The 18-250mm f/3.5-vi.3 DC Macro Bone HSM is the latest in a long line of all-in-i 'superzoom' lenses from Sigma, having been announced in June 2012. It offers two main developments over its predecessor, the confusingly similarly-named 18-250mm f/iii.v-6.iii DC OS HSM - namely improved close-upwardly capability (hence the 'Macro' moniker), and a meaning reduction in size and weight. Sigma says the latter is due to the use of a 'Thermally Stable Composite' (TSC) material in the structure of the lens barrel, which makes it nigh identical in size to its primary rival - the Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-vi.3 Di II VC PZD.

Similar Tamron, Sigma has included optical image stabilization in the lens blueprint, promising the ability to hand-hold the lens at shutter speeds 4 stops slower than usual before camera shake becomes a trouble. The lens features an ultrasonic-type 'Hypersonic Motor' for quiet focusing, which means it will autofocus on entry-level Nikon SLR bodies. Despite its improved shut-focusing abilities, the optical formula is actually a bit simpler than its predecessor's, and uses only a single Super-Depression Dispersion glass element rather than four. Iii aspheric elements are also used in the 16 chemical element, thirteen grouping design.

The xviii-250mm offers an impressive wideangle to telephoto range (equivalent to roughly 28-400mm on full frame), which is browbeaten only past the aforementioned Tamron 18-270mm F/three.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD and the recently-released Nikon AF-South DX Nikkor xviii-300mm F3.v-5.6G ED VR. It will be available in Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Sony and Pentax mounts, although the latter two versions won't characteristic optical stabilization and will rely on the cameras' built-in systems instead. Every bit usual for a new production information technology comes to market place at a college street price compared to its predecessor, just look a little closer and the RRP has actually dropped.

Headline features

  • Approx. 28-400mm equivalent focal length range; F3.five-6.3 maximum aperture
  • Available for Catechism, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony mounts (APS-C/DX format DSLRs just)
  • In-lens Optical Stabilization system (excluding Pentax and Sony versions).
  • Hypersonic Motor (HSM) focusing
  • 0.35m closest focus (0.34x magnification)

Angle of view

The pictures beneath illustrate the focal length range from wide to telephoto (on Canon APS-C, ane.6x).

18mm (29mm equivalent) 250mm (400mm equivalent)

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.three DC Macro Os HSM specifications

Price • $550 (US)
• £499 (Britain)
Appointment introduced June 2012
Maximum format size APS-C/DX
Focal length eighteen-250mm
35mm equivalent focal length
• 27-375mm (1.5x APS-C / DX)
• 29-400mm (one.6x Canon APS-C)
Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C) 74º - 6º
Maximum discontinuity F3.5-6.3
Minimum aperture F22
Lens Construction • xvi elements / xiii groups
• i SLD glass element
• three aspherical elements
Number of diaphragm blades vii, rounded
Minimum focus 0.35m
Maximum magnification 0.34x
AF motor type • Micro-type Hypersonic Motor
Focus method Internal
Image stabilization • Yes; iv stops claimed benefit
• Automatic panning detection
Filter thread • 62mm
• Does not rotate on focus
Supplied accessories* • Front end and rear caps
• Petal-blazon Hood
Weight 470 thou (xvi.6 oz)
Dimensions 73.5 mm diameter 10 88.6 mm length
(ii.9 x 3.5 in)
Lens Mount Canon, Nikon, Pentax (KAF3), Sigma, Sony

* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area