Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Canon AF Digital SLR Cameras filter size 72

by Sigma

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: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #675 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 75 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 "Dpspiderman" (SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Canon AF Digital SLR Cameras filter size 72 (Electronics)

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.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sigma 18-250 Canon Mount - good quality/price, May 27, 2009

By 

Andrew S. Koenig "AppleJack" (Philly PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Canon AF Digital SLR Cameras filter size 72 (Electronics)

I was hesitant when it came to this lens. I have had Sigma lenses for >10 yrs and liked them, but found little to know information about this lens and was leaning toward the Tamron 18-275. The Sigma was about $30 less and I have never had trouble with my 3 other lenses. I even had Sigma replace one whose chip did not play well with my 20D, so I feel some loyalty to them. On preliminary use, it is about a pound and feels solid, and well made. Some complained about the mechanism being tight about half way from 18-250, I did not find it any more tight then my 28-70 or my 70-300 both by Sigma. The images are sharp generally except for the extremes on either end, so I will just avoid the very end of each side of the zoom range. I have not put the stabilization to the test yet, from what I can tell it does add about 2 stops and makes the hand held shots passable at longer focal lengths that would not have worked with out it. The other bonus is the rapid focus and quiet operation of the HSM.

The one trade off and the reason for 4 vs. 5 is the weight. I have an 18-200 that does not have stabilization and the images at full or near full zoom are not so crisp (not the fault of the lens, but my not so steady hands). I always keep a monopod with me to minimize the shake, but this is not so convenient, so theOS is the reason behind the new Sigma. I understand the trade off for sharp pictures is some extra mechanics, but, it Sigma is reading this, shedding a little weight in the next version will go a long way. My only other comment is the f6.3 make it a bit dark at the high end of the zoom, again, trade offs are needed. If you use this outside you should be fine, but inside at a school play you may still need the monopod (got mine from REI - it is walking stick that has a removable head where you can attach your camera for about $60! REI Hiker Shock Light Staff) Over all I am very happy with another Sigma lens. and my next lens will be a 30 mm f1.4 prime sigma!

Follow up 30 May 2009 - I had some more time to use the lens and found the OS works very well. I will post some images, but hand held at 1/15 gives a nice crisp image at f5.6. I don't have the most steady hands in the world and these shots at 250 mm would never have been worth anything before the advent of OS for hand held shots. Other shots in the 18-80 range are nice and sharp from about f5.3 and up. Very happy and with 17th St. Photo as well, very fast shipping and easy to deal with. Great lens for the money

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens for the price, September 6, 2009

By 

Srini P (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Canon AF Digital SLR Cameras filter size 72 (Electronics)

Bought this lens as I can not imagine myself carrying two lenses and changing lenses in dusty outdoors. I was comparing this lens with Canon 18-200 and Tamron 18-270. Bought this for these reasons:
1. Cheaper than the other two.
2. Lowest barrel distortion
3. Better build quality compared to canon
4. Has HSM. No USM on canon
5. Hood included
6. Highest number of SLD glass elements

Had it for 2 months now and used it in variety of conditions. Very happy with the result. I can only compare it with canon 18-55 kit lens. Surprisingly, sharpness of this lens is better than the kit lens. It has faster and quieter focus too (due to HSM). The OS works flawlessly. At 250mm I can see the image stabilize in the viewfinder after abt 1/2 second. Build quality and grip feel is very good. Hood is pretty solid too. Hood and filters do not rotate while focusing. Due to its weight I still use 18-55 indoors.