Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Has anyone used this lens with M4/3, GH2/GH1, etc.? How's it working for you?

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

From what I seen in reviews the native m4/3rds zooms are much sharper and only 1/2 stop slower.

Sigma 18-50 mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM review - Image resolution - Lenstip.com

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42 mm f/3.5-5.6 ED review - Image resolution - Lenstip.com

"The Lumix 14-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS does extremely well in our studio tests. Panasonic has integrated software correction of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration into the system design, and this pays off with near-perfect results for these aspects of our tests; the lens is also unusually sharp for its class. Compared to the Micro Four Thirds Olympus M. Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ED, the Panasonic does better in almost every regard; it even out-performs the best of the kit zooms for conventional DSLRs, the Olympus Zuiko Digital F3.5-5.6 ED."
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Review: 19. Photographic tests (Kit Lens): Digital Photography Review

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Joe, thanks for the links. The difference of 2.8 to 4.5 is significant in low light. I shoot weddings so this is most critical. f/5.6 isn't even an option.

I would rather have an imperfect well-lit image than an underexposed image. Additionally for run and gun shooting in less than ideal circumstances, f/2.8 allows leaves one less setting to deal with. In full manual mode I could leave the aperture at 2.8 pretty much all evening and simply adjust shutter speed and ISO as needed. Adjustment would be much simpler and quicker with a constant aperture.

The 18-50 f/2.8-4.5 might be an option, but for run and gun a continous f/2.8 would be ideal. However if this lens falls through I will look more closely at your recommendation of the first lens.

The reviews of the lens I asked about (I've read many) generally say that if you put everything aside and look at the lens' real world performance, it is fine. Not perfect, but pretty good.

The biggest concern I have is the lens is reputed to have poor quality control and often needs to be sent to the factory for adjustment.

I think for video one can be less stringent in the need for perfectly sharp image.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

The lens I'm going out the door to buy "should" be a good choice.

I'm not thrilled with the fact it will end up being 36mm-100, but that range should still be quite useful for me in run and gun.

As they discussed, sharpness is not as critical for video use.

The lens, with an adapter will perform almost identically to a Lumix, will still be able to use AF, and that should be a real nice feature for times I don't have to be in manual, or for taking photos with the camera.

While not the perfect focal length, I expect the lens to be my most used lens until I can find something wider for under $2K at f/2.8. I don't have an adapter, but will get one pronto and report back.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

I have a Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8. Do you have an opion or experience about how well it would work with my GH2?

Norm

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

My opinion would be to spend $29 for an adapter, or whatever it would cost and use it. If you already have the lens, that is a perfect length for portraits, and many other things.

I bought the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3 a few minute ago. It is like new and I'm very pleased.

I tested it on an Olympus camera and it is absolutely perfect for video, IMO. The tests used for reviews are normally for photographic purposes, and are much more detail and stringent than it might be for video purposes.

The f/2.8 aperture worked perfectly indoors, the image was warm and pleasing, and I am confident that it will be the perfect leave-on lens for my primary wedding camera.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Norm, your lens has been called "spectacular" by some, and I was very impressed by the reviews of it. It looks as if it is a top quality lens, the best Nikon made at the time.

You probably are well aware of how great your lens is, but in case you are not, read this review and be sure to scroll down to the performance section. http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/2870afs.htm

I admit that I would be thrilled to use this Nikon any day. If you use it, please let us know how you like it on your GH2.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Jeff, Thanks for the info, yes I knew it was a good lens. The problem is that it large and heavy. They call it the coffee can. I am concerned about using it on a GH2. I need to think about it, I just might sell it.

Norm

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Norm, the lens I just bought, the sigma, is pretty difficult to find. And even though I haven't used it yet, I am very happy with the prospects for use in wedding photography. there is one on ebay, and one in Australia, and those are the ONLY ones I could find, till I got lucky and found one locally for half price.

It will work with autofocus, etc, and is great for video, I'm sure. There are other zooms that will work with the camera at f/2.8, specifically Zuiko ones, and that is where I would look...I started looking at the f/stops here on the chart.

If you're looking for a lens, I would start on the chart. Compatibilities of DMC-GH2 | Compatibility | Digital Camera | Product Support | Support | Panasonic Global

I made the mistake of buying several Canon FD lenses before thoroughly looking over the chart. The benefits of using highly compatible lenses cannot overestimated, and I wish I had done the same.

If you're a hobbyist, etc. (I don't remember what you do) the primes will be perfect for many applications, of course. But if you shoot professionally, with single camera especially, the zooms are a must have, and auto focus would be most helpful.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Hi Jeff, I am just a hobbyist but I do like zooms and AF. Have you had time to try your new lens, and what adapter did you get?

Please give us a mini-review when you can.

Thanks
Norm

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

I did get the Panasonic brand adapter today, and I have auto focus, etc. and shutter speed and aperture control with the Sigma lens.

The lens is very nice, I absolutely love it. I'm likely going to get this next:
I want back auto focus, etc in a long zoom. I run three cameras alone, and I need zoom, etc.

