How to reach out and adjust your subject while shooting with this exceptionally close-focusing macro.

Conclusion:
For tabletop shooters who like to reach out from the camera position to reposition or otherwise manipulate their subject, this 1:3 macro is probably the closestfocusing lens in its class. In all, it's a stellar performer, and significantly better by virtually all optical benchmarks than its predecessor, or, for that matter, competitors such as Nikon's comparable 17-55mm f/2.8 ($1,200, street).

Specifications
18-50mm (18.80-50.55mm tested), f/2.8 (f/2.99-3.03 tested), 15 elements in 13 groups. Focusing turns 60 degrees counterclockwise. Zoom ring turns 60 degrees clockwise. Focal lengths marked at 18-, 24-, 28-, 35-, and 50mm.
• Diagonal view angle: 69-27 degrees.
• Weight: 1.10 lb.
• Filter size: 72mm.
• Mounts: Canon AF, Nikon AF, Olympus Four Thirds, Pentax AF, Sigma AF, Sony AF.
• Included: Lenshood, softcase.
• Street price: $420.

Hands on and In the Lab Test by PopPhoto
Flickr Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Sample Photo

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