Lens Reviews - Sigma 18-125mm f3.8-5.6 DC OS

Overview

Digital Camera Lens
18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM

High ratio zoom lens housed in a compact construction and incorporating Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabiliser) function.

Sigma’s unique OS (Optical Stabiliser) technology
This compact high zoom ratio lens is designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras and incorporates Sigma’s original OS function. This system uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera and works by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group to effectively compensate for Camera shake. It offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed approximately 4 stops faster.

Excellent Optical Performance
It is the ideal lens for several type of photography such as wide-angle, telephoto and close-up. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, a molded glass Aspherical lens and two hybrid aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations.

HSM
An Inner focusing system provides high performance and convenience. The non-rotating lens barrel perfectly suits the matched petal-type lens hood (supplied) and circular polarising filters.

Close-up photography
This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF as well as Full-time manual focusing capability.

Zoom lock switch mechanism
A zoom lock switch mechanism is provided to prevent the lens from creeping due to its own weight.

Lens Specifications

Generic Lens Specifications

Lens Type: Zoom
IS / VR / OS: OS
Min Focal length (mm): 18
Max Focal Length (mm): 125
Number of Elements: 18
Element Groups: 13
Max Aperture: 3.8
Minimum Aperture: 32
Diaphragm Blades: 7
Closest Focus Distance (m): 0.35
Maximum Magnification: 1.3
Filter Type: Screw In
Filter Diameter (mm): 67
Diameter at widest (mm): 74
Lens Length (mm): 88
Weight (g): 540
Release Date: Feb 2008

Details

Lens Construction

18 Elements in 13 Groups

Angle of view (SD Format)

69.3 - 11.4 degrees

Number of Diaphragm Blades

7 Blades

Minimum Aperture

F32

Minimum Focusing Distance

35cm

Maximum Magnification

1:3.8

Filter Size

67mm

Dimensions

Diameter 74mm x Length 88.5mm

Weight

540g

SRP

£TBA

18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM

Lens Hood

Front and Rear Caps

Instruction Manual

1 Year Warranty Card

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User Lens Reviews

Average user rating from: 1 user(s)


Overall rating (weighted)		4.0
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		3.0
Value for Money		5.0

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

Surprising!, Monday, 10 May 2010


Overall rating (weighted)		4.0
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		3.0
Value for Money		5.0

I was kind of desperate for a new lens, since my 28 - 135 Canon zoom shows a very serious de-centering (I guess) and is heavily unsharp for more than a quater of the frame.
No budget available to get what I would like to, I was looking for a intermediate lens. Should not be too bad, but as cheap as possible :-)

The Sigma is very inexpensive, but the built quality is actually very nice, so I gave it a try.

Well, this lens really surprised me: It is sharp, if not super-sharp, through the entire frame (ion a Canon EOS 50D), focus speed is ok (while not as fast as my Vanon lens is).

There are some compromises, of cause: Distrotion is quite high, barrel at 18mm and while not tested I feel that everything over 25 mm or so is pincushioning - quite hefty.
Well, this is easy to correct as is the purple fringing, which is aparent at shorter focla length, particulary in the edge of the fram (but nothing bad in any case).
The max appreture is very slow - prt of the deal.

The OS works extremely well on my sample.

All in all: It is a nice enough lens for the price, I like it quite a Bit

Why should you care what I think?

My relationship with this item: I own it
Where did you buy this item?: Local Photo Shop
Price paid: 289
When did you buy this item?: 6.5.2010

Conclusions at a glance

Would you recommend this Item: Yes
Pros: Reasonably sharp, well built, compact, easy to handle
Cons: distortion, slow, not so much more

Was this review helpful to you? yes

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