Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro

[willy b]

Random selection:

Macro
1http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/016-5.jpg

2http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/025-4.jpg

3http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/032-7.jpg

4http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/040-5.jpg

Landscape
5http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/059-5.jpg

6http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/078-7.jpg

7http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/093-3.jpg

8http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr4bw-1.jpg

[rohicks]

Here's my contribution.
Let me know your opinions, but I know I still have to learn ;)

Taken in a sunny winter afternoon:



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2065/2211497007_f30a227667_o.jpg




Love this one fargo ^^.

Here is another from me ... my poor car.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2247/2199340776_c8011b5a78_o.jpg

[ypx3]

Just bought one of these, so excited for the quickness and the sharpness

[willy b]

Ypx3 - You will love the lens!

Ow another one i just found:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr1-12.jpg

[ypx3]

Ypx3 - You will love the lens!

Ow another one i just found:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr1-12.jpg
I am loving your landscapes as of right now I don't have a decent landscape lens

[rcfury]

Well, after a little wait, the lens came in!!! So immediately i set off to manassas battlefield to take a quick pictures. I took some pretty good shots but, i realized with the light fading i needed a tripod. I think i lost about 4-5 pictures due to blur.
So anyway im pretty impressed with this lens and I cant wait to take more pictures with it. When the light is right, the sharpness that comes from this lens is AMAZING. Here is a few pictures from the battlefield that I didn't have to throw out.

[rcfury]

There is one more.. Its not one of my good shots, as i still need more practice.

[djrambis]

^^
Nice shot!! I like that little patch of snow...adds in to the composition very well.

[willy b]

Thanks alot ypx3.

rcfury - i love the second shot!

[salmanjafri]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/2224277424_92fd7d4b86.jpg

[Ospi]

http://ospi.smugmug.com/photos/248580113-O.jpg

http://ospi.smugmug.com/photos/248645095-O.jpg

[positron123]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2206/2140509977_2c96ef6c84_o.jpg

As you can probably tell, it was hand-held in fading light, hence the softness (excuses...)

[Geoff_Shawcross]

I like it. The subtle softness suits it. The only thing I would suggest (if I may), is to try and slightly sharpen the surfer, while keeping it realistic looking still. Everything else looks good Positron123. :)

[Mediation]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/2224691445_1769b58a9c.jpg
© All rights reserved - Mathew Wong

[willy b]

Nice shots Ospi!

[Fargo73]

Love this one fargo ^^.


Thanks Skill ;)

[Fargo73]

I took some pretty good shots but, i realized with the light fading i needed a tripod. I think i lost about 4-5 pictures due to blur.


I just bought a Manfrotto Modo Maxi, and I am very satisfied with it!
It is light and small when closed, but it extends up to 1.50 m and is very easy to carry around.
I chose this because I would rather have a small tripod always with me rather than a big and sturdy one that would be left at home.

It is rated for 1Kg on the manufacturer site, but mine is rated for 2kg (I guess it is simply an older version of the specs) but I can guarantee it si very stable with my Canon 400D and Sigma 17-70 (about 1.1 Kg).
It is cheap too :p

[rcfury]

Fargo73 thanks for the tip on tripod. That will be prob my second purchase.

Since a lot of my pictures came out a little on the blurry side, i thought id retake them. Yeah there is a benefit on living like 5 minutes from the park. I really like the wide angle this lens has.

[rcfury]

couple more from today...

[ncognet0]

heres one with this lens. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/ncognet0/two.jpg

[e r y k]

heres one for you guys :D

testing my flash gels on a bottle of mustard before i test it out on a model!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/29365.jpg

[willy b]

Nice shot Eryk!

RCfury, some cool shots, i bet the would look sweet HDRed

[SingingSabre]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/SingingSabre/Fire/Elisabeth_Sharde_06WTMK.jpg

[macobee]

just a fruitbowl, want to see if its sharp enough or not? shoot indodors with flash

[macobee]

photographic skill and photographic eye aside (it seems i have neither) whats wrong here, it just seems i cant get anywhere, i am just not satisfied at all...not sharp, not balanced, etc.etc...pls have a look and try and help me out to get better. I was lucky at least we saw the sun for once today and relatively little smog! i used the eos 350 D and the Sigma 17-70mm.

