New Sigma 18-250 OS vs 2nd hand Nikon 18-200 VR I

[Epoc]

Hi All,

I have a few OS holidays coming up and am looking to buy a bit of an all rounder rather than carry around a heap of glass. Now I realise that these sorts of lenses are a compromise and I am prepared to wear this.

At this stage due to my budget of around $450, I've narrowed my choice down to the a new Sigma 18-250mm OS HSM or a 2nd hand Nikon 18-200mm VR I. They go for around the same price. At this stage I'm leaning toward the new Sigma, 2yr warranty, slightly longer and it's new.

I'd like to hear people's opinion of what they would do being in my shoes, especially from people with experience with these lenses. Oh and feel free to suggest other lenses. My decision in not set in stone.

Cheers,
Epoc

[mongo]

A good used Nikkor will cost around about the $600 and probably come with no warranty. From what Mongo understands, both lenses suffer at the long end but the Nikkor is slightly ahead of the Sigma. Whether that is enough to go used , Slightly dearer Nikkor instead of new , slightly less cost Sigma is something Mongo has no first hand knowledge about.

Here is something to think about - why not a good used Tamron 18-250. Mrs Mongo has used one for years and it is generally very good all round (bit not perfect) and Mongo thinks performs better than the Tamron 18-200 but no OS. The OS for later pentax users is in the camera body

[Speedway]

I have had the Sigma for a few years now and have been more than pleased with it, the aperture motor failed after about 35000 shots so I can't complain, the repair cost $119 and it is like new again. It has been relaced for motorsports by my new 70-200 2.8 so it should last for quite a while.
Keith.

[Epoc]

Thanks Mongo. I really want the OS as I think it's needed in low light at full zoom. I noticed Tamron now have a VC version, so that might worth considering as well.

Speedway, we must think alike in lenses. I am in the process of buying a Bigmos and also own a 70-200 2.8 but it is also a Siggy. Gotta be pretty happy with 35K shots before a failure. Man u must get some serious use out of it.

I am really leaning toward the Siggy 18-250mm. Now just gotta find the best price

[Tommo224]

I too am considering the same lens!

Links:
http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com...sm-lenses.html
http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com...os-lenses.html
http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com...zd-lenses.html
http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com...acro-lens.html
http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com...i-vc-lens.html

[Epoc]

Hey Tommo,

The non stabilised versions are out for me. As these lenses are not exactly fast, I think OS or VC is a must at the end of the zoom range as the light drops. I have the Tamron 17-50mm with VC and find I can still get useful images handheld at 1/40sec with the VC on. I might consider the Siggy 18-200mm if I can find one at the right price. But at the moment, the extra $50 for the later model and the extra 50mm zoom does it for me. The Tamron VIII is just simply out of my budget.

Let me know what you end up with.

Cheers
Epoc

[OZAmateur]

when i bought my d90 i looked at exactly this problem...considered all the above mention choices and eventually went with the nikkor 18-200 VR2.....great choice in my opinion

[Epoc]

when i bought my d90 i looked at exactly this problem...considered all the above mention choices and eventually went with the nikkor 18-200 VR2.....great choice in my opinion

Yes, obviously this is the lens of choice for this application. However, it is out of the question as it is double my budget. As stated, this lens will only do duties as simply, a half decent travel lens. I have plenty of other glass at my disposal for my creative work.

[Epoc]

Well an absolute bargain came my way. I ended up with a Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical IF Macro for $250 in perfect nick with a Hoya UV filter in place! So pretty happy with that. Yes the AF is slower than the Siggy, but the VC is awesome. Rock steady at the full 270. First impressions after a couple of quick piccys is it's nice and sharp and will do the desired travel job very well.

Cheers,
Epoc