SIGMA
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Nikon F lens
Wide-angle zoom for Nikon DX cameras with constant f/1.8 aperture and 72 mm filter thread
- PartSLR Lenses
- TypeDigital Camera Lenses
- ColorBlack
- Diameter72 mm
- CompatibilityNikon
- Focus TypeAuto Focus
- Constant f/1.8 aperture across 18-35mm zoom range
- Ring-type HSM motor delivers fast and accurate autofocus
- 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates smooth background blur
- Special low dispersion glass reduces chromatic aberration
- Internal focus and zoom keeps lens length constant
Wide-aperture zoom for Nikon DX
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM is an APS-C zoom lens with a constant f/1.8 maximum aperture throughout its 18-35mm range. It mounts on Nikon F cameras and uses a ring-type ultrasonic motor for fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual override. Photographers who need shallow depth of field and low-light capability on a crop sensor will find it suited to event, portrait and documentary work. It is not for shooters who require image stabilisation, full-frame coverage or a longer telephoto reach.
Thermal noise and power in normal use
The lens has no built-in stabilisation or electronic cooling, so it draws negligible power from the camera body and produces no audible fan or motor noise beyond the autofocus drive. Its internal focusing and zoom design keeps the barrel length constant, which helps maintain balance during extended handheld sessions. There are no thermal constraints to consider because the optical formula contains no active elements that generate heat during typical shooting.
Build quality and daily handling
The construction uses a black polycarbonate barrel with a 72mm filter thread and a nine-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth background rendering. Special low dispersion glass helps control chromatic aberration across the zoom range. The fixed physical length simplifies use with polarising filters and lens hoods, while the 2.44kg weight gives a solid feel without becoming fatiguing on a DX body. It is not for users who need weather sealing or a tripod collar.
Highlights
- Constant f/1.8 aperture across 18-35mm zoom range
- Ring-type HSM motor delivers fast and accurate autofocus
- 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates smooth background blur
- Special low dispersion glass reduces chromatic aberration
- Internal focus and zoom keeps lens length constant
Specifications
| Brand | SIGMA |
|---|---|
| Model | 210306 (210557) |
| Part | SLR Lenses |
| Type | Digital Camera Lenses |
| Color | Black |
| Diameter | 72 mm |
| Compatibility | Nikon |
| Focus Type | Auto Focus |
| Focal Length | 18 - 35 mm |
| Aperture | Maximum: f/1.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount | Nikon F |
| Magnification | 0.23x |
| Filter thread (Diameter) | 72 mm |
| Specifications | 72mm filter size |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Features | Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing |
| Weight | 2.44 |
Questions about this item
How do I attach this 72 mm filter thread lens to my Nikon F body without cross-threading the mount?
Align the white mounting index on the lens barrel with the white dot on the camera bayonet, insert straight, then rotate clockwise until the lock pin clicks; the internal focusing design means the front element does not rotate during AF, so filter orientation stays fixed.
What regular upkeep does the 9-blade rounded diaphragm and HSM motor require over time?
Keep the 72 mm filter thread clean with a blower and microfibre cloth; the ultrasonic motor is sealed and lubricated for life, while the aperture blades operate dry — no user-serviceable parts inside.
At what point does the constant f/1.8 aperture become the limiting factor during extended video recording?
The fixed f/1.8 maximum aperture stays bright throughout the 18-35 mm zoom range, so exposure does not ramp; heat buildup in the barrel or camera body will stop recording before the lens optics reach a thermal limit.
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