Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM

I recently purchased this Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS (Optical Stabilizer) HSM lens for a trip to Yellowstone. I could not find a lens sample thread on it, so I thought I would start one.

My simple review... first, its not a prime, nor it is a short zoom. So yes, there may be issues at times, that are common among all super zooms. This is acknowledged and accepted to some extent. The thread isn't what this lens is not, but what it is.

However if you need to manage your complexity or volume of gear, this lens fits a great spot. In my case, my primary lens is the Sigma 150-500. However, with that beast of a lens, I found that I needed a landscape lens, a family lens, and just as important, a sit on the seat next to me for the quick shot lens. Remember that any shot is better than a missed shot.

There were several times in Yellowstone where I went from 18mm landscape, then saw an animal and went to 250mm and then back again. Not having to change lenses in this circumstance was wonderful. I travel with the family and the kids. They don't want to stop and wait while I change lenses constantly. I used to have a 18-85 and a 55-250. Both were good at what they did, but I found that too often I would skip a potential shot because I had either left the other lens in the car, or simply didn't want to make a quick lens change for that one shot. This lens is also very small. At only a couple inches long, it is very easy to carry. Would imagine it would make a good all around lens on a Rebel or SL1 even. It seems a little tiny on my gripped 7d, but it is still very comfortable to use.

I will post more... if you have any shots, feel free to add them to this thread.
These were edited in lightroom... but that is how I shoot, so that is the best way to see what this lens can do.

Could not have gotten this shot without the range of a superzoom. We were walking across a bridge headed for grand prismatic spring. It was a clearly close up, wide angle plan. The kids, the hot spring, etc. If I had to pick a lens, it definitely would not have been the Sigma 150-500 I use for wildlife shooting.

As we headed in my daughter pointed to a black bird and said "Daddy look an eagle!" The bird swooped in and took a run at a fish... it din't catch it... then was off. The entire experience took only a matter of 30 seconds. (Yes its a little soft, but its far better than not getting the shot)

... a picture of Grand Prismatic from above taken with this lens.

Still looks like a lonely club... thats o.k. I like the lens. Here is another from my backyard.

Recently sold my Sigma 18-250 OS HSM ( old version ) with my 50D. Loved that lens! Personally i think that lens was very underestamated.

When bought my new 7D i got a very nice discount on both the 7D and the new Sigma 18-250 OS HSM MACRO, so no long thoughts about buying the Sigma again.

New lens is sharper and has brighter colors, the build is more plastic like and the smaller frontlens makes it look tiny compared to the older version. But overall the new version really is a very nice allround/vacation lens.

Day at the zoo

I didn't take one photo with this lens that would be considered sharp when viewed at 100%

boufa wrote in post #16145912
... a picture of Grand Prismatic from above taken with this lens.

You won't be alone. I just bought one of this Len, hope I will find a good reason to keep it . In the meantime please keep this post up

OK got this len today. here is some pictures.

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I realize that this photo board seems to lean towards "serious" photographers, but my daughter uses my old 40D. I throw this lens on it when we are stalking wildlife (I use my 150-500). It is perfect for her. Big enough to give her range, but compact enough for her to handle. She can barely hold the 150-500 to her face, much less actually use it.

A wrench is a horrible drill, but great for tightening nuts... so not every tool is perfect for every job. Camera gear is no different.

A zoo shot, the blur is motion, and in this case its a good thing. The bridge of the nose is in focus as it is not moving.
(much of the noise is because it was snowing at the time of the shot)

Printed the first shot 12x16 and it looks pretty decent for a superzoom, and a lot sharper than these resized uploads.

Took this one today using a variable ND filter