* Exclusively designed for use with digital SLR cameras featuring APS-C size image sensor.
* High zoom ratio 11:1.
* Compact, Lightweight and Durable construction with diameter of 79mm (3.1"), length of 100mm (3.9") and weight of 610g./21.5oz.
* Lens has Metal Mount.
* Minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7") at all focal lengths.
Fully compatilbe with All Nikon Digital SLR cameras including the D40 and D40x. Compact, Lightweight Superzoom lens, with high zoom ratio 11:1 Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC OS lens. 11.1 high zoom ratio lens is designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras and incorporates Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology. This high ratio zoom lens incorporates Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) function and exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras. It is perfectly suitable for low light conditions, indoors, at dusk and telephoto range. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass and aspherical glass provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7”) throughout the entire zoom range and has a maximum magnification of 1:3.9. The Inner focusing system is suitable for using a petal-type lens hood supplied and also circular polarizing filters. Sigma’s own unique technology OS (Optical Stabilizer) function The 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 OS is equipped with Sigma’s own unique OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology. This system uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group, to effectively compensate for Camera shake. It also automatically detects panning movement of the camera and compensate for camera shake when shooting moving subjects such as motor sports. Excellent Optical Performance A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and three aspherical glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations and produce a high level of optical performance throughout the entire zoom range. The super multi-layer lens Coating reduces flare and ghosting while producing the best Color balance. Enables close-up photography This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm through entire zoom range with a maximum magnification of 1:3.9 making it very convenient for taking close-up pictures. Inner focusing system Because the front of the lens does not rotate, circular polarizing filters and a petal-type hood can easily be used. Magnification scale A magnification scale is displayed on the lens barrel, ensuring ease of use. Zoom lock switch mechanism A zoom lock switch mechanism is provided to prevent the lens from creeping due to its own weight. *Vignetting will occur if the lens is used on digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or with 35mm SLR cameras.
I use this lens on my Nikon D80 for nearly one year now. At the beginning I was quite satisfied with it, but I changed my opinion after a few month when I compared this lens to my Sigma 50mm fix focal lens. All images taken with the 18-200 Zoom at 50mm were blurred when I used the AF, regardless of the aperture used. Although using the MF slightly improved the sharpness, it still remained poor. In addition, it is hard to find the correct focus manually, since the focus ring uses short ways. As I consider image quality the most important aspect for a lens, I can not recommed this lens despite its low price and very good optical stabilization.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I own it When did you buy this item?: August 2008
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: No Pros: Optical Stabilizer, Low Price, Wide Zoom Range Cons: Weak AF, Image Quality
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50 of 53 people found the following review helpful
Very reliable kind of lens, Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Well, I've been using it for a few days on my Nikon D300 and must say It is a really reliable, solid and sharp lens. Yes, its zoom seems a Bit stiff, but you can live without any problem with it. Its AF speed is extraordinary indeed. Super fast. And the images it captures are really good, maybe with not full Contrast just like, for instance, the other Nikkor lens, but if you can use your camera with a few tricks you'll be able to obtain better performance. And its OS system really works even if I really think is not always decisive. But it can be really useful. Surely. I think it can be compared, without any inferiority complex, to Nikkor 18-200 VR which is surely a number one in this lens range, but, believe me, the Sigma 18-200 OS can be considered its younger brother. So, if you wish you bring a light and walk around lens, without worrying to change your lens, in such kind a range, you can trust to Sigma 18-200 OS. You'll not disappointed. Try and believe. I recommend it to anyone wants to have a good time in shooting all around him.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I own it
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Yes Pros: AF Speed Cons: Zoom a bit stiff, but negligible enough