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

by Sigma

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.2 x 4.1 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0006A05R2
• Item model number: B0006A05R2
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Sigma Photo 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC SLR Digital-Camera Lens - This 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 level of optical performance through the entire zoom range and also this has resulted in a compact, lightweight lens. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 50cm (19.6in.) at all focal lengths and equipped with inner focusing system. Since the front of the lens does not rotate, "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." Filter size - Rear (gelatin filter insert type) - Does not use any front, screw-in filters Lens construction - 17 elements in 13 groups Maximum aperture - F3.5-4.5 Minimum aperture - F22-32 Dimensions - 3.42 Diameter x 5.12 Long Includes protective case

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I so wanted this lens to work well... alas, January 27, 2006

By 

R. A Gibson (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

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

(1/27/2006) Rarely have I anticipated a purchase so much. A real general purpose lens that I could use in nearly all situations. You understand. Those times you don't want to lug your bag around and swap lenses. Just a quick shoot. Well, I can tell you that this will not be the lens. Why? Well, the design is flawed. I've now tried two (Thanks Amazon for a liberal return policy) on my Olympus E-500 (great camera) and while composing a shot is just as easy as it with the Zuikos, at full zoom nearly all the shots are dark. Very dark. Even Outside. Even with Flash. It is as if that with the lens fully extended (it nearly doubles in length at full zoom), not enough light can hit the sensor. Man, what a bummer. Now between 18-80 (36-160 for the non 4/3rds crowd), the shots are just fine. Perfect in fact. But I didn't buy an 18-80. I purchased an 18-125, and I want it work as advertised and the sad truth is that it does NOT. So, sad to say, I'm returning the second one. In fairness, I own another Sigma lens (55-200) that works just fine. And Sigma clearly attempts to make an affordable lens (unlike Zuiko) which I find attractive. So bear in mind my review applies to this lens and this lens only. Bad Design. Try again Sigma, try again. I'm still in the market for a good all purpose zoom lens.

NOTE: I've since learned that you can salvage these dark images if you shot in RAW, and use Photoshop Camera Raw to bring the detail back. Doesn't change the design flaw, but again, if you're budget crunched and can handle shooting a RAW, you may be to work around the design flaw using the just described technique. If you shoot to JPEG, the detail is lost and you'll never get the shot back.

2nd Note(3/1/2006): I've since acquired the Zuiko 18-180 lens. It works great. If you are looking for an all purpose zoom, zoom in on this one (pun intended).

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great 4/3rds lens. Much better than the Olympus kit lens., March 15, 2007

By 

Thomas J. Henthorn Sr. (Old Saybrook, CT USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC IF Aspherical Zoom Lens for Olympus and Panasonic Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

To say that this lens is superior to the stock Olympus E-500 14-45mm kit lens is an understatement. Fit and finish is excellent. This is one nice piece of glass.

For 4/3rds people looking for a "take-one" lens. This could be it.

I personally like the focal range which makes this lens ideal for nature photography (trees, water, leaves, fungi, flowers, etc...). Forget wildlife with this lens. For that you'll need at least a 200mm tele.

All things considered, this lens represents a true value in the 4/3rds world.

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful lens for the price, February 17, 2007

By 

James H. Agans (Eldersburg, MD United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC IF Aspherical Zoom Lens for Olympus and Panasonic Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This lens looked like the perfect fit for a walk around lens (whatever the hell that means. Are there crawl around lenses? Or sleep around lenses? Just figured Id use the buzz word) so I decided to pick one up. I have been amazed at the results it produces for just over $200 dollars. I use the lens on my E1 and could not be happier. Sharp as a tack, and great contrast. I noticed that another reviewer was dissapointed with this lens on an E500. Maybe that body uses a different metering system? Maybe his meter was set wrong? Dosent make sense. It aint no Zuiko, but it aint no $900 either. I have the 50-200 too, but this one is much quieter, and produces a generally better picture. I wrote to Sigma and told them that I would gladly pay another C note or two for more quality and speed. Why dont you too? I paid right around $200 dollars for my 50-200 Sigma. The 50-200 Zuiko was around $1200 but I hear it has dropped in price. They can stick them until they hit around 4 bills.