Comments on: Sigma AF 18200mm f/3.56.3 DC OS Optical Stabilizer

By: Thomas B. Barker

Thomas B. Barker — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:02:19 +0000

Good walk-around lens
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I followed my 2 grandsons while they were visiting for a week with this lens. I did notice that there were some situations when the auto focus did not produce a sharp image. I had previously done resolution testing (I always do this with a new lens) and found that the Sigma was not as sharp as my Canon 24-105 L. Of course, this is like comparing apples and oranges. In these lens tests, I mounted the camera (Canon 40D) on a tripod and turned off the image stabilization. However, I decided that there was still a possible slight camera shake while on the tripod and in a second series of images made with the Sigma lens, I used the self timer to start the exposure and thus reduced finger motion from causing any residual shake. These new images from the Sigma lens were not blurred as in my first test. I also used both manual and auto focus in this series and I could not discern any differences, so I conclude that the auto focus does work, but not as fast for action type images that I had experienced with the rapidly moving 4 and 6 year-olds. I will take this lens with me on two overseas trips, but will be careful to use it stopped down from the maximum aperture.

By: Motti E.

Motti E. — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:15:47 +0000

value for your money
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Hi,

this is my 3rd Sigma lens, and it look like Sigma read some of the reviews and got this model even better, trying to over come some minor problem.
with great size and weight for 72mm lens, OS that helps in the low light and 200mm picturing, great lens.
i gave it 4 and not 5 stars since the zoom is not moving smooth enough in my opinion.

enjoy,
Motti

By: A. Mukhopadhyay

A. Mukhopadhyay — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:52:35 +0000

amazon buyers beware
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I just got this item and took some pics. Picture quality looks ok to me – but, I am just an amateur, what do I know?

I just wanted to let you know that within a week of purchasing the lens from Amazon, the price got reduced on Amazon website. And Amazon refused to adjust my purchase price stating Amazon does not provide price guarantee (not even with their own price !!!!).

By: Bill Meng

Bill Meng — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:14:59 +0000

Autofocus is not accurate
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I bought the lens. Most of the reviewers in this series are right. I just want to emphasize one thing. It’s hard to get the autofocus right with this lens. The autofocused point is near than the desired distance. I’m using a Canon 40D. Most of the shots with autofocus are soft. Otherwise, it’s pretty good except with some chromatic aberration occasionally. I don’t what I should do now. Anybody has any suggestion?

By: RM

RM — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:46:12 +0000

An Excellent Buy
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This lens will be on my Nikon D40x permanently. Ease of use, quality of results, flexibility – landscapes, family portraits, it ticks all of the boxes. I’m a very satisfied customer.

By: CKR

CKR — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:08:06 +0000

Great lens… for the short time it lasted
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
Loved this lens when it worked… however now, only one year later, this lens doesn’t work! Short circuits new Nikon D90 camera and won’t AF on D50. I can’t afford to be buying a new $500 lens on a yearly basis – I’m extremely disappointed in Sigma’s longevity.

By: RedMtl

RedMtl — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:55:50 +0000

Upgrade rating to 4.25 (Original review title: 3.5 would be more accurate)
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I have had this lens since 9 July, and used it without incident until 25 July, when the OS failed. Up to that point, I would have given this lens a five-star rating without the slightest hesitation. The distortion control, as well as the sharpness on the first sample were excellent. Furthermore, the focus was accurate to a T in all situations, including very low light.

The replacement lens, which I have now used for about a week, does not have nearly the same sharpness at the edges. It is fine in very bright light, but in dimmer situations, both the sharpness, and the focussing ability, are not up to the standard of the first sample.

I also find that the OS on this sample does not give the same f-stop compensation as on the first one.

This said, the lens remains a good one, and I would still recommend it for use with the Nikon D40.

Whether or not I will retain this one, or again request a replacement based on the less than stellar focussing ability in low light/low contrast situations remains to be seen.

UPDATED 9 September 2009

I did replace the lens a second time -- under the 30 day exchange policy of Amazon. The replacement was, and is, considerably more like the first one -- with generally fine, fast and accurate focus across the range. There is a slight amount of softness, on the right-hand side.

I now use this lens with a D90, as well as with the older D40, and the upgrade in camera does not in any way reveal any additional flaws in the lens.

I continue to recommend this lens -- provided the sample received is a good one.

By: Matthew J. Siegelbaum

Matthew J. Siegelbaum — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:57:09 +0000

Very Disappointed
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I read review after review, did my research and was very excited to receive my Sigma 18-200 in the mail, but was very disappointed in the overall crispness of the images I took with my Canon EOS 40D.

The lens feels solid and well made. I love the fact it has OS and a barrel lock. But as a a professional photographer who does a lot of indoor events, this lens did not work for me. This lens is slow. I specialize in candids and would lose many shots waiting for the AF to clue in. The image quality was sporadic and mostly soft.

I have a Sigma wide angle 10-20 that I absolutely love, so this is nothing against Sigma. This lens may work great for someone who does a lot of outdoor photography, but it did not fit my needs.

By: B. C. Roberts

B. C. Roberts — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:58:17 +0000

Great Everyday Lens!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Great lens for 90% of every-day shooting. Only complaints are very heavy and bigger diameter than comparable lenses. I compared the MTF and lateral color side-by-side with Tamron’s 18-250mm lens at 5 different focal lengths and same aperture on a Canon 40D. They were very similar overall. Some people complain about the AF noise – it is a little bit louder than Tamron’s, but it’s essentially insignificant unless noise is a key concern for your shooting conditions. After shooting this lens for about a month I can say that for me, the benefits of the OS system far outweigh the slight drawbacks – I’d get the same lens again.

By: Johan

Johan — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 07:23:31 +0000

Excellent
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
this lens is very good. I had this lens for a week and i’m satisfied. But little noisy when the OS and AF were on. For this price is worth it.