Sigma AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS (Optical Stabilizer) Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

The Sigma 18-200mm high-zoom-ratio lens is designed exclusively for Nikon digital SLR cameras and is capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements and two hybrid aspherical lenses correct for all types of aberrations, letting Sigma house the extended-range super-zoom lens in a compact and lightweight body that measures 70mm in diameter and 78.1mm long and weighs a mere 14.3 ounces. The new lens coating, meanwhile, reduces flare and ghost--a common problem shared by many digital cameras--while also creating an optimum color balance. Other details include a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7) at all focal lengths, a high zoom ratio of 11:1, and a maximum magnification of 1:4.4.

The lens design incorporates an inner focusing system that prevents the front of the lens from rotating, making it particularly suitable for using circular polarizing filters and petal-shaped lens hoods. In addition, the overall length of the lens never changes during focusing, making the lens convenient to handle and easy to use. Finally, the lens's zoom lock switch eliminates "zoom creep" during transport--a convenient addition when traveling.

Technical Details :
* 18mm to 200mm high-zoom-ratio lens designed exclusively for Nikon digital SLR cameras.
* 2 SLD glass elements and 2 hybrid aspherical lenses correct for all types of aberrations.
* Minimum focusing distance of 45cm at all focal lengths; maximum magnification of 1:4.4.
* Lens coating reduces and flare and ghost; zoom lock switch eliminates "zoom creep".
* Measures 70mm in diameter and 78.1mm long; weighs 14.3 ounces; 1-year warranty.



The Sigma 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Lens incorporates an Optical Stabilizer function and is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras. It is perfectly suitable for low-light conditions; whether indoors, at dusk, or in the telephoto range. This system uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera, and effectively compensates for camera shake by moving an optical image-stabilizing lens group. It also automatically detects panning movement of the camera and compensates for camera shake when shooting moving subjects such as motor sports. 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. Since the inner focusing system means the front of the lens does not rotate, optional circular polarizing filters and the supplied petal-type hood can easily be used. A magnification scale is displayed on the lens barrel, ensuring ease of use.

Customer Feedback :
Color saturation, light exposure through the lens, and detail were indistinguishable. The autofocus worked equally well. The Sigma has a 72mm diameter aperture which I liked.
The only aspect of the Sigma that differed significantly from Canon's lens was the noise of Sigma's autofocus motor. Sigma produces noticeable motor noise, though it wasn't overly loud. Sigma places a locking mechanism on the lens barrel to eliminate any possibility of lens creep. The zoom ring is a little stiff, but not too stiff. The manual focus ring is designed to be used with AF set to off to avoid manipulating the motor when focusing. The image stabilization works well allowing you to shoot lower light photos without a tripod.