Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM AF Standard Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm currently using a Nikon D90 but the D700 is on the horizon for me. This meant that I am not buying any DX lenses anymore. I have the Tokina 11-16, Nikkor 70-300 VR, Nikkor 50mm 1.8 and the D90 kit lens 18-105 VR (never been happy with the kit lens). So the only focal range I needed was basically 17-70 and the DX Nikkor 17-55 is out. The logical approach was the Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 but ugh... I'm not making $$$ from my shots yet and $1999 was a bit much to swallow. I rented the Nikkor and the Sigma to compare side by side and I really loved the Sigma's compact but solid presence compared to the relatively big and long Nikkor (chalk up one point for the Sigma)... I took about 150 shots with both lenses and I really could not find too many differences... Certainly none that stood out. I'll admit that I'm a bit of a pixel peeper and I was truly looking for the lesser priced lens to come up short but honestly only some very minor flare issues (shooting directly into the late evening sun) even showed up. On my crop framed D90 the sharpness was superb on both lenses, color, contrast and focusing accuracy and speed was exactly what I expected. VERY VERY good. One thing that added to the cost of the Sigma though (chalk up a point for Nikkor) is the 82mm filter size. They are not easy to find and are almost always more expensive (high quality Digital UV filter was $100). I now have my FX frame lens lineup set and I'm very happy with it as I purchased this lens right here at Amazon. Now... to save for that D700... *sigh*
Moral of the story is... if you want to save $800 and have a lens that you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference from the venerable Nikkor... get this Sigma 24-70 2.8 HSM.

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This large aperture standard zoom lens covers focal lengths from 24mm and is housed in compact construction. The latest optical design provides an overall length of 94.7cm /3.7inch. It is ideal for general photography such as snapshots, portraiture and landscapes. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass, two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical lenses provide excellent correction of all types of aberrations. Superior optical performance is ensured throughout the entire zoom range. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), ensuring a quiet and high speed AF as well as full time manual focusing capability. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 38cm/15in and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.3. The rounded 9 blades diaphragm creates an attractive blur. It is possible to attach the included petal-type hood to block out extraneous light.

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Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a professional photographer[...] and until now, have never owned anything but Canon or Nikon lenses. For years I specialized in sports photography and the lenses I most often used were a 400 f:2.8 and a 600 f:4. I moved on to other fields of specialty and decided I didn't want to lug around that kind of weight and got rid of the big glass. Now, several years later, I decided I needed a long lens again, but in a decidedly smaller package. After trying an unnamed top manufacturer's 80~400 lens and being unhappy with the quality of the image, I dared to try Sigma's new 120~400. I ran the lens through the ringer and tested it under every situation I could think of and through it all, it has performed flawlessly! In fact, I was ready to accept a little less sharpness, so when I evaluated my results, I was thrilled. I highly recommend this lens and I have the utmost confidence in this beautiful package of glass.

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The Sigma 120-400mm telephoto zoom lens covers a telephoto range of up to 400mm, letting you bring almost any subject close for short-perspective shots. The lens employs Sigma's original Optical Stabilizer (OS) function, which gives you access to shutter speeds approximately four stops slower without blurring the image. As a result, you can capture low-light, long-distance shots such as football plays, wildlife profiles, and landscape scenes without using a tripod for each photo. In addition, the lens incorporates a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for quick, high-speed autofocusing, along with a rear focus system that guarantees optimum image quality throughout the entire zoom range. And photographers will love the three special low dispersion (SLD) glass elements, which correct for chromatic aberration, and the super multilayer lens coating, which reduces flare and ghosting. Other details include a minimum focusing distance of 59.1 inches, a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.2, and support for optical 1.4x EX DG APO and 2x EX DG APO tele converters.
Specifications
Focal length: 120-400mm
Maximum aperture: f/4.5-5.6
Lens construction: 21 elements in 15 groups
Angle of view: 20.4 to 6.2 degrees
Number of diaphragm blades: 9
Minimum aperture: f/22
Minimum focusing distance: 59.1 inches
Maximum magnification: 1:4.2
Filter size: 77mm
Hood type: Bayonet
Mount: Nikon
Dimensions: 3.6 inches in diameter and 8 inches long
Weight: 61.7 ounces
Warranty: 1 year

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Sigma DP2 14MP FOVEON CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 2.5 Inch TFT LCD Review

