Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2009.
The lens belongs to the category superzoom lenses. A superzoom lens gives you a wide zoom range, from a wider field of view (wide angle) to a more narrow field of view (telephoto) and is usually appreciated as an all-in-one travel lens.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2009 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM:

"Sigma’s 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM is a high-performance 13.8x zoom lens designed to let you enjoy photography through the convenience of one exceptional, compact, high quality, light weight, all purpose lens. This lens delivers all of that and amazing photos as well! Perfect for all shooting situations, at the wide end the Sigma’s 18-250mm is perfect for scenic, landscape or group photography; at the long end it can be used for sports actions or great shot from a day on safari. Of course, you can do great candid portraits with it as well.

Three Aspherical glass elements offer correction for distortion. Four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass provides optimum color correction and sharpness, Super Multi-Layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting and assures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. Roughly equivalent to a 24-400mm lens in the larger format cameras, this lens has an incredible range and flexibility and will deliver stunning images.

For use with smaller chip APS-c cameras only

Offers Sigma’s OS System (Optical Stabilization) allowing handheld photography even in low-light situations

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus

Captures small objects with a minimum focusing distance of 17.7” at all focal lengths & produces a maximum magnification radio of 1:3.4

Extremely compact weighing only approximately 22 ounces & measures only 4 inches in length.

A lens hood and front & rear lens caps are included with the lens."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 18-250 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 29-400 mm if you have a Canon camera or 27-375 mm if you have a Niko camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-6,3.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 18 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 250 mm the brightness is f/6,3. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 72 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH780-04 581".

Images of Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • A versatile lens for those who own their first DSLR camera
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • An impressive focal range
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • Poor aperture value with its f/6,3
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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