Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Sigma SA

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Comparison shows the differences
If you're deciding on this Sigma lens vs. the equivalent 18-300 Nikon lens, you should consider some of these important differences. I'm writing this from the standpoint of someone who has used both the Sigma and Nikon lenses which may be helpful if you're trying to decide which is a better solution for your needs. I bought this lens as a replacement for the Nikon 18-300 that I dropped and damaged beyond repair. I'm comparing new for new. The Goo... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Excellent travel and special event lens
January 2015 - I purchased this lens from B&H Photo & Video in NYC. At B&H there is a lounge area in the front of their super store. I unpacked the new lens and mounted it to my Nikon D3200 dSLR. I took sample photos across the street through a plate glass window standing from the same position at 18mm, 60mm, 135mm and 280mm zoom settings (see sample test 4 at 280mm zoom). Right out of the box, the SIGMA lens performed very satisfactory. There is... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Better than I expected, with a little surprise
This is a follow up review that I posted here when I 1st got this lens. Now that I've had the chance to thoroughly take this lens through the paces, I'm very happy. My 1st review was inconclusive since I didn't have the Sigma Dock for this lens, nor tested it on a tripod. At 1st this lens was a tad off perfect focus, and I was unsettled by the constant hunting and failing to lock on target...when shooting hand held. After I got my Sigma Dock, and... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
First impressions
I haven't played around with this much yet, but there are a few things that stick out to me: Best feature: The focal range really is huge. It will be nice not having to switch (or choose) between my 18-55 and 55-250. Compact size for the focal range and main element diameter. Feels solid. I approve. Has a greater range than the combined range of two Canon lenses it's replacing while feeling as good (or better) constructed, and about the same tota... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Decent Lens, good long range focus
I just got this lens and haven't totally checked it out. My 1st impression....I was elated at the sharpness and IQ at 300mm, it why I got it. 18mm, not so much. I already have the Canon 18-200mm, but wanted a walkaround lens with more range. From most reviews, and the fact this lens is a new release....I thought this Sigma lens would out proform my 5 yr old Canon lens. Compared to my Canon, this lens was not as sharp under 200mm, nor were the col... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
great size and versatility but lacking imaging quality
I compared the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC for Nikon to my Nikon D3500 kits AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and Nikon AF Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4-5.6G (non VR/OS) lenses. I rented the Sigma lens from LensRentals. On a trip to Barcelona, I loved the versatility of the Sigma, not having to ever change lenses. Since the D3500 lacks the AF tuning option of its higher-priced siblings, I also appreciated the ability to use the Sigma dock to opti... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I would by this lens again.
I am an owner of a Cannon 60D which came with a kit lens of 18-200 mm. Both were excellent for most subject matters. I was interested in extra range of 300 mm, but did not want to sacrifice the fine pictures the camera and lens took together. Some new lenses offered a 300mm range or greater, but according to the reviews they took soft pictures at the 300mm range or did not do very well in low light. Some had greater range than 300mm but were very... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Better than the Nikon lens 18-200 VR II
I had bought a Nikon 18-200 lens that had focusing issues with my D7200. B&H was their normal incredible selves and got a replacement out to me very fast. I come to find out that the new lens did the same thing. I had no issues with the lens on my other Nikon camera and was at a loss. B&H did yet another return and on the last day of the sale on the Sigma, I placed an order. Not only did I get the awesome sale price, but I got the close up filter... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Cost effective all around lens
I'm close to giving this lens 5 stars, but an honest evaluation of the image quality (IQ) brings it up just short. This lens is incredibly versatile & useful with an amazing focal length range. It's fast and quiet AF, good image quality, light weight and compact size make it an excellent everyday or travel lens. I do not have and haven't seen any need for a Sigma Dock to adjust any settings and have used the lens on three different Canon APS-C bo... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
reasonable lens, given cost and range of focal lengths
I purchased this rather inexpensive lens after reading an extremely positive review in a recent UK-based digital photography magazine, having been pleased with two other Sigma lens (24-105 and 100-400 mm) for my D500 and D850 Nikon bodies. The quality of construction of the 18-300 mm Sigma lens is, not surprisingly, quite excellent and it is rather lightweight, arguing for its possible use as a single go-to lens when traveling. I've tried it on m... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Works pretty well. No major complaints
No major complaints, but a couple of small ones. I'm using this on a Sony A6500 with the MC-11 adapter. No issues with this set up, everything works fine. But in the end, this lens is really only an improvement for me in the convenience category; the ability to take one lens on most occasions. Because, as for quality of image, I find it to be no better than two of the kit lenses I have. Now, that's not to say the kit lenses are that bad, they giv... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This all-in-one is really a replacement for 3 lenses
I recently upgraded my Canon EOS DSLR body to a 77D. I had 3 general purpose and medium telephoto lenses: a 1st generation Canon 70-300 from the 90s, a Canon 17-85 (the upgrade to the kit lens at the time), from the early 2000s and the original Tamron 18-270. All of these lenses are at least a generation old. I bought the Sigma 18-300 after some research and with some concern about sharpness and speed of focus. It seems to do as well as the best ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Sigma 18-300 - Great Walk Around Lens
I am using the Sigma 18-300 mm lens with a Canon 70D. I have been impressed with the sharpness throughout the entire range. The camera/lens have locked in focus quickly with phase focusing. However, in typical room light in live view mode the camera/lens would just hunt back and forth and sometimes never locking in focus. I first saw this while taking a video around my room. I went outside and in brighter light in live view and I did not see ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A lens for all seasons
I am a very experienced ameteur photographer and have been using digital photography for 18 plus years. I was originally a Canon man but then transitioned to Nikon in the old 35MM format, not that that matters. I was ready for a new digital and the Canon EOS70D was specified for me by a Design Imaging Studios' professional photographer Christian Scully. An RIT photography graduate, Christian is a Canon camera man and knows his trade and the produ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great lens to reduce carry weight!
