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

[dtngo]

How about a night shot?

http://dtngo.com/images/eye.jpg

EXIF info: 70mm, F4.5, 1/100sec, ISO800. handheld.

[TMR Design]

How about a night shot?

http://dtngo.com/images/eye.jpg

Very nice. I could not help but notice that you have the 70-200 f/4 L on the way. Cool beans!

[dtngo]

Very nice. I could not help but notice that you have the 70-200 f/4 L on the way. Cool beans!
Yep. Ordered from B&H. Hopefully it'll arrive soon (NY to Sydney), I can't wait hehe!

[TMR Design]

I had to post one more tonight. Can you tell I enjoy the hell out of this lens?

[nismosr]

Yep. Ordered from B&H. Hopefully it'll arrive soon (NY to Sydney), I can't wait hehe!

wow from ny to sydney .. just wondering how much they charge for international shipping ? is it really worth it buying it overseas than in sydney ? are you saving money with it ?

[dtngo]

Postage is US$46. The total cost is AU$805, and the cheapest I can get them in Sydney is AU$1000 for a grey import. So thats still a pretty good deal!

[Michael]

I am getting this lens for Christmas (i think). Do you other Aussies know of any other place than Camerastore.com.au that stocks the 17-70mm. Camerastore.com.au doesn't have them in stock.

Mike

[RedMatrixXRS]

all shot ISO@400
http://static.flickr.com/116/314596789_cf7742d2dd_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/115/314586426_db6ee63e87_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/115/314596803_4067709cdd_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/115/314596808_0cc53885e5_b.jpg

[RedMatrixXRS]

http://static.flickr.com/92/256144545_d1059f1dd5_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/115/256144548_997a2a857b_b.jpg

[dtngo]

RedMatrixXRS that minigolf one is great! Too bad about the power lines though. BTW, nice weapons of choice. We have the same equipment list hehe.

I am getting this lens for Christmas (i think). Do you other Aussies know of any other place than Camerastore.com.au that stocks the 17-70mm. Camerastore.com.au doesn't have them in stock.

Mike
Try:
http://www.digitalhouse.net.au - $477
http://www.digitalcity.net.au - $513
http://www.camera-warehouse.com.au - $549
http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au - $559
http://www.printercartridges.com.au - $522

I bought mine for $500 from a Sydney store.

Otherwise, shoot http://www.crkennedy.com.au an email. They're the Australian distributors.

[Michael]

Thanks a lot egghead! Those prices are a bit more expensive than camerastore.com.au is.

Thanks!

[Mr. Clean]

Mine here. Loved that lens! http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=162904&highlight=sigma+17-70

[nismosr]

wooohooo - just got mine today from sigma4less, i'm gonna try and test it tonight.

[TMR Design]

wooohooo - just got mine today from sigma4less, i'm gonna try and test it tonight.

Congratulations. You're going to love it.

[Hedoniste]

Several with my 17-70mm:

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/7724/lac6ve0.jpg

http://img438.imageshack.us/img438/8600/lac7ai7.jpg

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/8213/mabreitling1ya4.jpg
(the last one is a bit p-shoped. :)


Ludo.

[trailstar]

a few more from me

http://www.pbase.com/trond/image/67717650/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/trond/image/66280354/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/trond/image/67747697/original.jpg

[Stime187]

Here's a few of mine... all have been post-processed but only in terms of cropping, levels, and USM... I've only had the lens for a couple weeks but so far I'm very pleased...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/stime187/sb_sunset_6876_web.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/stime187/jettysunrise_7252_web.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/stime187/sandysunrise_6171_web.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/stime187/underthepier_bw_6460_web.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/stime187/harrislakesunset_7764_web.jpg

- Scott

[Dorman]

Really nice shots Scott.

[TMR Design]

Beautiful photos Scott. Glad to see others enjoying this lens. It's a beauty.

[dtngo]

Here's a couple of macro's :)

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/3752/img3330ch2.jpg

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/4643/img3345da5.jpg

[Baddrummerboyy]

How do your 17-70 compare to your stock 18-55 ?

[condyk]

Much better ... I sold my 17-40mm L for this one and don't see any drop in quality while I have regained some of the length I missed when I sold my 24-105mm L.

[Stime187]

Much better ... I sold my 17-40mm L for this one and don't see any drop in quality while I have regained some of the length I missed when I sold my 24-105mm L.

Yep, I've had both the 17-70 Sigma and 17-40 L in my hands at the same time, used them on the same shoots for a few weeks. My conclusion? I don't know why anyone would buy the 17-40L, I couldn't tell the difference in the results, the Sigma is longer my 30mm, and about $300 cheaper.

- Scott

[Nick_C]

I think too many people get wrapped up in this whole L thing, the truth is even a Sigma 17-70 can keep up with an L & its nowhere near as expensive.

