Sigma Zoom Wide Angle 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Aspherical IF Lens for Canon Digital EOS

Convenient but with flawed AF

Posted Aug 26, 2006 - I'm using this Sigma lens with Canon Rebel XT. Together, they usually produce good pictures. But like many review sites mentioned, it tends to front focus (focusing nearer than the intended target) from time to time. In my semi-scientific test shots of measuring tape at an angel, I can consistently see the problem. But in everyday street shots, most pictures are just fine. The problem is more visible when the depth of field is small, such as shooting a close up at 200mm F6.3. Manual focusing is difficult on the XT because of XT's small screen magnification and short focus ring range on this lens. To go from macro to infinity, the focus ring rotates only about 30 degree. (As a comparison, the Canon 28-135 IS rotates about 60 degree.) The upside for this is a very quick AF response time. The AF is quieter and quicker than the Tamron 18-200. In my short test of both Tamron and Sigma in a local store, the Sigma AF feels more responsive. The sharpness of the Sigma is also a little better. Another thing is that the actual zoom range is smaller than stated. At 200mm, you can see the field of view increasing when you turn the focus ring away from infinity, resulting something like a 180mm. Tamron is better in this regard. Overall, I still think it's a decent walk around lens. Not having to carry and change between multiple lenses is quite valuable for me. Added on 8/26/2006: I found a work around for front focusing problem. Well, almost, it works about 75% of the time. Just focus on something far away first, then aim at your target and shoot. My theory is that the focus ring stops at the FAR end of the focus tolerance range. Adding the front focus on top of it results in a more accurate focus.

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Very good walk around lens for starters

Posted Dec 16, 2006 - I am new to DSLR photography and still testing the water. I got a Canon Digital Rebel and did not want to invest thousands into lenses untill I feel comfortable to. If you are in a similar situation, this is the lens for you. Things I like: - Compact and light weight giving the 18-200mm zoom range. - Very good photoes as far as I can tell. - You can get it at around $300 Things I dislike: - I hope it has IS (Image Stabilizer). However, that will be too good to be true.

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As sharp as an eraser

Posted Nov 3, 2006 - I don't know if I got a dud version but I can only say that my experience is less than less that satisfying. When zooming from 100 to 200mm, the sides of the pictures look like smudged ink. I have sent examples of this issue to Sigma via email and was told twice to send in the lens. After paying $20 postage twice, the lens was returned with no repair and the ticket saying "Checked out OK". All I can say is if this meets their standards, they would be impressed with a Kodak 110 from the 70s. I don't know what I am more disappointed in: my lens or Sigma. Thanks to Sigma's display of low expectations, I would never invest in another lens from them again. It's all Canon L's for me from now on.

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Outstanding walkabout lens with tremendous versatality and quality...

Posted Aug 7, 2005 - I just purchased this lens to replace my Sigma 18-125mm lens that I used for over a year. I had the older Sigma on both my Canon Digital Rebel as well as the newer Rebel XT and it was a fantastic lens; in fact, it was the only lens I used on the camera during the past year. This newer addition to the Sigma family improves upon its predecessor with both range and size. It has extended the zoom to 200mm, which when accompanied with the 1.6x crop factor of the canon digital rebels, is 320mm in film equivalency. The wide portion of 18mm is equivalent to 28mm in film cameras. I also noticed that despite its farther range, this lens is actually smaller than the 18-125mm! Thus, this is truly a versatile walk around lens for anyone who doesn't have the will to carry a sack of lenses around all day. What's more, the image quality from this lens is remarkable. The pictures are sharp, crisp and amazingly vibrant; of course, the fact that it's been mounted onto a Rebel XT doesn't hurt and it's definitely a massive improvement from the Rebel's POS kit lens, IMHO. True, this lens is not of the same caliber as a Canon L Prime lens, but for under $400, you can't beat it. I recommend this lens to anyone who appreciates quality incorporated into a lightweight, compact, and affordable lens.

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Good range lens for the price

Posted Jun 22, 2006 - I just purchased xt with kit lens and 50mm. Both of these lens work well but I need more range. Sigma 18-200 has a good range from wide(18mm) to zoom (200mm). Good to use when I just don't want to change lens. Price is excellent compare to others. Good for walk around lens.

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Excellent Lense

Posted Dec 23, 2005 - Overall I like this lense a lot. I purchase this lense for my first DSLR, Canon Digital Rebel XT. I was looking for a low cost lense, and this lense fits the profile and it's also quite small, easy to travel with.

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Excellent Sigma Lens

Posted Dec 14, 2005 - Great Camera lens perfect for Canon digital rebel XT, One with more zooming capacity from 18-200, Great construction and great quality. Smaller too compared to other lens in tha market.

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Sigma 18-200mm zoom

Posted Sep 5, 2006 - This lens is pretty versatile in terms of zoom range. I've found it handy for dusty outdoor situations where I don't want to change lenses, but still want a pretty good zoom range. It is a bit soft in the corners at 18mm, but it does sharpen up pretty good at f/5.6.

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