[macobee]

2 more

[macobee]

last 2

[Fargo73]

photographic skill and photographic eye aside (it seems i have neither) whats wrong here, it just seems i cant get anywhere, i am just not satisfied at all...not sharp, not balanced, etc.etc...pls have a look and try and help me out to get better. I was lucky at least we saw the sun for once today and relatively little smog! i used the eos 350 D and the Sigma 17-70mm.

I might not be the best one to suggest how to take pictures, since I'm not a great photographer myself, but...
If I were you I would not mind so much about sharpness in these pictures, as they are mainly panoramas.
I would mind more about composition and color saturation.
These pictures could be easily color corrected with some postprocessing, or directly to the source using a polarizing filter. These two would help a lot to make your pictures richer, also removing some of the fog (with the polarizer).
As for the composition, take a look at this site for example:
http://photospot2004.blogspot.com/2004/07/rule-of-thirds.html
Your picture with the boat is promising, but it would be great with a better composition. There's a similar example in the link.

[willy b]

Agreed with the above post, sharpness isn't key when shooting panoramas. Concentrating on composition and a little pp will make an image i say!

[macobee]

Hi Guys and thanks the comments, agree with you all, its just im testing my sigma lens and dont seem to be that happy. anyway here another one from today, again dull weather, but this is not too bad i guess?

[Fargo73]

Hi Guys and thanks the comments, agree with you all, its just im testing my sigma lens and dont seem to be that happy. anyway here another one from today, again dull weather, but this is not too bad i guess?

Cannot see the photo Macobee :confused:

[willy b]

No me neither, sorry!

[ypx3]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/ypx3/IMG_5650.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/ypx3/IMG_5654.jpg
Nothing spectacular but first day out I wanted to see what it could do.
Gotta do a lot of learning before I can get the most out of this lens, that is for sure.

[willy b]

Right might as well put some ones up:

1http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr19-3.jpg

2http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/186.jpg

3http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/170-1.jpg

4http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/013-6.jpg

5http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/061-2.jpg

6http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr4-6.jpg

7http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr3-10.jpg

8http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr10-4.jpg

[willy b]

9http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr6-4.jpg

10http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr15-3.jpg

11http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/189.jpg

12http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/102-3.jpg

[Mediation]

Feck willy! those are awesome. Fantastic set. I love big boulders. Especially how you chose a nice and low angle :)

[e r y k]

i think my copy just started to backfocus like whoa!

[willy b]

Cheers Matt!!

[corosario]

"Wear Yellow"
Canon 40D, f/5.6, 1/250, 36mm, ISO 100. Strobist info here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/corosario/2240066302/).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/2240066302_0a7b7d04bb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/corosario/2240066302/)

[pixel_junkie]

Now how do you do that? If it's black and white, how did you make that thing stay red like that?

Make a selection of it in Photoshop, reverse the selection and then desaturate the image.

[fifikong]

Just bought a 17-70 from a POTN member here. Still waiting for the lens to arrive!
One question, I am wondering if it will be fine if I only get a CPL and put it on all the time as a replacement for UV filter. Will the CPL cause one or two stops of light?

[pixel_junkie]

How would I go about selecting it? The Lasso tool is really hard to use.

Use the polygonal lasso tool, it is much easier to use and lets you control your selection better. You can go back if you make a mistake by pressing the Backspace key. Cheers

[pixel_junkie]

Just bought a 17-70 from a POTN member here. Still waiting for the lens to arrive!
One question, I am wondering if it will be fine if I only get a CPL and put it on all the time as a replacement for UV filter. Will the CPL cause one or two stops of light?

Yes it will.

[martinsmith]

UV filters give no loss of light, but a CPL will lose a stop. CPLs also cost a fair bit more.

Would love to get my hands on that old Cortina!

[willy b]

Martin it was one of these trypical british farms eg: Very messy:)
Hear are a couple more (nothing technically cool)

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/173-1.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/183.jpg

and the landrover from the previous page! There is a farm close to me with it must be about 50 old cars etc...like this, even some old fire engines lol

[macobee]

flower market

[Cliqtography]

would anyone use this instead of the kit lens (18-55)? I want to buy either a 30d or 40d and if i can get just the body and use this lens instead of the "kit" lens.

[msowsun]

The 17-70 is a very good alternative to the standard kit lens.

