Sigma 18 - 250
Is this a good investment for an all-around lens?
I have used this lens in the past if the price is right then go get it.
Thanks for your help. Its on sale for $349. I'm planning a trip to Hawaii and Europe in the coming months and would rather not have to travel with several lenses.
Then I would buy the lens and play round with it, that's a very good price.
I have had one for a couple of years and very much like it. Note that I would be classified as "having to improve by several magnitudes to reach the level of amateur", but I think it's a very handy lens to have.
We all had to start somewhere but if you like what you have taken in the past that's a good start, not everyone will like your photographs because photography is subjective.
I've had one for about 6 months and it rarely leaves my camera. It's a good walking around lens. When I know I'm going to be shooting wildlife, I'll put my 55-300 Nikon on because it's sharper at it's furthest reaches. When I'm concentrating on landscapes, my 18-55 has a wider view and a little less distortion. With that said, any shortcomings of the 18-250 can be overcome easily in Lightroom. It's a versatile lens and a steal at $349. If and when I move up, I'm looking at the 18-300 Nikon, currently around $900 and the 16-300 Tamron, selling for around $630 now. And of course, Sigma is also expanding it's line. I'd get the 18-250, use the heck out of it and see if it continues to meet your needs. The good news is that lenses hold their value pretty well, so it's not hard to sell online or through Craigslist and you can continue to improve your arsenal as you progress. Good luck.
I bought the Sigma 18-250mm to replace a Canon 18-200mm I have loaned to my sister. By comparison, it is very soft. In fact, in reading reviews of this lens, it is not noted for its sharpness. Had I known that, I would have forgone the purchase.
Thanks Bob. I appreciate your input. Trying to fine something at a reasonable cost so I can travel without to much hassel.
Thanks for your input in helping me decide what to do.
All-in-one lenses, also called superzooms, are controversial. Some love them and others don't. They offer convenience and versatility. They are good for situations where you may have to go quickly between wide-angle and telephoto so as not to miss a shot. I do a lot of street shooting and my 18-200 has prevented a lot of missed shots. They also can save weight and space in your bag by carrying one lens instead of two or three.
Their weaknesses are that they are not as sharp as shorter ratio zooms, and they tend to have more distortion. Photography is full of trade-offs and this is one of them. Some find the trade-offs worth it and some don't. It's an individual decision.
Thanks for the thoughts. I've got a 50, 18-70, and 70-300 but with travel like it is now days, I would really like to carry only what's on my camera. Again, thanks for your input.
Be sure to calibrate the AF if you can. I have owned one for over 2 years and like it a lot; especially after I did the calibration. It is a comparatively heavy lens though
abc1234
Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois
brow3904 wrote:
Thanks for your help. Its on sale for $349. I'm planning a trip to Hawaii and Europe in the coming months and would rather not have to travel with several lenses.
Check to see if this has a US warranty. Not having one may account for the low price. Another factor might be that with Sigma introducing an 18-300, it may be discontinuing the 18-250.
I took my Canon 18-200 and Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 to Israel last month and never touched the Sigma. One problem with these walk-around lenses are that they are terribly addictive. Less to carry, less to switch around, and less weight. Enjoy your journeys and take a lot of pictures.
I bought the Sigma 18-250 several years past I use it for lighthouses capturing and buildings. No flowers or wildlife. It works find for those two
Captures. It travels very easy, I use it in Hawaii, with some success..
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