Product Description

This compact telephoto zoom lens was exclusively designed for use with digital SLR cameras. The image circle was designed to match the size of the image sensors of digital SLR cameras; that also allows for a compact and lightweight body with overall length of 84.6mm (3.3 inches), and weight of only 310 grams (10.9 ounces). It has a filter size of 55mm and a maximum diameter of 70mm (2.7 inches). This remarkably compact high-performance zoom lens is ideally suited to a wide range of subjects. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 110 centimeters (43.3 inches) and maximum magnification of 1:4.

Product Details

• Brand: Sigma
• Model: B0006A0CUM
• Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

• Sigma lens made specifically for Olympus digital SLR camera bodies; telephoto zoom lens
• Compact design is just 3.3 inches long
• 55-200mm focal length
• f4-5.6 maximum aperture
• 43.3-inch minimum focusing distance; maximum magnification ratio of 1:4

From the Manufacturer
This compact telephoto zoom lens was exclusively designed for use with digital SLR cameras. The image circle was designed to match the size of the image sensors of digital SLR cameras; that also allows for a compact and lightweight body with overall length of 84.6mm (3.3 inches), and weight of only 310 grams (10.9 ounces). It has a filter size of 55mm and a maximum diameter of 70mm (2.7 inches). This remarkably compact high-performance zoom lens is ideally suited to a wide range of subjects. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 110 centimeters (43.3 inches) and maximum magnification of 1:4.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Budget lens!!
I originally was looking into the 70-300mm APO macro by Sigma and the 70-300mm lens by Canon. I chose this one because I was reading the reviews of the 70-300 by both comapnies, and it seemed that at the 300mm length the lens was very vey soft. Too soft to make a decent print. So I looked into this zoom range and it didnt bother me that it was only 200mm because I have the Canon XT and the 1.6x crop factor would make the zoom over 300 mm, which is more than I need. Plus, I saw pictures of this lens on one of the review site, and at the 200mm end, the pictures were not that soft! THey seemed like they could make a decent sized print.

Going with my hunch, I bought this 55-200 mm lens and boy am I glad I did!! The autofocus has great speed for the money I paid. Its a little noisy, but I actually like it. At the long end, I was using a shutter speed of 1\500 of a second and my hand shake (which you could def. see) was not apparent in teh photos. I would say at 1\150 and less would certainly make blurry pics. I plan on using a tripod at the long end for the most part. The build and feel of the lens is amazing. THe lens hood is awesome too. it goes over the lens and locks on the other way for easier carry around. and the speed of the lens is def. fast enough if you are out in broad daylight. Indoors things I believe would be a mess. Color rendition is quite nice as well. So overall, it is very sharp at the 55mm side, and decently sharp at teh 200mm size.

The only con I see is that you will need a step up ring for 58mm filters. I have a 58mm polarizer and was bummed about this...but step ups are really cheap, so its no biggy.

I bought this for my trip to AZ that I am going on soon. We will be going to the zoo and bird sanctuaries so it seems perfect for the occasion. I think this lens is amazing for the price. GO BUY IT!

*UPDATE* I just took some test shots. All from a tripod on a sunny day. I took 18 shots total, in the progression as follows: 55mm at f/4.0, 55mm at f\5.6, 55mm at f\8.0, 55mm at f\11.0, and I did this with the zoom lengths at 70mm, 105mm, 135mm, and 200mm respectively. All were shot with a Canon 350D. What I found was 55mm-105mm were sharp w\ all fstops, 8.0 and 11.0 being the best, but you couldnt really tell the difference. Then when it hit 135 mm, it was a bit soft at 5.0 and 11.0...8.0 was decently sharp, and then at 200mm the sharpest was at 11.0. When I say sharpest, I do believe it could make a pretty decent sized print. I mainly print 12x18 w/ my 350D, and I assume I could make that size print with this lens. There was some CA in all my shots, but I CS2 could easily fix it. I will update you after I come back from my trip to AZ!

*UPDATE*
Just got back from my trip. Went to the zoo with this lens and it is great! Took many pics, got some great shots of peacocks and parrots, etc. Feathers are really sharp. I also took pics of birds in their natural habitat. The lens was pretty sharp, and def. made decent photos. Autofocus hunts a bit, but for the most part, great lens!

plastic build, light weight, surprising optics
i briefly had this lens and though i traded it in, it's actually a pretty good deal for the money. anyone expecting a pro-quality lens or a 2.8 at this price is insane.

the first thing you notice is that the build quality is super-plastic-y, even toy-like. that was a turn-off for me, but to get a better-made lens, you'll have to pay hundreds, if not thousands more -- the nikon 55-200 alternatives are also plastic, and sigma doesnt offer a 55-200 in an EX finish.

still, the sigma 55-200 does have some advantages if you're not overly concerned with name-brand snob appeal. it autofocuses very quickly due to its short barrel and excels at tracking moving subjects handheld due to its light weight. and the optics are clearer and sharper than you would think, although there is a bit of fall-off at 200mm. this lens would obviously appeal to budget-minded shooters, but it would also be a good backup lens for travel for someone who doesnt want to drag along a lot of heavy glass. and at the price it's being offered for, you could easily buy two in case one breaks.

note: unfortunately for d40 users, the sigma 55-200 has no internal motor, so your camera will not AF with it.

A Good Companion for the Rebel XT Kit Lens
Many owners of Digital Rebels have the standard Canon 18-55mm kit lens. While useful, the kit lens has some serious limitations, one of which is its lack of sharpness at the 55mm telephoto end. The Sigma 55-200mm provides a much sharper image and wider aperture at 55mm making it a good complement to the kit lens. Overall image quality of the Sigma is fairly good, especially considering the price, and the 200mm (320mm 35mm equivalent) telephoto end provides much needed reach to your photography.

The Sigma 55-200mm is one of the newer line of digital-only lenses. On the Rebel XT, it encompasses and 35mm equivalent focal length range of 88-320mm. Focus is fairly fast and image quality is relatively good. The lens is small and light compared to other lenses with similar ranges making it a great match for the rather small Rebel XT. The lens uses a 55mm filter thread, however, which means you'll need a step-up adapter ring if you want to share the same 58mm filters as the kit lens. All in all, this is a pretty good bet if you're looking for an inexpensive second lens to expand your photogtaphic horizons.