Sigma 18-200mm

dnavarrojr · Feb 10, 2011

Does anyone have the Sigma 18-200mm? What do you think of it? Any sample pics on Flickr or some place?

I'm getting a used Rebel body for my daughter and I want a zoom lens with a decent range. Something I can use now and again too.

Thanks for any opinions on it.

robb01 · Feb 11, 2011

I have the Tamron 18-200, been pretty happy with it so far. I chose it over the Sigma based on reading alot reviews

Dao · Feb 11, 2011

From what I read, the Sigma 18-250mm OS seems better than the 18-200mm optically.

subscuck · Feb 11, 2011

If it was only for your daughter, I'd say go ahead. It has some issues, but overall it's not a crap lens, especially for a beginner. If you're planning on sharing it, tho, and you're very exacting about IQ, I'd say avoid it. The Tamron, or Canon version would be better optically, but they're also a few bucks more.

myshkin · Feb 11, 2011

I have this lens and have gotten some nice shots with it, but I wouldn't pay a lot for it. It is soft on me over 100mm or so. I can have it on a tripod in a perfectly still day with mirror up and remote and they still look a touch soft

dnavarrojr · Feb 12, 2011

Thanks so much, I'll look at the Tamron. BorrowLenses didn't have the Sigma available for rental, but they do have the Tamron, so I'll rent it and give it a try.

mrpink · Feb 12, 2011

Sigma is one of those companies were you will get a wide variance of quality. I bought a 18-250mm used mainly because I knew it was a good copy.

Good luck.

p!nK

Trbo323 · Feb 12, 2011

i have the sigma 18-200 on my A-300, i love it. here is a few samples for you

both of those have had some editing on them, no editing on these next two

if the price isnt an issue the 18-250 will be a better lens, espeshally with the hypersonic motor, I dont have experience with the 18-250 but i also own a sigma 10mm FE that has the HSM and it focuses much faster and quieter (id say at least twice as fast)

the 18-200 will creep on you if you are pointing the camera down or up, when i first got it it didnt do this but once broken in it does. other than that its a fantastic lens its the one i use most often but i do have to agree with the a touch soft comment, i dont notice it in every shot but every once in a while I find one that i could swear up and down that i metered and focused directly on whatever my subject is and it still appears a bit soft. im not sure what circumstances this is under however, i havnt noticed it every time over 100mm