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(More customer reviews)I find I have a hard time describing this camera to some friends. If they know enough about cameras/photography I will delve into all the details about why it is so different and why I love it so much. But for those friends who are less knowledgeable I just tell it to them straight - "no it can't zoom, yes it's only 4.6MP, yes I paid $650 for it and it's worth every penny. It takes beautiful photos." I spent some quality time with this camera on a recent trip to Victoria, BC and here are my pros and cons:
PROS
1. Amazing image quality (pixel-perfect sharp and colors are especially stunning. Always shoot in RAW)
2. Small (likely to fit in any coat pocket)
CONS
1. Sometimes you will miss candid opportunities because autofocus and shot to shot times are not super snappy. If you tend to be a "capture-the-moment-trigger-happy photographer, this will probably get on your nerves. If you are more of a composition photographer, it likely won't.
2. Low-light autofocus is a bit useless. Pop it into manual.
3. The lens cap sucks. Really, Sigma. It needs to be tighter.
4. Some say the LCD isn't bright enough for sunny conditions. I personally didn't have a problem seeing the info I needed to see to properly set up shots. But it is certainly not as well-suited for reviewing shots.
I may have listed more cons but for me the 2 pros far outweigh them. I list them so others know what they are getting into. This is not a camera for the masses. Then again, maybe that's why I love it so much.

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Sigma is handing creative control to the photographer and bringing back the sheer joy of making photographic art with the release of the DP2: A full spec compact digital camera with all the power of a DSLR. Every photographer wants to capture the emotion of that crucial moment, and turn it into a fantastic shot. The only cameras designed to do just that, by combining the technology for serious photographic expression with highly-portable compactness, belong to Sigma s DP series. Meshing neatly with your personal lifestyle and your inner life, the DP2 is designed to take you deeper into a whole new world of photographic expression. Li-ion Battery BP-31, Battery Charger BC-31, Lens Cap LCP-11, Neck Strap NS-11, Soft Case CS-70, Hot Shoe Cover HSC-11, USB Cable, Video Cable, SIGMA Photo Pro Disc, Instruction Manual

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Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)When I first started looking for a mid-level macro lens, a few weeks ago, I was naturally drawn first to the Canon 60mm, as I have already have 2 Canon bodies.
But then I started looking around, reading reviews (mostly on Fred Miranda's site), and comparing prices. The more research I did, the more appealing this lens became. And finally, I decided to go with it.
Here's why:
- The price is similar to the Canon 60mm.
- I already own a Sigma EX-series lens (17-35mm), and really like it. I like the matte finish, and the glass is excellent.
- For some reason I cannot fathom, Canon doesn't include lens hoods with any of the mid-range lenses I looked at. Sigma does.
- The greater focal length means I can stay farther from the subject - minimum focus distance is about 30cm (12in). This is almost always a benefit.
This lens isn't perfect, however, and here's a few caveats you may want to consider before making a purchase:
- In low light (ie, most macro photography), this lens likes to hunt. Which can be a slow process considering its length when fully extended. Personally, I don't mind manual focus all that much, so this doesn't bother me.
- This is a not an HSM (Sigma's version of USM) lens. It is motor-driven. This might bother you, but I barely even notice it.
- Switching to/from manual/autofocus mode is a 2 step process. Beside the switch on the side of the barrel, the focus ring requires a push-pull motion which is sometimes a bit tricky. With a little practice, this becomes less and less of an issue - and if you leave it on manual most of the time (as I do), you seldom have to worry about it.
- The lens hood is a screw-in, not a twist- or clip-on model. This is, however, offset by the rather deep recession of the glass in the lens tube. (If you want to use the lens hood and leave it on, a 77mm lens cap will fit it.)
Despite these (in my opinion, very minor) problems, I'm very happy with this lens, and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a mid-level macro lens

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This high performance medium telephoto macro lens is optimized for Canon digital SLR cameras. Sigma s macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG allows greater working distance between the lens and subject. The Super Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras.

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Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM APO Fast Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this lens to use with my Canon 30D for high school sports (soccer, football, baseball, etc). I already had the Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras and needed more focal length. Like the 70-200 F/2.8, this lens is big, heavy, and built like a tank. The bare lens is about an inch longer than the 70-200, but the 100-300's hood is longer than the 70-200's hood.
The zoom and focus rings are wide and move smoothly with just the right amount of resistance. This lens is sharp wide open. At the overlapping focal lengths, the 70-200 at F/4 is just barely sharper than this lens at F/4 (wide open). At 200mm, this lens is actually sharper (200mm is this lens's sweet spot.) At 300mm, the lens is still sharp wide open, but I like to stop down to F/4.5 just to keep things super-sharp. Up to 250mm, I would not hesitate to use it wide open.
This Sigma lens has HSM which means the focus is fast and quiet. The lens focuses a little slower than the 70-200 F/2.8, but I've found that the 30D is more of a limiting factor in focus speed than the lens is. Servo tracking is very good with this lens, the only time it can't keep up is when track runners are sprinting straight at me (although again, I think the body is the limiting factor here.) For almost every other situation, the focus will definitely keep up.
All in all, this is not an indoor lens by any means, but as an outdoor sports (or wildlife/nature) lens, it is awesome.

