ARRIVED, reviews after the jump.

Oh, by the way, only $426 through Amazon.com, much better deal than the $499 they offered a small while back for Nikon users.

So I finally move away from my sole lens that I had for the last 3 months (I still love you f/1.8 50mm) and get two features I missed sorely for a while: wide angle and zoom. You really don’t know how much you miss it until you start missing shots because you can’t get wide enough or can’t get in position fast enough. This lens also has a bit of macro on it.

I can finally get some zooming action in this thing too:

My one gripe with the Sigma 18-50mm is that it doesn’t have a M/A mode which for me isn’t a deal breaker. I still have to remind myself not to turn the focus ring when in auto when I do need manual right away. Otherwise the glass is clear, f/2.8 throughout, and built pretty sturdily. This lens is really a great bargain at $426.