I purchased this lens to replace my standard kit lens that was originally included when I purchased my camera. I can say that after testing the new lens that I am well impressed by the build quality and the resolution of the pictures that are sharp in colour and clarity.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Far better than the kit lenses! Very nice bokeh for close ups of flowers and the like, and excellent for portraits. Very slightly soft at the corners at 70mm, but this isn't a biggie.

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.