Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Canon Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Canon. Learn about its features, setup, operation, maintenance, and specifications to optimize your photography experience. This lens is the first wide-angle to standard zoom lens to achieve a large aperture of 1.8, offering exceptional performance for various photographic needs.

The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens is designed for Canon EF (EF-S) mount cameras. It features an F1.8 maximum aperture and F16 minimum aperture, a ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing, and a 72mm filter size. The minimum focusing distance is 28 cm (11.0 inches). It is also USB Dock compatible and MC-11 compatible.

Product Overview

Key Features:

• F1.8 Maximum Aperture: Excellent for low-light conditions and achieving shallow depth of field.
• F16 Minimum Aperture: Provides greater depth of field when desired.
• Ring-type Ultrasonic-type AF Motor: Ensures fast, quiet, and precise autofocusing with full-time manual focusing override.
• 72mm Filter Size: Compatible with a wide range of filters.
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 28 cm (11.0 inches) for close-up shots.
• USB Dock Compatible: Allows for firmware updates and focus calibration.
• MC-11 Compatible: Ensures broader compatibility with various camera systems via adapter.
• 0.23 Optical Zoom: Provides versatile focal lengths from 18mm to 35mm.

Setup

Attaching the Lens to Your Camera

1. Ensure your camera is powered off.
2. Align the red dot on the lens barrel with the red dot on your camera's lens mount.
3. Gently insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place.

Attaching the Lens Hood

1. Align the lens hood with the front of the lens.
2. Rotate the hood clockwise until it locks securely. The lens hood can be reversed for compact storage.

Unboxing and Overview Video

Operating the Lens

Focusing Modes (AF/MF Switch)

The lens features an AF/MF switch on its barrel, allowing you to select between autofocus and manual focus. The ring-type ultrasonic motor provides fast and quiet autofocus, with the added benefit of full-time manual override.

• AF (Autofocus): The camera automatically focuses on the subject.
• MF (Manual Focus): Allows you to manually adjust the focus by rotating the focus ring.

Aperture Control

The F1.8 maximum aperture is ideal for shooting in low-light conditions and for creating images with a beautifully shallow depth of field, isolating your subject from the background. The F16 minimum aperture allows for greater depth of field, useful for landscapes or group shots where more of the scene needs to be in focus.

Maintenance

General Care and Cleaning

• Always keep the front and rear lens caps on when the lens is not in use to protect the glass elements.
• Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a specialized lens cleaning solution to clean the glass surfaces. Avoid touching the glass with your fingers.
• Store the lens in a dry, dust-free environment, preferably in a lens case or bag.
• The lens is not weather-sealed. Avoid exposure to moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures to prevent damage.

Firmware Updates and Calibration

The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens is compatible with the Sigma USB Dock (sold separately). This accessory allows users to update lens firmware, adjust focus settings, and customize other parameters for optimal performance. Visit sigma-global.com/en/support/ for the latest firmware and software.

Troubleshooting

Focus Shift and Inconsistent Autofocus

Due to the very shallow depth of field (DOF) of fast glass and focus variation between cameras, users may experience focus shift and inconsistent AF. This can often be resolved by:

• Using the AF fine-tune (for Nikon System) or AF Micro Adjustment (for Canon System) feature in your camera's menu to calibrate the lens to your specific camera body.
• Shooting at smaller aperture values (e.g., F2.8, F4) to increase the depth of field, which naturally reduces the appearance of focus issues resulting from minor variations.

Vignetting

Some vignetting (darkening of the image corners) may occur, especially at wider apertures. This can be reduced by:

• Shooting at smaller aperture values.
• Using in-camera lens correction profiles or post-processing software to correct vignetting.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Sigma Limited Warranty

This product is covered by the Sigma Limited Warranty in the Americas. For detailed warranty information, product registration, and support, please visit the official Sigma website: sigma-global.com/en/support/.

Legal Disclaimer

This product will ship only to USA residents.