BUT, the new Image Stabilized kit lens is getting fantastic reviews. It is only about $200 on it's own and only about $100 if you can find it in a kit.

I would love to see the NEW 18-55mm IS lens compared to some other lenses.

[willy b]

I replaced my kit lens with this...never looked back!

[mrw1004]

Hi,

there is a newish thread with 18-55mm IS samples going now:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=445986

The 17-70 is a very good alternative to the standard kit lens.

BUT, the new Image Stabilized kit lens is getting fantastic reviews. It is only about $200 on it's own and only about $100 if you can find it in a kit.

I would love to see the NEW 18-55mm IS lens compared to some other lenses.

all the best

Mark

[MLphoto]

"Wear Yellow"
Canon 40D, f/5.6, 1/250, 36mm, ISO 100. Strobist info here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/corosario/2240066302/).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/2240066302_0a7b7d04bb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/corosario/2240066302/)

:eek:

[willy b]

1http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/010-6.jpg

2http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/020-2.jpg

3http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/059-6.jpg

4http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/075-2.jpg

5http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/098-5.jpg

6http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/084-5.jpg

7http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/064-3.jpg

8http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/076-3.jpg

[willy b]

Some more from today:

9http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/013-7.jpg

10http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/038-5.jpg

11http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/040fag.jpg

12http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/047-6.jpg

13http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/048-4.jpg

14http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/039-4.jpg

[Mediation]

Dear Sigma

I picked you up second hand from a retired photographer. I am now consistently using you, Mr Sigma. And you have been nothing but good to me. So I would like to dedicate my massive love with photography to the Sigma 17-70mm. Superior, top of the line, tack sharp lens. :)

Regards
Mathew Wong

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2247915838_2f38b3608a.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/2243376979_70acd0856b.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/2243293979_3e87d129ff.jpg?v=1202203524

lolz :p

[willy b]

Lol, good one Matt! But i have to agree with you:) Nice shots btw!

[canon_fire]

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f167/T_W_M/Bridge-S.jpg

[macobee]

Happy New Year!

[willy b]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Wow good work!

[canon_fire]

Mini Fire works?

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f167/T_W_M/Sparks-BW.jpg

[willy b]

Thats so weird! I tried that the other day lol!

[canon_fire]

I have a few of these floating around. "Bored shots"

[willy b]

I have some many "bored" shots lol

[e r y k]

nvm my lens wasnt backfocusing, it was just too dark :P

anyways, ringflash pic!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/IA/abr.jpg

[willy b]

Nice shot!!

[da_teacher]

nvm my lens wasnt backfocusing, it was just too dark :P

anyways, ringflash pic!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/IA/abr.jpg
A little off topic but what kind of ring flash?

[Ospi]

one from this-morning.

http://ospi.smugmug.com/photos/252377162_hifEH-O.jpg

[willy b]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
nice shot!!!

[Cliqtography]

nice colors.. looks like the flowers floating

[Geoff_Shawcross]

Nice shot of the flower. I get this really weird effect when I stare at the center.....Its almost like the dark center gets bigger the longer you stare at it.....hehe. :)

[X-Warrior]

Maybe I should put this in landscapes... then again, they are made with the 17-70, with polfilter.

http://www.dvdpimages.com/images/landscapes/IMG_4642.jpg

Toyed around a bit, as it seemed like a nice candidate for that:
http://www.dvdpimages.com/images/landscapes/IMG_4642b.jpg

http://www.dvdpimages.com/images/landscapes/IMG_4682.jpg

http://www.dvdpimages.com/images/landscapes/IMG_4725.jpg

Couldn't get a longer shutter than 1/4 second, with F/22, ISO 100 and polfilter (not without overexposing anyway), but maybe that saved me from picking too long shutter times for a simple monopod supported camera ;)

There's more on my website... (http://www.dvdpimages.com/en/landscapes.html)


And yeah, maybe my sensor needs cleaning... but it's not too bad I guess, as I only noticed the spots when I specifically looked for them.

[salmanjafri]

Wish I hadn't shot at ISO 1600, the noise is very apparent.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2279/2253047715_c10bbacc17.jpg

[Geoff_Shawcross]

Yes, but asside from the slightly aparent noise (which isn't overly bad), the sharpness and colour of the picture are very good. Give it another go if and when you have the chance, then post it for us to see. :)

[ypx3]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2369/2251514531_42eb7161a3_b.jpg
Obviously mainly a PP shot but I love using the wide angle close up to get this kind of perspective.

