Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM Lens for Canon SLR Camera (OLD MODEL)

First of all, if you are an advanced photographer, please don't look at my review. I was just looking for an affordable lens that I can carry all the time instead of exchanging lens on a regular basis. I have a Nikon D3100 with the kit lens 18-55mm. The kit lens is very good, but my son started to play soccer and I realized that I needed something else. I looked at the price of the Nikor 18-200mm and it was way beyond my budget. I looked at this lens and I saw that it is kind of new in the market. I only found 3 reviews from Canon owners, but I did not think that was a big deal since Canon is also a top notch brand name. The lens are just a little bigger and heavier than the kit lens which is awesome. I am extremely happy with the pictures. The pictures from the soccer games look great. The OS system equivalent to the VR system for Nikon lenses works just fine. I have taken pictures in every single range from 18mm to 200mm and I could not be more pleased with the results. The pictures at the 18-55mm range are as good as the ones taken with the kit lens if not better. Pictures at the 200mm range sometimes look a little bit blurry, but based on what I have read this is normal for these telephotos. I have also recorded videos and the AF function works perfect as well. From time to time if there is not enough light, the AF works slowly, but it is not a big deal for me. If you are an amateur photographer and don't want to expend a lot of money, you should consider this lens for sure.

This Sigma lens came perfectly packaged and fits my Sony ILCA-68 a-mount camera perfectly. Fit and finish is excellent and the lens has a very well-built feel to it. I use it as my everyday lens and have been very satisfied with how quickly auto focus works and the photos taken in general settings. I took off one star because the lens is VERY difficult to get pin-sharp at 200mm; either with auto focus and with manual focus in particular. The focus ring is a bit free turning and less than a millimeter of movement results in out of focus photos. I have taken many practice photos of the moon and find it tedious to get zeroed in and pin sharp focus. Here is the deal: it is not an expensive lens, it didn't cost $800-2,000 so I am not expecting that kind of precision. I have a budget and look for quality at a moderate prices. I have even done a micro-focus adjustment with this lens to insure my camera is doing its part, very little adjustment was needed. One other thing that is awkward, to me at least, is the zoom turns opposite of any of my other lens, which results in my trying to turn the zoom only to realize it is against the lock and the end. Not a thing really, and I probably wouldn't take any points off for this issue. Overall, if you are looking for a lens to carry everyday that gives you wide angle to moderate telephoto capabilities on a budget, this is an excellent choice.

I am somewhat pleased... Lens kinda slips down when focusing in and out. Like its dropping. I ordered 2 filters which were suppose to fit it and one if them was too big. Thought I was getting a 62 but sent a 72. Other than that I feel the lens is pretty good. I wanted a lens that served the purpose of not having to change lens as much this solved the problem but feel a Canon would have been a better choice but money wise this was a good investment for right now

Usually something suffers (the wide end or the zoom end) but this lens packs a punch. Great all around image quality. I picked it up after seen it's review in Popular Photography. Also, doing my homework online I've seen many that have given it more positive reviews over the Canon 28-135 USM. In fact I have the 28-135 and I'm pretty sure that I'll now be selling it since I have this jewel in my hand. Having the extra 10mm on the wide end really does help. Do you homework for yourself and you will find that this may be a great addition to you collection if your in the market for this class of lens.UPDATE 9/17/12: After taking several shots this weekend I noticed around the 100mm mark bokeh wasn't as "creamy" as I would have desired. Some of the lines (trees in the background) were harsh looking almost like looking at a 3D image without the glasses. It was distracting enough for my eyes to focus on the background images. I need to play around with this lens more but I may end up dropping it one star because of this.UPDATE /55/18: I just got rid of my Canon 18-135. I primarily shoot with prime lens' but it is nice to have a good quality zoom. I know this one is several years old but I can't let go of it. With modern day processing adjustments via apps or computer software they even make this lens sharper. I don't see myself getting rid of it ever. Excellent lens. I'm happy with the 5 star review I gave it several years ago. I have not tested the updated Sigma 18-200 to see how it compares to this lens. I'm not sure how they could improve on this lens.

Well, I just ordered this lens today from Amazon.com, based on the reviews here it sounded like a good lens for a decent price. The description of the lens sounds great.The problem is, the description of the lens on Amazon.com does not indicate that it is not for full-frame FX format cameras. The lens will work on an FX camera but it will leave a large black circle around the border of images at all focal lengths. Worse at short focal lengths.I found this out on dpreview.com, where I went after the fact of ordering this lens. Then I came back and looked at the reviews here and sure enough everyone has smaller sensor DSLR's. I missed that the first time through.So unfortunately it will be going back to Amazon.From now on when not ordering a Nikon lens I'll have to check dpreview.com first. All lenses by Nikon are labeled DX for smaller sensor cameras, but apparently not Sigma lenses.