Surprisingly Good resolution. Much better than many more expensive zoom lenses. Very few available in this range and the best of the lt. Well built even thogh polycarbonate. Smooth zoom and quite rapid focus.

Some vignetting wide open. Two Hundred (200) mm need more USM to correct. Should double auto focus to be sure that the subject is in focus.

I have been a Fashion/Advertising photographer for over 20 years. I have been published worldwide in major "Trendy Press" magazines and recently shot the "Swarovski" X-Mas 2005/2006 World Advertising Campaign. I was looking for a lens I could use for taking "Snapshots" on the street and for vacations. I didn't want to lug around my pro gear and lenses. I just got this lens this morning and have shot about fifty images. I wasn't expecting miracles. Well Lo and Behold... I am "Gob-struck and Blown Away". When understanding the limitations of any lens one compensates to get the best out of it. Using my casual Canon 350D and knowing that it is best to reduce the contrast to -2 when shooting in JPEG Super Fine setting, the Sigma 18-200 DC lens is really quite amazing. I always USM in photoshop, even for my "L" lenses. I USM systematically at 0.3 pixels at 300 percent and 10-15 percent at 50-60 pixels to pump up the contrast. Well when shooting between 18 & 120 mm the sharpness is as good as he upper median of zoom lenses on the market. When shooting between 120-200 it is still very very good stopped down 1 to 2 stops. I was surprised by how sharp it can be even wide open if you confirm the auto focus acouple of times. Ones to come in and twice to fine tune the calibration. I would say that 200-mm is acceptable but NOT fantastic. USM at 0.3 to 0.5 pixels at 300 percent should compensate for the problems at this focal length.

Customer Service

None Needed

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 10-20 EX Canon 17-70 L

Excellent images, great colour,I do though have the white wedding custom curve on my D70 and would not use any other at all,its bril.

None I can point at.Some complain about low light focusing,but who wants to use a digital camera in low light anyway?results are dull and flat,so go home instead.

Nikon D70 came with 18-70 but wanted something longer,so hence purchased the Sigma 18-200DC zoom.I must say I ma very well pleased with its results and for the money is an excellent performer.People shots are coming out fantastic as I love doing candids,colours are spot on and I have had no problems with the focusing as it certainly does the job quick enough for me.I have done lots of flowers in the short time I have owned it and again,no complaints at all.Petals,etc. have had very sharp edges and again I am extremely well pleased.My best friend has Canon gear and being a richer person-the swine!!(joke)he has all L lenses and we have compared some shots taken with his Canon and L lenses and even he admits that they are definitely not £800.00 + better than this Sigma is turning out and I believe he is going to buy one to walk about with.Some are a bit better,I mean just a bit,but not that much better to justify the vastly higher price.I honestly recommend this fine lens.

Customer Service

Darned terrible!! I compained about first lens received as it was full of dust and internal glass had a small scratch on it(Jessops gladly changed it when a new one was ordered and that has been spot on)I received a reply from Sigma UK which more or less said--looks like you have been unlucky doesn`t it.I was gobsmacked--so Sami-from Sigma UK-I think you are in the wrong job,as customer services is not your strong point.I have a full copy of reply,so can be seen if anyone is willing to dispute they would say that.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 18-70

Focal Range 18-200mm (Canon 20D 29-320mm) Good Performance and sharpening (similar to EX series) Weigth and Dimension Good and precision manufacturing Unbelievably best than 18-125!

Visible CA at image border Low light from 150-200mm (5.6 - 6.3 min. aperture) Motor AF noise Focus ring free only in MF (not HSM lens!)

I purchased this lens for walk-around use and i find it a very good into price/performance ratio. Costruction is solid, precise zoom movement, compact and light weight. Good optical performance, significant distorsion at 18mm, (but is normal at this focal!), medium-low CA at lens border (but not in all shot condition). For this price and portability grade, this Sigma is a great lens.

Similar Products Used:

CANON 17-40 F4 CANON 70-200 F4 SIGMA 50 F2.8 EX DG