Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS review

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Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS


Browse Navigation:

  1. Browse Navigation
  2. In short
  3. The main differences from the previous model
  4. History
  5. Main Specifications
  6. Assembly
  7. LOCK Button
  8. Stabilizer
  9. Focusing
  10. The effect of F / 6.3 on focus
  11. Image quality and sample photos
  12. Alternatives
  13. My personal experience with the lens
  14. Results
  15. User Comments
  16. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review, the Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS (Optical Stabilizer) lens I will abbreviate as 'Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM'. Here I am reviewing the version for Nikon DX cameras.

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

In short

Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM - universal lens for cropped cameras with APS-C sensor, an updated version of an older model Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 OS HSM. The lens uses a wide range of focal lengths and can shoot both in wide-angle and in the tele-range. It is interesting for image stabilizer, ultrasonic focusing motor, internal focusing and small size (when folded). In general, the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM acts as an inexpensive and functional solution for cropped cameras, providing a mediocre image quality, but quite suitable for amateur and advanced amateur photography. In general, a little better than the previous model. Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 OS HSM.

According to TIPA Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM is the best amateur lens of 2012 for digital SLR cameras.

The main differences from the previous model:

  • Another optical design. Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM uses a little more special optical elements, including the new Sigma FLD, which has the property of fluorite, but at the same time cheaper to manufacture and with a lower weight.
  • The Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM has a smaller front filter diameter (62 mm versus 72 mm for Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 OS HSM)
  • The possibilities of macro photography have increased a little, now the maximum zoom ratio is 1: 3.8 instead of 1: 3.9.
  • The weight of the lens decreased from 600 to 490 grams.
  • The Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM is a newer lens, released 5 years after Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 OS HSM.
  • All versions of the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM lenses have an ultrasonic motor, while an ultrasonic motor for Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 OS HSM Used only in the Nikon camera version.
  • Changed the design of the case. The Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM version is easily recognizable by the red border near the front lens

I did not find any significant other changes in the new lens.

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

History

The first Sigma class 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 hyperzoom was introduced in early 2005, six months earlier than the original Nikon 18-200 / 3.5-5.6 VR and 3 years earlier than the original Canon 18-200/3.5-5.6 IS. In the future, the line of lenses was refined and underwent many various changes. And due to the fact that Sigma also produces lenses with different mounts, for Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sigma, Sony / Minolta systems, there can be a huge number of different sub-versions and versions of the same model. I divided the main versions according to optical schemes:

  1. Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1:3.5-6.3 [EF, F, K, SA, A], February 2005, scheme 15/13, with red ring and velvet body, macro 1:4.4, without stabilizer, with micro motor [but only for Canon EF-S]. Since December 2007, a micro-motor has also been built into lenses for Nikon (before that, there was no focus motor in the lens). This lens was also produced under the name Quantaray 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 Dio Multi-Coated.
  2. Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 (+ -HSM) OS (Optical Stabilizer) [EF, F, K, SA, A], September 2006, scheme 18/13, velvet (2006) or black (from August 2007) body, macro 1:3.9. The kind of velvet version I have shown here. Nikon cameras only have 'HSM' written on them. For Pentax, Sigma, Sony/Minolta and Canon cameras, the lens comes without the 'HSM' motor. In the Sigma and Canon version, the lens uses a conventional micromotor. Versions for Sony / Minolta and Pentax do not have a built-in image stabilizer (possibly without a built-in focus motor). Versions released after March 2007 differ from earlier versions in that the 'Optical Stabilizer' label is in a different location (to the left of the 'LOCK' button). Individual specimens differ in the structure of the rubber on the zoom ring. Earlier versions have a Sigma velvet case, while newer versions have a classic black one. This lens was also produced under the name Quantaray 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 Dio OS (+ -HSM) Multi-Coated.
  3. Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS (Optical Stabilizer) [EF, F, K, SA, A], October 2011, scheme 18/14, with red ring, macro 1:3.8. The Sony/Minolta and Pentax versions do not have a built-in image stabilizer.
  4. Sigma DC C 18-200 mm 1:3.5-6.3 Macro OS HSM (Contemporary, Optical Stabilizer) [EF, F, K, SA, A], January 2014, scheme 16/13, macro 1:3. The Sony/Minolta and Pentax versions do not have a built-in image stabilizer.

