Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro Review

Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the model was launched 2009.
The lens belongs to the category  normal zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

The lens has macro-properties but is unable to reproduce things in their real size (otherwise called '1:1'). You should therefor consider taking the term 'macro' with a pinch of salt and if the macro-possibilities you are looking for you should perhaps look at other options.

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 17-70 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 27-112 mm if you have a Canon camera or 26-105 mm if you have a Niko camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8-4.

The lens is to considered fairly bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 17 mm the lens brightness is f/2,8 and at 70 mm the brightness is f/4. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 72 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH780-04".

Different versions of the lens

This lens has replaced several earlier versions and this lens is currently the newest version but please compare it with the earlier versions before you buy it.

Prices and awards

EISA

EISA Awards 2010-2011: European Lens

TIPA

TIPA Awards 2010: Best Entry Level Lens

Designed to be used on APS-C sensor DSLR cameras, this versatile zoom corresponds to a 26-105mm (equivalent). It differs from standard models by its top diaphragm aperture (f/2.8-4), the stabilization OS function and its appreciated autofocus HSM system. This modern, good zoom makes high-end optical features accessible to all.
See homepage

Pictures (product and sample images)

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • The lens is the latest among several editions
  • The lens was awarded at EISA Awards 2010-2011: European Lens
  • The lens was awarded at TIPA Awards 2010: Best Entry Level Lens
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is called 'Macro' but can not reproduce at a scale of 1:1
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

Best deals on Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro

Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.

Reviews

sefotosidan.se (reviews by users)
usephotozine.com

Let Google search for reviews for Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro

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Pictures (product and sample images)

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.

Different versions of this lens

Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro has released different versions of this lens. Please make sure that you study the differences before buying.

Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4,5 DC Macro (2006) Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4,5 DC Macro
Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4,5 DC HSM Macro (2008) Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4,5 DC HSM Macro
Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro (2009) Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro

Alternatives to Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro for Canon photographers

Below you will find four interesting alternatives to Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro. Make sure to compare these (and other) options before deciding which lens you will buy.

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3,5-5,6 IS USM Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3,5-5,6 IS USM
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2,8 IS USM Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2,8 IS USM
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5,6 IS USM Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5,6 IS USM
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 IS Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 IS

Alternatives to Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro for Nikon photographers

Below you will find four interesting alternatives to Sigma 17-70mm f/2,8-4 DC HSM OS Macro. Make sure to compare these (and other) options before deciding which lens you will buy.

Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3,5-5,6 G ED VR Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3,5-5,6 G ED VR
Nikon AF-S DX 17-55mm f/2,8 G ED Nikon AF-S DX 17-55mm f/2,8 G ED
Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3,5-5,6 G ED VR Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3,5-5,6 G ED VR
Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 G ED VR Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 G ED VR

Popular searches for this lens

If you want do dig deeper and look for more information about this lens you can be prepared that other photographers name and search for this lens in a lot of different ways. Here are a few of the most popular search strings:

  • Sigma macro
  • Sigma 17-70 mm f 2,8-4 OS
  • 17-70 mm Sigma OS
  • 17-70 mm Sigma
  • Sigma 17-70 mm f 2,8-4
  • Sigma 2,8-4 17-70 mm
  • Sigma 17-70 Macro
  • Sigma f 2,8-4 17-70
  • Sigma 17-70 mm OS
  • Sigma 17-70 mm OS macro
  • Sigma f 2,8-4 17 70
Because of this we also created a special page for this.