If you have a Nikon camera with a smaller-size APS-C sensor and F mount, then the 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM from Sigma is an incredibly versatile lens that is a real jack-of-all-trades lens you can carry in any situation. With a focal length spanning from a wide-angle 18mm up to a 250 mm telephoto zoom, with macro capabilities to boot, Sigma's 18-250mm could easily be your camera's first all-in-one lens, or a great replacement for several smaller lenses that you're looking to consolidate.
Sigma redesigned the optical and structural design of this lens in order to achieve a relatively compact size, at 4.0" long, as well as a close minimum focusing distance of 13.8" for macro photography. Their Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) construction maintains the structure of the lens, with little variation despite changing temperatures. The lens also incorporates a brass-made bayonet mount, to further reinforce the lenses durability and resistance to wear and tear over time.
The minimum focusing distance is the same throughout the focal length of the entire zoom range, and provides a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9. As an added benefit over fixed focal length macro lenses, the size and framing of subjects can quickly and easily be adjusted by rotating the zoom ring. For even further convenience, at each focusing distance on the side of the lens barrel, the maximum magnification ratio is also displayed.
The 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM has been built with Sigma's exclusive Optical Stabilizer (OS) function. This provides approximately 4-stops of effective camera correction, allowing for lower-light shooting, or greater sharpness in adequate lighting situations. This benefit is even carried into the macro range of photography, where the slightest bump or blur could easily ruin an image. This stabilizer is also adaptive to moving subjects, detecting your movement as you pan the camera and lens, offering effective correction there as well.
For high image quality, you know you've got to have high quality glass, and Sigma has incorporated their Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element into the 18-250mm. In addition to the SLD element, three aspherical lenses, including a double-sided aspherical lens, have been used in the lens' construction--offering excellent correction of color aberration, for better clarity and quality of images throughout the zoom range.
A Super Multi-Layer Coating has also been employed to reduce flare and ghosting with this lens. This makes it resistant to strong incident light, such as backlight behind a subject, providing sharper, high contrast images even shooting into a light source. To prevent internal reflections from occurring, the included petal-type lens hood can be attached in order to block out extraneous light.
For a lens that offers a wide-angle to telephoto focal length, the ability to zoom-in with macro photography, and provides Optical Stabilization built-in, Sigma's 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM made for Nikon cameras is more than a match. Whether you're on a macro product shoot, a walk in the park, or have a wedding to go to, this lens will help you shoot high quality images in any situation.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18 - 250 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 6.3 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility | DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Angle of View | 76.5° - 6.5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 13.8" (35.05 cm) |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2.9 |
| Groups/Elements | 16/13 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | Front: 62 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.9 x 3.5" (7.37 x 8.89 cm) |
| Weight | 1.04 lb (.47 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
After a months usage I'm very pleased
The lens is still a little stiff while zooming midway, but that's minor.
The photos I am getting in Macro are stunning.
For my needs as an all in ...Read complete review
The lens is still a little stiff while zooming midway, but that's minor.
The photos I am getting in Macro are stunning.
For my needs as an all in one lens, at an affordable price, I give 5 stars.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Not all that happy
I have been looking to buy a lens of this type, even considered the Tamron at first but after reading the reviews I held off. Then the Sigma came along and everyone was giving ...Read complete review
I have been looking to buy a lens of this type, even considered the Tamron at first but after reading the reviews I held off. Then the Sigma came along and everyone was giving it great reviews and with a nice instant rebate I ordered one. I'm using a Nikon D5100 which does an excellent job with the 18-105 lens. The Sigma arrived and after using it for two weeks I have returned it in exchange for the Nikon 18-300 which had a nice rebate. The Sigma was giving me constant focusing issues and I could only occasionally get tack sharp pictures with it no matter what I did. Many times I would take three or four pictures of the same thing with the same settings with different results almost every time. Needless to say I was very disappointed with this lens and wonder if perhaps I got a defective unit seeing that others seemed to be so satisfied.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
This lens is a great all around lens... Great for everyday use! If you're looking for versatility without the need to change lenses for different shots, this will prove to be a good choice. This is not a lens that provides excellent qualities in all ranges, but seems to provided good quality in most. The only cons I have really found as of yet are that under lower light and less sensitive sensor settings, there seems to be significant vignetting that isn't as apparent under the higher sensitivity settings. The other con is that the lens does focus fairly slowly, but I attribute this to the large range that the lens must cover. Overall, I think this is a great day-to-day lens.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I just finished a 3 1/2 week river tour of central Europe. Most of which was shot hand held while moving. I bought the 18-250 so as to only have to take one lense on my D90. The macro capability was a plus.
