18-200 mm Tele Zooms: Does anyone have experience with Sigma or Tamron recent model 18-200 or 18-250 mm tele-zooms? I normally don't use such long lenses but I'm planning an Alaska...

marcoj Loc: Auburndale, Queens, New York City

Does anyone have experience with Sigma or Tamron recent model 18-200 or 18-250 mm tele-zooms? I normally don't use such long lenses but I'm planning an Alaska trip this summer and previous responses to this forum suggest 200-300 mm tele-zooms as a minimum.

Thanks & regards,

Marco J

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

How recent? I have a Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM that I purchased in March of 2012. I really like it. It basically lives on my camera.
But I don't think this particular model is available anymore...

marcoj Loc: Auburndale, Queens, New York City

Thanks Longshadow.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

marcoj wrote:

Does anyone have experience with Sigma or Tamron recent model 18-200 or 18-250 mm tele-zooms? I normally don't use such long lenses but I'm planning an Alaska trip this summer and previous responses to this forum suggest 200-300 mm tele-zooms as a minimum.

Thanks & regards,

Marco J

What camera will you be using it on?

If Nikon, the Nikkor version is considerably better than the third party, but also considerably more expensive.

marcoj Loc: Auburndale, Queens, New York City

Thanks Gene51

I'm using a Nikon D80 and I agree with the Nikkor version and cost difference.

Regards,
Marcoj

saintsrest44

Nikkor, Hands down. Assuming you will be sticking with the lens for a long while - and since you are still using the fabulous old D80 - I'd save up and get the better quality lens.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

marcoj wrote:

Does anyone have experience with Sigma or Tamron recent model 18-200 or 18-250 mm tele-zooms? I normally don't use such long lenses but I'm planning an Alaska trip this summer and previous responses to this forum suggest 200-300 mm tele-zooms as a minimum.

Thanks & regards,

Marco J

I have a D810 and my favorite all around is an older 70-210mm Nikon film af lens. Can't beat the sharpness

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

marcoj wrote:

Does anyone have experience with Sigma or Tamron recent model 18-200 or 18-250 mm tele-zooms? I normally don't use such long lenses but I'm planning an Alaska trip this summer and previous responses to this forum suggest 200-300 mm tele-zooms as a minimum.

Thanks & regards,

Marco J

If you shoot Nikon (you didn't mention) I would go with the Nikon 18-200 II . You can get them Mint off ebay for less than a new (hate to mention these) Sigma or Tamron. And, the Nikon will last longer, stay within tolerances better and longer, and be worth more when you sell it than those other two (can't even bring myself to mention them by name) MY BAD.

Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca

Same here with a 16-300 tamron, always been on my 7dmk11, only time off is when birding with my 150-500 sigma.

relie Loc: Western Massachusetts

My Nikon 18-200mm is on my D7200 all of the time. Great lens for every day use.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

relie wrote:

My Nikon 18-200mm is on my D7200 all of the time. Great lens for every day use.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Marco, the selection of lenses depend on how close you are going to be to your subject. I own a Nikon 18-200 lens (I only use Nikon lenses with my Nikon cameras) and I believe it is a very versatile lens for what is known as a walk around lens. Keep in mind these lenses are f5.6 at the long end and in very low light they are not very efficient. Mine has an excellent VR built in.
If you are going to be hiking having a good wide angle is a must. A tele like the 70-300 VR could prove very useful for many subjects including wildlife. If you are going to be shooting from a ship that 70-300 VR could prove to be invualable for your trip.
As I said, it all depends on your distance to your subjects.

AK Grandpa Loc: Anchorage, AK

I have a Tamron 18-270 which stays on my camera 99% of the time. It is more or less a do anything lens. When I travel I take it and one other lense (11-16) with me. The longer lenses (150-600) are just too big to mess with when traveling. You might consider a 1.4 Tele extender if you think you need more reach.

shelty Loc: Medford, OR

I've had a Nikon 18-200 lens on my camera for many years and it only leaves the camera for a specialty lens. I's sharp enough for me to crop and print 16x20 prints.

robertcbyrd Loc: 28754

I'm shooting Canon, and I have a recent Sigma 70-200mm and I LOVE it. I don't have the "Princess and the Pea" vision of a pro, but I get rave reviews for my photos, particularly using my Sigma.

It's not as rugged as the greatly more expensive name band, but, IMHO, it's every bit as good at taking photos. There are several online reviews that support this.