Sigma has just announced the new Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS, similar to its previous 18-200 offering but now with its optical stabilization technology, simply dubbed as “OS”. Quite obviously, this lens is just a refresh of the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC it had for some time now. This move is definitely targetted at Nikon’s relatively new wonder lens, the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED released almost one year ago.
The addition of optical stabilization surely makes the 18-200mm all–in–one combos seem useful now, making it the APS-C equivalent of the 28-300mm of which Canon has an L version. Considering that the digital SLR market is now opening up to snapshot hobbyists as a result of ever–cheaper prosumer models, long zooms will certainly appeal to a percentage of shooters longing for a single lens solution.
Nikon’s 18-200 VR is one good lens since it has been known to be sharp throughout its range, making both ends of zoom range very usable. The addition of Nikon’s VR technology made it very usable even at maximum telephoto. Ken Rockwell raves about his 18-200 in his review, and Thom Hogan seems very happy with it as well. The big question: will the Sigma 18-200 OS be anywhere close to the Nikon 18-200 VR? If it rates at 80% of the Nikon, the Sigma will sell. Of course that’s assuming their OS technology is as good as Nikon’s VR or Canon’s IS.
For more details on the lens, DPReview has coverage just as the Sigma website. For comparison, here’s DPReview’s page for the Nikon 18-200 VR.
16 replies on “Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS”
Any idea when this lens will available in stores?
I think the earliest we could see this lens would be just during the holiday shopping spree, though probably at a premium. Maybe by first quarter of next year, we can buy this lens from any Sigma reseller.
I spoke to Sigma today (24/01/2007) and they advised it should be availabe in about 2 months…just have to wait to see how good it is then.
It’s now almost two months, can’t wait to hear about this lens.
Just spoke to Sigma today – they now have advised that ‘late May/early June’ is likely now but even still can’t be guaranteed!
The guy told me that demand for Sigma has soared worldwide and they are struggling to cope with the demand…!
Argh, I want this. ;) Delivery in Norway says in the webshops now late june. Anyone know of any reviews of this lens?
Interesting… I was wondering when Sigma/Tokina/Tamron will catch up and come up with the VR/IS equivalent. This is going to be an interesting twist to the lens market. :)
On second thought, I really hope Sigma’s OS will be as good as VR/IS. I’ve been longing for a Sigma’s variant of Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 D and probably put their OS on it. I’ll be all over it if I can get something like that quality with less than a grand… :)
FINALLY ITS HERE: Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS
Just picked one up today. The shipment arrived into Vancouver Canada yesterday. FYI: Very wide range in pricing here depending on the store, got prices for between 630-750 CDN funds here in Vancouver. ( 590-700 US dollars).
To early to tell about the lens for myself, will update soon.
Hi Dave, where and how much did u get this one from ? I am in vancouver and want to get this. How good is the quality ? Thanks
Am I getting this correct? Will this Sigma lens work on the Nikon D40 which requires an in the lens AF motor?
[…] More than a year after, Sigma capitalized on the Nikon 18-200 VR’s success among the all–in–one crowd by announcing the Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS, a lens certainly not unlike the Nikon bestseller. Several months after their announcement, the Sigma 18-200 OS has now made it to consumers and has received favorable feedback. […]
Joe, yes it will work with a D40. =)
[…] love them. For lensmakers, they can be a huge bulk of overall sales, likely the reason why the Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS generates a huge amount of traffic for this site. It all started with the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 […]
[…] then there’s the Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS which carries the same price tag as the Tamron. Also a decent performer although I have been told […]
I had it for one week – its a nice walk around lens. Took 200 golfer pictures – edited some – and end out with 10 good pictures. The zoon range is so good when you compose and take snapshoots at sport, landscape, animals etc.