Image quality was acctable because I expect to make no prints greater than 4x6 and a slide show for my TV. I was just documenting a wonderful vacation. The images were not sharp enough for large prints. But that is not my issue.
This lense has terrible lense creep. When I finish a shot and return the camera to its hang position, immediately the lense slides smoothly out to its maximum zoom and bangs against my thigh unless I lock it up. The focus point seems to move too as when I bring the camera back up to shoot, all I see is a 250mm out of focus image. That made for extra time composing. Use of a tripod is impossible unless I am shooting horizontally. Shooting flowers at a downward angle causes the lense to zoom out as soon as I let go of it.
Having the lense constantly banging into my thigh was not very comfortable either. No wonder they have a zoom lock at 18mm. They know there is an issue. The last time I had this problem with a zoom was 30 years ago with a 35-135 Nikon zoom.
I was with friends who had purchased this same lense for their Canon. They had the same problem, but to a lesser extent as it took several minutes for the lense to fully extend.
Finally, I give this lense 2 stars only because the image stabilazation works well. I shot a lot in low light, so it's availability was a plus. I could shoot about 3 stops under minimum.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
graet lens
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
very smooth and awesome clarity
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I own the earlier verson of this lens as well as the Tamron 18-270 (model B003). While I have not used the newer Sigma as much yet, I am generally pleased with its performance. It certainly trumps the other two in size and weight. Its weaknesses are to be expected for a a super zoom lens of this type: low-light performance, soft at the long end of the zoon, lens creep, etc. For the most part, focus is fast and accurate. It struggles from time to time in low-light, in-door settings. It is equal to, if not better than the Tamron except at the long end. The Tamron seems to be a bit sharper at maximum zoom while hand-held. Differences fade if a tripod is used. Overall, this is a nice lens, especially for its present price point. It's limitations should be expected as all super zooms have their individual compromises. Will this lens replace the others in my "photo arsenal"? No. Will I enjoy using it as a "fit for purpose" lens? Certainly.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
This is an outstanding lens for new users.
