IQ: Sigma 18-50 f2.8 vs Nikon 18-200 VR

[PushingTin]

I have the Nikon 18-200 which is a great travel lens but looking for something that might give better IQ in the 18-70 range (I have a 70-200 for longer reach stuff).

Will the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC SLD ELD Aspherical Macro Lens give me better Image Quality than the 18-200? Does anyone have any comparisons between these lenses or does anyone use this lens?

 

[Don Simon]

I'm not sure they're all that comparable... it may be that at 50mm at f/8 you'd find it hard to see much difference. But of course the Sigma has a constant max aperture of f/2.8; the Nikon slower and variable max aperture. The Sigma will provide extra speed if you need to use a faster shutter speed; on the other hand the Nikon has VR and the Sigma doesn't, so it may be a question of whether wider aperture or VR would be more useful to you. The Nikon of course has a much larger zoom range... and for that reason alone I would expect that yes, the Sigma will provide better image quality (to use that fairly broad term) within that range - at least it certainly should if it's anything like the equivalent Tamron.

 

[coastietech]

The Sigma 18-50 f2.8 has average reviews at best. Almost every review I have read has compared it to the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 and they all say that other than build quality the Tamron wins in every way. Not to mention I think the Tamron is cheaper as well. I will be buying the Tamron in about a month so if you are still looking at that point I will let you know what I think about it. Or you can check out the reviews of both lenses at Popphoto.com

 

[fmw]

Theoretically, yes. The 3X zoom range of the Sigma is way, way, way easier to correct for a lens designer than the 10X zoom range of the Nikkor. Since I haven't tested either lens, I can't tell you definitively but I would be willing to bet on my theoretical answer.

 

[The_Traveler]

[I have the 18-200 and] I am considering adding the 17-55 Nikon to replace the 18-70 kit lens (it is sharp but doesn't seem to get the color saturation the better lenses get.)

 

[PushingTin]

I would love the 17-55 but its out of budget reach

Sigma just in budget reach, but is it worth it? Dont want to spend more money on a lens I wont be happy with.

 

[Don Simon]

Then borrow one or just get to a store and take as many test shots as they'll alllow and you might also want to look at the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8.

 

[PushingTin]

Unfortunately here in SA, the stores only keep limited number of lenses, mainly the kit stuff and hot sellers. I would need to order the lens, cant ask them to order just to test it.