Sigma 18-250mm f/3 – Excellent general purpose superzoom, with some expected compromises

I spent ages deciding whether i should go ahead and purchase this lens but what a waste of shooting time. It proved itself on its first outing. It feels good, looks good and does a more than good job. I spent too much time looking at the technical ‘niggles’ on review sites and not enough time looking at the finished pictures. For the price, i would say it is unbeatable and being able to carry one multi-purpose lens when travelling is a major bonus. It might not have the fastest aperture setting in the world but with higher iso being more useable with today’s cameras i haven’t found this to be a problem. I would not hesitate to buy sigma lenses in the future. The saving over the brand names is immense.

Really versatile and for most occasions, it’s the only lens i need to carry so brilliant for travel. Images are sharp and well exposed in my opinion and it’s not too heavy when fitted to my eos 60d. Years ago i had an 18-125mm and the extra range at the top end is really useful.

For the price you can’t knock this lens. It gives clear sharp images and is easy to use, it is also very light given the focal range. If you can’t afford to pay 5 times the price for a high end lens, this will do a good job for you.

I bought a canon 600d a couple of years ago with a canon 18-135mm lens. For a couple of years i was perfectly happy with this set up, but an upcoming trip to south africa (and a safari) promoted me to look for a longer lens. While an l series lens is high up on my ‘want’ list, it’s a very long way down my ‘can afford’ list and so i looked at lenses from tamron and sigma. Much reading of reviews and watching of youtube videos convinced me that this sigma lens would be the one to go for. It’s smaller and lighter than the canon lens it’s replaced and the extra zoom has proven to be worthwhile. At first i thought it was producing images with a lot of noise, but i’ve since discovered this was down to the settings i was using and reducing iso has made a lot of difference. I was very happy with the images i took while away and hopefully will continue to do so for years to come. At least until i’ve saved up some more money for my l series lenses.

Good for the price if you are after a big zoom lens. Really like it in close ups. Works great but i find it sometimes struggles a bit in dim light, more so than other lenses i have used. Still using it a year later so must be doing something right.

I bought this lens recently from amazon to replace my aging but reliable 5 years old non-stabalised tamron 18-250mm zoom lens, i`m getting older now lolol, and find that i could not hold my canon eos 650d without the shakes, wow. This sigma offering is totaly superb, the build quality is astonishing, built as, if not better than some of the canons, it is near silent in operation and the image stabilizing is in one word fantastic. What a difference, and my pictures are sharper, more so than the tamron, i had read quite a few reviews on this new sigma, near all resulting in 4-5 stars and also how a good few reviewers claimed this sigma was better than the tamron 18-270mm vc zoom lens (its main competitor) which seemed to get mixed reviews with a few reviewers only giving it around three stars, so after all the reading and u-tube reviews it was the sigma for me, and boy. Am i glad i bought it, it has never been off my 650d since day one and i put a 62mm hoya uv filter on it the moment i took it out of the box, also sigma, as far as i know at the moment of writing this, are offering a free 3 year guarantee on all their lenses, all you do is visit their website, enter the serial number of the lens, and where and when purchased, thats it, they confirm your guarantee by e-mail, good on sigma for this free guarantee (but check their website to see if the free offer is still current) all in all i highly recommend this lens, in my opinion the high quality results it produces negates the need to change lenses in most cases, why change lenses when you only need one, and also a special mention for amazon for great communications and doing their utmost in getting the sigma and super fast delivering it when they did, as they were having difficuly obtaining stock, and also well done to sigma for showing some lens manufacturers how its done.

• A TOTALY SUPERB LENS.
• Super value, super results
• Great all-purpose lens.

Bought this as i needed a good all in one lens, not all of us can buy primes right away, that bit comes later. It’s a weighty but still hand holdable, you just notice it and have to hold the camera steadier. However i don’t see much in the way of coatings so lens flare and ca can be an issue, however a good camera and lightroom can cut down on such issues. Don’t judge this lens right away, you need time to learn it’s workings, i find for best results stay below 200mm and above f/8. 0for that you get nice, clear sharp images for your effort and a surprisingly good image. Focus can hunt a bit, for that i use af. C with back button focus and priority medium, means it’s slower on burst but gives the lens a chance to lock in. Then it’s spot on, i can’t see any front or back focusing issues, unlike other lenses i’ve had. Price wise it’s bit of a bargain for what you get, really capable for macro or any telephoto work.