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This telephoto zoom lens provides a large f/4 aperture at all focal lengths. The new multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghosting while maintains minimal light-fall-off; superior peripheral brightness is ensured. New multi layer coating of this lens gives superb color performance while cutting down flare and ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. High optical performance is demonstrated throughout the entire zoom range. Two SLD glass elements are used in the front lens group and two in the rear lens group for superior correction of several aberrations for superior image quality throughout the entire zoom range. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the petal-type lens hood supplied and circular polarizing filters.Maximum Magnification -1 - 5 Filter Size -Diameter 82mm Dimensions -Diameter 92.4mm X Length 226.5mm, 3.6 x 8.9 inch Weight -51 ounces

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Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a sweet little lens that really has no middle ground. You either love it or hate it. Most of the haters really either expect too much from this lens such as focusing in no light or on objects with no contrast and marginal light. The other reason there are detractors come from focus issues.
This seems to be a user problem in my opinion. When you shoot at f 1.4, the area in focus can be pretty shallow. An example is at f1.4 and at a distance of 5 feet, the areas in focus is just .45 feet. If you have a DSLR with multiple focus points, you might find what you want in focus is not selected by the camera. This gives the impression of a focus issue with the lens which it is not.
If you move into close focusing such as 2 feet using f1.4, the focus area becomes less than ¾ of an inch. Even the slightest movement by you or the subject can blow the focus. Again, this is not a lens problem but a user issue.
However, don't be discouraged by the above comments. This lens has so many possibilities from creative images to group portraits to low light photography. You just need to put in a little effort to learn the lens (and your DSLR). Also remember that stopped down to f4 at 10' gives you 5.45 feet in focus.
The 30mm lens also is about as close to a 50mm lens on a 35mm film SLR as there is. A 50mm lens was considered the de facto standard for an SLR in the old days and many people never had anything else. This is a very versatile lens.
The lens itself has an excellent build quality and includes extras such as a lens hood and case. It is sharp and offers great contrast and compares well against such a well regarded lens as the Canon 35mm f1.4L which is about 3 times the price.
You will not be disappointed in this lens at all and I highly recommend it. It is one of my favorite everyday lenses for my Canon 20D. (My everyday kit includs the Canon 17-40mm f4L, 70-200mm f4L, and a Canon 580ex flash.)

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Designed to match the APS-C size image sensors of Nikon digital SLR cameras, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens is an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including snapshots, portraiture, indoor shooting, and landscape photography. The 30mm lens relies on two special-low-dispersion glass elements and a glass-mold aspherical lens. Combined, the construction details correct for all types of chromatic and color aberrations. The lens is also equipped with a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that supports quiet, high-speed autofocus, but also turns off should you prefer full-time manual focusing. Other features include a maximum aperture of f/1.4, a 62mm filter mount, and a one-year warranty.
Specifications
Focal length: 30mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.4
Lens construction: 7 elements in 7 groups
Angle of view: 45 degrees (SD format)
Number of diaphragm blades: 8
Minimum aperture: f/16
Minimum focusing distance: 15.7 inches
Maximum magnification: 1:10.4
Filter size: 62mm
Corresponding AF mounts: Nikon
Dimensions: 2.97 inches in diameter and 2.3 inches long
Weight: 15.2 ounces
Warranty: 1 year

