A few weeks in the past Sigma despatched me their model new 20–200mm f/3.5–6.3 DG DN Up to date lens. At first look, I believed it needed to be for APS-C cameras as a result of it was so small. After I realized this little factor was really a full-frame superzoom that began at 20mm, It appeared too good to be true.
Construct High quality and Dealing with
This can be a consumer-grade lens, and you are feeling that straight away. It’s mild, compact, and fabricated from plastic. However Sigma does a greater job with their plastics than most — the end feels a step above your typical package lens. It has a metallic mount, climate sealing, a zoom lock, and AF/MF change. The zoom ring is easy sufficient, although probably not designed for video zooms. It is so small and light-weight that it’s extraordinarily simple carry round; definitely simpler than carrying an extremely extensive, medium, and telephoto zoom like I at present do.
Aperture and Autofocus
It’s a variable aperture lens; f/3.5 on the extensive finish, stopping all the way down to f/6.3 previous 85mm. Not quick, not pro-level, however that’s not the purpose. With longer focal lengths, you possibly can nonetheless get loads of topic separation, and with trendy sensors, ISO efficiency is delicate sufficient that I by no means felt too restricted, at the very least for daytime taking pictures.
Autofocus
Autofocus makes use of Sigma’s linear HLA motor, and I used to be impressed. For stills it’s snappy and dependable. For video it’s easy and quiet. Focus respiratory is almost nonexistent at 200mm, which is implausible however is excessive at 20mm.
One in every of my favourite options of this lens is it is mimimum focusing distance of 9.8 inches at 100mm. This lens can focus so shut that it may well deal with 99% of small topics. Insect photographers will nonetheless desire a devoted macro lens, however for everybody else, this lens is sufficient.
Picture High quality
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a Sigma Artwork lens. It’s not completely sharp throughout the body, distortion is heavy at 20mm, and vignetting extensive open is hilariously robust. Corners are comfortable, particularly at extensive angles. Flare resistance may very well be higher too.
And but… in observe, the images regarded actually good. The middle sharpness is there, colours and distinction look stable, and the bokeh is surprisingly good for a lens that tops out at f/6.3. On the finish of the day, except you are taking pictures footage of a flat brick wall, no one is zooming into the sides of their footage to verify for element.
Actual-World Use
That is the place the 20–200mm shines. Having 20mm on the extensive finish makes it dramatically extra helpful than Tamron’s 28–300mm or Sony’s 24–240mm for the best way I shoot. At 20mm, you possibly can shoot interiors, group pictures, avenue images, or vlog your self while not having a separate extensive lens. At 200mm, you possibly can shoot sports activities, wildlife, or compress a panorama.
Nevertheless it actually comes all the way down to what you personally shoot. Do you really want 20mm? If I used to be taking pictures landscapes, I would want to zoom in and shoot a number of photos for a better decision pano. However, if I had been filming myself (which I do so much) 20mm is implausible. If nonetheless I used to be taking pictures wildlife, 200mm is probably not sufficient attain and I would in all probability select the Tamron.
Value and Competitors
The Sigma is available in at about $999 (round £799 within the UK). For comparability:
The Sigma is the one full-frame 10x zoom that begins this extensive. That makes it distinctive and value contemplating, even in the event you already personal different zooms.
Conclusion
The Sigma 20–200mm f/3.5–6.3 isn’t excellent. The optics gained’t blow you away, it’s gradual in low mild, and there’s no optical stabilization. Nevertheless it’s small, versatile, and sharp sufficient. You are not shopping for this for optical perfection, you are paying for comfort, and it is in all probability essentially the most handy lens I’ve ever used.
If you would like most picture high quality, stick with professional zooms and primes. However if you need a do-it-all journey lens that may really keep in your digital camera, this is a wonderful selection.
