A few samples from this lens, uncropped and out of the camera:

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5479/1818/320/DSC_0125.jpg
Contrast suffers a lot wide open, and CA shows up.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5479/1818/320/DSC_0106.jpg
Still it's a sharp lens wide open or stopped down, and you can almost call it a serious macro.

My full review: http://hackyourtoys.blogspot.com/2006/06/sigma-17-70mm-f28-45-dc-macro-af-lens.html

can't see the pix Gerry

It happens sometimes with Blogger. :Oops: Reload a few times and they appear. They're in the review that I linked anyway.

gerry,

Is it a good lens or bad lens? or ok lng lens? =P

gerry,

Is it a good lens or bad lens? or ok lng lens? =P

I'm honestly down on this lens. :Grin: On its own merits there's nothing wrong with the lens! But IMHO it's a little too close to some of Sigma's own constant-aperture lenses in price to seriously consider as an upgrade to a kit 18-55.

Gerry, I agree. it's just too expensive. I'd rather go constant 2.8

Gerry, I am planning to buy this lens, pero is it worth it ba to buy? i want to have an all-around lens kasi that i can use..

thanks,
Jerry

I've tested the Sigma 17-70, personally I was dissappointed with it not being f/2.8 all throughout at S$600.

While testing different lenses at store, I found the Sigma 24-60mm to suit my needs especially when shooting cars, with a constant 2.8 aperture @ S$500 this lens is irresistible.

here's my sample shot of the Sigma 24-60mm EX DG

http://static.flickr.com/80/238121151_fc4d53203d.jpg

Fred Miranda's review:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=283

i'll give this thread a bump... so guys any other personal experiense/review with the 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5. am seriously considering this as my walk around lens for my 350D. all i have now is my kit lens. is it worth the 19.5K price in Hidalgo?

I used to own this lens. Im very happy though Im only a hobbyist so I dont know how to test the lens. It gives me very good pics and for the price I find it very ok. I only sold it bec Im upgrading to Canon 24-70. Try to audition it so you will know if it will apply to you.

I have this lens. There are faster lenses and there are sharper lenses but so far none have the 17-70 range with 1:2 Macro. That is what makes this a great walkaround for me and my choice of subjects (landscape, portrait and macro).

As far as sharpness It is sharp enough stopped down 1-2 stops and even wide open the slight softness is easily corrected in photoshop. Flare control is pretty good, CA is likewise well controlled. AF speed is adequate. Accuracy will depend on whether you get a good copy (so try several copies in the store before you buy).

Here are some samples:
http://www.pbase.com/empty/17-70&page=all

I just bought the lens earlier. I'm excited to use it later. I tested it earlier and my only complaint is the back focus

@Tammy, did you buy it from JTPhoto? You could ask to have it recalibrated if the backfocus is bad. If you just got it today they might even allow you to exchange it. :)

@Tammy, did you buy it from JTPhoto? You could ask to have it recalibrated if the backfocus is bad. If you just got it today they might even allow you to exchange it. :)

Yup! but I got the last piece. Will drop by again before I head home. Thanks for the tip Mark :Grin:

Hey post some pics naman using the 17-70!

You can look in my 17-70 gallery on pbase:

http://www.pbase.com/empty/17-70

It has a mix of different pictures I have taken with the 17-70. The shots of yoda are comparisons between the 17-70 / 18-55 ket lens and 50mm 1.8. :)

well, after days of sleepless nights trying to decide whether to get the 28-135 or the 18-85 or this lens, finally decided to get this lens last Tuesday at Hidalgo. Initial results are good... actually, i was pleasantly surprised to find out that the shots came out sharper than i expected it... :) definitely a good WA Lens... :) at least for hobbyist like me! :)

:) I agree!! :) got mine at mayer's for 18800 last august. I think 8 percent cheaper than JT's. just sharing.:)

:) I agree!! :) got mine at mayer's for 18800 last august. I think 8 percent cheaper than JT's. just sharing.:)

hope you can share your sources...:Grin:

Hi Kix, nice to see you here. :D

hope you can share your sources...:Grin:

he just mentioned he got his 17-70 from Mayer's. :Grin:

Just a bump from a satisfied user of this lens. It almost never leaves the camera, though I should mention I don't have a worthy tele yet :)

It just leaves the 350D body when I want to go geeky with vintage M42 thread lenses.

Just a bump from a satisfied user of this lens. It almost never leaves the camera, though I should mention I don't have a worthy tele yet :)

It just leaves the 350D body when I want to go geeky with vintage M42 thread lenses.

