First, as always promptly delivered. The original box was in typical Amazon carton with Packpackier having good prevents slipping of the original carton. The lens was originally packaged well, a sun visor also was. On the box sports a clear indication to register for the 3-year guarantee absolutely. Without camera I have the lens mechanically inspected only once. It makes a high impression, of course it is heavier than the kit lenses, with just the EF-S 18-55 IS II with me a wobbly plastic impression makes (the barrel wiggles out in fahreren state!). The Sigma is against metal / rubber and nothing wobbles. The zoom is a little stiff and the resistance is uneven. Especially with 80-100mm it needed some more power. Meanwhile, I have the Sigma for 2 weeks in operation and it's better. The assembly of the body was a little difficult to move than the original Canon. At first I was irritated (is that even for Canon?), But I think as a "Super Zoom" is taken from rare anyway.
After switching on the camera "listened" I first, but could not hear anything from the other peer-reviewed loud noises. Of course, you can hear the AF and the OS, but they are (at least in my lens) not loud! Compared with the EF-S 55-250 IS the maximum zoom range is somewhat smaller, but I find not bad. The question is always, what lens is incorrect, possibly the Canon also has over 250 mm focal length. I also think that the sun visor stops at focusing. That has always bothered me in the kit lenses that I have left out soon.
I was thrilled by the Image Stabilizer (OS)! In the evening in the living room I have done with less light and no flash with the greatest focal length and aperture test pictures with the Sigma and the Canon. While the Canon little difference between with and without OS was seen (all blurred), has still (almost) do not get the Sigma blurred images with OS. Without OS, the result was the same. Also, the macro range up to 35cm convinced me.
When zooming is noticeable that the focus changes. I sometimes also make small movies with the family, it would have been nice if we could set (with max. Zoom) the focus and zoom while filming, without running away the focus and then come back (so I knew that my good old VHS-C camera). The display can be the focus while filming just not as good judge ... But I do not find that so bad, it just want to mention here.
Of course there are better lenses, but the cost much more money! I think you can make 18-250 mm as "Always top" lens for a Canon Body nothing wrong with the Sigma. Especially when instantaneous offer price of ~ 400th Next time I'll buy only the body and taking the Sigma to which is only marginally more expensive than the double kit.
By the way, most of the negative reviews about the Sigma are, currently for Nikon Bodies... If I had a Nikon, I would think about buying. My review refers to the Canon version.