lack built-in AF motors. The lenses would have to do the heavy lifting. Now Sigma‘s come out with the latest indie Nikon-flavored lens with an on-board AF motor, the 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC. As with previous versions, this has a minimum focusing distance of 17.7 inches and magnifies up to 1:4.4. Inner focusing system eliminates lens rotation so you can use a petal hood and polarizer. So, now this lens can be used on all APS-C Nikon DSLRs. (A confusing note: The currently-available Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS lens has an optical stabilizer, but lacks an AF motor and will not focus automatically on the D40 or D40x.)
For details, read the Sigma press release:
11.1x high zoom ratio lens with a built-in AF motor allowing autofocus with all Nikon APS-C DSLR cameras.
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC for Nikon. This high zoom ration lens, designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras, covers wide angle to telephoto. The built-in motor is capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) lenses and two Aspherical glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberration. Sigma’s super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides high image quality throughout the zoom range. The compact and lightweight construction of 70mm (2.8″) in diameter, 75.6mm (3.0″) in length and 395g / 13.9oz makes it ideal for field work. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7″) and a maximum magnification of 1:4.4. An inner focusing system also eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the petal lens hood and circular polarizing filters. A zoom lock switch mechanism is provided to prevent the lens from creeping due to its own weight.
* Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with 35mm SLR cameras, APS format film cameras or digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size, including 5:4 and FX format of Nikon D3 camera.
FEATURES
- The built-in motor is capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras.
- Compact and lightweight construction of 70mm (2.8″) in diameter, 75.6mm (3.0″) in length and weighing just 395g(13.9oz).
- SLD lens and Aspherical glass elements provides high image quality through entire zoom range.
- Sigma’s super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting.
