Review: Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS

Written by Noel Christensen in Reviews , Lenses

Sigma, one of the largest manufacturers of lenses, is no stranger to us, since we have had a wide range of Sigma lenses on test bench.

This time, the Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS we should look at. Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS is a so-called all-round lens, because thanks to the large focal length is suitable for a wide range of subjects, while there are built-in image stabilization, so that there can be photographed handheld even if lighting conditions may not be optimal.

Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS is a lens which is probably mainly appeal to those who want an "upgrade lens" and perhaps come from a 18-55mm kit lens. With the Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS will suddenly a lens with a much large focal length (zoom), image stabilization and most will really be satisfied with this lens without the need to switch between several different lenses . It can be particularly beneficial if you travel a lot and want an easy kit.

Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS is available for both Canon, Nikon and Sigma, however, you should note that this version can not be used on analog cameras, or Full Frame SLR cameras.

But let us immediately find out about the Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS is worth investing in, and whether it really is "good enough" as an all-round lens.

What's in the box?
It's always a pleasure to pack a Sigma lens up, first and foremost, they packed in a nice black box, and then the lens is protected in another box, in other words, it is well protected during transportation.

In addition to the Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS, you will find in the box also has a small manual, a warranty card, lens hood and lens cap.

Again, as we now are accustomed to from Sigma page, then it is nice to see they did not save the few cents it costs them to attach a lens hood. Here, other, host Canon host, learn something.

First impressions
Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS is by many described as a great travel lens, and when you first receive it in your hand, you understand immediately why. Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS is first and foremost, fairly compact, only 10 cm long and although the weight say 610 grams, it is certainly not a deterrent when you have in mind that we are dealing with a lens that covers ranging from 18-200mm.

Although neither the size or weight is overwhelming, then you never feel that it is a stripped down or cheap lens because the finish is the usual Sigma class, and it still works solidly.

The surface is slightly dull and slightly rough plastic as we generally see all Sigma lenses delivered, and this surface is at once both beautiful and simultaneously it can easily withstand use.

On the lens there are 3 fire buttons, a button can lock the lens during transport, a button to enable / disable image stabilization and a button for switching between auto and manual focusing.

The lens is built very traditionally with a fairly wide zoom ring, and the focus ring on the outside, before the front glass. Since the front glass does not rotate during focusing, it is easy to use POL fiktre or the supplied lens hood.

As I briefly touched on earlier, the Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS, thanks to the focal length of 18-200mm, very versatile and suitable for a wide range of subjects ranging from landscape, nature, portrait and very much more, I dare well venture to say that the focal length should be versatile enough for most amateur photographers.

The brightness is as you would expect from a lens of this caliber, from f / 3.5 to f / 6.3, depending on focal length. This has become standard for this class, both price and quality, so at this point there is no joy or disappointment with Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS. As a little bonus is the closest focusing distance is only 45 cm, and that means that you physically can come pretty close to your subject.

Autofocus motor in Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS is not fast, at least not on the Canon EOS 7D I've used in the test. It seems as if it was a little hesitant, and when changing the focus point between 2 points, you need a little patience. This fact makes the Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS is not suitable for "action" photography, but conversely, it is probably not the target audience. The target group is probably closer to amateur photographers who want a larger spread in focal length, and possibly. image stabilization as upgrade from his 18-55mm kit lens.

Although autofokussen is a bit slow, it is fortunately quite accurate, and the noise level is also acceptable.

I mentioned earlier that the Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS has built-in image stabilization, and since I have not had particularly many telephoto lenses with image stabilization in their hands, I've been looking forward to seeing what it could achieve, and I was not disappoint. I've taken a few handheld shots with the same motif, settings and lighting conditions. Where I am without image stabilization ended up with blurry images that were to discard, the result was, with image stabilization enabled, nice and sharp images free from vibration. Although you may not attach image stabilization the great value for everyday, then it can really help, especially in poor lighting conditions, so that instead of blurring, suddenly get nice pictures without shaking. I was very surprised how big the difference really was, and is obviously greater the larger the focal length used by 200mm is there really anything to win.

Image Quality
Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS is, ceteris paribus, a relatively inexpensive lens, and the quality one must therefore assume follows this fact.

We have to say so, without having to be assigned a negative value. Photos taken with Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS has a reasonable sharpness at both wide angle and telephoto. Colour wise, not much bang on the Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS, but the colors seem muted contrast and natural.

I do not, under normal use, could find no visible signs of distortion or vignetting. I can not deny that in some cases can prove, but by ordinary everyday use, as this lens is precisely meant, I could not find anything of significance.

Below are some photos taken with Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS, with a Canon EOS 7D camera body. Common to them all is that they are neither edited or cropped.

Click here to open the gallery in a new window.

Specifications
Model: 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 DC OS
Available for: Canon, Nikon (HSM), Sigma
Closest focusing distance: 45cm
Minimum aperture: 22
Filter Diameter: 72mm
Dimensions: 79 × 100
Weight: 610 g

Conclusion
I started this review off by calling the Sigma 18-200mm / OS 3.5 to 6.3 for an "All Round" objective and it must be said to be true, as it can be used in all conceivable situations, whether it is wide angle or telephoto you need, when the band from 18-200mm will be enough for most, incl. myself.

The built-in image stabilization function extremely well and may even compensate a bit for the lack of brightness when shooting in low light conditions.

If you look at the recommended price of approx. 3600 - so you get So much for money, a focal length of 18-200mm, image stabilization and reasonable image quality. Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS has often been described as a perfect travel lens, and it must also be said to be true, since most people without special needs, certainly could do with Sigma 18-200mm / 3 0.5 to 6, 3 OS in your photo bag on a holiday journey due to the great versatility.

So overall, Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS a great purchase, especially for those who want a single all-round lens and do not want to change lenses all the time.

+
Image stabilization
Versatility

-
A little slow autofocus

Character
85%

Pricing and Availability
Indicative price: 3625, -
Set for 2794 -

Click here to find the best price on Sigma 18-200mm / 3.5 to 6.3 OS

Reviewed by
Noel Christensen

Courtesy of
Fovitech ApS

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