[macobee]

Wish I hadn't shot at ISO 1600, the noise is very apparent.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2279/2253047715_c10bbacc17.jpg
i am glad you did! its a beautiful shot!

[willy b]

Salman, that is a brilliant shot!

[Tony McSpadden]

Salman, that is a brilliant shot!

It certainly is!!!!!

[Fargo73]

Some recent shots:

My cat, Callas
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/2255230354_7947b0a3de_o.jpg

Playground:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2254434023_7d65c9ae9a_o.jpg

and again:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/2255233754_15d2856c4d_o.jpg

San Rocco bridge:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2369/2255379206_974f63ab96_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/2254433445_f9654fe23c_o.jpg

[willy b]

Fargo - Love that last shot!!

[Fargo73]

Fargo - Love that last shot!!

Thanks ;)
It is heavily postprocessed.
I set it to bw in Canon RawImage, then passed it to PP CS2 to correct distortion, contrast/light/color and cropped it. I also used some digital color filters.
This was the original shot.
Initially I just wanted to remove somehow the road sign, but then focused on the person walking in the background.

This is one of the magic of digital photo :cool:
It would have taken hours in dark room some years ago to get similar results!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/2255315180_98ac08f32f_o.jpg

[willy b]

Well think you did a sterling effort:)

[ahh]

Great processing Fargo. This one is worth hanging on the wall!

[Fargo73]

Thanks! :D
I printed it on a 10x15 cm with my small Shelpy, and it looks fine.
I will consider having it printed in a lab in a bigger size :p

[TxDietwater]

Has anyone had a bad copy experience with lens?

Im really looking into getting one, but i've heard so many complaints abut sigma's quality control, any comments?

[mrw1004]

Great sunset tonight at the end of my road, in Cambridge UK :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/2255848838_ccdf603fed_b.jpg

[showngo]

Took these in Tacoma, WA with the 17-70.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2331/2253840519_06c00b1cf3.jpg?v=0
See more sizes here. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/showngo/2253840519/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/2253842637_50745912d2.jpg?v=0
See more sizes here. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/showngo/2253842637/)

[Mediation]

Fargo that last black and white one (sepia tone) is epic. I could see that in a gallery, Time magazine. And all the good stuff :) tehe

[Medic85]

Has anyone had a bad copy experience with lens?

Im really looking into getting one, but i've heard so many complaints abut sigma's quality control, any comments?


I think there have been a few less than stellar copies but the copy I had was great.

[willy b]

Took over 600 yesterday, with a mixture of glass, a couple before the editing starts:)

1http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/123-3.jpg

2http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/136-1.jpg

3http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/041-5.jpg

4http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/202.jpg

[willy b]

Right! Stayed up till about 4 editing these lol! Didn't actually do much editing at all, just a little bit of contrast, levels etc... But too so long due to the volume lol!

1http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr8-5.jpg

2http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/hdr1-14.jpg

3http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/492.jpg

4http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/491.jpg

5http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/487.jpg

6http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/483.jpg

7http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/472.jpg

8http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/463.jpg

[willy b]

9http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/458.jpg

10http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/458.jpg

11http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/447.jpg

12http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/406.jpg

13http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/381.jpg

14http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/328.jpg

15http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/310.jpg

16http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/294.jpg

[willy b]

Sorry for the overload chaps ;)

[Mediation]

Its o.k willy! you extreme sports guru :p

Love the sets btw. Such nice lighting. And sweet angles.

[willy b]

lol! Cheers Matt! Like the tag "extreme sport guru" (although that is actually my aim)

The lighy, especially coming towards the end of the day was amazing!

[ahh]

Great sunset tonight at the end of my road, in Cambridge UK :)

I absolutely love that shot! Another great one to hang on the wall. Well done.

[im333]

Dear all,

Been looking for a new wide-angle lens to add to my 400D, nifty-fifty and Sigma 55-200 (on Nick's recommendation!).

Started looking on Ebay and was about to go for a Sigma 17-30 I think it was, until I read FredM's reviews on this lens and came across THIS THREAD.