I've been expanding my lens collection to include various focal lengths and speeds, but found my camera bag was getting unwieldy in both weight and size. I already owned two Sigma lenses, the 30mm F1.4 Art and the 150-600mm Contemporary, both of which I love, so when I came across this lens I knew it would make a great addition to my bag. After testing it out, I'm confident it can replace both my Canon 18-135mm kit lens and my Canon 75-300mm tele... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
One body, One lens.
People who claim to be professionals go on and on about how they only use prime lenses. That's bs. You want to be a better photographer? Then take more pictures! Every day! One camera body and one lens should be all you need to hone your eye. They say physically moving with a prime is the best, but I say that when shooting around the city, I don't want to be hit by a bus.. Or a biker.. Or anyone, for that matter. My point is its OK to buy a zoom ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Sigma 18-300 mm Lens for Canon
I'm using this lens on a Canon EOS 70D. I was about ready to send it back as I could not count on focus in M mode. Well yesterday I put it on program mode, and set the ISO at 500 and got every shot hand held. So I think I will keep the lens. I have the Sigma 18-250 lens and I think this one has a slight edge in gathering light. It is not good in low light--you really need a tripod and manual focus. I prefer to use a tripod, but when traveling wit... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good but not enough to keep
I broke my 18-105mm kit lens and was looking for a replacement. Instead of the full price of 18-105, I thought this would be a good replacement.I liked the colors and image quality.I had occasional issues mounting the lens, but not serious enough to return it. One other thing is that the zoom ring operates in opposite direction of Nikon lenses. Again, something to get used to but not big enough to return it.What I did not like is that the OS is n... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Travel Lens!
I bought this lens for camping and travel photography. I'm a photography enthusiast. I also bought it to replace my Nikon 18-200mm VR. First things I've noticed are that build quality is very nice. It's got a good solid feel to it. OS works well. I really like that it has a lock button at 18mm, to prevent lens creep when hiking or on the go. My old Nikon 18-200 would constantly creep out on me when I was hiking. Being able to zoom to 300mm is a b... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Nice lens.
I love the versatility of this lens. Being able to go from wide angle to moderate telephoto without changing lenses is a great time saver. It also reduces the chance of getting dust inside the camera. The sharpness is surprisingly good, especially at 300mm. The build quality seems to be good, as well. The only complaint I have is that it seems to constantly be hunting for focus. I'm used to waiting for the focus to lock on before pressing the shu... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great all rounder!
I recently bought this lens as an upgrade to my Sigma 18-200mm to be used on my Nikon D7200. What a good investment this has been! I love the longer zoom as I love photographing birds, plus I love the fact that this lens does not creep at all at the longer end which my previous zoom did all the time. This lens has a nice solid feel to it, but is not too heavy which is important for me as I am petite. So far I have found the focusing to be very sh... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great for travel but not ideal lens
This lens is a compromise. It does not hold focus as you zoom, so you must compose and THEN focus (rarely but sometimes annoying) and the distortion at the extremes is easily visible but also easily correctible in Lightroom. The price is low and quality is high, but it is not a waterproof lens so be careful in the rain. When I CAN carry more/better lenses I definitely do so, but when I have to pack light, this and a 14mm are the only two lenses I... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A lot of bang for the buck...crisp photos...even @ 300mm
I read a lot of the reviews on here, some being negative in regards to the clarity of the photos at full zoom. I have mine mounted on a Nikon D7500 and the pictures are extremely clear at all focal lengths. Just make sure to keep the VR set to on, and the shutter speed at 1/800 to 1/1000th of a second. I find this lens to be very useful, simply because of the portability of it, and the fact that you have all you need in one lens. I would guess ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Super Versitile Lens
I have two kids. I love to take pictures of them. Often times when we are out and about at the zoo, the museum, the park, a festival, the air show, soccer games, etc. I have to carry a bag and painstakingly switch lens out to get a great shot. Well kids movie fast and I can't switch lenses fast enough. Enter this bad boy. You can get in their face up close or from across the soccer field. It's super sharp. It struggles a little when you are zoome... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video