The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is a highly regarded lens, but it was originally designed for DSLR cameras with APS-C sensors and uses the EF mount. To use it on a Canon RF-mount camera (like those in Canon’s mirrorless lineup), you would need an EF-to-RF mount adapter. Here’s an evaluation of how it performs:
Pros:
- Excellent Optical Quality: The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 offers stellar sharpness, vibrant colors, and good contrast.
- Wide Aperture: The f/1.8 aperture is unique for a zoom lens and excellent for low-light situations and achieving shallow depth of field.
- Adaptability: Canon’s EF-to-RF adapter allows the lens to work seamlessly with RF-mount cameras. Canon’s adapters maintain autofocus and communication between the lens and camera body.
Cons:
- APS-C Coverage: This lens is designed for APS-C sensors. On a Canon RF-mount camera with a full-frame sensor (e.g., EOS R5 or R6), it will cause vignetting (dark corners). The camera will automatically crop the image to an APS-C size, reducing the effective resolution (e.g., from 45MP to ~18MP on the R5).
- Size and Weight: The lens is relatively bulky, and adding an adapter makes it longer and heavier.
- Autofocus: While the lens is fast and accurate in many cases, its autofocus performance might not be as seamless or silent compared to native RF lenses, particularly for video.
Recommendation:
- If you’re using a Canon RF-mount APS-C camera like the Canon EOS R50, R10, or R7, the Sigma 18-35mm is an excellent option and works well with the crop sensor.
- If you’re using a Canon RF-mount full-frame camera, you may want to consider native RF lenses or full-frame EF lenses for optimal use of the camera’s sensor and features.
If you’re already invested in the Sigma 18-35mm and you’re okay with the APS-C crop mode on a full-frame RF body, it’s still a solid performer. However, if you want native RF lenses, consider options like the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM or RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM for broader compatibility and features.
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