When does wide open not look awesome! Bokeh is what made me want a 'real' camera over a decade ago! Apparently the Sigma 1.8 zooms were made at the focal lengths they were because it was quicker than making one with a longer range which Canon have in the works. That meant Sigma could get to market quicker, also they can rarely charge what Canon can for their Zooms, so they had to cut something out. Fortunately it wasn't the quality, they have really made some stunning lenses over the last 5 years.