Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

The Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM is the latest superzooms, In fact Sigma was the first company to produce a superzoom for the burgeoning budget DSLR market.
 However the big problem with long, slow zooms is image blur due to camera shake, and in March 2007 Sigma duly announced this new version of the 18-200mm with the addition of 'Optical Stabilization' (OS) technology for Nikon and its own SD range of DSLRs.

A minimum focus distance of 0.45m through the entire range adds to the lens's all-round versatility. The optical stabilization system detects when the camera is panning and automatically switches to operating in one axis only, useful for shooting moving subjects such as sports, Kids events, Birthday party, Office functions and wildlife.

This lens competes directly in the 'stabilized superzoom' market with the Nikon 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX and Tamron 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 Di-II VC. Its main advantage at the moment is that it is considerably cheaper than any of these other lenses, making it much the most affordable option for users looking to supplement their collection with a general-purpose travel lens.

Sigma has delivered quality on a budget.

I love this lens to have it as prime lens on my Nikon D5200 for events like family get to gather, birthday, office gathering, travelling and marriage.

Pros:

1.      You can shoot all the happenings from where you are.

2.      There is no need to change the lens in between.

3.      Can be a great companion for travel photography and especially when you are shooting kids. 

4.      Cheap and best in the market

Cons:

1.      Heavier makes the lens, focal length vary when you hold the camera slightly tilted towards the 

         ground.

2.      I found the Macro shots were horrible in Auto Focus; rather manual did a decent job.

3.      At times the shutter clicks gets struck and will ask you to press the shutter button again (It 

         happens when you vary your zoom and FL between (Macro to Zoom) immediately.

4.      I personally noticed sharpness issue with this lens.

This will be a best companion for a medium level hobby photographer. 

Thanks & Regards,

S.Grace Paul Regan