A line of similar lenses supplemented with super-zooms with a slightly higher zoom ratio:

  1. Sigma Zoom 18-250mm 1: 3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM (Optical Stabilizer), January 2009, 18 elements in 14 groups, macro 1:3.4
  2. Sigma Zoom 18-250mm 1: 3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM MACRO (Optical Stabilizer), June 2012, 16 elements in 13 groups, macro 1:2.9 (best in series)
  3. Sigma 18-300mm 1: 3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM MACRO | C (Contemporary, Optical Stabilizer), September 2014, 17 elements in 13 groups, macro 1:3
Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Main technical characteristics of Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS (Optical Stabilizer):

Review Instance Name The lens barrel has the following inscriptions' Optical Stabilizer SIGMA DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM ', on the trunk' MACRO 0.45m / 1.48ft ', on the border near the front lens it says' Sigma Zoom 18-200mm 1: 3.5- 6.3 II DC OS HSM ø62 LENS MADE IN JAPAN ', the review presents a lens with serial number 12441816
Basic properties
  • DC (Digital Camera) - the lens is designed for SLR cameras with an APS-C sensor, in this case it is an analogue 'Nikon DX'
  • ZOOM - the ability to change the focal length of the lens
  • LOCK - button for fixing the zoom ring at 18 mm.
  • HSM (Hyper Sabout nothing Motor) - ultrasonic focusing motor, in this case it is analogous to 'Nikon SWM'.
  • AF / M - simple focus mode switch
  • OS (Optical Stabilizer) - built-in optical stabilizer, in this case it's analog 'Nikon VR', but only for Nikon / Canon / Sigma
  • IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating - super multicoated optics
  • ASP (Aspenherical) - aspherical elements in the optical scheme
  • FLD (Fluorite like Low Dispersion) - special low-dispersion elements with properties like fluorite
  • SLD (Special Low Dispersion) - special low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • MACRO 0.45m / 1.48ft - scale for macro photography, it is possible to shoot at very small focusing distances with a maximum magnification of 0.26X
  • Lack of aperture control ring, analog 'Nikon G'
  • Bayonet hood included
  • Relatively small size and weight
  • 10 pins microprocessor
  • TIPA Award 2012
  • Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use
Front Filter Diameter 62 mm
Focal length 18-200 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 27-300 mm
Zoom ratio 11.11 X (usually rounded to 11)
Designed by for Nikon DX digital cameras, there are modifications for other systems
Number of aperture blades 7 rounded petals
Tags focusing distance in meters and feet, focal lengths for 18, 28, 35, 50, 80, 135, 200 mm, mark of bayonet mount and mount / fix hood. There are scaling marks from 1: 13.1 to 1: 3.8
Diaphragm control is via the camera menu (analog Nikon G - lens type)

  • 18 mm - F / 3.5-F / 22
  • 28 mm - F / 4-F / 25
  • 35 mm - F / 4.5-F / 29
  • 50 mm - F / 4.8-F / 32
  • 80 mm - F / 5.3-F / 36
  • 135 mm - F / 6-F / 36
  • 200 mm - F / 6.3-F / 40
MDF 0.45 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 3.8
The weight 490 g
Optical design 18 elements in 14 groups, 3 ASP aspherical elements (in the optical scheme, aspherical elements are shown in pink, 2 aspherical elements are cast, one is a hybrid) and 2 low dispersion SLD elements (shown in the optical scheme in blue) and 1 low dispersion FLD element (in optical scheme shown in yellow)

sigma-18-200-2-optical-scheme-ii

Image of optical circuit clickable

Lens hood Bayonet type
Manufacturer country LENS MADE IN JAPAN (Lens made in Japan)
Production period From October 2011 to January 2014, it was later replaced by a similar version - Sigma DC C 18-200 mm 1: 3.5-6.3 Macro OS HSM (Optical Stabilizer, Contemporary)
Price

At the time of the release of the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM, this was the most optically sophisticated lens of its kind. In its optical design, it has as many as 6 specialized optical elements of four different types.

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Assembly

Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM was made in Japan. To the touch the lens is pleasant and weighty. The retractable frame of the body ('trunk') consists of 2 sections, which are quite durable, without any backlash.

The lens has metal bayonet. The zoom ring is rubberized, but there is no focusing ring (ordinary corrugated plastic). Changing the focal length is smooth and comfortable. There is a red decorative ring near the front lens, reminiscent of the red rings of Canon L-lenses.

There is a bayonet mount mark and a mark on the case for quick installation of the hood. The lens uses a plastic hood, which is fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the lens. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. In this position, access to the focus ring at 18 mm focal length is not lost. When you change the focal length, the lens hood moves with the front of the lens.

When changing the focal length, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens body like a pump - it draws in and pushes out air. This behavior of the rear lens is called 'vacuum cleaner effect', which can increase the amount of dust that accumulates in the camera.

For Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM, the direction of rotation of the zoom and focus rings does not match the direction of the original Nikon DX AF-S 18-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII VR.

