/sigma 18-200 or Nikkor 18-200?

I recently purchased a Nikon d90 on line with a 18-200 lens. I was expecting a Nikkor 18-200mm 3.5 vr lens but was sent a sigma os version instead. I was furious about the bait and switch tactic but want to know is this lens as good as or better than the NIkkor? I am so mad I might just send the whole package back and purchase the kit somewhere else. Anyone have experience with this lens?

Sigma is making some great lenses right now. For the value, you can't beat it. But is it better than a Nikkor? You're talking the best glass in the world there, so I agree that you shoul dshould be furious over it and demand they either make good or send you the difference in price. They balk, get your credit card company involved.

Where'd you buy it from?

If you bought a NEW D90 with a kit then you should have received a Nikkor lens with it. The Nikon D90 Kit only comes with a Nikon set of camera and lens. Do a search on google for this company and you may find that they have a negative rating. I suggest that you send the order back with insurance and demand a refund. Put a dispute request with your credit card company also. I just purchased a new D90 with a USA warranty for a very reasonable price and their rating is 100%.
Hopes this helps, next time do a background check on the company especially when the price seems too good.

Gary's got a good point. If it's a third party lens, you may want to be sure its' not a gray market kit. If something is gray market, it means that - although you may have gotten a great deal on it - it doesn't come with a warranty that will be honored here in this country. Which means if something goes wrong with the camera, you may have to either send it to the country of manufacture to repair or pay to have it fixed yourself. Check to see if you have an international warranty to be safe. Be warned.

Then again, it may just be a mom and pop kit that was created by a small brick and mortar. I worked at a local camera store in college and we built kits all the time out of third party lenses and mainstream bodies. BUt you have to understand that you'll be dealing with more than one warranty there.

Thanks, Gary and James for your input. I am sending the camera back. I did check the rating of the store (fotoconnection alias 1stopphoto) and they didn't have terrible ratings. I should have done that first! They sell several "NIkon Kits" and I was looking for a more versatile lens hence the 28-200. In the ad they say it is a" Nikon package" a Nikon D90 with a 18-200mm f 3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S VR DX. Now I "assumed" since the description here had the letters matching the ones on a NIkon 18-200 that it was a Nikon lens not a sigma lens since the letters on the sigma lens are 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC OS. Any way there is more to this story I don't want to bore you with but the bottom line is they are not an honest internet company and use false advertising to make you think you are getting something you are not.

Regarding it being grey market. Their web site says it has a 1yr. USA warrenty. So I "assume" (now I know I should not ) that it is a USA made camera not a grey market or import. HOw does one know if it is not stated? Are there any markings or indications on the camera body or lens letting you know it is not for USA sale? They did however pressure me into buying an additional 5 yr warranty on the camera. Interesting?

Now that the camera is all going back my real question comes back. Would you recommend the sigma 18-200 lens vs. the Nikon 18-200 lens. I have read some reviews mentioning the lens creep on the Nikon which some feel is a problem. Is there a big difference in the clarity or the distortion for the price? Have either of you used these lenses? I will be looking into repurchasing it elsewhere. Any suggestions?

Thanks again

IF you're on a budget, I agree with Gary. Sigma is making some kick ass lenses right now for the money. Some are even out performing original brand makers. However, it's hard to pass up a Nikkor lens if you've got the coin. IMHO, best lenses going. It just depends on your budget. But going with the Sigma shouldn't be considered settling for second best.

As for a 5 year warranty, extended warranties 99% of the time are pure profit. I used to sell cameras for a living and up to half our paycheck came from commissions on selling extended warranties. The thing is, if a product is going to fail, it's going to probably do it in the first year of use. So, extended warranties for cameras are a waste of money. Better to use that money to outfit your lens with a 1A skylight filter. Reason being? REAL Insurance. They will take any impact damage and spare your lens. I can't tell you many times I have thrashed a 1A filter and saved my camera lens. It's well worth the $20 or so, believe me.

Thank you both for your input on this dilemma. Both of you had good answers and good ideas. I gave the points to Gary only because it looked like he needed them more? I thought both of you deserved them, so thanks for your time and your helpfulness. Sincerely,
Judy

Judy, I'm sure I speak to Gary in saying we're happy to help. And I'd be just as happy with a thumbs ep!

Good luck.