Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Canon fit lens

I have always loved the feel and handling of Sigma lenses, so when I went looking for a zoom of this range I was happy to find this one. It immediately became my workhorse lens, and is rarely off the camera. The wide end of the zoom is adequate for most uses and the long end is about the limit of what can be handheld. The zoom ring turns easily and with a enough friction to feel secure. The apertures are fine for general use and when used with the camera on a tripod, the sharpness is excellent. I have since supplemented it with a Sigma 10-20 wide-angle for more specialised effects, but most of the time, this is the lens I use. It locks easily and the AF turns on and off easily too. If the camera is carried 'nose-down' then the lens well creep open, but unless you are photographing straight downwards this isn't an issue. I keep the lens hood (included) on the lens all the time and I also often use it with a circular polarising filter. This is a practical and enjoyable lens to use. I can happily recommend it.

The lens arrived on time and after using it for a day I can say so far I'm very pleased with it. I really like the lens hood that came in the box but it has to be taken off when putting it in my case. At 200mm it's hard to use it hand held without getting a bit of blur, this is where the Optical Stabilizer version might help but for me it wouldn't really have been worth the extra money. Surprisingly it isn't actually to bad at Macro (close ups) but obliviously it isn't as good as a dedicated macro lens. Overall it's a really good lens for the price.

The lens arrived on time and has now become my main lens. Like many other reviews have said, try to get this rather than the 18-55 that comes with most standard dSLR Canons. Overall I am very happy with my purchase.

Great lens, does what I need it to

I sent this lens back as it was always sliding open when the camera hung beside me, lens creep was an issue and the focus was bad in that it was very soft and the fringing was a nightmare. I may have had a bad one but I wouldn't buy again.

After my Sigma broke, I got a Tamron version with similar specs but at cheaper price and for better value. In all honesty, the 18-200mm has an issue of introducing noise, and the locking mechanism is very rigid so you are likely to get it jammed. The barrel often requires a small nudge to get it to move. If I had to rate this product in comparison to the better value Tamron version, I would rate 4/10.

Very pleased that I purchased this lens. At the price this is perfect for me as an amateur photographer. It is compact and saves me carrying more than one lens around, particularly when travelling abroad. The image quality is very good.

I didn't review this purchase at the time because this is something you have to use before you review. Having now had the lens for a considerable period I have to say that it is my first line lens for outdoor work and is on my camera in the studio for about 50% of the time. Very good value. Very satisfied.