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Lock 'LOCK ′

Frame (trunk) of the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM spontaneously changes its size under its own weight (perhaps this begins only with time). For example, when the camera is tilted down, the trunk of the lens spontaneously lengthens (focal length increases). To prevent such an unpleasant incident, there is a focal length switch-lock 'LOCK' (the so-called 'lock') on the lens body, which tightly locks focal length at a value of 18 mm.

To fix the trunk of the lens, you must first set the 18 mm focal length. Near the button there is a drawn arrow that indicates in which direction the switch should be moved to lock the lens.

The switch is located in a convenient place - under the thumb of the left hand, so the lens can be quickly and comfortably 'removed from the lock' before starting shooting.

The effect of a spontaneous change in focal length (trunk creep) in this lens is quite pronounced.

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Stabilizer

Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM has a built-in image stabilizer. Many sources claim that the stabilizer can compensate for 4 steps in shutter speed. According to my observation, the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM stabilizer compensates for no more than 3 stops by shutter speed. I was able to take pictures with my hands on shutter speed 1/30 - 1/40 sec. and 200 mm focal length. During real shootings, the stabilizer really helps, and the stabilizer itself works well (if you do not take into account some features). I did not notice any tangible improvement in stabilization quality compared to the previous version. Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 OS HSM.

On the case there is a stabilizer operating mode switch 'OS ON / OFF'. Where 'OS' is short for 'Optical Stabilizer'.

The built-in Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 stabilizer can track camera movements while creating panoramas.

The Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 variants for Sony and Pentax cameras do not have a built-in stabilizer, since the stabilizer is already present in the cameras of these manufacturers themselves.

As in the case of Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 OS HSM, the stabilizer of the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM has its own characteristics. First of all, it seems that the stabilizer is always on, even if the control lever is in the 'OFF' position.

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Focusing

To focus, the lens uses a special ultrasonic focusing motor 'HSM' (Hyper Sonic Motor). Although it is written everywhere that this technology uses silent focusing, in fact, the noise from focusing of the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM is heard. In general, the lens focuses quite quietly, but not silently.

When used on a camera Nikon D90 with unpretentious Multi-CAM 1000 focusing system the lens behaves well. With precision and clinging focus, I had no particular problems. On camera Nikon D90 I checked the presence of the back and focus front at different focusing distances (infinity and MDF as well). Pictures taken using the Live View mode (which does not suffer from back / front focus) were used as a measure. Focusing accuracy using phase sensors completely coincided with the Live View mode.

Auto focus speed medium (neither high nor low). Repeated refocusing or focusing errors rarely occur, but their number increases with reduced illumination, as well as with the use of the tele-range and side non-cross-shaped focus points.

Focusing on the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM internal - when focusing, neither the front nor the rear lens rotates, and the lens itself does not change its size when focusing. Sorry, but during auto focus focus ring rotates and cannot be touched. In such Nikon lenses, the focus ring remains stationary during auto focus.

In manual focus mode, the focus ring rotates 60 degrees. Manual focus is very inconvenient. When extreme positions are reached, the focus ring abuts and cannot be rotated further.

The minimum focusing distance is only 45 cm (the distance from the camera’s matrix to the subject). With such an MDF, the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 3.8. Thus, the lens allows you to shoot amateur 'close'. On the retractable frame of the case there are labels indicating the maximum magnification factor for certain focal lengths: 1: 13.1 (28 mm), 1: 10.7 (35 mm), 1: 7.9 (50 mm), 1: 5.6 (80 mm), 1: 4.2 (135 mm), 1: 3.8 (200 mm).

The lens has focus mode switch 'AF / M'. For manual focus, the lens must be switched to 'M' mode, otherwise the focus motor may be damaged. Unfortunately, unlike many Nikon lenses of this type, the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM does not support continuous manual focus mode.

Focus Features:

  • There is a strong effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changing the viewing angle during focusing).
  • When changing the focal length, focusing is lost.
  • Unknown compatibility with teleconverters.
  • Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM does not have hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens at infinity under any external conditions.
  • The lens has a focus distance scale with marks in meters and feet. The scale is plotted on the focus ring. The scale is very meager, on it there are marks for only 5 values ​​of the focusing distance (including 'infinity').
  • Focus shift (shift-focus) was not noticed.
  • Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM has no focus problems in Live View (tested on Nikon D90 ), but focuses slowly.
  • The lens transmits the focus distance to the subject in the camera (analog Nikon D, Nikon G).
Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

The effect of F / 6.3 on focus

The instructions for most Nikon cameras indicate the threshold for the maximum relative aperture of the lens with which correct auto focus will be available. Most Nikon cameras are designed for lenses only. no darker than f / 5.6. For example, camera Nikon D90, with the help of which test shots were taken, theoretically should not work correctly with this lens. But still, as my practice has shown, in conditions with good lighting there are no special problems with automatic focusing even on cameras that are not designed to work with lenses with F / 6.3.

