Sigma 18-250 (for Nikon D200)

[squicky]

I'm wanting to buy a 'budget' zoom lens for my D200 and am strongly considering the Sigma 18-250 as a good compromise lens.

I'm heading back to China for a family visit and would appear to be able to buy it new for approximately £200 over there (but price in the uk fluctuates between 260-300, or amazon europe about £220-£230).

Anybody got any opinions about this particular lens or an alternative len for similar price.

I'm just a hobbyist photographer but do need a lens with stabilisation (passed on a couple of alternatives friends recommended due to them not having that).

Cheers.

[cornet]

PM incoming

[Golaboots]

I used to have the nikkor 18-200vr. Having a superzoom is handy but my shots are far better for swapping it for three specific lenses (fast tele, normal prime and wide zoom.)

The quality is better but my composition and 'eye' has improved more.

That said I've heard the sigma 18-250 is one of the better third party superzoom efforts. I heard a rumour that pentax sell that one as their own too.

[Ledaig]

Take a look at the Tamron 18-270. When I went on holiday last year I was told in no uncertain terms that I would not be taking the D3 and a multitude of lenses.
As a result I took the D200 and purchased a second hand version of the above.

For a walk about lens it is spot on with a good range and effective stabilisation. You just need to make sure you get the latest version which is smaller in diameter with the more advanced stabilisation technology (but the same aperture range as the old).

I've put a few images on the end here to show what that lens can do on a D200 , I've tried to cover a few various situations - wide to zoom, dark to light.
To help demonstrate the effectiveness of the stabilisation, the last shot (whilst not impressive in itself), was taken blind over my shoulder whilst riding a horse!

Considering what I normally shoot with, this lens with the D200 makes a great little combination for holidays and the like and I'll happily take it again.





















Hope this helps

Edited by Ledaig on Sunday 7th September 13:20

[squicky]

Thanks for the advice; I'm now the owner of a 2nd hand Nikkor 18-200. Definitely handy only having to take one lens on holiday, especially as I'm going to be a bit limited with space for my stuff (vs the rest of the families stuff..)

Ledaig - that does look quite good - If for whatever reason I need to change my mind, I'll certainly add that one to the possible pile.