That's great! I am also thinking about getting the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 as my walk-around lens for my Canon 350D as well. My other choices are Tamron 17-50 2.8 and Canon 17-40L. What's really nice is the extra length of Sigma plus the macro feature.Thhe 17-40 is a bit short but of course its an L lens and full frame compatible pa. But for now, im not into the full frame. Im looking for something that's a practical walk-around lens for my needs now. How's the Image quality of Sigma 17-70? Care to share some of your pics using the Sigma ? :)

That's great! I am also thinking about getting the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 as my walk-around lens for my Canon 350D as well. My other choices are Tamron 17-50 2.8 and Canon 17-40L. I seem to like the extra length of Sigma, the 17-40 is a bit short but of course its an L lens and full frame compatible pa. But for now, im not into the full frame. Im looking for something that's a practical walk-around lens. How's the Image quality of SIgma 17-70? Care to share some of your pics using the Sigma ? :)

There's a Flickr link to my photostream on my signature where you can find samples :)

Thanks Rain, I just checked your flicker site. The 17-70 is an ideal focal length. :)

Thanks Rain, I just checked your flicker site. The 17-70 is an ideal focal length. :)

You are welcome! Though when doing street photography or concert shoots, you'd be aiming for a bit more reach.... but this isn't a complaint :D

im planning to buy one since canon lenses are just too expensive. im a photoshop fanatic and just wandered since i post-process all my images, does the little difference (in terms of glass/lenses used) really matters? after post-process?

I use this as my walkabout lens. I purchased this lens as a replacement for my Alpha's kit 18-70 lens. I like the fact that it is a bit fast than the kit lens, has a macro feature, has a better build and has a lock which prevents zoom creep. This is a great lens with very nice optics.

im planning to buy one since canon lenses are just too expensive. im a photoshop fanatic and just wandered since i post-process all my images, does the little difference (in terms of glass/lenses used) really matters? after post-process?

Nice to see you here! Now I have a neighbor here, as Tony's from Cagayan de Oro, and I'm from Iligan.

Now, back on topic, yep, I also want this lens. Maybe just getting old a bit and tired of carrying 3 L zoom lenses. The 24-70 used to be the fav, but then it's too big and too heavy, and the wide end isn't so wide for a 1.6x crop dSLR. The 17-40 is my walkaround lens now, but still a little heavy, and long end is too short.

I also don't wanna sell my L babies. So maybe save a few more months. The Ls for serious shoots, rakets and all, but the 17-70 for walkaround lens.

Bobby T.

Nice to see you here! Now I have a neighbor here, as Tony's from Cagayan de Oro, and I'm from Iligan.

Now, back on topic, yep, I also want this lens. Maybe just getting old a bit and tired of carrying 3 L zoom lenses. The 24-70 used to be the fav, but then it's too big and too heavy, and the wide end isn't so wide for a 1.6x crop dSLR. The 17-40 is my walkaround lens now, but still a little heavy, and long end is too short.

I also don't wanna sell my L babies. So maybe save a few more months. The Ls for serious shoots, rakets and all, but the 17-70 for walkaround lens.

Bobby T.

Thanks Bob... After thoroughly reading your opinion, i have decided to go for the 17-70 as i am getting younger than you :BlackEye: . I think what matters most is the end result and only us knows if its worth being proud of it...

the sigma 17-70 is my first lens purchase after my kit lens on my 350D. so far it has given me excellent quality. check out my flickr site (www.flickr.com/photos/amboy) as most of my pics there was taken using the 17-70. you won't regret your purchase just be sure to do front/back focus test before leaving the store with it. :)

I think the sigma 17-70 is a good choice for its focal range and macro function. Some say it can also be a good enough to use for events like weddings.
http://photo.blogger.ph/index.php?s=sigma+17-70+2.8+macro+wedding

However, i am also tempted to get the new and improved Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC macro since it has a constant 2.8 and macro function same as the 17-70. The 18-50 macro has increased its filter size from 67 to 72mm now.
http://photo.blogger.ph/index.php?s=sigma+18-50+macro

I am torn between these two lens, should i go for the 17-70 for its longer range? or the 18-50 for its constant 2.8 but shorter range, and its also designated as an EX lens? :Dum:

Here is a sample shot i took using the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8~4.5 DC Macro..

In my opinion this is a very very capable lens.. A nice all arounder that produces very nice sharp images, and good color.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v212/neomaster888/Untitled-1-1.jpg

nice migs :D hmmmmm tempting lens indeed :D

I think the sigma 17-70 is a good choice for its focal range and macro function. Some say it can also be a good enough to use for events like weddings.
http://photo.blogger.ph/index.php?s=sigma+17-70+2.8+macro+wedding

However, i am also tempted to get the new and improved Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC macro since it has a constant 2.8 and macro function same as the 17-70. The 18-50 macro has increased its filter size from 67 to 72mm now.
http://photo.blogger.ph/index.php?s=sigma+18-50+macro

I am torn between these two lens, should i go for the 17-70 for its longer range? or the 18-50 for its constant 2.8 but shorter range, and its also designated as an EX lens? :Dum:

wena, i suggest you get a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 instead, i compared it with 17-70 and 18-50 of canon, way way sharp ang tamron. check this review (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-17-50mm-f-2.8-XR-Di-II-Lens-Review.aspx)

wena, i suggest you get a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 instead, i compared it with 17-70 and 18-50 of canon, way way sharp ang tamron. check this review (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-17-50mm-f-2.8-XR-Di-II-Lens-Review.aspx)

Thanks for the suggestion. :> However, i already got a Sigma 18-50 EX 2.8 macro and so far Im happy with it. The macro function has really been quite useful.
You can check some of the pics that i took with the Sigma 18-50 2.8 macro here. :) http://www.flickr.com/photos/rowenaphotography/sets/72157600190195273/

wena, i suggest you get a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 instead, i compared it with 17-70 and 18-50 of canon, way way sharp ang tamron. check this review (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-17-50mm-f-2.8-XR-Di-II-Lens-Review.aspx)

@john - sir, which shops here in manila carry tamron lenses?