You can find a list of Nikon cameras whose focus sensors can easily focus with lenses with a maximum aperture of F / 5.6-8.0 here. At the time of writing, there were only three Nikon DX cameras with this feature: D7100, D7200, D500. Most of all, the lateral focus points are sensitive to the lack of aperture. In Live View, the restriction on F / 6.3 may not work.

The same remark applies to cameras from other manufacturers. The difference in aperture between F / 5.6 and F / 6.3 is about a third of the stop.

Small relative aperture - one of the main reasons for possible focus misses and 'jerking' focusing with this lens. I want to note that focusing with the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM is more tenacious than, for example, with a similar 'dark' and non-motorized lens ProMaster 18-200 / 3.5-6.3.

Third-party manufacturers, so far (at the beginning of 2018), have not made any such super-zoom lens for SLR cameras, which would have at the long end F / 5.6. And here are the original lenses:

use on the long end of f / 5.6.

I note that in the range of 18-100 mm, where the relative aperture is greater than F / 5.6, focusing errors are less than in the tele-range, where the relative aperture is from F / 5.6 to F / 6.3.

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Image quality and sample photos

  • generally low sharpness / detail on open apertures
  • drop in sharpness with increasing focal length, especially in the tele-range
  • good sharpness in the wide-angle range in the center of the frame, especially on covered apertures
  • weak sharpness and very strong chromatic aberration at the corners and edges of the frameespecially in the TV range
  • tangible distortion by 18 mm, while the nature of the distortion is of the same type (either barrel-shaped or pillow-shaped, without a mixed type)
  • poor resistance to back / side light in certain conditions. In general, the lens gives a small amount of parasitic glare and flare
  • slight vignetting over the entire range of focal lengths, the most vignetting is felt at 18 mm and open apertures
  • filters impair vignetting

Important: with this lens on some Nikon cameras are not available distortion control functions.

Camera shots Nikon D90. The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, conversion of the source RAW files by the original Nikon Capture NX-D utility without any additional adjustments or the source JPEG files.

Original '.NEF' (RAW) photos from the camera Nikon D90 can download from this link (441 Mb). All photos were taken using protective filter Quantaray 62mm QMC-UV Japan.

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Alternatives

Below is a list of all hyper-zooms for SLR or mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor and a range of focal lengths greater than or equal to the classic 18-200 mm.

Tamron (different mounts):

  1. Model A14 Tamron 18-200/3.5-6.3 AF (IF) Aspherical LD ​​XR DiII Macro, February 2005. Country of manufacture Japan or China. The version for Pentax cameras has a metal mount, for Nikon / Canon / Sony / Minolta the mount is plastic. In March 2008, an improved Tamron Model appears for Nikon cameras. A14 NII with built-in focus motor, focus mode switch, 8 microprocessor pins and metal mount.
  2. Model B018 Tamron 18-200/3.5-6.3 AF Di II VCAugust 2015.
  3. Model B011 Tamron 18-200 mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC, black or silver, December 2011, for mount mirrorless cameras Sony E и Canon EOS M
  4. Model A18 Tamron 18-250/3.5-6.3 AF Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Macro, September 2006. Country of origin Japan or China. In December 2007, an improved model appears for Nikon cameras Tamron model A18 NII with built-in focus motor, focus mode switch and 8 microprocessor pins.
  5. Model B003 Tamron 18-270/3.5-6.3 AF Di II LD [IF] Aspherical VC MacroJuly 2008.
  6. Model B008 Tamron 18-270/3.5-6.3 AF Di II VC PZD, December 2010. Country of origin China or Vietnam.
  7. Model B008TS Tamron 18-270/3.5-6.3 AF Di II VC PZDSeptember 2016.
  8. Model B016 Tamron 16-300/3.5-6.3 AF Di II VC PZD Macro, February 2014.
  9. Model B028 Tamron 18-400/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD, June 2017.

Promaster (various mounts):

  1. PROMASTER 18-200/3.5-6.3 DIGITAL XR EDO AF Aspherical LD ​​(IF) Macrocopy Tamron model a14 under the Promaster brand. Japanese assembly

Sigma (different mounts):

  1. Sigma 18-200 mm/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC, February 2005.
  2. Sigma 18-200/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC (+ -HSM) OS (Optical Stabilizer)September 2006 velvet or smooth black body. The HSM motor is only available on Nikon camera lenses.
  3. Sigma 18-200/3.5-6.3 II Zoom DC HSM OS (Optical Stabilizer)October 2011.
  4. Sigma 18-200/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM MACRO | C (Contemporary, Optical Stabilizer), January 2014.
  5. Sigma 18-250/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC HSM OS (Optical Stabilizer)January 2009
  6. Sigma 18-250/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC Macro HSM OS (Optical Stabilizer)June 2012.
  7. Sigma 18-300/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM MACRO | C (Contemporary, Optical Stabilizer)September 2014.

