK (I'm in the US). Amazon sells the HSM version, but only for a Nikon mount.

Is it worth getting the HSM version, or is it mostly just noise reduction on focus? Is the SLD and ELD on all their glass for this lens?

EX DC Macro
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3320&navigator=6

EX DC Macro HSM
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3328&navigator=6

HSM version for sale
http://www.i-source-global.com/epages/ce_fr.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/170990/Products/S1850C

Amazon with SLD & ELD
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-18-50mm...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1205642067&sr=8-1

Any help would be appreciated!!

 

[250Gimp]

I have this lense and it seems good, but I just got it and haven't had much time to really wrk with it.

It is the non-HSM version and seems to focus fairly quickly. Faster than my nifty fifty anyway.

 

[Deadeye008]

I believe HSM is only available in the Nikon mount...at least that's what sigma's site says.

 

[chinpokojed]

I believe HSM is only available in the Nikon mount...at least that's what sigma's site says.

:banghead: reading = good

thanks deadeye!

 

[DigiJay]

I've got it with HSM, just picked it up a couple days ago, haven't had much chance to use it, but it came highly recommended by my friend (who's a pro)

 

[chinpokojed]

I've got it with HSM, just picked it up a couple days ago, haven't had much chance to use it, but it came highly recommended by my friend (who's a pro)

Nice -- anyone who has picked it up can feel free to post some pics

I haven't heard too much about the HSM version, but there is a pretty significant price premium (~$200 over the non-HSM) so would assume it's a nice upgrade.

Is the focus similarly quiet / fast as the good Nikkor glass?

Can anyone comment on the ELD SLD acronym soup weirdness? Is it on all the 18-50 f2.8's? Does it actually mean or do anything?

I'm going to try and get in touch with Sigma and see if they can clarify, but at this point I have a feeling it's just the retailers fudging the descriptions.

 

[chinpokojed]

I just confirmed that all of the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 are the ELD SLD versions (as long as they are new).

As I suspected it's just the retailers and their half-witted descriptions that confused me..