Solid lens, price Well

--- Based ---
My experience in the field of photography is limited to about 1 1/2 years. This with a Sony Alpha 57, and with a Nikon D7000
And I had been obsessed with several kit lenses and prime lenses from Minolta and Sony.
Why do I say this, quite simply that you can you get an idea and believe me what I write now, or you let it :-)

--- --- Anticipation
The expectation of an objective in the 700 Euro class are quite high in my opinion. Somal it is the most expensive lens, which I
have given me so far. For some, however, this is only the introduction to the objective world, for me a huge investment.

--- The lens ---
Why I bought the lens at all? Since I only have my own and my Nikon D7000 Lens Park on a
Nikon 18-105mm Nikon 50mm f1.8 and the limited I wanted what Brighter for portraits and celebrations that make a yet more leeway in terms of zoom.

The lens is solid and feels good in your hand. Before ordering, I thought, the focal length may be sufficient for traveling. This
I think now still, but .... that part is hard! For travel for me too heavy for me. I am not a professional and earn with my images not
Money, so I prefer something lighter and with it minimum compromise in image quality in purchasing.

Conclusion: First impression is the price certainly adequate.

--- The autofocus ---
One hears more bad than good about it so unpacked and first test shot photos, and lo and behold ....... BACK FOCUS!
Luckily the owner of a D7000 and after several hours of work (actually some!) Arrived at the AF fine adjustment at -16 and finally adjusts the focus.
As owner of a D3XXX or D5XXX have no other choice but to pack because the part and return it, or let adjust. However, both annoying

--- The sharpness ---
Hmmmm ....... so I draw here as compared my Nikon 50mm f1.8 prime lens the weight which probably costs 170 euros noticed.
As the Sigma has absolutely no chance! A really good Schwärfe adapts with my Sigma from Aperture 5.6.
Clear you reserve for more light on Aperture 2.8 but I would have been there before "hoped" a little more sharpness.
Do not misunderstand it's been sharp but it must be 700 euros despite not expect miracles at maximum aperture.
And then, in direct comparison to my Nikon 18-105 VR creates the Nikon dimmed almost the same sharpness.

Conclusion: First disillusionment sets in.

--- What now? ---
Well, we summarize briefly again together. Very bright, good zoom range for portraits on Crop cameras and dimmed really focus, autofocus fits even after correction.
Fixed focal length significantly sharper but limited. Nikon 18-105 VR almost as sharp but not bright.

--- Conclusion ---
I think you should think twice about whether you need the hobby photographer, this last little bit more sharpness will cost the same time 400 Euro premium over a good kit lens.
Still to see some of the people with whom one then in the photos is not the difference in the picture with a 1000 Euro DSLR and a 100 Euro Aldi clippers. (I know a bit exaggerated :-)

I then decided to return the Sigma again. But I've again bought one and indeed a good used for about 350 euros.
I have the same results as with the other achieves why I exclude a "Monday Model".

And then I have to say quite clearly, now is true for me as an amateur photographer match the relationship between image quality and more investment.

Anyone under constant conditions makes photos at home or in his studio where I would clearly recommend the 35 plus 50 mm fixed focal length (in Crop)
Here you get offered more for less money. All other amateur photographers, as I did with my previous 18-105mm VR, I would say do not underestimate the kit lenses!
The 18-105 is definitely in my own and my location for vacations or trips in spite of the expensive sigmoid colon.

I am personally of the opinion, for an amateur photographer, it is probably worth less the 700 Euro. A professional will probably worry about third-party lenses
and if surely not Sigma or Tamron in this price range.