Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Canon

I got this lens only a few hours ago, and immediately put it to the test. My first impressions were very good. The lens seemed sharp throughout its range. I compared shots with it and with two highly-regarded zooms I already own: the Canon EFS 15-85 and the Canon EF 70-300L. Of course the two Canon zooms were sharper, but not by much. I found the Sigma results quite acceptable. Curiously, unlike many other superzooms, the lens gets sharper at its longer focal lengths. I wasnt expecting much anyway, but the extreme close-ups I tried were not very sharp. But I might try again. An added bonus for Canon users, the zoom ring rotates in the same direction as does Canon zooms. I will probably retire the two Canon lenses, saving my 72-year-old back quite a bit of stress. I have only two complaints, neither of which is worth deducting a star. 1) The zoom ring is a bit stiff, but will probably loosen with use. 2) The lens does not allow full-time manual focus. Much of my decision making was based on test results that I found on "the-digital-picture/reviews" website. Edited a week later - I have taken several hundred photos and am very satisfied with the results. Edited a month later - I took it on a cruise and took many photos on and off the ship. The lens performed well, and its wide range mostly eliminated the need to switch lenses. For most shots center sharpness was good with perhaps a loss of sharpness in the corners. Edited another month later - I took it to Hawaii, where it produced good results again. Its extended range allowed me to carry only the camera and lens for many outings, rather than a camera bag with two lenses.

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You cant find a better all around lens. They have really raised the bar with this product. The previous 18-250 is NOT EVEN CLOSE to the performance of this lens, both in physical handling AND general picture taking. This really fits the bill for a medium purpose lens AND does Macro to boot. This lens (i.m.h.o.) kicks butt on the Canon 70-300 (though understand at 300mm this lens is not quite as long, because of its design to have the short 18mm side).

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This is the best lens I have ever used. I have been using DSLR cameras for almost 10 years and this is the best lens I have ever used. The lens has in impressive range that almost eliminates the need to carry multiple lenses as long as you are not trying to photograph something that is miles away. This lens also improved the image quality of my Nikon D5000, which only had 12 MP. The autofocus is extremely quiet and more accurate than my 55mm-200mm Nikon lens as well. Below is a picture I took with the new lens using my Nikon D5000. I will let the image speak for itself.

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I bought this to replace my Tamron 18-270mm that finally cratered this Spring; the zoom ring simply quit engaging the lens. I was shocked at the better feel of the Sigma, and overall build quality seems higher. The zoom operation is MUCH better than the Tamron, and it also auto-focuses much better in low light. Unlike the Tamron, it will achieve focus at the widest(18mm) setting, and fire the shutter; my D90 will not shutter fire until focus has been achieved. At this point, I am VERY satisfied with it.

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300 MM make a difference. This lens works beautiful with the Nikon D7500. Did I say that I did not break my piggy bank to buy it?

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I love this lens. I bought it specifically to capture the total solar eclipse and it produced some amazing pics. Since then, its become my "go-to" lens for a variety of occasions. The heft (weight) is impressive and it puts the kit lenses that came with my d3300 to shame. Since I picked this up Ive been searching for more lenses as my dedication to my photography hobby has blossomed. I spent a couple years traveling in China and Europe not too long ago and wish Id had this lens then.

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As someone else pointed out in these reviews, it doesnt perform like a lens that costs a thousand dollars, but you will get some nice pics with a wide range of focal lengths. It is great for walking around without carrying a lot of equipment. I took the cardinal photo just before dark at 300mmm and thought the detail was pretty nice.

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this is a great lens for everyday use. its relatively light and compact. i like that it locks on 18 so no creep when carrying it. it is very sturdily built. focal / zoom ring has a bit more drag than some of my other lenses but not a detraction. if you want an all- around lens so no switching for close and telephoto this one is hard to beat for the price. i am sure experts want better, but i took this all over africa on vacation and shots were amazing.

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Works well with my Pentax K3, but focus is a little soft "out of the box". To be fair, I could probably figure out how to adjust it to sharpen it up a little, and when getting a one-size-fits-all lens, wont be as nice as a Pentax prime. Duh. That being said, I love the versatility, as I can put it on, go for a hike, and photograph whatever I want, while leaving my camera bag behind. The freedom that gives me makes up for the quibbles.

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Being its still so difficult to find reviews of this lens, and its now the holiday season, heres a limited pic first impression mounted on a Nikon D5100. When compared to the latest Sigma 18-250mm Macro lens this lens feels of better build quality, noticeably heavier up front, stiffer zooming (not a bad thing), noticeably sharper images...seemingly across the full zoom, feels about the same focusing speed across all lighting/zoom...possibly a tad faster, stabilization seems about the same...possibly a tad better, BUT...WOW THIS LENS BREATHS LIKE A DRANGON. You can actually feel the air being forced through the camera. Some have commented about the Nikon 55-300mm lens being a dust sucker, I dont find that lens too terrible, but Im pretty sure this lens will have that one beat hands down...unfortunately. My particular lens does have a noticeable "click" when ending its focus hunt, possibly a parking mechanism for gears?, and its focus is dead on right out of the box. Barrel distortion isnt too bad, chromatic aberration doesnt appear to be either, but with the built-in flash Ive gotten a few shots with a half moon on the bottom from the lens blocking the flash. At this point Id have to call this lens a buy, bearing in mind it might not be the best choice for a dusty environment. If youre after a versatile family lens this lens can catch my 18 month old grandson indoors, in low lighting, clearly...and he never stops moving, not even in his sleep. Deer out in the field, snowscapes, birds at the feeder, Jack-frost paintings, snowflakes,...hopefully its longevity matches its versatility.

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