Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Canon AF Digital SLR Cameras

by Sigma

• Equipped with Sigma's own unique OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology
• Four SLD elements and three Aspherical lenses provide high image quality throughout the entire zoom range
• Minimum focusing distance of 45cm/17.7 inches and a maximum magnification of 1:3.4 makes it ideal for close-up photography
• Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting
• For Canon digital SLR cameras

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.1 x 4 inches ; 1.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001PGXEH4
• Item model number: 18-250mm Canon
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (150 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Style: Canon SLR Mount

The SIGMA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM incorporates Sigma's original anti-shake compensation function, with a 13.8 times zoom ratio. For the camera have anti-shake function in the camera body, this lens's Hybrid Optical Stabilizer provide not only anti-shake function for the camera body compensation, but also provide the function to compensate the image shaking in the view finder of the camera like anti-shake compensation built in the lens. Incorporating four Special Low Dispersion glass elements and three Aspherical lens elements provides excellent image quality throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7 inches) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 1: 3.4 reproduction ratio, making it ideal for close-up photography. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarizing filters and the supplied petal-type hood. Incorporating super multi layer coating reduce the ghost in the backlight photography.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

461 of 480 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Sigma vs. Tamron February 2, 2010

By J. Olliphant

Style Name:Nikon SLR Mount

I would not give much credence to reviewers who compare lenses they have not actually used, or have only used one of them. We bought both This Sigma and the Tamron 18-270 and used them for a week in Mexico. We have a Nikon D70s and a D300, and exchanged the lenses after a few shots at the same time and place. We shot about 75% RAW and examined severe crops of the images on our 30" Apple Cinema Display before and after correction with Photoshop. Here is our opinion:

The Tamron is noticeably sharper. The Sigma is very soft except at the low-medium zoom range, and it's still softer than the Tamron over its best range. The higher distortion of the Tamron is much less noticeable and easily corrected with software. The CA is about the same for both. Image stabilization was clearly more effective with the Tamron, especially at the long end where you really need it.

The Tamron is noticeably slower in focusing than the Sigma, which is very fast for this class of lens. However, the Tamron often was more accurate and we missed several shots when the Sigma balked and did not focus at all. Over 5% of the shots we took with the Sigma were significantly out of focus, but only a few with the Tamron.

With superzooms, you pick the weaknesses that bother you less. It was a close, but fairly easy decision. Though it was sometimes annoying to use, we got obviously better pictures with the Tamron. We both agreed to return the Sigma.

128 of 134 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars All around winner for an all around lens. May 27, 2009

By D. P. Murray

Style Name:Canon SLR Mount|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just recently bought this lens primarily for its Optical Stabilization technology.
My past lens the Sigma 28-300 was a great all around lens but it didn't have the image stabilization that this lens does. This lens with the range of 18-250 actually works better for an all around lens. I was a bit skeptical about the OS (IS Canon) technology but after using a Canon 70-200 2.8 IS. I couldn't go back to my sigma 28-300 without OS. I mean the difference was and is well worth the extra cost. I zoomed in all the way with the OS and without the OS on a rusted mailbox. The OS showed all the rust particles, the Non-OS showed blurred particles. That convinced me it was worth it. That extra crispness makes all the difference. Also, the price for this lens was outstanding when compared to the closest competition. I didn't really want the Tamron, and I wasn't about to pay 2,300 for the Canon 28-300 IS 3.5-5.6 that's nuts. Closer to 1,000 I might have. But this lens as far as I can tell is just as good as the Canon for a lot less expensive. I have NEVER and I repeat never had a problem with my previous Sigma lens. I had the 28-300 for about 3 or more years. And the image quality was always right up there with my Canon lens. I work with a 24-70 2.8L and a 70-200 2.8L IS, as well has 16-35 2.8L, my sigma photo quality kept up with if not is equal to them. Though the L series are built very heavy duty and are really great lens all around. The image quality is not all that superior if any. With the OS on this new lens the only advantage to a L series Canon would be the better build and better dust and weather resistance. But by all means the Sigma 18-250 is a all around winner for anyone wanted an all around lens.

186 of 199 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Lens... May 11, 2009

By Ghassan Bedaywi

Style Name:Nikon SLR Mount

Actually my review is somewhat similar to the previous review by W. Cooper. I, like him, didn't find much resources about this lens, but was confused between the Tamron & the Nikon long range lenses, I was about to go with the Nikon 18-200mm because I felt that the Tamron 18-270mm lens didn't really get good reviews and I didn't like the fact that it was slow in focusing. And boy am I glad that I waited for this one. I think I gambled (being an early adopter) and it worked.

Its really a great all around lens which is exactly what I was looking for (I hate changing lenses). The best thing about it is that its really pretty fast in focusing at 250mm, maybe even faster than my D90 kit lens the Nikon 18-105mm. It really is a HSM equipped lens, I saw a few threads in forums about ppl debating this fact, so rest assured it has a motor. The OS is working as it should at maximum zoom as well so no issues here. I have been using it for a couple of days only to be fair, but I'm very excited about it and about the quality of the images I have took so far. I'm taking it out for a full test in the next few days, if I feel that things weren't perfect I will update this review. I didn't notice a lens creep (yet!), but in any case there is a lock switch on the lens, this switch will only work when the lens is at 18mm. I noticed that when you are trying to shoot close-ups at 250mm, the lens wont focus properly if you are too close to the subject, manual focus will still work though and you can take a clear sharp picture. The make and the body of the lens feels nice and durable as well, it doesn't feel cheap at all.

In the end I have to say that this baby will beat the Tamron 18-270mm lens hands down, and surely the Nikon 18-200 if you want a bigger zoom. And the price is surely worth it and acceptable.

Update: I think I was wrong about close-up focus, it still focus pretty well and fast at close range while at maximum zoom.

Update 2: I have uploaded some pics in Picasa, plz see comments for link. The images don't look good after uploading to Amazon.

Update 3: I have to confirm again my initial statement that sometimes it fails to auto focus at close range (according to my tests), I would have to use manual focus. Going back to auto focus it would then work, it seems it needs a reset from time to time!

Update 4: It weighs around 650g or 1.43 pounds.