Sigma 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC OS *Optically Stabilized* Photo Gallery by lightrules at pbase.com

Sigma 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC OS Optically Stabilized

June 28 2007

Sigma 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC OS
7 Blades, F22 Minimum Aperture, 17.7" MFD, 1:3 Magnification, 72mm Front Thread

Pros: Focal range, Impressive "OS" performance, Very good sharpness for a superzoom, Build quality, Ergonomics, Close-up ability, Hood included.
Cons: Barrel distortion, Light fall-off, Border performance, Lack of ring HSM and FTM.

Color/Contrast/Saturation 8
Wide Open Center Sharpness 9
Wide Open Edge Sharpness 7
Barrel Distortion 7
Light Fall-Off 7
Chromatic Aberration 8
Flare Resistance 9
Bokeh 7
Build 9
Handling 9
AF Speed 7
AF Noise 7
AF in Low-Light 7

Focal Length to Aperture:
18mm f3.5
20mm f4
30mm f4.5
50mm f5
80mm f5.6
140mm f6.3

COMMENTS:
*The BROAD FOCAL RANGE mated with a SUPERB OS unit make this lens arguably THE BEST walkaround zoom currently available for APS-C bodies. While every lens choice is a compromise of some sort, and this lens certainly has its weaknesses, all things considered it SURPASSED my expectations.

*The OS unit (Sigma states is good for an impressive 3-4 stops) is QUIET AND EFFECTIVE (albeit "jumpy" upon initial push). It reaches its optimal stabilization one second after pressing the shutter halfway. I have already seen gains of 5-6 stops. The noise of the OS unit is similar to the very good IS units in the 1785 and 1755 --- they all have a barely audible "static" noise (you need to put the lens right up against your ear as you depress the shutter halfway to hear it). As an aside, Sigma states in the manual to turn the OS "off" when using a tripod.

*The FOCAL RANGE IS EXCEPTIONAL (and now has me bitten). To go from 18mm all the way to 200mm is such a boon to have, and all in a relatively small package (although the lens IS BEEFIER/LARGER than I had expected --- it makes lenses like the Sigma 1850f2.8 and Tamron 1750f2.8 feel PUNY in comparison).

*The BUILD QUALITY and BUILD-FEEL of this "DC" lens made a HUGE first impression --- and I'm STILL VERY IMPRESSED with it. The zoom and focus rings are solid and grippy. The tension on the zoom ring is smooth and firm; you'll find NO SLOP nor plasticky-feel at all. And while there is a zoom lock feature at 18mm, I find the lens doesn't need it. There is no question that it feels MUCH better built than the 1755 IS. For all intents and purposes, the build seems indistinguishable from Sigma's EX line.

*OPTICALLY, the lens is VERY GOOD for a super zoom (but has its compromises in certain areas). Sharpness and colors are impressive considering this is an 11x zoom. However, there are THREE PRIMARY WEAK POINTS OPTICALLY with this lens. First, the lens exhibits noticeable BARREL DISTORTION at the wide end. Second, LIGHT FALL-OFF is also quite EVIDENT, and not only at the wide end but also at the tele end of things. Of course, stopping down improves the situation. And third, BORDER PERFORMANCE at the SPECIFIC FOCAL LENGTHS of 35mm/85mm/150mm isn't good (at or near wide open, that is). On the other hand, CENTER RESOLUTION performance is VERY GOOD pretty much across the board (though especially at 18mm/50mm/135mm/200mm). FLARE and CA are controlled REMARKABLY well. BOKEH with this superzoom is acceptable; I was surprised that it wasn't as harsh as I would have thought. Again, overall this lens delivers VERY GOOD image quality across the board for a lens of this design and class. Don't expect the images to "blow you away" like a fast prime or dedicated macro lens, but if you realize its limitations, you should be very satisfied with the quality of the results. Especially with basic post-processing, IMAGES CAN IMPRESS.

*Concerning AF, it's too bad the lens LACKS ring HSM and FTM. However, while the AF isn't speedy, due to the short focus travel (from MFD to infinity is about 75 degrees), AF is achieved FAIRLY QUICK. In low light, the lens can HUNT/oscillate more so than other lenses. Overall the AF is good and accurate. Hear the AF here http://youtube.com/watch?v=3lJZbXDFmNY

