Not compatible with 35mm or digital cameras with larger image sensor than APS-C size
The Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens offers a high zoom ratio lens solution to digital SLR cameras, allowing you to zoom from wide-angle to long telephoto. It provides the equivalent focal range of approx. 27-187.5mm when used with a Nikon digital SLR camera(*). This lens has now been updated with the OS (Optical Stabilizer) system, which minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 3-4 stops faster. This allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions.
The 18-125mm's optical design incorporates aspherical lenses and SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, which provides the utmost correction for all types of aberrations. It also enables this high zoom ratio lens to be housed in a compact and lightweight construction.
DC lenses are exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras. The image circle (rear of lens) is sized to match the smaller dimensions used for the image sensor on digital cameras. As a result these lenses are also more compact and lightweight, and are better matched to digital SLR cameras.
Note! (*) Note: Not suitable for 35mm film SLR cameras, or for 35mm size (FX) "full-frame" digital cameras, e.g. D3, D700.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18 - 125 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.8 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon DX FX in DX Crop Mode |
| Angle of View | 69.3° - 11.4° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.15' (35.05 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.26x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.8 |
| Groups/Elements | 12/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.9 x 3.5" (7.37 x 8.89 cm) |
| Weight | 1.11 lb (503 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Glad it's in my bag-Versatile,sharp,fast
I use this lens when I do not feel like changing lenses every 5 mins.When shooting outdoors I like to use a variety of focal lengths to cover my subject matter in different views. This...Read complete review
I use this lens when I do not feel like changing lenses every 5 mins.When shooting outdoors I like to use a variety of focal lengths to cover my subject matter in different views. This lens is all I thought it would be except for the zoom ring works in reverse to all my Nikon and Tamron lenses,it took a little getting used to. Also, I am finding vignetting in the top 2 corners in some of my photo's, not sure if this the wide angle view causing this on the sensor or shadow from the lens hood.
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Most Liked Negative Review
You get what you pay for
So far I'm disapointed in the performance of this lens. I've had a difficult time getting the auto focus to work at all. When it does work it will focus quickly but this lens ...Read complete review
So far I'm disapointed in the performance of this lens. I've had a difficult time getting the auto focus to work at all. When it does work it will focus quickly but this lens is slow. Forget about attaching a polarizing filter to it, even a good quality circular Tiffen will cause vignetting. My big disapointment is the sharpness, no sharper then a $150.00 kit lens, even without a filter attached. If I had to do it over again I'd spend an extra couple hundred on a better lens.
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Reviewed by 12 customers
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Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
Purchased 3 for work. 1 was DOA, zoom ring was tight and grinding (replaced through manufacturer, over 60 day turn around btw). Now all 3 have a constant motor hum. The zoom rings on 2 have split (cheap rubber grip) Performance is not terrible, the quality is just not there. I did not purchase these through B&H just want to give everyone a "heads-up" if your looking for something in this zoom range.
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Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I chose the Sigma 18-125 lens to replace my Nikor 18-70mm kit lens which suddenly stopped zooming. The repair cost was too high so this one was chosen. I have and use other Sigma lenses so was pleased with the price and build of this lens. The extra reach and OS system is a real plus. The comparable Nikor lens was more expensive and had a plastic lens mount which I did not want. [...] My only concern is that there is a motor that is always running while the camera is turned on. (D70S). I will just have to watch and keep an extra battery with me. The images are just as good as my older Nikor 18-70mm lens. I'm very pleased with this purchase.
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Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
If you are on a budget this might be the lens for you.
Is this lens perfect... no.
But is the pictures you get out of it are decent... certainly. As log as you know it's limitation.
Slight CA at large aperture but stopped down a little and it will give you crisp and colorful pictures. It is plastic but believe me it is sturdy.
It is a bit slow to focus in low light situations but nothing alarming. Within it's cathegory it is a 4 stars
It is a fun all around lens.
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Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I liked the size and zoom range for travel. But after two years, this lens' OS mechanism now chatters like a freezing monkey anytime the zoom is adjusted. The lens is almost useless. It ruined my recent vacation photo-wise.