Quantaray (different mounts):

  1. Quantaray 18-200/3.5-6.3 Dio Multi-Coated, copy of Sigma 18-200mm/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC (2005) branded as 'Quantaray'
  2. Quantaray 18-200/3.5-6.3 Dio OS (+-HSM) Multi-Coated, copy Sigma 18-200/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC (+-HSM) OS (2006) under the banner of 'Quantaray'.

Nikon (F):

  1. Nikon 18-200/3.5-5.6G DX VRNovember 2005.
  2. Nikon 18-200/3.5-5.6GII DX VRJuly 2009.
  3. Nikon 18-300/3.5-5.6G DX VR, June 2012.
  4. Nikon 18-300/3.5-6.3G DX VRApril 2014.

Sony ('A' or 'E'):

  1. Sony 18-200/ 3.5-6.3 AF DT, A mount, most likely uses an optical design Tamron model a14.
  2. minolta 18-200/3.5-6.3AF DT Dmount A is likely to use an optical circuit Tamron a14
  3. Sony 18-250/3.5-6.3 AF DT, A mount, since 2007, most likely uses Tamron Model A18 optical design.
  4. Sony 18-200/3.5-6.3 OSS, E-mount, May 2010
  5. Sony 18-200/3.5-6.3 OSS LE, E-mount, May 2012
  6. Sony 18-200/3.5-6.3 PZ OSS, E-mount, September 2012

Hasselblad (Sony E):

  1. Hasselblad E 3.5-6.3/18-200 OSS copy Sony 18-200/3.5-6.3 OSS, September 2012

Pentax (K):

  1. Pentax 18-250/3.5-6.3 AL SMC DA [IF], October 2007, most likely uses Tamron Model A18 optical design.
  2. Pentax 18-270/3.5-6.3 ED SMC DA SDM, September 2012, most likely uses an optical design Tamron model b008.
  3. Samsung 18-250/ 3.5-6.3, with a Pentax KAF2 mount, 2008, (most likely uses the Tamron Model A18 optical design.

Canon (EFS):

  1. Canon 18-200/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens EF-S (Image Sbabilizer), August 2008.

Samsung (NX):

  1. Samsung 18-200/3.5-5.6 ED OIS i-Function, Samsung NX mount
Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

My experience

Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM is another branch in the development of superzoom from Sigma. In fact, this is the third iteration of such a lens. If about the previous version Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 OS HSM I didn’t respond very flatteringly, I liked the second version of Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 II OS HSM a little more. But still Sigma 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM MACRO | C (Contemporary, Optical Stabilizer) is a more interesting option and by and large is even preferable over the original similar Nikon Nikkor lenses.

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Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

Two similar lenses: Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS and PROMASTER DIGITAL XR EDO AF Aspherical LD ​​(IF) 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 Macro

Results

Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS - classic hyperzoom, modified version of the lens of the previous generation - Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 OS HSM... In general, Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS is a relatively affordable and functional super-zoom for crop cameras, the lens deserves attention and can be a replacement for the original and older Nikon DX AF-S 18-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII VR.

Advantages:

  1. high zoom ratio of 11.11 X
  2. many special optical elements in the optical scheme, including the rare Sigma FLD
  3. built-in image stabilizer with switch
  4. compact size, light weight, small diameter of light filters
  5. lock for fixing the lens in position 18 mm
  6. a very convenient set of focal lengths (at the same time 18 mm for a wide angle and 200 mm for a television range)
  7. zoom ring rubberized, bayonet type hood with the ability to install the reverse side
  8. small MDF with a good maximum magnification ratio of 1: 3.8
  9. focus type internal
  10. no focus shift
  11. ultrasonic and fairly quiet built-in focus motor
  12. fairly flat discs of blur due to 7 blade aperture at open and average apertures
  13. confident sharpness on covered apertures in the center of the frame over almost the entire range of focal lengths
  14. good sharpness in the center of the frame in the wide angle already at full aperture
  15. 2012 TIPA Award for Best CZK Amateur Lens

Disadvantages:

  1. low aperture, very few Nikon DX series cameras support normal focus with F / 6.3
  2. incomprehensible logic of the stabilizer (found in some other Sigma lenses)
  3. lack of a protective O-ring near the mount and the absence of any dust and moisture protection
  4. trunk extension under its own weight
  5. low speed auto focus
  6. inconvenient manual focusing due to the small stroke of the focus ring, the focus ring rotates approximately 60 degrees, the ring is plastic, not rubberized
  7. movement of the rear lens while changing the focal length, tangible effect of a vacuum cleaner / air pump
  8. focusing accuracy is lost while changing the focal length
  9. rotation of the focus ring during autofocus and, as a result, lack of the function of constant manual focus control
  10. the direction of rotation of the zoom and focus rings does not match the original lens Nikon DX AF-S 18-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII VR, which may result in discomfort when using other genuine Nikon Nikkor lenses
  11. strong effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changes in viewing angle during focusing).
  12. there may be incompatibility with some cameras and / or teleconverters (no exact data)
  13. lack of a switch for selecting stabilizer operating modes, which, for example, a similar one has Nikon DX AF-S 18-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII VR
  14. TV drop in sharpness
  15. tangible distortion by 18 mm, while the nature of the distortion is of the same type (either barrel-shaped or pillow-shaped, without a mixed type)
  16. slight vignetting at open apertures over the entire range of focal lengths, especially noticeable at 18 mm and F / 3.5
  17. the main disadvantage in image quality is poor sharpness and very strong chromatic aberration at the corners and edges of the frame, especially in the television range
  18. poor resistance to back / side light under certain conditions
  19. nut-shaped blur discs on heavily covered diaphragms, bulbous bokeh
  20. lack of data about the lens in modern cameras, which makes it difficult to automatically correct some types of distortion (distortion etc.)

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Stepan

 

 

Comments: 48, on the topic: Overview of Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS

  • Bright

    Probably such a fu lens, not worthy of such a wow review. But on the other hand, how else to find out that the lens is not ice.

    • Mikhalych

      for its price this station wagon is very ICE! show me a lens with about the same characteristics that you can buy in a store for about the same money, WHICH WILL BE BETTER!

      • Arkady Shapoval

        Tamron 18-200 VC (B018) at about the same cost and in some ways could be better.
        But in general, cheap superzoom with a stabilizer is really very small.

  • Ilyas

    not bad, thanks.

  • Aleksei

    Great and thorough review! thanks

  • Eugene

    His wife has been working with travel zoom for 12 years. First with D40, then with D3100
    With him she graduated with honors from the Moscow FSH (when she was still a muscle brother)
    They didn’t expect miracles from him, especially since there are 2 cameras and Zhmen nikonovskih lights.
    In equal hands, it’s just like a zoom zoom with some kind of macro that has the right to life for little money.
    Now, of course, there is more choice ...

    • Denis

      you are closer to Moscow. from Siberia I would not have thought of going to some Moscow photo school

  • Sergei

    the fact that the lens is "so-so" say people who have not used and have not seen it even once. the cost of "sigma 18-200 C" is 3 times less than the original "nikon 18-200", and the quality of the picture as a travel camera of the amateur photographer (who spanks everything on the car) is simply excellent, always good in the center. Yes - an audible focusing motor, but Nikon has no silence either. They focus and hold the subject the same way, according to subjective sensations sigma is better, because performed well at the “wide end” indoors under artificial lighting, and indeed sigma is more colorful ... who needs a universal travel or just a universal for a modern Nikon camera D3200,3300,5200,5300,7100,7200 or D200 then “sigma 18- 200C ”is preferable with other older cameras like d80,90 etc. you need to try (one of the d90s turned out to be nonsense)
    PS any lens behaves differently on different cameras, it's a great success if the lens and the camera are "related".

    • Alexey Shch

      There are RAW files to “have a look”. After viewing which you don't want to contact this glass even for free.
      Although, probably, it will do for an undemanding traveler. They are on the sidelines for quality - they do not hand over material to magazines. For 10x15 photos in a family album, it's the most))

      PS The camera has nothing to do with it. The lens is objectively weak and the price is not an excuse. After native versions or at least the last Tamrons to old film (the letters DC in the name are for burp) Sigma is no longer willing to change :)

      Thank you for the review. Arkady does not spare himself.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The 18-200 C (Contemporary) is a truly worthwhile lens.

  • Onotole

    Eh, all dark zooms and dark zooms ... but I really want a review of some good fix)))
    Well, thanks for that - thorough analysis.

  • Dmitriy

    Great review! For a beginner, it's generally a good practice to choose a lens. Of course I will not buy one myself, it is better to use something fast used in the range of 24 (28) - 70 (75) mm. + Sigma 70-300 DG OS. For money somewhere it will come out

  • Rodion

    However - I like his bokeshka) Apparently, there are enough aberrations to give a little flavor to such a seemingly “artless” lens.

    • Eugene

      it is warm in shades, it is also necessary to consider.

  • Eugene

    Denis, there was a beautiful correspondence FS, somehow tied to the Academy of Fine Arts or something like that.
    And if you study honestly, then not a damn thing is not an easy task ... tasks are quite difficult and not for dummies. If done with heart - you deserve a comment, if not - offset / not credit. And offering to teach your own course is worth a lot, right?
    it’s not Siberia, it’s desire. (and a little money;))

  • Ivan

    Arkady will shoot better on a bucket with a hole than we do on this lens ...