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Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG IF HSM Aspherical Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)There's nothing else this wide for use on a full-frame 35mm camera or digital such as the Canon 5D. It's so wide on a full-frame that you can almost see behind you (well not quite, but close to 180 degree field of view). It is not a fisheye, so straight lines stay straight. There is some minor vignetting at 12mm but less than the Canon 17-40 L-lens I had at 17mm. This lens is pushing the limits of physics so it is not as sharp as some lenses but it takes in so much more of the view and provides a crisp image all the way to the corners.
For use on a cropped sensor camera, such as the XT, 20D or 30D a better choice may be the Canon 10-22mm which is uber-sharp in the middle of the frame. The Canon, however, gives fuzzy images on the sides when wide open but sharpens up when stopped down to f8 or more. My third copy of the Sigma lens is less sharp than the Canon in the center of the frame but is sharper starting about halfway to the edge when both lenses are wide open. Near the edges of the frame the Canon gives a dark and mushy image when wide open at 12mm while the Sigma is only slightly less sharp than at the center - truly amazing!
Unfortunately, Sigma lenses are seemingly sold "as-is" with wide sample variations. The autofocus died on my first copy of the lens after less than 30 pictures. The second copy had poor optics with soft and fuzzy pictures even when manually focused. The third copy is sharp at 12mm, even wide open, all the way to the edges, but only if manually focused. At 12mm the lens autofocuses too far away when an object is close and too close for distant objects. At 24mm it autofocuses right on but is softer than at 12mm. I've decided to keep it since it is easy to manually focus. The depth of focus is large at 12mm. For objects further than a few meters away when using 12mm just set the lens to infinity and everything from a few feet to infinity is in focus even at the edges of the frame and in the corners. The lens has a 4-year warranty so I may send it in to Sigma for calibration later.
Pros: (1) Unique ultra-wide angle perspective on a full-frame camera. (2) A good copy will be optically sharp all the way across a full frame, even wide open. Further, there's virtually no purple chromatic aberation near the edges of dark objects with bright backgrounds. (3) Nice build quality with good finish and large smooth focus ring. (4) Straight lines stay straight so no defishing needed (defishing uses interpolation which lowers resolution away from the center). (5) Lens comes with a case and has a small built-in hood (serves mainly to protect the front element). (6) 4-year USA warranty if purchased from an authorized dealer like Amazon or B&H. Otherwise you get a 1-year International Warranty.
Cons: (1) Wide sample variation - getting a good copy takes luck or persistence while trying multiple copies. (2) The bulbous front element (this lens is nicknamed "Popeye") is exposed and no standard filter can be used for protection so be very careful. (3) Flares easily. The sun does not need to be in the picture just anywhere not behind you. This is a result of the ultra-wide design and not a fault of Sigma. (4) Photos sometimes come out too bright, giving the appearance of low contrast. Photoshop or other software easily fixes.


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Fully compatible with all Nikon Digital SLR cameras including the D40 and D40X, the large angle of view of the Sigma 12-24 4.5/5.6 EX DG ASPH Zoom (122 degree super wide angle of view at 12mm along the diagonal axis) is ideal for shooting indoors as well as landscape photography. It has a variable angle of view from 122 degrees to 84.1 degrees.Four Special Low Dispertion (SLD) glass elements are provided for effective compensation of color aberration, which is a common problem with super-wide angle lenses. Two pieces of Glass Mold and one-piece Hybrid aspherical lenses offer excellent correction for distortion as well as all types of aberration.By effective arrangement of lens elements and advanced technology this lens has Super Compact dimensions of 100mm full-length, and 87mm Maximum Diameter. It is equipped with an Inner Focusing System that will keep the length of the lens unchanged, while controlling aberration.The models which are equipped with the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) System (only in Nikon, Canon and Sigma Camera Mounts) offer Full Time Manual Focusing. It has a minimum focusing distance of 28mm at all focal lengths. This lens is equipped with an integral Petal-Type Hood, to block out extraneous light.

