When you consider its price, it's hard to argue with the value that the excellent Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM ($499) delivers. Its aperture is wider than the run-of-the-mill 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens that ships with most entry-level D-SLRs, and it covers both a wider and longer field of...

Sharp; 4.1x zoom range; 1:2.9 macro magnification; Optical stabilization; Wide aperture; Compact and light; Available for multiple camera systems; Compatibility with Sigma USB dock and mount conversion service

Some distortion; Edge softness at 70mm

When you consider its price, it's hard to argue with the value that the excellent Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM ($499) delivers. Its aperture is wider than the run-of-the-mill 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens that ships with most entry-level D-SLRs, and it covers both a wider and longer field of view. Add in image stabilization (for compatible camera systems) and 1:2.9 macro magnification at 70mm and you have a very versatile optic. We recommend it highly to anyone looking to upgrade from an 18-55mm lens, but our Editors' Choice for standard-angle APS-C zoom lenses goes to a shorter, faster zoom—the outstanding Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM($698.99 at Amazon), which maintains a maximum f/1.8 aperture throughout its zoom range. The lens($399.00 at Amazon) covers a 4.1x zoom range, with a field of view that's equivalent to about 25-105mm on a full-frame camera. It's bigger than an average 18-55mm lens, but at 3.2 by 3.1 inches (HD) and 16.4 ounces, it balances well even on a compact ...

The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens is a solid replacement for the 18-55mm that shipped with your camera, but another Sigma zoom is our Editors' Choice.

Sharp; 4.1x zoom range; 1:2.9 macro magnification; Optical stabilization; Wide aperture; Compact and light; Available for multiple camera systems; Compatibility with Sigma USB dock and mount conversion service

Some distortion; Edge softness at 70mm

Former professional photographer looking for a "walking around lens". Something to keep on my Canon 7D (or any crop sensor camera) for most shooting situations. The expanded focal length at the wide end (17mm vs 24mm) is perfect for crop sensor cameras.

Wide focal length

It has been used mostly for videos. The HSM motor for video is excellent. There is no noise when lens autofocuses. I have several Sigma HSM lenses and all work as well or better than advertised. I've used them on commercial video shoots and they have been excellent.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Nice Bokeh

Heavy

Far better than the kit lenses! Very nice bokeh for close ups of flowers and the like, and excellent for portraits. Very slightly soft at the corners at 70mm, but this isn't a biggie.

The wide F2.8 aperture and image stabilisation has has allowed me to do some no-flash indoor work without using a tripod.

The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM is designed as an upgrade to the 18-55mm kit lenses supplied with most SLRs, and offers an interesting middle ground between fast zooms of the 17-50mm F2.8 type, and extended-range zooms in the 16-85mm class.

Useful combination of zoom range and relatively fast aperture; Very good image quality across most of the range; Compact size; Reasonably fast and near-silent autofocus; Effective image stabilisation

Somewhat weak image quality at wideangle (soft corners and chromatic aberration; Macro shooting a little impractical (very short working distance

Sigma's latest 'C' badged 17-70mm F2.8-4 is an excellent upgrade option for SLR shooters who've outgrown their kit zooms, and are looking for better image quality and more creative flexibility. It offers a fine balance of zoom range and maximum aperture, while still being highly portable. Autofocus and image stabilisation both work well, but image quality at wideangle isn't the best.

Photographers looking for a high quality, general purpose zoom for everyday shooting.;

Wideangle or close-up shots;

I tested the lens taking many pictures with my D7000 and D600. The pictures were not as good as I expected

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