    • Arkady Shapoval

      If there is enough time, we can all shoot something qualitatively on any lens.

    • rudzil@yandex.ru

      An overview of the bucket with a hole, by the way, already exists :)

      • Ivan

        The review is good. As well as the object itself. The build quality was very good, the construction was also good - I know what I'm talking about, I took it apart for cleaning. As it is right here they have been taking care of for 10 years and does not get sick, unlike disposable tamrons. According to the picture of the norms - no worse than the original from the first generation Nikon 18-200is. Unlike the previous junk on Arcadia's review, it's just a song. The review is interesting - before the New Year, the author clearly rallied himself and issued a worthwhile material. Hello.

  • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

    Everything, a photo site was blown away, overgrows with mold and moss! It remains only occasionally to re-read the old archives, the new-standing less and less. There is no review of the most popular and interesting device, like the Canon 5D Mark II!

    • Alexey Shch

      The most popular is just 5DM3))

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I’ve heard about this for about 5 years :). It's not about driving

    • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

      For beginners, he will not be blown away, but we just read what was interesting to us.

    • Stepan

      Hm. The world photo industry is not coping, it is not in time with new supplies for viewing. I think so. The site is an excellent reference tool, both for reading and for counseling, and for some to argue in search of truth.

    • corsair

      There are enough of them. Arkady simply is not able to acquire photographic equipment just to “make you interesting” for the sake of one review. Send optics photos and so on for review, do not press. And there are enough clever entertainers here without you.

  • Stepan

    Happy New Year everyone!

  • anonym

    Happy new year friends!!!

  • Andrei

    I have been using this lens for years ... I don’t remember when I bought it.
    In addition to the described shortcomings, I would like to note the backlash that appears when lengthening the trunk (when zooming). Even from a tripod but at the slightest breeze - soap. He himself would not have understood what was the matter in life, but a friend with the same suggested what was the matter. When it was new it was not.
    I also disagree about focusing - often by, especially now, with years of use.

    From a friend who used the same: "up to 135mm FR, in principle, you can make good shots, but it must be borne in mind that the periphery will be at least secondary"

  • Vladislav

    Hello, Arkady. A simple specific question for you. It is possible to inexpensively buy a lens for Nikon D40. The choice is this: presented by Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS and the famous Nikon 18-135. Which of these 2 do you recommend?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Definitely Sigma, followed by a set of focal and stabilizer.

  • Vladislav

    Adding - the difference in focal length is not of interest, only in the quality of the picture.

  • Vladislav

    Thank you.

  • Oleg

    Good afternoon!
    Please tell me about Sigma Zoom DC 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 II HSM OS
    1) is it worth taking a used one if everything is in perfect condition, except for the presence on the outer lens of a deep scratch 3-4 mm long at the very edge of the lens somewhere 2 mm from the edge. During a trial amateur photographing, there are no artifacts in the photo, but doubts are plaguing that in some cases it will appear. Taking a new one for the money is not an option, but here, in addition to a scratch, is new, but at a price four times cheaper than a new one. In general, the ball is complete but a scratch ... ((Also on the internet I saw the advice of experienced Soviet photographers to carefully cover the scratch with black paint like gouache in order to exclude scattering of light and glare and not bother. Is it real?
    2) on the same lens when testing photos on the Nikon D5100, zooming only works when you rotate the zoom ring on the lens, even when AF is on. And whether it is necessary to turn off the AF in M ​​mode when flipping the zoom ring. If I turn on the AF when the AF is turned on, will I not ruin the motor in the lens?
    The questions are related to the fact that I am completely unfamiliar with the SLR camera. I just pick myself up on the basis of what I read and look in the direction of a used one as a cheap training ground.
    Thank you.

    • B. R. P.

      The zoom ring is not connected to the motor, so twist on health. As for the scratch, if the photo is not affected and the price is free, you can take it.

