This digital-only lens boasts excellent performance, Optical Stabilisation and a rock bottom price tag - so is there anything not to like?

Great all-round lens

Non-internal focusing

Handling and features This 4.1x zoom lens for APS-C format cameras sports a variable f/2.8-4 maximum aperture, silent focusing, optical stabilisation and a closest focusing distance of 22cm throughout the zoom range.

No promises, but I would like to complete a full Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS C Lens review in the future. For now, please review the standard test results available for this lens and view the eye candy below.

Daniel Lezano tests and rates the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8/4 DC Macro OS HSM lens The majority of digital SLRs sold in the UK are supplied in kit form with an 18-55mm zoom, which while representing a good starter lens, isn't the sharpest of optics.

The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8 -4 DC Macro OS HSM is the practical zoom. A large-aperture, standard zoom lens for digital cameras with an open-aperture value of F2.8 (at 17mm) and covers the most frequently used focal lengths.

An upgrade of Sigma's digital-only macro lens (the 17–70mm f/2.8–4.5), this large-aperture standard zoom ($450, street) adds a tad more speed, another aspheric element (for a total of three), on-board image stabilization, and several ounces more in weight.

The Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC HSM OS is a fairly obvious candidate for budget oriented consumers. It may not reach stellar performance levels but the resolution figures are generally very decent.

A compact standard zoom for APS-C digital SLRs with a fast variable aperture, optical stabilisation, a silent focusing motor and an interesting close focus capability.

Excellent optical performance; Decent build quality; Effective optical stabiliser; Close focus ability

Focus ring cannot be disengaged during AF

Very good value / price ratio if you want to avoid weak zooms sold with high value bodies.

Useful range; Lightweight; Aberrations are not bothersome; Very sharp on the centre; Ideal for travelling

A bit soft on the edge at wide angle; So It is needed to close the diaph at at least 5.6 or raise the focal a little bit

Sigma's 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens is an upgrade to the AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro lens released in 2006. Designed for the smaller imaging circle of cameras with APS-C sized sensors, it is slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor and has a more complex optical construction.

You want an affordable general-purpose lens to replace a standard kit lens, You'd like a lens that requires no readjustment when you fit polarisers and graduated filters; Don't buy this lens if, You require a lens with excellent flatness of field and edge-to-edge sharpness, You need true macro...