Now I think my mind is made up - I WILL be buying this lens, based largely on the results I have seen on this thread. I've been looking through the 137 pages and loved many of the shots; in fact, probably haven't done enough justice to many of them in anticipation of what goodies lie on the next page!

Well done to all of you. I'm new to photography and find these shots inspire me to pick up the camera more and more!

As an aside, here in the UK this lens is around £220 new (Jessops will price match, I'm sure). EBay used ones go for around £150-ish. Is it worth paying the extra for a new one? I'm a little worried that a used one with the focussing problems mentioned here may be out of warranty and I'll be stuck with a dud....

im333

[Geoff_Shawcross]

im333, you've chosen a great lens to add to your collection. The focussing problem mentioned by some in this thread is only a minor problem with some of the lenses. I would have to say that most of them are working pretty good. I know mine is tack sharp and focuses very well. I still can't get over how close to the front element you can focus! As for where to buy it, I would buy it new and see if you can price match. I've always been wairy of buying off of e-bay......but that's just me.

Post some pics after you get it though. :)

[Fargo73]

I absolutely love that shot! Another great one to hang on the wall. Well done.

I agree! Wonderfull shot!

[khrest]

Just one from this weekend. I love the colour representation in this shot (it's even more vivid in RAW) and stopped down a bit it's a nice sharp lens..

http://garybrown.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p659988716-4.jpg

[willy b]

KHrest, where is that shot?

[gef]

Toying with my tripod and longer exposures....

http://static.zooomr.com/images/4282006_2a99a2ae97.jpg?r=360

http://static.zooomr.com/images/4282010_61446514de.jpg?r=360

http://static.zooomr.com/images/4282019_487ca20e20.jpg?r=360

[chef21]

A couple pics I took recently with my 17-70.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/chef21_/IMG_1364-1.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/chef21_/IMG_1384.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/chef21_/IMG_1154.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/chef21_/IMG_1217.jpg

[fifikong]

A pic of my mouse :)
http://www.fifikong.com/fifikong/Site/Mouse.jpg

100% Crop
http://www.fifikong.com/fifikong/Site/MouseCrop.jpg

[fiveFPS]

oh that mouse is very sharp

[Steeltowndubber]

I think I need to get one of these... might be the next lens I get after picking up the 50mm 1.8 or 1.4...

[handyhaver]

Hey, that mouse is crazy sharp!!;) I may want that lens back. I miss it already.

Mark

[Eagle]

Self Portrait

[chef21]

Some new pics inspired by Valentine's day.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/chef21_/IMG_1553.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/chef21_/IMG_1546.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/chef21_/IMG_1520.jpg

[fifikong]

Hey, that mouse is crazy sharp!!;) I may want that lens back. I miss it already.

Mark

Haha, thanks for selling me the lens buddy :D

[Over Actor]

Willie B
This shot is Awesome! I love it.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/483.jpg

[kevinmcdade]

From what I have seen and read, the Sigma 17-70 seems like a great all around lens. It seems so great that I just ordered one:D. What lenses are you guys/gals teaming this lens up wth? I will be getting a Canon 70-200 f/4 next week and I already have a Nifty Fifty. I was using a Canon 28-135 IS and a Canon 70-300 IS. I liked that combo but was never 100% satisfied with the lenses so I sold them to start all over.

I looked at the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 but decided on the Sigma 17-70 for the added focal range in the low end. Does anyone find that they miss the f/2.8 aperature throughout the entire focal range? Would it be crazy to add something like a 17 or 18-50 f/2.8 to the bag? Is that too much overlap?

I'm just a hobbiest photographer and enjoy shooting sports, candids, macro, or just whatever I see. My camera bag is always with me.

[chalkie]

From what I have seen and read, the Sigma 17-70 seems like a great all around lens. It seems so great that I just ordered one:D. What lenses are you guys/gals teaming this lens up wth? I will be getting a Canon 70-200 f/4 next week and I already have a Nifty Fifty. I was using a Canon 28-135 IS and a Canon 70-300 IS. I liked that combo but was never 100% satisfied with the lenses so I sold them to start all over.

I looked at the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 but decided on the Sigma 17-70 for the added focal range in the low end. Does anyone find that they miss the f/2.8 aperature throughout the entire focal range? Would it be crazy to add something like a 17 or 18-50 f/2.8 to the bag? Is that too much overlap?