*IN CONCLUSION, while the new Sigma 18-200 OS has its limitations, IMO it is the BEST GENERAL WALKAROUND ZOOM CURRENTLY AVAILABLE for APS-C. Its price-point is very aggressive at $450 USD. It gives a 35mm equivalent FOV of 29mm-320mm WITH image stabilization. Canon currently has NOTHING TO MATCH IT. If you like fast glass with fast AF, this ISN'T the lens for you or your walkaround needs. The VF gets DARK VERY QUICKLY as you move toward the tele end. This lens loves light (similar to the Bigma). But if you want something with INCOMPARABLE RANGE mated to an EXCELLENT OS device, it's HARD TO BEAT this new Sigma offering. It can deliver crisp images with nice contrast. It's the perfect answer for the common "What lens for Disneyland?!" question that is asked on every forum, everyday. An OPTIMAL and COMPACT two-lens combination for APS-C is mating the Sigma 18-200 OS to the Sigma 30 f1.4 (or similar fast prime). You will be impressed ESPECIALLY with its BUILD QUALITY, FOCAL RANGE, and OPTICAL STABILIZATION. I recommend this lens WITHOUT RESERVATIONS for those who want a "jack of all trades" walkaround lens. Going to Disney World soon? This is your lens.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3324&navigator=6
http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/4603/lens-test-sigma-18-200mm-f35-63-dc-os-af.html
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Sigma-18-200mm-f35-63-DC-OS-1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1031&message=24410116
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=332
http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000NOSCGM/ref=cm_cr_pr_recent?%5Fencoding=UTF8&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/1785isv18200os
http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/evfzz
http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/norcalpics

18200OS	01	02	03
04	05	06	07
08	09	10	11
12	13	14	15
16	17	Quick Comparison with 1755 IS	Quick Comparison with 100400 IS
Sigma 18-200 "Optical Stabilization Performance"	Focal Range and FOV	Processed and Resized Sample Pictures

post a comment

Guest		14-Jan-2009 03:36
what model is that Sigma lens hood? Are there other hoods that fit the Sigma 18-200mm lense? Please email the info to ontopofm@yahoo.com. Thank you very much

lightrules		11-Dec-2008 16:50
Welcome Hasan. The 18-200 OS isn't the ideal wedding lens. It is a slower aperture lens so it will not produce fast enough shutter speeds for low light movement. However, if you will be using an external flash unit, this will help a lot. You might want to pick up a fast prime or two. Best regards.

Heru Hasan		11-Dec-2008 08:34
Ow I forgot, currently I'm using Kiss N (350D) with Kit lens, 28-105 II USM & 70-300. And this is my first time to stepped out from Canon lens. Thank You... Hasan.

Heru Hasan		11-Dec-2008 08:31
Hi, I'm hasan from Indonesia & I have learn alot from this site, thank you very much! And it's probably not a comment, it's more like a question. I'm about to have this Sigma Lens, I'm gonna used it for wedding Photography. Judging by the comment from start to end, some says that this lens is not quick enough? is it true? 'cause you know that speed is kinda one of the must in wedding photography. Any one, please help?

lightrules		22-Aug-2008 01:58
It isn't the 40D that is the problem then, it is possibly a miscalibrated lens. Probably a service trip to Sigma would resolve any issues. I used the 18-200 OS on my 40D for some time and it delivered good images for me.

karl		22-Aug-2008 00:09
i had the 18-200 on my 350d which was stolen it was a great lens, i then upgraded to the 40d and bought the 18-200 OS version i really wish i hadnt it has been shocking pictures are not sharp the standard 18-55 walks all over it. AVOID this lens if you can if you have a 40d that is

D. Welch		17-Aug-2008 02:16
I have the 18-200 OS and a 40D. I think it is one of the best all arounds in the business. Checkout my pics and see for yourself. http://www.pbase.com/boydog/canon_40d_

lightrules		24-Nov-2007 23:00
I have not heard of any OS HSM unit for Canon mount. As of right now, the 18-200 OS is it, and it's quite a nice lens. I think it would be a nice fit for your 40D. As a general walkaround, it is superb.

Guest		24-Nov-2007 22:32
I have the digital rebel and plan to buy this OS lens and maybe the 40d. Do you think this OS lens will have a better result with the 40d or with the rebel (because the 40d "needs" L-quality lenses) ? And have you heard about a HSM Canon version in 2008 ?

lightrules		29-Sep-2007 15:08
I notice very little to no creep with the OS lens. I'm not familiar with the VR lens though.

nikon_user		29-Sep-2007 14:47
i'm planning of buying the 18-200 OS HSM for my nikon D40X...i just want to ask if any of you has experienced the creeping problem that the nikon's 18-200 VR has?

mike walker		17-Sep-2007 21:19
I purchased this lens in July for a Canon 10D and at first I wasn't very happy with it. I had been using a Canon EF28-300mm, F3.5-5.6 L IS USM on a Canon 5D for about a year, and it took some time to adjust to the difference in both the lens and the camera. But after a few times out, I have come to really like this lens. While it is certainly not an L lens, the quality is very good for the price and the lightweight and significantly smaller size make it much easier to travel with and tote around all day. Samples: http://www.pbase.com/lmwalker/oklahoma_vs_utah_state_092007 http://www.pbase.com/lmwalker/ceremony http://www.pbase.com/lmwalker/other_wedding_photos http://www.pbase.com/lmwalker/other_tybee_island_photos

Guest		28-Aug-2007 14:22
It has a unusual scale for the feet and MM scale and then the scale on the barrel, any thoughts why they did it this way, or is it becasue of its macro feature?

lightrules		20-Aug-2007 14:50
Michael, it is at f6.3 at 140mm (or thereabouts). It's acceptable to me though.

