Cheap alternative to Nikkor 18-200mm VR?

[Artosoft]

Borrow from other thread:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0703/07...8200mmdcos.asp

Check the price on page 2: $790
http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=272202

Too good to be true?

Creeping? But it looks like it have a 'lock' button (to prevent creeping???).

Regards,
Arto.

[milamber]

From what i've read, the Sigma lens doesn't have creeping problems, at least not as bad as the Nikon one. It's certainly a cheap alternative, but in photography, you get what you pay for is my experience. Wait for the tests from the reputable magazines and websites coz the Sigma 18-200mm without OS was a soft lens by most accounts.

[SilverSurfer66]

In terms of performance, I am very sure nothing comes close to the original. Get the Nikon.

[Yatlapball]

And not forgetting at the tele end, one is 5.6 and the other is 6.3 ?

[cheersjy]

From this review the result from sigma seems quite respectable:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Ta...mm/page4.shtml

[grumpy]

Originally Posted by cheersjy From this review the result from sigma seems quite respectable: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Ta...mm/page4.shtml

i think the one in the review is the previous version which has no OS

[mhjasni]

Hi Artosoft, maybe can see this review as well
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06...amron18250.asp.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by SilverSurfer66 In terms of performance, I am very sure nothing comes close to the original. Get the Nikon.

Second that! I think you'd be better off with the 18-135 if you're on a budget.

[swordman]

Originally Posted by Artosoft Borrow from other thread: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0703/07...8200mmdcos.asp Check the price on page 2: $790 http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=272202 Too good to be true? Creeping? But it looks like it have a 'lock' button (to prevent creeping???). Regards, Arto.

At $790, I might as well get the nikkor 18-200vr at $1200, difference by $400 but this sigma doesn't have HSM while the nikkor 18-200vr has SWM and I've tried my friend's 18-200vr and its really sharp, focuses fast and silent even before I knew it. And I am able to handheld for a clear shot at 1/20 at 200mm.

Although the sigma has OS, but i've never tried it's capability before so unable to comment. But since it's relatively new and few sigma models has OS integrated. I reckon that the nikkor 18-200vr would be a better buy!

[Override2Zion]

By the way, noticed that the aperture sweet spot for the Nikon 18-200mm VR is around f/7.1 and f/8. Guess if you aren't too particular about the wide angles side, you could consider the substantially cheaper 55-200mm but the image quality isn't something to boast about. The sigma would be another alternative. But hey, sometimes quality does comes with a price.

[BabyBob]

Another perspective is this: surely Nikon can spec the lens to perform best with its DSLR. 3rd party lens will have to match with any other camera brands. Somehow, I think there would be compromise.