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Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)I went into a local camera store to look at the Nikon 12-24mm wide angle zoom to eventually augment the Nikon 50mm 1.8 and 18-200mm VR I currently use on my D200. After seeing the Sigma 10-20mm, taking test shots with it and the Nikon, and then printing the shots in the store, I walked out with the Sigma lens.
I had planned to buy the 12-24mm Nikon next Spring when my budget would allow the expenditure. I have had success with Nikon optics in the past - starting with my first Nikon FM back in the seventies. The Sigma's good construction, nice finish, smooth+fast+quiet focusing and 10mm focal length convinced me to try my first non-Nikon lens in 30 years. A big factor: The Sigma lens is less than half the price of the Nikon lens here is Canada. It fit my budget, so I took the plunge.
The Sigma fits into my "sharp enough" category. In real world shooting, its sharpness is on par with my 18-200mm Nikon. Both lens are less sharp than my $100 50mm 1.8 when "test" images are blown up to 16"x20" size. I never notice any lack of sharpness in "real" pictures. I care more about color saturation, contrast and color balance anyway. In this area, the Sigma does well. Saturation and contrast are equal to both my other Nikon lens - particularly at f8 and smaller aperatures. Wide open, I find some weakening in contrast. The Sigma has a warmer color termperature than my other lens. One click toward blue in Photoshop would fix this minor variance in color. But I use my 10-20mm almost exclusively for landscapes. The warmer color is generally a good thing.
I have noticed some vignetting @ 10mm f4. Zooming to 12mm or stopping down to f5.6 elminates any artifacts in pictures I have taken thus far. I have found it's more important to avoid "thick framed" filters - and stacking filters is a no no with this lens. They cause more darkening than a wide open f-stop. BTW: I added a 72 to 77mm step-up ring to my 18-200m VR Nikon to allow me to share filters between my zoom lens.
I do miss having a manual/autofocus switch on the Sigma lens. I have accidently nudged the manual focus ring a couple of times. With that said, the incredible depth of field of this lens (or any lens at this focal length) means small focusing errors can be tolerated :)
I recommend this lens - even to people like me, who never had a non-nikon lens before.

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Designed exclusively for Canon digital SLR cameras, the ultra-wide-angle 10-20mm offers a view from 102.4 to 63.8 degrees, making it ideal for landscape photography and other vast applications. The lens is distinguished by its three special low dispersion (SLD) glass elements, which effectively compensate for color aberration, and its aspherical lenses, which provide maximum correction for distortion and various aberrations. As a result, the lens produces an extremely high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. The HSM-equipped models, meanwhile, produce fast autofocus (AF) speeds and quiet shooting while still letting you perform full-time manual focus. Other details include a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches at all focal lengths and an integral petal-type hood to block out extraneous light.
Lens Elements and Coating The new multilayer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost--a common problem with digital cameras--while also creating an optimal color balance throughout the entire zoom range. At the same time, the lens offers three SLD glass elements that effectively compensate for color aberration, along with a piece of glass mold and two hybrid aspherical lenses that offer excellent correction for distortion and all types of aberration.
Inner Focusing System and HSM The lens incorporates an internal focusing system that eliminates front lens rotation, letting you use a petal-type hood to protect from additional glare. And models equipped with a Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) produce silent, high-speed autofocus and full-time manual focus for Sigma, Canon, and Nikon D-mount lenses.
Best Consumer Lens The Sigma 10-20mm lens is so respected that it was named the best consumer lens in Europe (2006) by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), a collection of 31 publications from 12 countries. According to TIPA, the 10-20mm lens offers a versatile range of wide-angle focal lengths, a good optical performance, and a budget price, making it an excellent investment for owners of DSLRs with APS-C format sensors. Its sharpness remains constant throughout the zoom range, and its compact size makes it an ideal companion for shooting travel, landscapes, or architectural subjects.

Lens construction: 14 elements in 10 groups
Angle of view: 102.4 to 63.8 degrees
Number of diaphragm blades: 6
Minimum aperture: f/22
Minimum focusing distance: 9.4 inches
Maximum magnification: 1:6.7
Filter size: 77mm
Dimensions: 3.3 inches in diameter and 3.2 inches long
Weight: 16.4 ounces

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Sigma DP1 14MP Digital Camera Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a professional photographer using Nikon's D300 and D3 for portraiture and weddings. These are both super cameras that have been a boon to my business. However, like all modern SLRs they are big, heavy, noisy and the automation works for most everything. I came to photography when cameras were much simpler and actually required a knowledge of how a camera works. I am glad I did, as to use the DP1 to its full advantage you must know what you are doing.
Photography is a passion even in my off time and I wanted something light, small, and quiet for the candids of life that I would always have with me. The poor image quality, control, and responsiveness of compacts was not what I was looking for.I briefly considered the M8 but for a non-money making "fun" camera it was way too much to spend. The DP1 filled the bill for me.
Why? You will read complaints about slowness. If you are a point and shooter, that is correct, and you should avoid this camera.
However, if you are a photographer read on. During my research I read an article written by a Leica user that said he was always ready to shoot by having his camera prefocused and ready to go. That is the best way to use the DP1 also. Use manual focus and the correct aperture for your expected depth of focus needs. Unlike any other compact camera you can both turn off the lcd and the sleep mode and walk around with the camera ready to shot in an instant. Of course with the lcd off you will need the optional viewfinder.
I normally shoot in A mode and the controls allow fast changes to aperture and exposure compensation, something else no other compact camera does.
The image quality at ISO 100 is astounding and loses some quality as it goes up to ISO 800. 800 is somewhat disappointing as color saturation drops off dramatically.
Yes it is slow for point and shooters and has a lousy lcd but if that is sacrifices Sigma had to make for a superior image from a compact camera at this price point its fine with me. I am having a blast with this camera as it opens up a whole new world of image possibilities. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a photography style that suits a M8 but does not want to spend a fortune for the tool to do it with. Its not a M8 of course but a bargain in comparison.

