The Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art ($1,099) is a premium telezoom lens, aimed at photographers working with APS-C SLRs. It's designed around the same principle as the standard 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art ($698.99 at Amazon) zoom, and is likely to appeal to the same demographic. It's a bright lens, maintaining an f/1.8 aperture throughout its range, that makes no compromises on image quality compared with shooting prime lenses. That requires quite a bit of glass, and when coupled with a tough build you've got a big, hefty lens. It omits image stabilization and is on the pricey side, but optical performance is superb. It's an excellent option if you're in the market for a wide-aperture telezoom for your APS-C SLR. Design The 50-100mm F1.8 ($948.05 at Amazon) is a big lens. It measures 6.7 by 3.7 inches (HD), weighs 3.3 pounds, and supports 82mm front filters. The barrel is a mix of metal and polycarbonate, with a metal tripod collar that rotates and locks into position every 90 degrees...
The Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art is an appealing lens for APS-C SLR owners who want a bright telezoom, but it's on the pricey side.
Very sharp; Bright maximum aperture; Nominal distortion; Rotating tripod collar; Compatible with Sigma USB Dock; Available for multiple systems
Heavy; Short zoom range; Omits image stabilization; Focus may need adjustment; Pricey