Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 "OS" DC Review

I've posted a review of the new Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 OS DC at my site http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/sigma18200os

Sample crops and pictures are still forthcoming. Feel free to leave comments/questions at my site.

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I've been looking forward to your review. I bought the Tamron 18-250mm about a month ago, not knowing about the Sigma, and took it to the Big Island and Oahu for two weeks mounted on my 20D. The Tamron gave sharp images if stopped down just a little - expecially in the 18-125mm range. IS, OS or VR not often needed for my trip but would be appreciated otherwise, especially on the long-end. Hopefully, Photozone will eventially test the new Sigma so we can compare with a single sample of the Tamron. Thanks, JoJo.

Awesome review

Nice review! Looking forward to pictures. How would you compare the AF speed to the tamron 28-75?

interesting

Thanks for doing this. I'm looking forward to the pics.

If the distortion is no worse at the wide end than my Sigma 17-70, and the IQ is the same, I may be interested in this lens as a replacement.

LightRules where did you get your 18-200 OS from ?

Thanks for the greta review, and especially the breakdown of aperture/focal length. That is definately the one drawback to this lens as the max aperture really does go up quickly (only 3.5 for 18-20... 5.6 by 80mm, and 6.3 from 140mm up) Of course you can look at it as basically a Canon 17-85 IS with 86-200 thrown in for free! Have you really picked up 4-5 stops with the OS? I am still looking at the Tamron 17-50 and Canon 70-200 f4 as my ideal setup, but I may just go for this first as a walkaround. I can't see how the 17-85 can even stay on the market without a drastic price cut with this lens out.

tough_dog wrote in post #3465248
I've been looking forward to your review. I bought the Tamron 18-250mm about a month ago, not knowing about the Sigma, and took it to the Big Island and Oahu for two weeks mounted on my 20D. The Tamron gave sharp images if stopped down just a little - expecially in the 18-125mm range. IS, OS or VR not often needed for my trip but would be appreciated otherwise, especially on the long-end. Hopefully, Photozone will eventially test the new Sigma so we can compare with a single sample of the Tamron

IMO having stabilization for this "slow superzoom" type lens is almost a must. Certainly it's doable without, but as you probably know, 200mm and f6.3 isn't ideal as a max aperture handholding. You might want to check out this new Sigma offering and see how you like the OS compared to the 18-250 you currently have. I think you'll see just how useful it can be (though I'm hearing good reports about that new 18-250 as well).

turbodude wrote in post #3465249
Awesome review

Thanks, turbo.

bangarang wrote in post #3465309
Nice review! Looking forward to pictures. How would you compare the AF speed to the tamron 28-75?

Similar. If you go to youtube, search "tamron 17-50 af" and also "sigma 18-200 af" and both should come up. You can listen to them as these lenses are similar in AF speed and noise. I think the Tammy's are a little higher pitched.

sixsixfour wrote in post #3465421
interesting

Interesting

Just Be wrote in post #3465442
Thanks for doing this. I'm looking forward to the pics.
If the distortion is no worse at the wide end than my Sigma 17-70, and the IQ is the same, I may be interested in this lens as a replacement.

The distortion control on the 1770 is better, but that isn't surprising. That's a 4x zoom versus an 11x zoom. The new 18-200 OS isn't the ideal architectural lens

kahren wrote in post #3465671
LightRules where did you get your 18-200 OS from ?

www.47stphoto.com Good service overall.

vic6string wrote in post #3465864
Thanks for the greta review, and especially the breakdown of aperture/focal length. That is definately the one drawback to this lens as the max aperture really does go up quickly (only 3.5 for 18-20... 5.6 by 80mm, and 6.3 from 140mm up) Of course you can look at it as basically a Canon 17-85 IS with 86-200 thrown in for free! Have you really picked up 4-5 stops with the OS? I am still looking at the Tamron 17-50 and Canon 70-200 f4 as my ideal setup, but I may just go for this first as a walkaround. I can't see how the 17-85 can even stay on the market without a drastic price cut with this lens out.

I think that those who don't have a 3rd party phobia will/should opt for the 18200OS over the 1785IS without question. I don't see any reason to get the 1785IS unless one must have Canon or ring USM. As for OS ability, look at my sample at the link (Crop A) and see for yourself. The OS unit is extremely good in this lens.

I'll be posting more samples shortly. Thanks for your patience and comments.

Where are the 100% crops from the center and the corner for my pixel peeping pleasure?
Personally, only mega zoom I like is the bigma. The 18-200ish zooms make too much optical compromise for my needs, as I'm moving more towards only prmes, but it would make a nice one lens solution. This lens if optically nice should do to Canon folks what Nikon 18-200VR is doing for the Nikon folks.

Like it or not, it seems the biggest market is for more casual users and this lens may be a good option for that. I asked the Sigma rep at the show, which of their lens is the best seller and he told me the 70-300APO, which is squarely aimed at the consumer market, so I expect this lens to have a great reception as well.

Tee Why wrote in post #3466218
Where are the 100% crops from the center and the corner for my pixel peeping pleasure?

Congrats Tom on becoming a "cream of the crop" member. I remember we were once together around 2500 and you just blew by me

As for your peeping fetish, I hope to post some shortly. We spent most of today down at Fashion Island and I took the 18200OS. Need to organize and put it all together.

It seems like with your recent sale of some primes and purchase of Tamron 17-50 (do you still have it?) and this lens, you are moving away from specialized lenses to more generalized lenses. Any thoughts?

As for the no. of posts, I really don't count them. I guess I've been online too much.
Oh well, everyone's got a bad habit I guess.

That's awesome! That would be great for an all-purpose-turn-your-dslr-into-a-P&S thing to use when just out and about. Five stops of IS and that bokeh is surprisingly pleasant!
That is the Disneyland lens.

now on my list of things to get...

Thanks for the great review. I have been considering this lens as an all-in-one travel lens, and your review told me what I needed to hear. Now if B&H would only get it in stock!