Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC SLD OS HSM Review

Sigma's lens was tested here using a Canon EOS 40D, on which it focused reasonably quickly (but not remarkably so) and very reliably. Sadly, but not unusually for a lens of this type, the focusing ring rotates and there is no option to apply adjustments when the lens is set to AF mode.

Effective optical stabilisation

Focusing ring rotates in AF

I use this little gem of a lens whenever I travel. Like all super zooms, it has compromises, but the main one of reduced apertures, is compensated for by the high ISO capability of modern cameras. The longest focal length is also very useful for nature and macro shots.

Light; compact; sharp; fast focus; very usable focal range

No full-time manual focus; though I seldom use this on other lenses

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM review

Huge 13.9x focal length range, ideal general purpose and travel lens; Good image quality in the wide to short telephoto range; Fast, quiet autofocus; Low distortion (for a superzoom); Good build quality, smooth zooming action and no zoom creep;

Very inconsistent sharpness through the zoom range - extremely soft at 135mm; Soft corners at almost all focal lengths; Image stabilization not as effective as on similar lenses, especially at telephoto end;

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM review

The Sigma 18-250mm F3.6-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is one of the best of the current bunch of SLR superzooms, with decent optics, fast autofocus and effective image stabilization. It's a reliable performer, and its close-up capability is handy too.

Photographers looking for a compact, lightweight, all-in-one general purpose and travel lens.;

Anyone unwilling to sacrifice image quality for convenience;