Michael Mattox		20-Aug-2007 12:01
Are you sure it's 6.3 at 140mm? My old Sigma 18-200 non-OS was 5.6 until about 190-195mm (actually just a hair away from 200mm). So the 6.3 didn't bother me at all. But if it's 6.3 at 140mm then that's very bad.

lightrules		13-Jul-2007 14:02
Sounds quite normal for the OS operation. Just keep using it and practicing. It's a great feature.

William		13-Jul-2007 04:16
I just got this lens from Amazon. I haven't had experience with OS lens except tried out a demo Canon with a Canon 28-135 IS lens at BestBuy. This Sigma I got is a little different from the non OS unit I had. It is difficult to adjust the zoom around the mid range, like 80mm. When I press half way down the shutter button, the "view" through the view finder shifted a little bit. If I wait till the OS feature stopped (when the exposure info in the view finder disappeared) and try to focus on some other objects, it happens again. I do get the light static-like noise. I also get a click when the "shift" happens. I'm wondering if the UPS dude broke it. Anyone ?

lightrules		12-Jul-2007 19:45
Possibly a bad copy? If not user error, it's entirely possible it was a poor copy. It happens here and there.

Alvin Leyva		12-Jul-2007 18:47
I had this lens for 1 week and returned it. It is just way too soft. I cannot believe people are actually saying this is a great lens. You can probably getaway with the image quality with a 6MP Dslr but if you have a Dslr with 8 or more MP, go look somewhere else.

lightrules		04-Jul-2007 15:58
Hi Victor, I've not used the VR model but have read a good number of reviews on it. My general opinion is that this Sigma model is the better buy, considering it's built better and quite a bit cheaper. The Nikon lens is 1/3 stop faster at 200mm, but that isn't enough to warrant the big price difference. Both lenses suffer from strong light falloff and barrel distortion. Sorry I cannot be of more help, but that's my quick take on this issue.

Victor Li Photography		04-Jul-2007 15:48
Do you have any opinions on Sigma 18-200 os vs. Nikon 18-200 vr? I am a Nikon user and hope you don't mind that I pose this question here. Thank you for the review on this lens.

lightrules		02-Jul-2007 05:30
WMS, I see from your POTN information you're here in CA. You can get this lens currently from a number of reputable sellers (out of state) such as Amazon.com, Sigma4Less, BeachCamera, BuyDig, and NormanCamera. While B&H is out of stock (seems they can't keep it in stock for more than a day), their price is $550 plus S&H. These other stores do at least as good on price. Just FYI.

WMS		02-Jul-2007 05:01
Thia lens sounds like a good alternative to my present walk around lens, I was thinking about getting something with a longer end than my EF-s 17-85 anyway. However at present it seems to be on backorder from the dealers I have done business with in the past.

Guest		01-Jul-2007 07:55
OS actually is better or more effective than the IS on Canon in my opinion.

Guest		01-Jul-2007 07:54
I agree almost all what have been said here. I love it as it is and no need to compare it to these primes or EF-S17-55IS. This is an amazing improvement over the non OS model or all of this kinda lenses . I think combination of this lens with several primes eliminates all my needs to keep so many lenses. After getting this I sold my EF70-300IS , non-OS 18-200 , the kit , EF70-200F4L , and got EF100 macro , which is a superb lens . At least this lens is as sharp as the EF70-300Is at the over rapping range.

lightrules		01-Jul-2007 05:19
Thanks for each of your comments. I'm glad this review has been useful.

Larry Ingram		30-Jun-2007 22:26
Thanks for the excellent review. I have had the non OS version since introduction and one of these on order since my regular supplier listed a price, and hopefully it will arrive soon. It even sounds like the new version may be optically than the old one. Thanks again for taking the time.

Kannan.V		30-Jun-2007 20:34
Wonderful and a correct review, i have this lens and i can vouch the facts stated in this review 100%. I was really amazed by the build quality of this lens, the moment i opened the packing and held this lens in my hand, it was a bit of a pride. It compared in build to the sigma 50mm EX macro and 10-20mm EX UWA. Excellent is all i can say about this lens. Kudos to the guys at Sigma for such a product.

Guest		28-Jun-2007 18:39
hey , man this is a great lens enjoy your OS.

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