  • Alexey

    I bought it recently. Before that, there were such bundles:
    350 with a whale object 18-55 without stub
    500 with tamron (bought at 350) 18-200 without stub
    550 with the same tamron. Tamron 18-270 was later taken with a stub
    600 with the same tamron 18-270. And now this sigma is bought.
    Yes, I know that many will now spit that the entire list is zooms and most of the ultras. But most of the photos I have taken are hiking, mountains, seas, meadows…. The entire list is quite suitable for filming in any conditions except, probably, premises and at night. But of the whole bunch, I can confidently say that this one is the most comfortable and gives the best image quality.
    I will describe here my impressions of everyone - can anyone help.
    By weight, the whale and sigma are the lightest. And this is clearly +. Also, both the movement of the zoom (trunk) is the easiest and smoothest. Tamrons are heavier. 270 that one generally in the middle straight almost gets stuck (the wife can’t push, I also feel dull).
    tamron 270 and sigma due to the stub allow a little stir, but the picture quality of sigma is clearly better. But after 270 there is not enough range. In general, from the whole heap, I decided to attach just the sigma. By the way, I had 50 1,8. According to him, I realized that fixes are not mine)))

  • Alexey

    Oh and yes ... 18-55 is clearly not enough range (IMHO of course). The picture quality is weak while the zoom is weak. It seems that it is not a zoom (almost not felt) and it seems not a fix. In general, this is exactly the option on which you can understand where it is better to dive - into fixes or into hyperzuma.
    At 18-270, the trunk is clearly falling out. Even taking into account that it barely crawls there (you need decent efforts to scroll), if you turn it with the lens down, it immediately crawls out. Therefore, it is already a habit to put on a stop after any picture (and this often fails when you need to take a very quick picture - a badger in the forest, a squirrel on a branch, a bird, etc.). That the tamron, that the sigma, the fall out is noticeable if you turn the camera with the lens down and at the same time stomp ... Slowly (slowly, not like 270) the trunk will move out. Inconvenient, but bearable. That is, if the path lies through the territory where it will be necessary to click the frame, you can hang the camera down and not worry about the stop - unlike 270, these do not outweigh the camera and remain hanging as it should be for the camera (from 270 the camera is slowly turned upside down by the lens under the weight of one) ... Well, the hand does not fall off - 18-270 weighs much more. Also, when the trunk is pulled out, you have to grab the front of the lens - otherwise it is difficult to hold the camera. Hands get tired under the weight of the object and the frame starts to slide down.

  • kolodiazniy

    Arkady, where on the lens
    Did you see the ZOOM sign?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Here

  • Alexander

    Hello. Tell me what kind of lens hood comes with? Like the older MACRO model - LH676-01 and are there any analogues?

  • Arthur

    Good afternoon. I bought this lens in 2014. Before buying, I read your complimentary review. Now I am reading your article, but 2017, the exact opposite. I don’t understand, was the first article ordered?

    • Oleg

      I a priori do not remember the laudatory odes for lenses with a similar range of focal lengths, you can refer to

      • Arkady Shapoval

        easily - https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-300mm-vr.htm
        … This lens is an easy recommendation. There is nothing on Earth like this lens ...

        • Oleg

          Ah, but I thought this:

          • Oleg

            My experience
            The Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 did not give me any emotions or impressions. This is a dark standard zoom lens with mediocre image quality and the 'sigma' characteristics of older Sigma lenses. As usual, in this case, I have to write 'maybe I had a bad copy on the review'. I'd rather use the shorter Nikon 18-105 / 3.5-5.6 VR than spend my money on the Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3. By the way, I did not find a 2014 review of these lenses, I even looked at the 18-250 review

            • Arkady Shapoval

              By the way, Sigma Contemporary 18-200 is significantly better

  • Artyom

    Hello gentlemen! Let me add a few words about the lens under discussion.
    I got it today in perfect condition. A new, solid thing is pleasant to hold in your hands. This is where the review can end.
    But I will add a couple of words: the lens proved to be not what it claims to be: at a focal length of the so-called 200 mm, it barely demonstrates 150. I compared it with the Nikkor 18-135 and Nikkor 55-200 VR II. So, at the long end, it is slightly longer than 135 by 18-135, but much shorter than 200 by 55-200. This fact disappointed me greatly. There can be no talk of any macro. Despite its smaller MDF, the picture at 55-200 is much denser even when shooting on MDF.
    Compared to the Nikkor 18-135, the distortion at 18 mm on the Sigma is more pronounced, the sharpness is comparable, but the color is somewhat warmer, the exposure is lighter with the same settings. Yes, and 18-135 by 18mm gives a slightly wider coverage. So, I think, there are not 18 for Sigma, but somewhere around 20-22.
    In focusing, it behaves uncertainly, prowls and twitches: in the end, it is difficult to achieve a clear frame.
    I'm sure my copy is correct. But now I am also confident in the quality of this model as such - mediocre. Very mediocre.

    • B. R. P.

      A typical situation for such lenses. Nothing surprising.

    • Viktre

      What kind of macro are we talking about on such lenses, God bless you))) If you want macro, you need to buy a macro fix, in extreme cases, macro rings.

      Most old sigmas turn yellow, a well-known fact. Here is the discrepancy between the focal lengths, of course, an unfortunate fact, when purchasing 18-200, you expect to see exactly 200.

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