5Dec/095
Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
- 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
Product Description
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... More >>
Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
December 5th, 2009 - 17:39
I have had this a few weeks, I purchased it for its range as I am shooting a friends wedding next month. Thus far I have found its range a tremendous benefit for indoor group events.
Rating: 4 / 5
December 5th, 2009 - 20:32
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”.
Rating: 2 / 5
December 5th, 2009 - 23:24
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.
Rating: 4 / 5
December 6th, 2009 - 00:43
I first tried the 18-200, it took great pictures of horrible ones. Returned it and got the 18-250. A far better lens. Worth a few bucks more. TI love the range and the build quality. The Tamron felt too plastic for something I wanted to pay so much for and drag all over the world. After two weeks of heavy usage no lens creep yet. (if it does I will update the review)
The focus can hunt in low light when you are on the long end. The f/6.3 can be a drag but seeing as no other lens does much better it must be a optical limitation for this type of lens. But 95% of the time this lens is dead on.
I would recommend this lens, if you are looking for a single lens to cover a wide range. If you are a pro looking for something for stick on the end of you new D3x this is not it(but you would know that).
Rating: 4 / 5
December 6th, 2009 - 02:13
With this lens, I have taken over 3000 photos in places like theme park exhibition, air show, zoo and baseball game. The lens performs very well under good lighting. The OS function helps too freeze sharp images of fast moving subjects. Sometimes, I get soft images at long focal lengths. This is because this is not a fast lens. It is f6.3 at the maximum focal length. You cannot fairly compare picture quality with those taken with an f2.8 lens.
Considering its wide zoom range, HSM AF function, OS and relatively small when compared with other long zoom lenses, this is an excellent choice for taking outdoor pictures under good lighting.
Rating: 5 / 5