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Sigma 18-35 takes APS-C (crop sensor) to new level
Ive been carrying around my EOS M3 and Sigma 18-35 in my car the last few days taking shots where I can. The 24 megapixel sensor combined with the Sigma 18-35 really takes APS-C to the next level. Just looking at the various pictures produced Im very impressed. If I were to print out the 5D Mark III and EOS M3+18-35 shots I might not be able to really tell the difference.
My personal research indicates the Sigma 18-35 is at least as good as Canon's best lenses when mounted to the crop sensor. You cant get much sharper than this lens on a crop body.
The cons of the 18-35? I find myself wanting more zoom and more wide which this lens cannot give. The APS-C platform is still not a substitute for the full frame beast especially in ways of ISO Performance.
Whats coming out in the future is the Canon SL2 which will have the same platform as the M3 and the T6. It will be smaller than the current Sl1 which is already the smallest DSLR on the market I suspect. My personal interest in these systems is they are cheaper so that I dont carry thousands of dollars around in equipment into questionable areas...more security with less expensive equipment. I would rather have someone grab the M3 and Sigma lens versus the 5DSR and my other lenses. My other interest is they are lighter. The M3 is a small beast compared to the larger full frame beast. Its not a substitute for the larger systems, but something that is nice to have for travel and personal use.
Lets say you plan on traveling to the islands. The 24 megapixel sensor combined with the 18-35 would do well there. The Canon SL2 with the 18-35 would probably be a $1500 combination. I would rather risk carrying around the $1500 combination versus the $7000 combination of the 5DSR and the 24-70 II 2.8. It would make for a more portable all around package. You can also raise the bar a bit more on landscape shots with a tripod or monopod. I love my monopod because it steps up stability a notch, but also when traveling its good to have a stick in the hand when you are carrying around expensive gear to make would-be thieves think twice.
Comments
The only CON to the Sigma is all you have is 18-35...ugh, but at least its the best 18-35 you are going to get in the APS-C world. You cant do better than any other lens.