Sigma 18-300mm lens review

Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is a super-telephoto lens covering an advantageous wide-angle range and is extremely flexible. It is an all-in-one zoom lens featuring a sleek design and characterized by versatility and compactness. As it forms a part of the Contemporary-series lens, it prioritizes ease of use with impeccable performance. This makes it an ideal lens which is well-suited for all sort of photography applications.

Not only is it suitable for everyday use, but it is also perfect for traveling. This is because it is designed to achieve optimal convenience and efficient performance along with a compact and lightweight build complemented by versatile handling and outstanding optical attributes.

Sigma 18-300mm lens review

Some of its notable features include an optical design containing a series of aspherical and low dispersion elements that help minimize significantly chromatic and spherical aberrations all through the zoom range. It also features a Super Multi-Layer Coating, which controls lens flare and reduces ghosting.

Additionally, it is also adept at close-up shooting s it employs a 1:3 maximum magnification along with a 1.3′ minimum focusing distance. To balance these optical capabilities, this contemporary lens is also characterized by a Hyper Sonic Motor to make it fast and precise when focusing.

This not only enhances performance but also gives it the ability for full-time manual focus control. It also sports an Optical Stabilizer, which results in sharp imagery as it minimizes the appearance of camera shake. Moreover, it has a small build, which contributes to both easier handling and convenient carrying.

Let us look at all the above-stated features in detail to understand what makes this Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM so special:

Product overview:

First of all, this zoom is in an all-in-one lens that is perfectly designed for APS-C-format Canon EF-mount cameras. It offers a 28.8-480mm equivalent focal length range and is ideal for close-up shooting as it provides 1:3 maximum magnification together with a minimum focusing distance of 1.3′. This makes it well suited for working with nearby subjects.

Coming on to optics, this lens employs not only One Special Low Dispersion (SLD) but also has Four F Low Dispersion (FLD) elements in its optical design to minimize both color fringing and chromatic aberrations. This results in enhancement of clarity as well as color accuracy. For further improvements in results, it has three aspherical elements that limit distortion and prevent spherical aberrations.

This benefits both accurate rendering and overall sharpness. It is also all individual elements coated with Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce ghosting and lens flare. This leads to even more enhancement, especially in backlit conditions, as results become contrast-rich and color-neutral.

Good performance

Next is the performance, which is also optimal. Sigma has been successful yet again in giving both top-notch optics and on point functionality. This has been possible due to the integrated HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) complemented by a rear focus system that contributed to fast and quiet, and precise autofocus.

The performance is further enhanced by an optimized AF algorithm that smoothens the focus. Another advantage of the HSM is that it also provides full-time manual focus control to the user, which can be gained by merely rotating the focus ring.

This lens is also perfect in terms of lens controls. It has a switch for MF/AF focusing modes that are easy to use. It features an optical stabilization system, which reduces the camera shake’s appearance so that sharper imagery can be achieved when conducting handheld shooting. Moreover, this lens also extends out from the original collapsed position. Then it also has Macro focusing markings on enabling very close up focusing.

It also employs a Zoom lock switch, which prevents both unwanted and accidental zoom adjustment. It is also compatible with the Sigma USB Dock so that different lens characteristics can be tuned and even for updating of firmware.

The exterior of the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM lens is also top-notch. It is characterized by a somewhat sturdy outlook, which is mostly dominated by the zoom ring.

72mm filter thread

The rest of the prospects is very classy. A pretty small lens hood protects its front element, and it also has a 72mm filter thread, which works quite well with close up filters. Coming on to build quality, this Sigma is pretty well established.

You will find nothing to complain about in both its quality and design. Both are top-notch as it has been crafted with top-notch Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material, and the construction is done to perfection. Except for the cap, everything not only looks perfect but also works perfectly. The material also makes it capable of being used in wide temperature variations and also adds greater precision.

Then it also features a brass bayonet, which enhances mounting accuracy and rigidity. Then what makes this lens stand out is its compactness. It is the zoom locking function that collapses the glass, making it easier to carry.

When talking about sharpness, you might find the Sigma 18-300mm lens very basic initially, but you had been incredibly wrong. This lens exhibits sharpness exactly like all high-end lenses when using artificial lighting.

Sharp lens

The sharpness is also on point, even when working in natural light. The images that it delivers are beautiful, even though the bokeh is not very surprising.

Yeah, like all Sigma lenses, both the color rendition and bokeh are pretty much standard in this lens. This means that it is not top-notch and not as high a contrast level as found in the Art series.

Instead, the rendition is more muted, which is lacking. But even muted colors are not a problem as a bit of saturation boost in Adobe Lightroom can resolve it. This means the final results don’t look bad at all, so it’s not such a big deal.

All in all, with perfect sharpness, focusing, handling, and classy built, this lens is a significant player in its market. It is topping the charts, and photographers who like to experiment with zoom prefer it over all others. Like all times, Sigma has succeeded in fulfilling its user’s requirements and creating a lens that performs over the expectations!

What’s in the Box?

• Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF
• LCF-72 III 72mm Lens Cap
• Rear Cap LCR II for Canon EF Mount Lenses
• Sigma Lens Hood for 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Lens
• Limited 1-Year Warranty

Sigma 18-300mm specifications:

• Focal Length: 18 to 300mm
• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 28.8 to 480mm
• Max Aperture: f/3.5 to 6.3
• Min Aperture: f/22
• Format Compatibility: APS-C
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• The angle of View: 76.5° to 5.4°
• Max Magnification: 0.333x
• Min Focus Distance: 1.28′ / 39 cm
• Optical Design: 17 Elements in 13 Groups
• Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:3
• Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Filter Size: 72 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L): 3.11 x 4.0″ / 79 x 101.5 mm
• Weight: 585 g / 1.29 lb.

Pros

• The locking mechanism is convenient.
• It is well built and designed.
• The results are surprisingly sharp.
• Focus is fast and smooth.
• Instrumental range
• It is very reasonably priced.

Cons

• The bokeh is pretty mediocre.
• The color rendition is also muted.
• Lens cap could have been better designed.

Conclusion:

This 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary lens by Sigma can make any purchaser happy. With all those features at such a reasonable price, it is a dream come true for photography enthusiasts. With the only drawback of mediocre bokeh and color rendition, this lens has it all.

So all those photographers who wish to gain higher fruit within a budget, this lens is for them. It is undoubtedly designed for all purposes, especially for travelers, to carry it with convenience. Even if you are not a big fan of superzoom lenses, you will fall in love with this Sigma lens. It will make you look at it carefully before again and then become a part of your photography equipment. It is indeed an engineering feat for cameras with APS-C sensors.

It is not just any zoom lens because it also feels like an Art lens. All photography lovers, hold your breath tight because this all in one zoom lens is ready to change the game for you. If you want perfect results and hate walking, then go for it as it can make your subject look extraordinary from afar. It will alter the zoom perspective for you, and you won’t prefer any other lens over it.

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