Not Sigma's finest hour.
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Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
My Nikon 18-200 broke a couple of days before a hired event, so I rushed over to B&H to pick up this lens. Prior to my purcahse, I did my research and decided that this lens fit my price/performance metric.
This lens coupled with my Nikon D40X was a good fit. The lens was put to usse right away.. I took over 1100 pics during my hired event. All of the photos were sharp and bright, however, the focusing wasn't as quick as my Nikon and the HSM was a tad loud.
The OS system was decent. I was able to take some interior shots at a nightclub handheld.
Build quality was decent.. the lens hood was velvet flocked, which was an unusual, but nice touch.
Overall, its a nice lens to have as a backup, or for a main lens, but be mindful of its limitations.
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Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
Let me start by saying I love Sigma lenses, I own several. With that out of the way this lens is junk. I have a Quantaray 18-50 that is far sharper. This lens is so soft at 18mm that it is totally unusable. If you want a decent 50-125mm lens go for it, but don't expect it to focus at anything wider.
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Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I used this lens for a recent trip to SW Fl both on land and on the water. Lens performed very well in all conditions. Also used this lens in a recent track and field event held indoors. I was able to use flash but the low shutter values were good to have to capture ambient light. Just be careful that your subjects are still as you can shoot at 1/8 second with good results. A little slow to focus I thought for quick action, a little difficulty staying focused on a small spot like the lettering on the high jump pole, wish the lens also had manual over ride focus while in auto focus mode. Overall, no noticeable pin cushion, etc. Good color, contrast, and sharpness. A-
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Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I would have given this 4.5 stars if that was possible. I bought this because I wanted more reach than my Nikon 18-70, and not so much for the OS. (And didn't like the idea of plastic lens mounts on the Nikon 18-105 and 18-135.)
I compared (with an emphasis on sharpness) a lot of images taken with the Sigma against my Nikon 18-70 (which I have read has very good optics for its price point) and found that the overall image quality is slightly better in the Nikon, but in many cases I had to look hard to find a difference. Saturation appears to be slightly better in the Nikon.
Other reviews have mentioned excessive noise in the Sigma. My sample has fairly quiet autofocussing (almost as quiet as the Nikon). Regarding the OS noise, I have to hold the lens up to my ear to be able to hear the little whirring sound. So, noise is not a problem.
No lens creep. Very smooth movement of focusing and zoom rings, but focusing ring could use a bit more resistance.
Attaching it to my D40 is a little rough, but I appreciate the metal mount.
Overall, a good value.
Pros
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Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
Sigma lenses have proven themselves yet again in this lens. I am an utter fan at the cost/quality that SIGMA offers. This lens was bought as a gift for my brother in law. After having owned the same lens for about a year, i decided to buy a new one and give it as a gift. This is a great traveling lens. Cheap, great range, the OS helps a lot in low light. It is heavier than other lenses, but I always say that i'd rather bring one lens than two or three. It is my default lens when I get up and go. I like this lens so much, I want to buy another for my other body.
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Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
The lens is fantastic for such an inexpensive lens. We actually had to buy this on a trip to NYC. Our other more expensive lens broke en route. The metal connector ring on this lens will ensure this will not happen again. And it shoots like a charm!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
So far I'm disapointed in the performance of this lens. I've had a difficult time getting the auto focus to work at all. When it does work it will focus quickly but this lens is slow. Forget about attaching a polarizing filter to it, even a good quality circular Tiffen will cause vignetting. My big disapointment is the sharpness, no sharper then a $150.00 kit lens, even without a filter attached. If I had to do it over again I'd spend an extra couple hundred on a better lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR:
I use this lens when I do not feel like changing lenses every 5 mins.When shooting outdoors I like to use a variety of focal lengths to cover my subject matter in different views. This lens is all I thought it would be except for the zoom ring works in reverse to all my Nikon and Tamron lenses,it took a little getting used to. Also, I am finding vignetting in the top 2 corners in some of my photo's, not sure if this the wide angle view causing this on the sensor or shadow from the lens hood.
Displaying reviews 1-12