Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Review

With so much to talk about in this lens it would be easy to miss something important, such as the fact that it offers a bright f/2.8 aperture at 17mm. This is an amazing achievement that is all the more remarkable given the zoom's 4.1x focal-length range.

Great all-round lens

Non-internal focusing

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Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 Lens

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

Phenomenal lens

I purchased this lens to replace my standard kit lens that was originally included when I purchased my camera. I can say that after testing the new lens that I am well impressed by the build quality and the resolution of the pictures that are sharp in colour and clarity.

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM | C review

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;

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Review

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