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• compact dimensions for such a wide focal range,
• excellent image quality in the frame centre,
• lower distortion level than in the case of competitors,
• not bothersome vignetting in the middle of the focal lengths range,
• low coma for longer focal lengths,
• negligible astigmatism for the range of 18-50 mm,
• quite good work against bright light at the widest angle,
• decent autofocus work,
• all-purpose focal length range.

Cons:

• weak image quality at the frame edge for the range of 100-200 mm and near the maximum relative aperture,
• distinct distortion level at 18 mm,
• high vignetting for both extremes of the focal range,
• high astigmatism for the range of 100-200 mm,
• not very efficient image stabilization.

After the announcement of the Sigma’s 18-200 mm OS suggested price my first impressions were rather negative – I didn’t think it could sell itself well. It turned out the Sigma company knew what they were doing – they simply appreciate the products they consider good. In this case they are perfectly right because the Sigma 18-200 mm ranks among very well-made optical constructions. There are several flaws but few people expected that a megazoom of the 11X class with such dimensions wouldn’t show vignetting or distinct distortion – it’s against the laws of physics so there’s hardly anything to discuss here. An open question was whether the Sigma would spread its wings in areas where the physics allows it to do so. According to our tests the lens’s constructors did their best. The 18-50 mm range is just excellent and it can substitute any kit lens for sure. Additionally, we have longer focal lengths at our disposal which, although not so good as the first part of the range, are nevertheless available without the necessity of changing lenses. If only the stabilization system was more efficient the Sigma would be a highly recommendable lens to every amateur photographer who is looking for an all-purpose optical device.

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Sample shots:

Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 35 mm, f/5.0, exp. 1/50 sec., ISO 800 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 3.1 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 200 mm, f/6.3, exp. 1/400 sec., ISO 200 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.7 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 18 mm, f/6.3, exp. 1/320 sec., ISO 200 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 5.2 MB
Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 18 mm, f/3.5, exp. 1/1600 sec., ISO 100 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 3.0 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 200 mm, f/6.3, exp. 1/250 sec., ISO 100 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.3 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 134 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/400 sec., ISO 200 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 3.3 MB
Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 18 mm, f/6.3, exp. 1/500 sec., ISO 200 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.8 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 134 mm, f/8.0, exp. 1/500 sec., ISO 200 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.9 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 200 mm, f/10.0, exp. 1/400 sec., ISO 200 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.9 MB
Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 51 mm, f/5.0, exp. 1/800 sec., ISO 200 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.5 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 78 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/100 sec., ISO 200 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.6 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 200 mm, f/8.0, exp. 1/500 sec., ISO 400 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.9 MB
Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 18 mm, f/8.0, exp. 10 sec., ISO 100 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 3.3 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 96 mm, f/6.3, exp. 1/100 sec., ISO 400 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.6 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 78 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/80 sec., ISO 100 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.3 MB