Conclusion

Sigma 18-35mm F1.8

+ Constant F1.8 max aperture
+ Zooming is all internal
+ Incredibly sharp
+ Solid build quality
+ Smooth adjustment rings
+ First of its kind
+ Focus distance display

– Heavy and generally cumbersome
– Auto focus through viewfinder can be slow
– Pricey

Nikon 35mm F1.8

+ Small & Lightweight
+ Stellar performance
+ Best bang for buck you’ll find
+ Photoshop has distortion profiles

– Prime can be inconvenient for some situations
– Adjustment ring isn’t quite as enjoyable to use

Both of these lenses are absolutely phenomenal in their own ways. Each lens has its strengths and weaknesses but looking at performance alone, it becomes very hard to justify the much higher ($600 difference!) price of the Sigma. You’re mostly paying for convenience. The bokeh quality is nearly identical, sharpness with both lenses is incredibly impressive, and both auto focus motors have their ups and downs. If you’re someone who shoots wide most of the time, you’ll appreciate the 18-35 focal range compared to being stuck with a 35 prime. If you find that you’re more of a telephoto range person, a pricey zoom lens with such a short focal length may not appeal to you.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. The Nikon 35mm F1.8 is incredibly small, lightweight, and cheap. The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 is quite large, but has a very convenient focal length of 18-35, all while keeping an unheard of constant maximum aperture of F1.8! If you find that you use a tripod a lot, be sure that it can handle the extra weight that the Sigma has. As a lot of rig shots are done with a tripod, this is very important to remember. We’d love to tell you which lens is the absolute best pick but given the large price difference, in the end it’s up to you. One thing’s for sure though, Sigma has outdone themselves here. Sigma is beating the stereotype that the only lenses that professionals use are from manufacturers of their camera body. This was our first non-Nikon lens that we at ExtremeRigs have experimented with and we are more than pleased with its performance. In fact, we can’t wait to get our hands on the Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 and pit it directly against similar Nikon lenses.