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The SIGMA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM incorporates Sigma's original anti-shake compensation function, with a 13.8 times zoom ratio. For the camera have anti-shake function in the camera body, this lens's Hybrid Optical Stabilizer provide not only anti-shake function for the camera body compensation, but also provide the function to compensate the image shaking in the view finder of the camera like anti-shake compensation built in the lens. Incorporating four Special Low Dispersion glass elements and three Aspherical lens elements provides excellent image quality throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7 inches) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 1: 3.4 reproduction ratio, making it ideal for close-up photography. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarizing filters and the supplied petal-type hood. Incorporating super multi layer coating reduce the ghost in the backlight photography.
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Technical Details
- Equipped with Sigma's own unique OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology- Four SLD elements and three Aspherical lenses provide high image quality throughout the entire zoom range
- Minimum focusing distance of 45cm/17.7 inches and a maximum magnification of 1:3.4 makes it ideal for close-up photography
- Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting
- For Nikon digital SLR cameras
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By D. Lawrence (Philadelphia, PA)
So no super-zoom lens you buy is going to be as good as any comparable prime lens. With this is in mind, I compared this lens to the Nikkor 18-200mm. Some reviews on the web will compare a Nikkor 50mm prime to the Sigma's 50mm setting...of course the Sigma will lose (just about anything will lose, in my opinion).
The question became for me: does the picture quality between the Nikkor and the Sigma justify the cost differential. I bought both and compared the shots side by side, and I gotta say the Sigma holds up just fine. Sure, the Nikkor gets a little bit brighter colors if you zoom things up to 200 or 300%, but does this matter? This lens is for walking around and taking nice pictures. You're not going to do studio work with it...of course.
The extra zoom is nice. The build quality is fine. The optic stabilization is OK, but I like the stabilization in the Nikkor better (but if you're shooting in bright conditions or have a decent flash, this doesn't really matter).
The only bone I have to pick is that the zoom ring turns the opposite way that I'm used to, so sometimes I've missed the shot of my kids running around cuz I zoomed in when I meant to zoom out. This may just be due to my own mental shortcomings, but it's annoying nonetheless.
Bottom line: buy the Sigma (shoot, buy the Nikkor too -- and return it when you agree with me!)
By Abanquil Agbayani (Guam)
Very minimal nuance with my Canon L lens if you ever notice it at all. No wonder this is the Best Entry Level Lens: Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM and has a TIPA award for 2009. Quick AF and razor sharp pics!!!! Anyone now can become a playboy photographer.
By E. Lan (Sugar Land, TX USA)
The reason I bought this Sigma 18-250mm are probably like most people. I want to replace two lenses I have (18~70mm + 70~210mm) and the Nikon is cost too much. Amazon had this one for Nikon mount priced $509 last month, so I decided to give it a try. After two weeks of ownership, I am disappointed and sending it back. This is my second Sigma lenses. My first one is Sigma 30mm f1.4 which I like it, but this Sigma 18~250mm OS, just cannot serve the purpose.
What I like about this lens:
1. It's much cheaper than Nikon one and have huge focus range.
2. Solid built and it is "Made in Japan".
3. Optical Stabilizer does work.
4. Fast auto focus.
5. NO zoom lens creep.
What I don't like about this lens:
1. Images are not sharp at all. I've compare it to my more than 10-years-old Nikkor (70-210mm f/4.5-5.6), it's not even close.
2. It focuses fast, but I do find it somehow backward focus every now an then.
3. Less contrast and the color are not very saturated.
4. The pop-up flash would cast a shadow at 18~24mm even without the len hood on it.
5. The AF stuck few times. I have to switch the AF button to fix it.
I don't care much about the weight, HSM and distortion since I have hand strap and shoot more people than buildings. The sharpness is what I care the most. This lens is also useless indoor. I've trid turn on the OS, increase the ISO to 800, but none of the images come out what I expected. There are not that many reviews on this lens yet. The one I found is at [...]. The author had it compare to Nikon 18-200mm VR very thoroughly. He was impressive about this Sigma, but I think he return it after owning it for 6 weeks. It works fine on tripod for comparison, but not that great in real application.
While it is not sharp enough for outdoor shots, and useless indoor, I see no reason for keeping it. Others' reviews are "Great all-in-one...". I would say "Poor All-In-One lens".
By Lloyd Cualoping (Walnut, CA USA)
We got the Sigma 18-250mm lens for our Nikon D40 and it works great without any problems. It is a great all-in-one lens that can go wide and zoom pretty far in, has optical stabilization features, and even has a zoom lock function that isn't even on Nikon's current 18-200mm lens (the replacement model has one, though). Focusing does not rotate or extend the barrel of the lens so it won't throw off polarizing filters or accidentally hit objects that are close to the lens like when taking pictures through a window. While its visual quality won't match that of the more expensive Nikon lenses, you do get more bang for your buck and you probably won't even notice the difference. The only drawbacks I see with using this lens are that it is a little on the heavy side, and that its length will create a shadow when using your SLR's built-in flash at the widest focal length, but zooming in to at least 24mm or using an external flash will solve that problem. The f/6.3 aperture at maximum zoom might also cause problems for some, but it's a compromise you have to live with given this lens' price.
By Joanne Vaillancourt (Dallas, Texas)
This is a great everyday lens. Two lenses in one. I get great clear shots. The only negative I have about this lens is lens creep. It is bad. Any downward angle when using a tripod, it slides. It does not hold its position. Maybe this is true with all lenses of this size, I don't know. But if it is then I think that is a major flaw that companies can work to fix. Because of the lens creep I give a 4 star rating and not 5 star. I do recommend this lens if lens creep is ok with you.
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Buy Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Now