I'm just a hobbiest photographer and enjoy shooting sports, candids, macro, or just whatever I see. My camera bag is always with me.

I've found the 17-70mm to be more than adequate as it is. If you want to add some more glass and you're on a budget, have a think about the other Sigmas, especially the 10-20mm EX DC HSM and the 70-300 APO DG Macro. This little trio will give you a very nice hobbyist setup. I've got these teamed with a 350D and have no complaints at all. In reality the 17-70 spends more time on the camera than any other lens as it's so versatile, so maybe you should save the pennies for now.

Graham

[Petelebon]

From what I have seen and read, the Sigma 17-70 seems like a great all around lens. It seems so great that I just ordered one:D. What lenses are you guys/gals teaming this lens up wth? I will be getting a Canon 70-200 f/4 next week and I already have a Nifty Fifty. I was using a Canon 28-135 IS and a Canon 70-300 IS. I liked that combo but was never 100% satisfied with the lenses so I sold them to start all over.

I looked at the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 but decided on the Sigma 17-70 for the added focal range in the low end. Does anyone find that they miss the f/2.8 aperature throughout the entire focal range? Would it be crazy to add something like a 17 or 18-50 f/2.8 to the bag? Is that too much overlap?

I'm just a hobbiest photographer and enjoy shooting sports, candids, macro, or just whatever I see. My camera bag is always with me.

I pair my 17-70 with the Canon 70-300IS lens. I don't know why you didn't like this lens. It's great and more or less of comparable quality to the 70-200 F4, but with IS and extra reach! Please do not get mixed up between the Canon 70-300IS and it's predecessor the Canon 75-300IS. These are of two different breeds. The 70-300IS is very close to be a "L" lens quality, as for the 75-300IS it is far inferior and comparable to the cheaper 75-300 models made by canon but with IS.

So Again my choice to combine with Sigma 17-70 would be the newer Canon 70-300IS

[Geoff_Shawcross]

Right now I've got the same pairing as Petelebon. But I am hoping that in the near future, I can change over to the Canon 100-400mm IS for my long lens. Just need to save up the money.....hehe.

[rohicks]

Some more from me.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/2270883256_8f190bb5e4_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2148/2270091501_03d78f183c_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2240724509_4344ac85a7_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2231/2240724173_e1f7d2de8b_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/2241546878_26b58f7e86_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2240750899_cca627b5b4_o.jpg

[msowsun]

I pair my 17-70 with the Canon 70-300IS lens. I don't know why you didn't like this lens. It's great and more or less of comparable quality to the 70-200 F4, but with IS and extra reach! Please do not get mixed up between the Canon 70-300IS and it's predecessor the Canon 75-300IS. These are of two different breeds. The 70-300IS is very close to be a "L" lens quality, as for the 75-300IS it is far inferior and comparable to the cheaper 75-300 models made by canon but with IS.

So Again my choice to combine with Sigma 17-70 would be the newer Canon 70-300IS

Here is an interesting thread regarding the 70-200L vs 70-300 IS debate:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1029&message=15573510&changemode=1

[willy b]

Thnks a lot over actor! i'm thinking of gtting a 70-200 f4 too!but not sure!

[gef]

I had a hard time deciding between Canon's 70-200 f/4 Canon 70-300 IS and Sigma's 70-200 f/2.8.. I did decide to go with the 70-300 after weighing the pro's and con's of each lens and how I saw myself using it... I have to say that the IS has really come in handy for me!

[kevinmcdade]

I had a hard time deciding between Canon's 70-200 f/4 Canon 70-300 IS and Sigma's 70-200 f/2.8.. I did decide to go with the 70-300 after weighing the pro's and con's of each lens and how I saw myself using it... I have to say that the IS has really come in handy for me!

I'v been doing the same thing over the last couple of days. I thought long and hard about what the lens will be used for and decided to get the 70-200 f/2.8IS. I shoot lots of bicycle races in all kinds of lighting. The lighting for mountain bike races is very tricky. I did okay with my 70-300 IS last year but I had more keepers when I rented and borrowed the 70-200 2.8 IS especially at the night and evening races. I do have to admit that I will miss my 70-300 IS because of it's versatility, weight, and size but had to sell it to fund the new glass. I almost decided on the Sigma 50-150 2.8 or the 70-200 2.8 but having IS is NICE especially with a heavy lens. Oh well, there goes the entire bonus...

