Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 dc macro os hsm | c

The newer, more attractive option for a Sigma APS-C format standard zoom

Sigma markets a capable 17-50mm f/2.8 lens, which was launched back in 2010, but we prefer this newer offering. It has a bigger zoom range packed into a more compact, lightweight build. Announced in 2012, this was actually the first ‘Contemporary’ class lens in Sigma’s Global Vision line-up. As such, it aims to keep size and weight to a minimum without compromising image quality.

As you’d expect from a lens that’s only about two-thirds the size and weight of the competing Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 zoom, the Sigma lacks a constant f/2.8 aperture. Even so, it delivers f/2.8 at the short end of the zoom range and only shrinks as far as f/4 towards the longer end, which is still an f/stop faster than many competing zooms. That’s no mean feat considering the physical compactness and generous zoom range of the lens.

Handling is slightly impaired by the fact that the focus ring rotates during autofocus, and there’s no full-time manual override. This is common for ultrasonic systems that use a motor rather than a ring-type design, but it helps to minimize the size of the lens.

performance

Image quality is very good overall, with better sharpness across the whole image frame than the older Sigma 17-50mm lens. Autofocus isn’t quite as quick or quiet as in the competing Canon lenses that feature ring-type ultrasonic systems, but it’s not far off.

The four-stop image stabilizer works well and, overall, the Sigma is excellent value at the price.