Check Avenue at hidalgo. Called their 2 weeks ago, they have tamron lenses.

There's a Flickr link to my photostream on my signature where you can find samples :)

Hi Rain! Thanks for your share...

If I may ask, do this lens work well in "low light"? Let's say you are at the "24-70mm" range, is it taking time to auto focus?

I am also looking into getting this lens... Hope to hear from you... Thanks! :Grin:

@john - sir, which shops here in manila carry tamron lenses?

Hi Manu!
I contacted Digital Walker 2 days ago

P22500
0% interest 6mos. to pay
P19500 = Cash payment

Hope this helps :Grin:

the sigma 17-70 is my first lens purchase after my kit lens on my 350D. so far it has given me excellent quality. check out my flickr site (www.flickr.com/photos/amboy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/amboy)) as most of my pics there was taken using the 17-70. you won't regret your purchase just be sure to do front/back focus test before leaving the store with it. :)


Hi Sir Amboy!

Thanks for the share... All of the shots are sharp... If I may just ask, is there any issue in "low light" scenes? Let's say you are at "24-70mm" with "low light". Is this lens having a hard time focusing? Hope to hear from you... Thanks! :Grin:

all i can say is that my Sigma DC 17-70mm Macro HSM is doing a great job

Just got this lens during the weekend as a kit lens replacement. My first impression is that of course it is better built with the metal mount and feel of the exterior, noticeably heftier in terms of size and weight and shifts the balance towards the front (compared to the kit lens).

I've only started to take some shots so I haven't done any pixel peeping on the pc to form any real opinions on how sharp it is, but just by looking at the LCD and zooming in a little, it definitely looks sharper even wide open at f2.8.

I'll post some pics soon once I've transferred them to my laptop. I'm still in the process of breaking in the lens, but So far I'm very pleased with my purchase.

Thanks for all of your inputs! :Grin:

testing...




http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/jwlsin/comfy.jpghttp://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/jwlsin/areyoumommy.jpg

testing...




http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/jwlsin/comfy.jpghttp://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/jwlsin/areyoumommy.jpg


The hot chick! Nice Shot! :D

The hot chick! Nice Shot! :D

thanks leiodungo :)

a BLONDE hot chick at that!

hi
i wonder if this is autofocus for d40?

hi
i wonder if this is autofocus for d40?

yes jong it does af on our d40/40x/60.

im using it on a d60.

yes jong it does af on our d40/40x/60.

im using it on a d60.


thanks jewel :)

I'm using it on a d60 as well. Here's a sample shot from last week. No post, just resizing.

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt326/brightfame_bucket/sigma1770sample01.jpg

ive read review that the 2.8 is not constant.
is it true?

ive read review that the 2.8 is not constant.
is it true?

yes jong its not constant. its 17mm (f2.8) to 70mm (f4.5) variable aperture.

the sigma 18-50 f2.8 is the constant aperture lens on that range. well, for sigma brand. hehehe

im using it on my D60 17-70mm Sigma f2.8-f4.5 Macro HSM and im happy with this lens

http://i63.servimg.com/u/f63/11/43/26/33/dsc_3111.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=1426&u=11432633)

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/jwlsin/dragonfly.jpg

Nice dragonfly shot!:)

Nice dragonfly shot!:)

thanks tim. :Grin:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/jwlsin/dragonfly.jpg


Nice Macro! :D

Hmm. I'm loving the shots. Getting this lens next week. :D

Nice Macro! :D

thanks leio. :) im enjoying using the lens.

nice photos jewel...its a great walk around lens...i find the 72mm filter a problem before but with the addition of the step up 72-77mm ring, i can use same diameter size filter (77mm) on all my 3 lenses...


here are some samples too...

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/mikkobm/dive1.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/mikkobm/rings2.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/mikkobm/benroA500ex.jpg

thanks mikko. yes, its a very good lens.

good idea on the step-up converter. i already have a 77mm hoya cpl which i dont have any use as of the moment. hehe

i just had mine today(delivered).i notice that there's no signiture at the front(facing the lense),like made in japan or something,its just blank.

Dont know if its from graymarket or not!,
just need some verification from you guys who have this lens......or seen one =)

appreciate your help,newbie here
http://img190.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=sigma17701.jpg
http://yfrog.com/5asigma17701jx

i just had mine today(delivered).i notice that there's no signiture at the front(facing the lense),like made in japan or something,its just blank.

Dont know if its from graymarket or not!,
just need some verification from you guys who have this lens......or seen one =)

appreciate your help,newbie here
http://img190.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=sigma17701.jpg
http://yfrog.com/5asigma17701jx

underneath the lens theres a marking made in japan and the serial number

underneath the lens theres a marking made in japan and the serial number



Confirmed,i have those marking and serial...

thanks Jovi! :)