I purchased this lens as a replacement for my old sigma 28 – 200 lens when i bought a new canon eos 60d. The zoom range on this lens gives me a wider angle at one end and a longer lens at the telephoto end. Sigma have done a fantastic job in making this lens smaller and lighter in weight than my previous one and the optical stability feature is very useful for handheld shots at the extreme end of the telephoto range. There is also a lock which prevents the lens from sliding open when carrying it, something i used to find particularly annoying on the old lens. All in all a worthy match for canon’s own lens at a very good price.

Got this as a christmas present and so far not had any issues with it – very lightweight compared to tamron lens and as does 18-250 can reduce the number of lens carrying about for casual photographs – not sure how long sigma are doing the free offer for filter, but if still doing then definitely worth the price.

I have this permanently on a canon 100d, making a great carry-everywhere slr combination for when i don’t want the weight of a ‘serious’ slr and wide aperture lens. I’m quite sure that an mtf chart and uncorrected raw files would show up all sorts of flaws with this lens, especially at the extreme ends of the zoom range, but i expect compromises with such a long reach superzoom, and it’s certainly a vastly superior option compared to an all-in-one superzoom compact or bridge camera.

I take my canon 600d everywhere, but often found i needed a longer lens than the 18-135mm supplied with the camera. I did not want to carry and change different lenses, especially as i often have 2 dogs in tow, and this is the perfect replacement. I chose this, rather than the tamron 18-275mm after reading the reviews of both. After 3 months of use, i am very peased indeed with the quality – it serves my purpose perfectly. It is not, and not intended to be, a specialist lens. Macro images are quite reasonable provided you don’t get too close, but not as good a dedicated macro lens would provide, and for regularly photographing wildlife a longer lens would be required,but this is an excellent compromise for general photography. It feels to be the same size and weight as the 18-135mm, but is much more flexible. Having fallen over onto slabs with camera and lens in my hand, just 2 days after purchase, i can confirm that it is quite robust. The ultimate recommendation – my wife, a seriously enthusiastic photographer with a range of lenses, is considering purchasing one.

Features of Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Canon

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• Small and lightweight superzoom lens perfect for travel photography
• Equipped with Sigma’s own unique OS (Optical Stabiliser) technology
• Incorporates newly developed Thermally Stable Composite for a smaller construction
• SLD and Aspherical lens elements
• Minimum focusing distance of 35cm and a maximum magnification of 1:2.9 makes it ideal for close-up photography

Make sure this fits
by entering your model number.

I like the lens for its quality and range, which i require for video. The autofocus is good, manual focus fine, smooth action. The zoom however, is not quite perfect. It sticks in several places in the range, making it impossible to effect a smooth zoom during video takes. You have to grip it in a vice of steel to force it to be smooth. Does it ever loosen up?after putting up with the stickyness for a week or two i contacted amazon who very obligingly and very quickly sent me a replacement. This also was a bit sticky, though smoother than the first one.

Excellent sigma lens for canon eos cameras works very well on my canon eos 70d camera ideal walkabout lens seems very good at all distances in its range was qhickly delivered and very well packed included sigma hood.

Previously had a pentax 50-300 and pentax 18-50but that meant continually changing lenses. With this one i can do 90% of my pics with just the one lens – only using a much longer lens for longer distance field work.

The lens has a beautifully smooth action and wonderful clarity. It enables a spontaneity in composing and actual photographing which would be lost if one had to switch lenses. This is a great replacement for the original canon 18-55mm and a separate 70-300mm canon lenses which i had. Be aware that of course you still have an additional weight to carry around all the time (although the camera remains well balanced) and it adds about 1 inch to the length of the closed lens compared to the standard 18-55mm which might compromise your existing camera case. You bet and i have some cracking pictures to prove it.

So far, this is a very good lens. Does what is asked of it to a very good standard. As has been stated before, the only negative point is that the zoom ring turns the opposite way to any lens i have had in the past, which is a bit tricky if you’re trying to get a photo of a moving grandchild, as i often ‘try’. That’s the only negative though.

I am certain that it is more to do with my technical skill as a photographer, but i just couldn’t get shots which satisfied me. There are so many positive reviews that i my experience is no doubt the exception, but i couldn’t get on with it. I reverted to my old tamron 28-200 and got better results. I am no expert by any means – just my experience.

