The newly announced Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro provides a relatively fast yet cheap walkaround lens that can take a spot in the amateur DSLR shooter’s arsenal. Translating to approximately 28-105mm for APS-C DSLRs, this lens also boasts strong macro shooting capabilities, with a maximum magnification of 1:2.3 that’s uncommon for zoom lenses.
Here are two links detailing the lens’s performance compared to two good lenses: against the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC and against the Canon 17-85 f4-5.6 IS USM.
I know I want this one!
44 replies on “Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro”
Hi Markuu,
Be careful in getting Sigma lenses. Yes, they are more affordable and more practical since they have some models that can be an all-around lens but their quality control isn’t that good.
I’m not saying that all Sigma lenses are not good, you’ll really just have to test out the lens before buying it.
just my 2c ;-)
Blog Box, yes their quality control isn’t as good as Canon or Nikon so care must be taken when buying third-party brands like Sigma and Tamron. But they also make keepers that Canon/Nikon cannot (or refuse?) sell cheaply, so the need to take the plunge is quite strong. Just make sure you’re buying from an authorized reseller that honors the warranty so replacements can be had if needed.
More importantly, when buying, try the lens at the store if possible. :)
I would like to see comments between Sigma 17-70mm and Tamron 28-75mm.Which one is the better lens?
I think the Tamron 28-75 is more likely the better lens. It is full–frame, unlike the Sigma 17-70 which is really for APS-C sized sensors. Another thing, the Sigma is not designated as EX, which is the premium line for Sigma lenses. The Tamron is also much faster with constant F/2.8.
On the other hand, 17mm on the wide end (approximately equal to 28mm in 35mm standards) can be very useful, something the Tamron doesn’t have.
My predictions:
AF performance – Tamron 28-75
Speed – Tamron 28-75
Range – Sigma 17-70
Macro – Sigma 17-70 slightly better
Value – Depends on your needs, Sigma if you’re staying APS-C for the next few years.
[…] I mentioned the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro not too long ago, eagerly awaiting the first batch of real–world samples from early buyers of the lens. Now they’re here! […]
[…] But then it happened. Displayed on the shelf was the very last stock of the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro, a new lens I’ve been eyeing since the day it was announced. Mounting it on my D60 and a few test clicks later, I found myself crossing the street to the BDO ATM. In no time I was considerably poorer with a happy smirk on my face. […]
Hmm.. very interesting. I’m actually looking for a cheap yet reliable zoom lens for my 350D. Maybe I’ll check this out.
I just have a couple of question, though. Where’d I find these lenses? I mean, I live here in qc, and I don’t know any place good for those stuff. Quiapo, I know, is good, but it’s too far! Anything near UPdiliman? =)
And oh, yeah, how much for that lens?
Jowi, Hidalgo St. in Quiapo is the only local place I know where you can get cheap lenses. Anywhere else is always a few (or several) thousand pesos more.
The Sigma 17-70 isn’t really cheap nor expensive either; you can probably get it for a little less than 20k if you look for a good price. :)
Oh yeah. XD Thanks a bunch!
I bought the Sigma 17-70mm lens to go on holiday to France last month. Like everyone who read these reviews, I looked long and hard before buying, and bid for many 17-85mm Canon lenses on Ebay without success beforehand because I thought that was the lens for me (but at a reasonable price!) As a photographer for over 40 years I can tell you that this lens has impressed me mightily and has provided A3+ prints that are really stunning. My wife thinks so too, and she isn’t as precious about this photography thing as I am. There is fairly strong barrel distortion at the wide end which has been commented on already, but for a travel lens does it really matter, you can always crop or manipulate! I photograph books regularly for a company and used it for that……..pick your focal length and there is no distortion at all. Bought mine for a good price at Park Cameras in UK. Good price and no hassle
Clayhurley, nice to hear from another satisfied user of the Sigma 17-70. It is indeed a strong performer, and very ideal for travel photography. I rarely print my shots, so I’m glad to hear you’ve been getting great prints as well.
After many readings I have tested 2 lenses: Tamron 28-75 2.8 and Sigma 17-70. My choice: SIGMA 17-70. I have an excelent copy
My reasons:
1) almost identical image qualtity with my Canon 70-200 4L
(unbelievable) and far better than Tamron 28-75 2.8 (I`ve tested 2 new copies of Tamron and I`ve been disapointed by soft focus)
Image quality is 95% identical with my Canon 70-200 4L
I haven`t noticed a warm tone in my pics with Sigma 17-70
2) wide range, 17mm on my 20D looks superb even at 2.8
3) superb macro , not really 1:1 but more than sufiecient for me
4) price
Vlad, I’m glad you found a great lens in the Sigma 17-70. Honestly, I’m quite surprised you picked it over the Tamron 28-75, another great third-party lens. I guess you never got the chance to get a good copy of the Tamron, since they’re quite notorious for bad QA.
Regarding the Canon 70-200 f/4L comparison, that is indeed unbelievable! I’ve been planning to get a 70-200 for myself, and currently considering the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 and f/4 versions, as well as the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8.
And yes, the macro on the 17-70 definitely rocks!
Hi Markku,
today I was shooting some weddings and at 70mm Sigma 17-70 at 5.6 is almost aidentical with Canon 70-200 4L. Ofcourse 4L set to F8 is the king. I advise you to get a 4L over the 2.8L becouse it weights less and is has more MTF50 resolution (look at photozone.de test) Canon 70-200 4L is the best lens I ever had. The problem comes when to buy a lens becouse even at Canon`s lenses there is a huge variaty of bad and exceptional copies.
There are several comments about Sigma QA problem. But, how can I tell the quality problem? I am thinking of buying a Sigma 17-70mm from Ebay. The lens will probably be coming from Honkong. Should I buy from the local store? Is there anything to look out for which will tell me it’s a good or bad one?
I recomemnd you to test the lens before buying. You can get a very good copy or a very bad one….and objectives has great variation of quality.
Wow Vlad, your 17-70 is that sharp? Great! I’ve been thinking about the 70-200 f/4L, though now I just might go for the IS version. =)
sks51, I strongly advise against buying the 17-70 from an online store. Get it from a brick and mortar shop where you can actually hold and shoot with it, even for just a few minutes. I wouldn’t buy a lens or a body online unless I don’t have an option.
Hi Guys,
how could i test if i got a bad copy or not. just bought one last august at hidalgo… it seems kinda soft. do i really need to set it up to f5.6 for it so be sharp?
DC, are you sure it’s soft? Do post full–size samples at different apertures and focal lengths. Mine is sharp even wide open, though of course gets better a stop down.
Magkano po siya sa Hidalgo?
Thanks