Pictured below from left to right are the Sigma, Nikkor and Tamron 18-200mm lenses in their shortest positions. Each lens measures 70x78mm, 77x97mm and 73x84mm (diameter x length) respectively. The Sigma’s clearly the smallest of the group, although the Tamron is only slightly larger; the Nikkor is comfortably bigger than either of them.

When zoomed-in to their longest focal lengths, the Sigma, Nikkor and Tamron lenses extend by a further 53, 65 and 66mm respectively, each employing two barrel sections. As pictured below, the Sigma remains the smallest of the three and the Nikkor comfortably the largest. The Nikkor’s size is reflected in its 72mm filter thread, which is considerably greater than the 62mm threads of the Sigma and Tamron.

Weighing just 405g, the Sigma’s the lightest of the group, although the Tamron’s only 18g heavier; at 560g the Nikkor’s noticeably heavier than either. The Nikkor’s additional weight is undoubtedly down to its superior build quality and slightly faster optical performance at the telephoto end. It sports a focal ratio of f3.5~5.6, compared to the f3.5~6.3 of the Sigma and Tamron models.

In terms of build quality, the Sigma and Tamron are roughly similar. They’re both lightweight budget lenses so unsurprisingly feel quite plasticky with less smooth mechanics than a premium product. Don’t get us wrong, they’re not poorly constructed, but are clearly below the build quality of more expensive lenses.

For example, you need only compare them with the Nikkor 18-200mm to immediately notice how this pricier model looks and feels to a much higher standard. It’s more solid with smoother mechanics delivering a greater impression of confidence in use. Of course the Nikkor costs twice as much, but if you’re after the best build quality, you’ll need to spend the extra.

We’re pleased to report all three employ internal focusing with non-rotating end sections – important for anyone who uses polarisers, although obviously the Nikkor’s wider thread will incur higher-priced filters. Thankfully, all three lenses were supplied with hoods.

In terms of focusing speed, the Nikkor’s premium SWM system was certainly quicker than the Sigma and Tamron, but not by a large degree. Where they really differed though was in focusing noise with both the Sigma and Tamron models being considerably louder than the Nikkor. The Tamron was worst of all in this respect, grinding quite conspicuously during manually focusing. Again if ultimate discretion is your thing, you’ll need to spend more on the Nikkor.

All three lenses on test claim the same 18-200mm focal length, but it’s always worth putting this to the test. To compare actual coverage we shot the same scene with each lens within a few moments of each other; the camera was mounted on a tripod to ensure a consistent position. Here the lenses were set to their widest 18mm focal length.

At first glance the three lenses on test appear to deliver identical wide-angle coverage, but look closer and there’s subtle differences. The Tamron 18-200mm actually delivered a fractionally wider view at 18mm than the others, followed closely by the Nikkor, and finally the Sigma.

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC		Nikkor AF-S DX VR 18-200mm 3.5-5.6G IF-ED		Tamron AF18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD IF
18-200mm at 18mm (27mm equivalent using Nikon D2X)		18-200mm at 18mm (27mm equivalent using Nikon D2X)		18-200mm at 18mm (27mm equivalent using Nikon D2X)

Coverage, telephoto

with Nikon D2X

Next up came the telephoto-end of each lens. Again to compare actual coverage we shot the same scene with each lens within a few moments of each other; the camera was mounted on a tripod to ensure a consistent position. Here the lenses were set to their longest 200mm focal length.

Here all three lenses performed similarly, although upon close examination, the Nikkor’s field was fractionally tighter than the others. In practice though it’s fair to say all three lenses deliver essentially the same field of views.

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC		Nikkor AF-S DX VR 18-200mm 3.5-5.6G IF-ED		Tamron AF18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD IF
18-200mm at 200mm (300mm equivalent using Nikon D2X)		18-200mm at 200mm (300mm equivalent using Nikon D2X)		18-200mm at 200mm (300mm equivalent using Nikon D2X)

Note: both the Sigma and Tamron lenses were fitted with zoom lock switches to prevent their barrels from extending beyond the 18mm focal length while in transit. That said neither barrels of the models on test could be described as loose, and it was possible to zoom-in to 200mm on both, point vertically upwards and not suffer from any creep back down. The Nikkor lens didn’t have a lock, but could be pointed up or down without suffering from discernable creep.

Outdoor / Resolution / Corner sharpness / Fringe and macro / Geometry / Vignetting

Outdoor / Resolution / Corner sharpness / Fringe and macro / Geometry / Vignetting

Outdoor / Resolution / Corner sharpness / Fringe and macro / Geometry / Vignetting

Outdoor / Resolution / Corner sharpness / Fringe and macro / Geometry / Vignetting

Outdoor / Resolution / Corner sharpness / Fringe and macro / Geometry / Vignetting

Outdoor / Resolution / Corner sharpness / Fringe and macro / Geometry / Vignetting