Small and lightweight superzoom lens perfect for travel photography

This is a great lens if, like me, you get tired of carrying a heavy camera bag with multiple lenses and then missing shots while you switch lenses. There are a few things i do not like about it;1. If you do not lock the lens while over your shoulder it will extend, it does this very quickly2. If you manually focus and then zoom in or out the focus needs to be adjusted3. When it times out, coming out of sleep mode or going into sleep mode, there is an audible click of the lens and if you are looking through the viewfinder you will see the image drop slightlythe picture quality is excellent although there can be some vinetting on extreme shots.

Having just the standard 50mm lens with my 600d i wanted a new lens for close ups and general photos. Having seen the cost of canon’s own good lenses i thought i would try this also having seen other reviews. Have used it for a few days and results are amazing. The lens is very well constructed, not much more weight than the standard canon supplied one, easy to use, quiet and results are amazing. No hesitation in recommending this lens to anyone.

I purchased this for my canon d550 camera to replace the two lenses used so far (canon 18-55 and 70-250). The lens worked perfectly in several climates (hot, cold and jungle), and had amazing steady-shot (all 1,500 photos done even at long-range) without a tri- or mono-pod. The lens was very good at eliminating flare (when taking shots into bright light) when used with the included lens cap. There are technically better lenses, but at a much greater price, size and weight (this lens weighs just 470g – a great asset in the field). A really useful lens, which produces excellent photos.

A good quality lense with a good zoom – allowing you to carry only one lense in many situations. Easy to use – works well with pentax.

It’s good but after using constantly for around a year the zoom moves when the camera is up or down and you have to use the lock mechanism to keep it in place.

Using with an alpha 77a good travelling companion when on holiday and not bad for more formal photo shoots,have paired it with a x2 converter for some wildlife shots( lightest package when travelling with 4 kids) and has not disappointed. Focus not as quick as my other sony zoom ewspecially in doors so some patience required.

Equipped with Sigma’s own unique OS (Optical Stabiliser) technology

Ideal lens for those travels. Good sharp pictures quick focus between the 18 to 200 mm. You get a little distortion towards the maximum end 250 mm but it is not enough to spoil the overall performance. I would recommend it as goodvalue for money.

Working in afghanistan i wanted an all purpose lens which would cover all eventualities and replace my more expensive lenses. The sigma 18-250mm dc macro, fits the bill perfectly and with its huge zoom range, negates the need to change lenses in a dusty environment. So far i have been very pleased with the lens, it’s sharpness is good, it is light weight and a perfect travel lens. Basically does everything sigma claims, and in my opinion great value for money.

Very light and so great for general purpose especially travel. Image quality is pretty good as well and for the price i would definitely recommend as a general useage lens. I replaced with a 24-105l and 70-300. Whilst image quality marginally better both lenses are now considerably heavier and more bulky than the sigma.

This is a great lens for the price. So much better than the kit lens in every respect, plus it’s a super zoom. I’m finally getting the sharp shots i knew my 100d was capable of. Highly recommended for amateur photographers. You would need to pay a lot more for just one of the focal lengths built into this gem to get better photos. Sure, i wish it was brighter, but sigma have achieved a remarkable feat in packing all of this into a single compact body.

Although the point of having a dslr is to be able to pick the right lens for the job, and as an owner of 50mm prime, 100mm prime macro and wide angle zoom, in addition to the basic 18-55mm and 55-250mm zoom lenses,all these being canon, i missed the convenience of a (compromise) 18-250mm zoom to take out with me when it wasn’t appropriare to carry the whole photography rucksack out with me, like on a country walk, or a day out in a town or city, when photography was a bonus rather than the aim of the triphence the sigma zoom lens. Not too heavy, feels the part, gives that good useful range of focal lengths, all in one lens. I accept the compromise of price and wide zoom range against pixel near-perfection of a prime lens, but its the right solution fornthe situation i described. I was particularly impressed with the macro ability of this lens on telephoto, very good and close with autofocus, and even closer when manually focussing. Autofocus brilliant, quick, quiet, accurate, and a thoroughly good addition to my kit. Also pleased to see it came with a lens hood in the boxwell done, sigma.

Camera arrived well packed and on time, i have now used this lens for a few weeks and i am very impressed with it up to now, the lens is clear and by using the settings on my sony a57 camera have taken some very good photos. I have found that i use aperture settings most so i can control the iso settings when taking indoor shots, now the spring has arrived i am looking forward to using this lens outside. I cannot compare with any other lens but for the price and quality of pictures i would recommend this lens for anyone.