Highly recommended.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Just picked up the same lens off eBay. Did you get the DMW-MA1 adapter, like here?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/588085-REG/Panasonic_DMW_MA1_DMW_MA1_Mount_Adapter_to.html

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Yes, I got the same adapter. we're both fortunate that I found the lens locally, I was prepared to go to $600 in the same auction! You paid the same I did, $375! That really worked out well for you.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Jonathan, do you shoot weddings? I found the lens, with added gain, to be satisfactory yesterday. I run in manual movie mode with shutter priority and auto ISO and got great results.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

I'm glad it worked out for you - and that you got the lens locally! I shoot run 'n gun doc stuff as well as studio interviews. I'm planning to use the Sigma for the doc work. Like a lot of people, I can't wait for a fast wide native zoom, but I don't mind compromising for awhile if I can pick up something like the Sigma for a few hundred bucks.

I'm curious how the auto ISO is working out. Does the camera seem to make reasonable choices? Are the changes in ISO obvious when you review the footage?

I'm also love to know more about your experience with the auto-focus in terms of how well it works and how noisy it is.

Thanks!!

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

I had some footage that had blown out highlights during the reception, mostly the wedding dress during dancing. I was running two cameras, and it was so hectic, I don't know what was going on.

I think it was the auto ISO with the 20mm lens, but I cannot be sure. The GH2 with the Sigma was really nice, and the auto ISO worked very well, perfect. S mode kept the iris right rather than adjust the Shutter speed, and it seemed to work out very well that way.

It took me all day to come to use that setting, and I botched a lot of stuff prior to resorting to that. Luckily it was not a paid wedding, but shot as a favor for photographer, and there were no expectations. It's too much in full manual at all times, at least for me. With focus and zoom I have enough to deal with.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Thanks, sounds promising. I also find full manual mode really challenging in the field if I also have to deal with manual focus. Did you use the auto-focus at all with the Sigma?

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

I used both, and did not like auto, it hunted too much, and did not seem accurate. I found it faster to use manual, I'm sorry to say. It probably varies with your subject as to how bad it is.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Jeff, What focus mode do you use for 'coming to you' shots such as the B&G entrance at the reception or shooting the procession or recession from the top or the bottom of the aisle?

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Jim, I am embarrased to report I don't know the answer, yet. For the processional, I tried both, and both were unsatisfactory.

The problem is I don't know how to shoot in manual, but I'm sure there is a method to zooming and focusing at the same time, but I don't know how it's done.

There is, somewhere, probably in the wedding forum, someone with vast experience with this issue.

I believe there is a method to be used, but I don't know what it is yet. I must find out though!

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

I have has good success using auto focus with spot mode if I keep the 'spot' on the subject as they walk to me. This has been 'parking lot' shots with associates. I have been using my EX1R for paying jobs because I feel more secure with it. I have a big wedding this coming weekend. I will be using both my GH2 and EX1R on this one. I am using a second shooter with a 5D Mk II just to be safe.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Another thing I am uncertain about is how well auto focus on a 'coming to you' shot works in low light. At my upcoming wedding shoot, there will be a sparkler departure from the reception for the B&G. The only light will be the light from the guests' sparklers who will be lined up on both sides of the B&G's departure path. That's one of those 'better not blow it' shots.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Jim, I used spot mode, or played with it when I first got the camera, and haven't used it again since.

I'll have to play with it. Can you tell me the gist of what mode I must be in, menu settings for it to work? It it something I might have turned off?

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

I will check my camera settings and post later today after I have. Unfortunately it's not one of those 'read page 73 in the manual' deals because the manual is very poorly organized and written. Maybe we can picket their booth at NAB about the manual - - - Just kidding. ;-)

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

thanks Jim...

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Hey Jeff, I found that I have changed some setting in my camera since I last did this. I am going to test this with an associate walking toward me in a parking lot tomorrow. I want to make sure that I have this right. I need to use this capability on my wedding shoot Saturday. I will post the settings that I used after I get home tomorrow evening.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Cool Jim, thanks. I would test it myself but I have been bogged down on the PC all day.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Jeff, I had great success with shooting shots of people walking toward and away from me with the camera set to AFC and spot focus selected. I set the spot focus point to the center of the frame and then kept the subject being tracked in the center of the frame. This works equally well when the subject is walking to or away from the camera. I have enough confidence in this method to use it with my wedding shoot Saturday.

Until I feel that I know the GH2 inside and out, I will use tested methods that I know work when I'm doing a paying job. I haven't tried the facial recognition mode yet. Until I use it a lot more and develop confidence in it, I'm afraid of it. The good is the GH2 has a depth of features and the bad is that it has a depth of features. Without a good manual or 3rd party guide, you have to hack you way through it. That part is best done in your back yard and not on paying jobs.

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Aha, the AFC mode, which I've not really used much. Jim, I really appreciate your reporting with that information.

My primary lens on my main camera is the Sigma 18-50, and AFC will not work with that lens. Darn!

Re: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for 4/3
 

Jim, When you say "spot focus" are you referring to "1 area focusing"? If so, how small to you make your focus area? Also, what camera mode are you using?

Thanks. Norm