Sigma 18-200 vs Nikons 55-200 and 80-200

[Wowzer]

ebem.org/yeh/sigma18-200_vs_nikons/sigma.html


I just did some more tests with my 3 lenses to see which had better pictures. It's strange, but the Sigma 18-200 looked better than the Nikon 55-200.

The 80-200 was best, as expected.

[coldrain]

Not strange at all, the 55-200 is know to be not so good at 200mm (while being much better at the 55mm end). And the Sigma 18-200 is known to be quite consistent over its entire range.

[JanH]

Hi guys,
New here. Great to meet you.

Have been researching the 18-200mm world for weeks now (Nikon, Sigma, Tamron). Quickly I got the idea about either the Sigma or the Nikon, solely depending on how much money I was willing to throw at it.

For the price the sigma seems okay, but it's a trade bargain. The price apparently says a lot about the quality.

So when you compare it with other lenses and coldrain says "the Sigma 18-200 is known to be quite consistent over its entire range", then I'd have to ask: How?

According to what I have read, it has a lot of shortcomings, especially at the 200mm end.

Best regards,
JanH

PS: I have just ordered the Sigma because of the price issue - and because I can live with the (claimed) lower quality for my vacation shots.

[coldrain]

The Sigma is also cheap. For its price and range it turns in a decent performance. Do not compare it with 70-200 or 80-200 f2.8 lenses of different manufacturers though, because then it will disappoint in the long end.

[JanH]

Okay. Thanks, coldrain.

[Wowzer]

I dont find the Sigma 18-200 to be 'cheap'. The construction feels hefty...and it zooms smoothly. Compared to a 'pro' lens like the 50mm 1.8 or 80-200 2.8, it comes up short (i.e. not fast enough, not able to focus on a dof).

However, for taking nice pictures, the 18-200 is a great walk around lens. I got mine new for $278 + shipping. Well worth it, imo.

I was just surprised at how soft the 55-200 was compared with the Sigma.

[eduardofrances]

10x and 11x zoom compromise optical quality as they cant put sharp glass and maintain the cost low so the compromise comes in term of the quality of the glass inside the lens, softness, chromatic aberrations (purple fringing), vignetting appear in this zoom lenses, for sharpness is better to have a two lens solution, that cover the same range. In lenses what you pay is what you get ;) you obvioulsy wont have the sharpness of the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8