Features Features
Build &
handlingBuild &
handling
Performance Performance
Value Value4.5
Overall
4.5OverallTA
he larger of Sigma’s two
lenses on test, this one is
only 16mm longer at its
minimum zoom, but has a
focal length that stretches to 300mm.
The length also stretches more at the
long end of the zoom and has more
girth, with a 72mm filter thread. In all,
it’s not such a compact lens, and is 36
per cent heavier at 585g.
The construction employs Sigma’s
TSC (Thermally Stable Composite)
material that’s resistant to size
fluctuations during temperature
changes. Again, there’s a metal
mounting plate but no weather-seal
ring. As with other Global Vision
lenses, it’s compatible with Sigma’s
optional USB Dock. Upgraded glass
sees the inclusion of four top-grade
FLD (‘Fluorite’ Low Dispersion)
elements along with one SLD element.Performance
Typical of motor-based ultrasonic
systems, the one in this lens isn’t that
speedy and is audible, as well as
lacking a manual override facility.
The optical stabilizer gives a four-stop
effectiveness, complete with auto
panning detection.subtle refresh of Nikon’s
original 18-200mm lens,
this one get a zoom lock
switch but keeps the same
optical design and image stabilizer.
For image quality and performance,
it’s our favourite Nikon superzoom.
There are three ED (Extra-low
Dispersion) elements in the optical
path and the second-generation VR
system has switchable Normal and
Active modes. The first of these
includes automatic panning detection,
while the second counteracts
increased physical vibrations.
Handling benefits from a smooth-
action zoom ring and a ring-type
ultrasonic autofocus system. It also
manages to be quick and quiet, while
enabling the focus ring to remain
stationary during autofocus, as well
as offering full-time manual override.Performance
In our tests, sharpness proved better
than in the Nikon 18-300mm,
throughout the albeit more limited
zoom range. Overall image quality is
impressive and a weather-seal ring on
the mounting plate helps to prevent
the ingress of dust and moisture.Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-
6.3 DC Macro OS HSM | C
£369/$399
Extra reach comes with greater quality
Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm
f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
£429/$647
An older but better superzoom
N-Photo verdict N-Photo verdict
It offers the greatest
zoom range with the
minimum compromise
in image quality. It’s a
bit chunky, however.It’s a great superzoom
lens that’s now become
fantastic value for
money – in the UK,
at least.Sharpness
Sharpness is excellent
throughout most of the
zoom range, only dropping
off at the long end.Fringing
Colour fringing is relatively
minimal, especially in the
mid to long sector of the
zoom range.Distortion
As with fringing, the lens
controls pincushion
distortion well at medium
to long zoom settings.Sharpness
Sharpness is outstanding at
short to mid zoom settings
and still beats Nikon’s newer
superzooms at 200mm.Fringing
Amounts of colour fringing
are typical for a superzoom
lens and pretty consistent
throughout the zoom range.Distortion
Considering that it doesn’t
go overboard for zoom range,
barrel distortion at the short
end is disappointing.BIG TEST