[e r y k]

Thnks a lot over actor! i'm thinking of gtting a 70-200 f4 too!but not sure!

definately get the L :)

I just bought the 70-200 2.8 L and I cant wait for it to get here!

[willy b]

Well i just bought the 70-200f4 :) Now i can't also wait for it to get hear!

[gef]

I'v been doing the same thing over the last couple of days. I thought long and hard about what the lens will be used for and decided to get the 70-200 f/2.8IS. I shoot lots of bicycle races in all kinds of lighting. The lighting for mountain bike races is very tricky. I did okay with my 70-300 IS last year but I had more keepers when I rented and borrowed the 70-200 2.8 IS especially at the night and evening races. I do have to admit that I will miss my 70-300 IS because of it's versatility, weight, and size but had to sell it to fund the new glass. I almost decided on the Sigma 50-150 2.8 or the 70-200 2.8 but having IS is NICE especially with a heavy lens. Oh well, there goes the entire bonus...

The 70-200 f/2.8 IS is something I would LOVE to have, but I just can't justify the cost for how much I use my tele. Someday I may look to upgrade, but I need to be using it a lot more than I don right now... congrats on the new lens and I look forward to seeing some of those bike shots!

As far as IS, I'm glad to see Sigma putting it on some of there new lenses, and I hope they add it to there 70-200 f/2.8!!

[joseb552]

a quick one from the Chicago Auto Show, hand held, no flash:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2309/2261843630_fda75f4879_b.jpg

[kevinmcdade]

The 70-200 f/2.8 IS is something I would LOVE to have, but I just can't justify the cost for how much I use my tele. Someday I may look to upgrade, but I need to be using it a lot more than I don right now... congrats on the new lens and I look forward to seeing some of those bike shots!

As far as IS, I'm glad to see Sigma putting it on some of there new lenses, and I hope they add it to there 70-200 f/2.8!!


Thanks but I haven't ordered it yet. I'm still trying to get buy-in from my financial advisor (Wife). We have an out of town race in a few weeks (she doesn't shoot, she just comes to assist me since I race and photograph and also to keep me company). To keep peace I may have to go with the Canon or Sigma 2.8 NON IS or the F/4 IS. Besides, before I got my 70-300 IS, I never had IS and didn't do too bad;). Gotta decide by the time my Canon F/4 gets here Wednesday so I can call for the return and order the replacement.

Sorry to hijack the Sigma 17-70 thread. I've got one of those on the way also. It should arrive Wednesday as well. Great thread and lots of great photos!!!

[macobee]

I know the Bike is not straight, but if i straighten it more it will cut of the stand

The window just screams " please dont break in here" we did everything to secure ourselves

[macobee]

I dont know why but it seems i see the lens hood in the picture on the top left and right corner.....whats that all about they supply a lens with a too big lens hood?

also why is it that the long poles lean inwards, they were really straight when i shot them

[willy b]

Macobee, nice shots, but with some upping of contrast, you will have a winner!

[macobee]

thank you Willy B, i am feeling wild now....my first positive comment hehehe upping contrast i always careful as i thgink it starts to look unreal if i do to muh, but let me get back and play around with them just a tad more!

[willy b]

I do know what you mean about looking fake, but some images just need it do, even if they do look fake (that was a rather poor explanation lol)

I just had a little go:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/Muiwo2020147.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/Muiwo2020148.jpg

[macobee]

hmm, yes that does look different. ok ill try again and again :) it keeps me busy

[im333]

Hi all,

I've taken the plunge and ordered this lens.
A little worried I may get a dud copy so would like to ask:

How exactly can I find out if my copy has a back-focus issue I've read about?
Any specific tests?

TIA,
im333

[Eagle]

Don't worry about it. Just use the lens for your normal shooting. There are focus charts you can download and use but you'll just find to many things effect what your trying to do. Just shot pics.

[willy b]

Right well yesterday my student loan got hit...This was the result:

1http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/004-8.jpg

2http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/005-8.jpg

3http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/007-4.jpg

[e r y k]

hehehe very nice willy :)

mine should be here on friday!

[kevinmcdade]

hehehe very nice willy :)

mine should be here on friday!

