Sigma 18-200 OS

[ultimind]

This baby popped up on Sigma4Less for $549 (although out of stock). Anyone used one yet?

 

[nykonian]

Not yet. But the price is relatively expensive for a thirty party lens, not to say it's slower than the Nikon counterpart. As Nikon 18-200VR is finally (and slowly) filling up the backorders, I would definitely pick the Nikon over Sigma. (I have a Nikon 18-200VR)

 

[ultimind]

This is a significant price reduction over the Nikon. So a slight performance hit could be ignored for several hundred dollars less money. Especailly considering this would be a walkaround general purpose lens for when I don't want to bring primes or big lenses with me.

I would take the Nikon over the Sigma in a heartbeat, but not if they were similar in performance.

The samples I've found around the web so far have been pretty decent looking. I've yet to find a nikon to sigma comparison though.

 

[nykonian]

The price difference is not huge. The Nikon can be found at $699 if you are willing to wait for a little while. The $150 price difference definitely justifies the Nikon brand, Nikon build, Nikon quality and resell value in the future.

 

[jbear]

Just to be the devil's advocate...how can we possibly know if the cost differential is justified without having seen the Sigma lens or images from it? As far a resale value goes...that is the absolute last reason that I can think of to choose an optic. Now that's just my take on it...I know that others reason differently, and while I don't agree...I do respect their views.

 

[spyder57]

The Sigma doesn't have HSM - Nikon has AF-S. That's a huge difference right there. Not to mention the Sigma is 6.3 at tele

 

[weiran]

The Sigma has in body focusing although its not HSM (its the same type as in the 80-400OS, clearly they still haven't found a way to have HSM and OS in the same lens!)

I expect the price to lower once stock comes rolling in, its a bit out of proportion to other Sigma lenses if it doesn't (the non-OS costing nearly half).

 

[ultimind]

Another interesting lens I saw show up (in press release form atleast) is the Tamron 28-300 VC (Vibration Compensation). I can't even find it on obsure japanese camera dealer sites though.