No complaints, no issues. I was little bit tensed before i recevied this package whether it would fit for my D3100. But, now I'm happy that i have good lens.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I purchased this because when I travel, I want to minimize weight and rather than carry a wide angle and a telephoto, I could combine them into one of really high quality. This fits the bill perfectly. I particularly like how as the tele extends, it gives you a macro enlargement guide (1:1, all the way up to 1:2.69, as I recall)
That's right: this lens will do macro work through the entire range of lengths.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
As a photojournalist for a community news service, I wanted a general purpose lens so as not to be burdened with a lot of equipment because I shoot both stills and video at news events. This lens does that for me, sharp images, easy to use. I was a little concerned about its speed, but got some good night shots at an accident. Optical stabilizer works very well. Since most of my shots are for the web or 8x10 prints, there is no problem with sharpness. The only problem I have is lens creep and its pretty bad. But I have learned to lock and unlock the lens. For the price, this is an outstanding lens.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I've been using a Sigma 18-125 for a few years now and frequently wished it was a little more powerful. The 18-250 has been around for a while but the addition of the macro on this version was really what sold it for me. Highly recommend.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I really like the versatility of this lens. For traveling is very useful so I do not have to keep exchanging lenses. One thing I dont like too much is that sometimes It wont focus very well under low light. It does not creep if you use the lock.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I have been using a Tamron 18-270 with my Nikon D300 and because of unsharpness and color fringing thought I would try a newer version of an all in one. I was greatly disappointed by the Sigma. Not only was it not better but it had more distortion and unsharpness at both ends of the range. Sharpness in the middle and at f8 and f11 were not bad at all but overall I felt I was gaining nothing except a somewhat lighter lens. There are no shortcuts or free lunches. I'm going back to two zooms to cover the range realizing that they are not perfect solutions but a lot better in spite of the inconveniences of taking two separate lenses when I travel.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I use this lens to replace the two kit lenses that came with my Nikon D3100. This is the lens that should have came with the camera. I have found nothing negative to say as this lens does everything I purchased it for. This is not a pro lens with big glass, so if you shoot in low light you might consider one of the high dollar pro models. For my style of everyday average person shots this is great.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
Very nice lens. Works great on my Nikon D60. Photos are sharp and clear, better than the kit lenses I have been using. I like being able to go from wide angle to zoom without having to take the time to change lenses.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
Great lens for traveling & back packing & just always having with you.
I used to pack a D3 with 70-200 & 17-35 f2.8's along wit a couple of Macro & 50mm lenses. Great if you were in a car or had access to a sherpa!
This lens is not perfect but seems to be the best all in one lens for DX shooters. The Macro adds to its appeal for closeup work.
A few extra cards & batteries & your off for a couple of weeks to almost any location without 25 pounds of gear in a special bag.
My answer to all my friends switching to GH3's.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I traded in my kit lens 18-55 and 55-300 Nikon lens for this all around lens based on the review. I have been looking for such a lens so I do not have to change the lens all the time when I m travel around. received it and tested. so far I m happy with it. have not experience any lens creeping issue yet. keep finger cross. Had Tamron 27-300 before. this one is very comparable to it.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I was looking for a good super zoom for a walk around lens for my D90 and D7000. The range on this is better than the Nikon 18-200 and it's size is much easier to manage for those times when you don't want a lot of gear.
I've found the images to be nice, but as other reviewers have said, best when it has sufficient light especially at the long end of the zoom.
While it zooms in the opposite direction of my Nikon lenses, this is not really a big problem. Easy to get accustomed to.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
Product is for photo of landscape , Art , Historical photo various Art and Social event ,And I find it great to be able to use just one lens , Instead of changeling it all the time to fit my need for a particular Picture .
Pros
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I have been looking to buy a lens of this type, even considered the Tamron at first but after reading the reviews I held off. Then the Sigma came along and everyone was giving it great reviews and with a nice instant rebate I ordered one. I'm using a Nikon D5100 which does an excellent job with the 18-105 lens. The Sigma arrived and after using it for two weeks I have returned it in exchange for the Nikon 18-300 which had a nice rebate. The Sigma was giving me constant focusing issues and I could only occasionally get tack sharp pictures with it no matter what I did. Many times I would take three or four pictures of the same thing with the same settings with different results almost every time. Needless to say I was very disappointed with this lens and wonder if perhaps I got a defective unit seeing that others seemed to be so satisfied.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
Have had this lens only for 2 weeks but already very happy. I was getting tired of always swapping lenses. Good quality, great value. Maximum focal length very dependent on focus distance, but to be expected with large range zooms. Fast focus.
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Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon F Cameras:
I bought this a few weeks ago - I haven't used it extensively yet, but from what I have seen it is a great lens! Some photographers have mentioned it is soft at the ends of the zoom range, but I am a novice so that isn't really a factor for me. From the limited playing with it so far, the focus seems fast, the zoom is quite nice, there doesn't seem to be any zoom creep so far, and the macro focusing is excellent - I was able to get pretty close to something and still have the AF work! I am happy with it so far.