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The DP1 is a completely new type of camera offering the full specs and high image quality of a DSLR in the body of a compact camera. It is powered by the 14-megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor, which can reproduce high-definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail.It is possible to record images in RAW or the widely used JPEG in four resolution modes. It offers five Exposure modes and three Metering modes as well as being equipped with a built-in flash with the Guide Number of 6, hot shoe, neck strap and 2.5-inch TFT color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 pixels.The DP1 has the high resolution and functionality of an SLR, plus adaptability in terms of accessories, all built into a small body.

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Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Reading reviews is a crap shoot. You know nothing about the reviewer or the use of the product. That said, I am assuming you are not a struggling professional trying to shoot a high quality, tight-budget job. You are a user looking for one lens to carry to cover a wide range of service.
I'm a pro. I have a many bodies and L lenses to use.
I carry an XSI with THIS Sigma 18-200mm non OS lens just about everywhere I go. It is a great vacation tool, where most pix are shown in a digital frame or are never going to be more than 4x6.
Yes, the MTF is not great (simply: contrast across the lens), there is some chromatic fringing and watch out! the lens hood will cause vignetting and shadows with a flash at wide angle. I've been using this lens since it was released in early '05.
It's a $300 lens. Does it compare to a $1500 L lens? Yeah - very badly. So what? The first rule of photography is get the picture. Missing the shot while changing lenses is not photography. Is this the preferred lens in my arsenal? No. But for general non-client, daylight, non-sports shooting, it's the one I'll probably be using. I prefer the non-optical stabilzed version - less complexity.
To help you weigh this review: I use five professional (5D, 1D) and several prosumer (40D, 50D, XTI, XSI) bodies and nine L lenses, plus a slew of others.
Photo tip: night shooting of foreground against backround (done a lot with this lens!): typical situation: girl on beach in front of sunset. Manually set exposure to flash shutter speed, aperature & ISO to get background. Turn flash on to expose and meter foreground. You'll get some great "how did you do that?" pix. All the MTF, abberetion and linearity issues will mean nothing, because you got a picture no one else could and th L doesn't really add anything, because you want depth of field here.
Thanks for reading my review.

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Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

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Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I would not give much credence to reviewers who compare lenses they have not actually used, or have only used one of them. We bought both This Sigma and the Tamron 18-270 and used them for a week in Mexico. We have a Nikon D70s and a D300, and exchanged the lenses after a few shots at the same time and place. We shot about 75% RAW and examined severe crops of the images on our 30" Apple Cinema Display before and after correction with Photoshop. Here is our opinion:
The Tamron is noticeably sharper. The Sigma is very soft except at the low-medium zoom range, and it's still softer than the Tamron over its best range. The higher distortion of the Tamron is much less noticeable and easily corrected with software. The CA is about the same for both. Image stabilization was clearly more effective with the Tamron, especially at the long end where you really need it.
The Tamron is noticeably slower in focusing than the Sigma, which is very fast for this class of lens. However, the Tamron often was more accurate and we missed several shots when the Sigma balked and did not focus at all. Over 5% of the shots we took with the Sigma were significantly out of focus, but only a few with the Tamron.
With superzooms, you pick the weaknesses that bother you less. It was a close, but fairly easy decision. Though it was sometimes annoying to use, we got obviously better pictures with the Tamron. We both agreed to return the Sigma.

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The SIGMA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM incorporates Sigma's original anti-shake compensation function, with a 13.8 times zoom ratio. For the camera have anti-shake function in the camera body, this lens's Hybrid Optical Stabilizer provide not only anti-shake function for the camera body compensation, but also provide the function to compensate the image shaking in the view finder of the camera like anti-shake compensation built in the lens. Incorporating four Special Low Dispersion glass elements and three Aspherical lens elements provides excellent image quality throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7 inches) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 1: 3.4 reproduction ratio, making it ideal for close-up photography. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarizing filters and the supplied petal-type hood. Incorporating super multi layer coating reduce the ghost in the backlight photography.

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Click here for more information about Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

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