Mine will be here tomorrow but it's going back in exchange for the Sigma 70-200 2.8:D

I did get my 17-70 today though. Quite impressive!!! No good shots yet just doing the usual testing to make sure everything works as it should. It's not as fast as the 28-135 that I just sold but it's no slouch. I'm going out to do some real shooting with it shortly.

[willy b]

hehehe very nice willy :)

mine should be here on friday!

:D:DCheers, i'm so happy with it!

[macobee]

anybody got any idea why the poles lean inwards, and also why on top of the poles the top left and right corner is "darkened" is it the lenshood? should i have removed it?

I dont know why but it seems i see the lens hood in the picture on the top left and right corner.....whats that all about they supply a lens with a too big lens hood?

also why is it that the long poles lean inwards, they were really straight when i shot them

[Geoff_Shawcross]

Well, as for the poles "apearing" to be leaning inwards, that is just an optical illusion the lens is creating due to the wide angle. I've had it happen in some shots I've taken with mine at 17mm. You should be able to fix it PS or with whatever program you use.

As for the black spots in the top corners, I'm pretty sure they aren't from the lens hood. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of what I think it is at the moment. Someone else wanna help on this one?

[msowsun]

From photozone's review of the Sigma 17-70....

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/312-sigma-af-17-70mm-f28-45-dc-macro-test-report--review?start=1

Vignetting

Typical for lenses with a reduced image circle vignetting is pronounced compared to classic full frame lenses. As to be expected the problem is most significant at 17mm @ f/2.8 where the vignetting exceeds 1.1EV - this will be visible in many scenes. However, at all other focal lengths and aperture settings the issue is actually pretty well under control. If needed stopping down by 1-1.5 f-stops helps to reduce the vignetting down to a marginal degree.

[Geoff_Shawcross]

Thanks Mike! That's exactly the word I was trying to remember.....hehe. :)

[Fargo73]

anybody got any idea why the poles lean inwards, and also why on top of the poles the top left and right corner is "darkened" is it the lenshood? should i have removed it?
The poles lean inward because of barrel distortion (it is normal with wide lenses), but you can correct it with programs like ptlens. The angles are darkened because of vignetting. Try closing of 2/3 stops and it should get better. The hood is designed for your lens, so it should not be an issue.

[khrest]

KHrest, where is that shot?

Hi Willy, picture taken in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, looking from the Anstey Gate towards Bradgate House!

Cheers.

[willy b]

Hi Willy, picture taken in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, looking from the Anstey Gate towards Bradgate House!

Cheers.

Thought it was midlands type area:) Nice shot!

[im333]

Hi all,

Just received my lens and dying to find out if I have a back-focus issue.
Borrowed a tripod, set it 45 degrees and used the test print-out.
Here are the results - both crop of 17mm @ f2.8 and 70mm @ 4.5.

Please could you guys let me know - newbiew here!

im333

[willy b]

Looks ok to me But tbh i wouldn't worry about it! I have never checked mine and unless you are doing alot of precision shooting/macro etc... it wont effect you that much:)

[ahh]

I dont know why but it seems i see the lens hood in the picture on the top left and right corner.....whats that all about they supply a lens with a too big lens hood?

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=246634&stc=1&d=1203508898

I do not think that the dark corners are due to vignetting, nor the lens hood. Probably due to a filter attached to the lens.

I use the 17-70 at 17mm with a slim line filter attached all the time and have never seen corners like this.

[willy b]

If they bother you...Clone them out :)

[Fargo73]

If they bother you...Clone them out :)

I think ptlens or even PS lens correction can correct this more easily.

[Fargo73]

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/willyb_photo/Muiwo2020148.jpg

I like this one :D

[kevinmcdade]

Looks ok to me But tbh i wouldn't worry about it! I have never checked mine and unless you are doing alot of precision shooting/macro etc... it wont effect you that much:)

Yeah, I agree with you Willy. After reading the POTN forum so much I found myself downloading the focus test chart yesterday, after receiving my 17-70, but before even doing any real shots with it. I stopped myself and went outside to do some real shots instead. If I would have found error or inconsistency in my field test then I would have gone back to the chart or something similar for testing. My best test subject, my dog, turned out great. The lens is a keeper!!! Any autofocus that can keep up with my dog is keeper:D

[willy b]

Good shot Kevin!