Ok so not a top quality canon l series lens but at the price it’s great and saves carrying round several lenses. The lock facility is very handy to prevent lens extending to full length while wearing but wonder if it could be extended to loak at focal length when taking ground close ups??.

Incorporates newly developed Thermally Stable Composite for a smaller construction

A couple of years ago i e-bayed my tamron lens of about this range, but in trying to save weight and lens changes i decided to risk this one. Testing it against my canon zoom it seems just as good and the image stabiliser works well. Vastly better than the tamron and has become my standard lens.

Had some pleasing results on an old eos 350 and new 1300. Very useful zoom range and saves on lens swaps for most general situations. The lock function is required as will creep when carried without it on – no real problem and expect really with it’s impressive range. Focussing speed fine and not too noisy. Only really low light situations can struggle but most do. Weight not too bad considering its range and feels nice in the hand in use. Os and af switchs are relatively close and i have switched either/or on occasions but a minor quibble and more use would familiarise.

Bought this to replace my 18-55mm canon lens as the dreaded ‘autofocus’ problem arose. This lens fits the bill perfectly and will eliminate the need for me to phanny around changing to a 55-210mm or 70-300mm. Really pleased with the lens. Seems pretty quick to autofocus and the fit on the eos450d is lovely and snug. Tried a few shots of birds etc in the garden and all have turned out perfectly. If anyone is swithering then all i can say is wait no mre. Great lens at a very good price allied to speedy service/ delivery.

My wife and i have been struggleing for some time to use and change various lenses, alas, with poor photo results, this sigma lense is the best buy we could have made as amateurs. We have just returned from spain and have a brilliant selection of photo’s, thanks sigmaand thanks to all who previously reviewed and reported, this helped greatly in making our decision,.

Great lens but i was a bit disappointed that at 250mm the zoom magnification was just less than my sony 55mm – 200mm lens at 200mm range. I contacted sigma and they explained that it was due to’focus breathing’ and the illustrations they showed indicated the problem. I was more interested in the focus range of 18mm – 250mm so as far as i’m concerned it doesn’t cause much of a problem.

As many other reviewers have stated this is an excellent lens, particularly at a price of less than £300. Having just taken about 1000 photographs in and around barcelona using the lens, i can’t find a single fault with the lens. It gives such flexibility particularly after the restrictions of the 18-55mm standard canon lens (which developed the auto-focus problem that others have described). The lens is also extremely small for a zoom and, contrary to what other reviewers have said, i didn’t think that it was particularly heavy at all. One point that has been put across as a negative by certain reviewers is that the lens slips and extends when carried over the shoulder. It doesn’t if you use the lock switch.

SLD and Aspherical lens elements

The only downside is that it had to go back to sigma in welwyn garden city for calibration with my canon 760d camera. The live view feature on the camera didn’t work with the lens. It is for this reason that i give it 4 stars, rather than 5. However, it was a relatively simple adjustment by sigma and the lens works perfectly with live view on the camera. Apparently, sigma are aware of this problem and were most helpful when i contacted them.

Appears well made and secured well onto camera body. Works better in daylight compared to artificial light. Shows less clarity at higher iso but in general a good lens. Needs stabalisation when unsupported by tripod.

I have a canon eos 60d and an eos 100d, the latter being the more recent purchase as i wanted a good quality but fairly compact camera. As i have used canon dslrs for a few years, i have a few canon lenses in addition to the standard 18-55 kit lens – i have the 28-135is and also the 70-300is. However, ahead of a two week family holiday to canada, i opted for the sigma as i wanted 1 universal lens that would cover all bases and that i could use with the 100d. First impressions are that the lens is lightweight but well made and, in my opinion, build quality is up there with the canon lenses i am familiar with. The lens was put through its paces via c500 shots on holiday, which covered landscapes, people and a whale watching excursion, which saw the zoom used to its maximum. Having got back and reviewed my photos, i am delighted with the results. The sigma is system seems to work really well and shots are crisp with good colour across the full spectrum of the lens’ range. The fact that the lens is so compact and light made it a joy to travel with and, as an added bonus, i could (just) fit the 100d and this lens in the standard canon wraparound case for the camera, saving the hassle associated with carrying/using the usual lowepro zoom case. Perhaps if you are using really high-end gear then the limitations of this lens could be exposed but i am delighted with my purchase and it meets all of my needs.

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