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

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.

Since I was very pleased with the Sigma 30mm 1.4 EX and 180mm macro EX, I bought this lens second hand to see if it could replace my good old but dying EF 24-85 3.5-4.5 USM (own Canon 10-22, 70-200L f:4, 100-400L, 400L 5.6, 60 2.8 macro, 18-55 IS kitlens, use also 17-40L and 50 1.4).

fast and correct AF; good image stabilisation; sharp on wide angle at f:2.8; short focus distance

not sharp at f:4 on the long side; big and heavy; yellowish color tone compared to Canons

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.

[...] I HAVE TRIED THIS LENS ON MY NIKON D300S AND WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PICTURE QUALITY NOT TO MENTION THE COST OF THIS LENS.

Durable; Well Made

Poor picture quality

The 17-70mm focal range is also close to what's possible before a swag of optical performance compromises come into play in order to enable a longer zooming ratio. Consequently, the Sigma is a strong performer across its entire focal range with excellent uniformity of sharpness and brightness.

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.

This lens exceeds my expectations (based on reviews that I read online) on all aspect, it is both fast and sharp. the provided lens hood is also a bonus. quite heavy though but that should be fine because you'll be getting higher quality photos compared to any standard kit lenses (I was using...

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.

I've had the lens now for 1 week and I've put it thru some basic macro and non-macro shots in both low-light, ambient light and sunlight conditions. The lens has performed exceptional in all instances. Paired with my new Canon T4i camera I am getting amazing images in my opinion.

Outstanding macro; sharp images; excellent OS

zoom rotation is backwards from the other Sigma lenses I've used