Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC IF Aspherical Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

by Sigma

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.3 x 4.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002CNYUE
• Item model number: B0002CNYUE
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 27, 2004

Product Description

This Sigma AF 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 EX DC zoom lens was exclusively designed for use with digital Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras and has 6.9 times high magnification zoom ratio. Image circle is designed to match the size of the image sensor of digital SLR cameras. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and two pieces of aspherical glass elements produce high levels of optical performance through the entire zoom range. This has resulted in a compact, lightweight lens. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 50cm (19.6in.) at all focal lengths and is equipped with an inner focusing system. Since the front of the lens does not rotate, a Petal Shaped Hood and a circular polarizing filter can be easily attached and used. This lens is also equipped with Zoom Lock Switch that eliminates Zoom Creep. Product Description: Sigma zoom lens - 18 mm - 125 mm Weight: 13.6 oz Length: 3 in Min Focus Range: 19.7 in Lens System: Zoom lens Optical Zoom: 6.9 x Lens Aperture: F/3.5-5.6 Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual Focal Length: 18 mm - 125 mm Mounting Type: Nikon F Lens Construction: 14 group(s) / 15 element(s) Filter Size: 62 mm Special Functions: Zoom

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific all-purpose digital lens, but be realistic, September 10, 2004

By 

Douglas A. Greenberg (Berkeley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC IF Aspherical Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I bought this lens so that when I travel using my Nikon D100 I could have an all-in-one zoom that would spare me the inconvenience of constantly changing lenses. I have not regretted this purchase, as for most situations the resulting photos are quite satisfactory. However, potential buyers should be aware that any lens that is designed to "do it all" involves compromises.

The lens balances well on an SLR body, is remarkably compact, and is well-made. It's not as solid, however, as an expensive professional-level zoom, so don't drop it! The petal-type lens hood works well to prevent routine flare.

Photos I have taken have been sharp and clear, with only a bit of softness at maximum aperture and at the longest focal lengths. The lens has a few shortcomings, however. In some lighting situations the color cast of digital images seems to be a bit "tan," tending almost toward sepia tones. This can be corrected easily enough in Photoshop (or whatever post-exposure program one uses). Perhaps a bit more annoying is that there is noticeable light falloff in the corners, a phenomenon that is most prominent in photos that include large areas of sky. Again, this can be dealt with in post-processing (mainly through slight cropping), but potential buyers should be aware of this issue.

The best thing about the lens is that it provides adequate performance at focal lengths ranging from standard wide-angle (what would be the equivalent of around 27mm. in a 35mm. camera) to basic telephoto (187 mm. at 35mm.) This makes it quite useful for general, "walkaround" photography, especially when one is traveling. If you want the absolute best in optical performance, however, you might find the lens wanting in some situations.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Lens!, April 19, 2006

By 

E. Meloan "Old Photo Guy" (South Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I have a Nikon D50 with the 18-55mm lens. I wanted a lens that would handle most of my requirements without carrying multiple lenses. I considered the Nikon 18-70mm but wanted just a bit more on the telephoto end. The Sigma 18 to 125mm f3.5-5.6 looked like it would do the job nicely. Being a retired news and commercial photographer, I was concerned about the quality of the non-Nikon lens but after reading a number of reviews, decided to give the Sigma a try.

I'm delighted I did! I really like this lens! Colors are crisp and true. The lens feels solid and works very smoothly and, most important, it is needle sharp! There is a small sound when focusing but it's not objectionalble. Focus is quick and accurate even in low light conditions. Unlike the low priced Nikons, the Sigma has a metal mounting flange.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy this lens again. It does more than I expected for a very reasonable price!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice all purpose lens. Nice range., February 26, 2007

By 

Pork Chop Kid (Lancaster PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC IF Aspherical Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I bought this lens for those times when all I want is the camera and one lens. There are times when its nice having every accessory known to man packed in a case on your back but who needs all that when attending a party or family picnic. I really like the 18mm end of the range but do see the benefit of reaching out further without a lens change which the 125mm end provides. I have read all the technical analysis most of which confuses me and comes across like splitting hairs. Maybe some of those reviewers can afford to spend hundreds more. It seems like just about every lens suffers from something. Capturing an image that pleases the PHOTOGRAPHER is what is really important and so far I have been very pleased with the results. The lens is being used on a Nikon D50 so I have NOT experienced any of the focus problems the Canon users seem to talk about. As far as focus speed and noise are concerned, I can't tell the difference between this lens and my other Sigma(2) and Nikon(1) lenses. I should mention that I did consider the 18-200mm lens but decided against it because the 18-125mm has been in production longer, doesn't stretch the technical limits as far, and costs about $100 less.