You could even say that an L lens is simply Canon making a "decent" lens at a level of quality that should have been achievable anyway, Sigma might not have the USM of a Canon but they do seem to match & often exceed Canon lenses, ive always been impressed with Canon bodies but their lenses havent been up to much, L is just too expensive for what you get, im glad Sigma are making lenses that are Canon compatible, otherwise I might not be able to get any decent results, ive tried some cheaper Canon lenses & they are not a patch on my Sigma 17-70.

Nick :-)

[JaGWiRE]

Thanks man.
Thats the kit I'm building right now with a few primes thrown in.
My first lens was the Sigma 17-70mm, then I got the 50mm f/1.8, I just added the 85mm f/1.8 and I plan on getting the Canon 70-200 f/4 L and the Sigma 10-20mm and then I've got the complete range I want covered. Having the 10-20, 17-70 and 70-200 really compliment each other nicely.
LOL. I'm thinking now of adding to my collection the 18-70 and 10-20. The 30 1.4 is on it's way, so I'd have
Sigma 10-20
Sigma 30 1.4
Sigma 18-70
Canon 70-200 F/4L
Canon 85 1.8

Quite a similiar setup, wouldn't you say? Now I'm just thinking, if I have the 30 and 85 primes, will this lens be fine even with it's lack of speed?

[303villain]

i just went through all 12 pages of this thread, and im set on getting this lens after i sell my sigma 24-60f2.8 next week. Im hoping that the AF is fast enough in low light for some of the work i do, because MF is almost impossible with a paintball mask on! I cant wait to get it!

[TMR Design]

LOL. I'm thinking now of adding to my collection the 18-70 and 10-20. The 30 1.4 is on it's way, so I'd have
Sigma 10-20
Sigma 30 1.4
Sigma 18-70
Canon 70-200 F/4L
Canon 85 1.8

Quite a similiar setup, wouldn't you say? Now I'm just thinking, if I have the 30 and 85 primes, will this lens be fine even with it's lack of speed?

Although people will mention the lack of speed on this lens lets not forget that you do have f/2.8 at 17mm and I've found that even at 3.5, 4 and 4.5 the lens performs pretty well in low(er) light. Personally, I don't know anyone with the 17-70mm that is regretting it or really wishing for a faster lens, and then they not only want f/2.8 throughout the range but would really want f/1.8 or f/2 so they're getting more than 1 f stop more.

[JaGWiRE]

Although people will mention the lack of speed on this lens lets not forget that you do have f/2.8 at 17mm and I've found that even at 3.5, 4 and 4.5 the lens performs pretty well in low(er) light. Personally, I don't know anyone with the 17-70mm that is regretting it or really wishing for a faster lens, and then they not only want f/2.8 throughout the range but would really want f/1.8 or f/2 so they're getting more than 1 f stop more.

If I have primes, I could care less about f2.8 on my walk around. If I need to use something with a more narrow depth of field, or due to lack of light, I'll have one of the primes on. 1 stop between f2.8 and f4 (or 1 1/3 or whatever between 2.8 and 4.5) doesn't do that much in low light. The difference between 1.4 and f4 is a lot, but f2.8 and f4 isn't as much as a lot of people make it out to be.

[Hedoniste]

@ 17mm:

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2907/sion4qn1.jpg

[TMR Design]

If I have primes, I could care less about f2.8 on my walk around. If I need to use something with a more narrow depth of field, or due to lack of light, I'll have one of the primes on. 1 stop between f2.8 and f4 (or 1 1/3 or whatever between 2.8 and 4.5) doesn't do that much in low light. The difference between 1.4 and f4 is a lot, but f2.8 and f4 isn't as much as a lot of people make it out to be.

I completely agree. Some people go on and on about 1 stop as if having that f/2.8 is going to make the difference in low light. Granted, in some situations it might help a little but for the most part not. I also agree that if the difference were to be a 2 stop difference then THAT is substantial but can come with a hefty price tag.

[JaGWiRE]

I completely agree. Some people go on and on about 1 stop as if having that f/2.8 is going to make the difference in low light. Granted, in some situations it might help a little but for the most part not. I also agree that if the difference were to be a 2 stop difference then THAT is substantial but can come with a hefty price tag.
Trust me, Saturday night when I was shooting downtown at night, the photos of my friend taking photos even with the flash were being done at like f1.8.

[Baddrummerboyy]

Here some

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/328815848_f38c545574_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/328815898_fbd7de4345_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/328816029_686de06ec2_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/328816003_34cb254ca6_o.jpg

[JaGWiRE]

Awesome photos badd!

[Nick_C]

Merry Christmas everyone, no snowy scenes where I live (only fog) but something that im sure everyone has at Christmas time ;-)

A little xmas HDR image....

http://www.network201.plus.com/Tests/christmas.jpg

Nick :-)

[laimis.s]

Merry Christmas everyone, no snowy scenes where I live (only fog) but something that im sure everyone has at Christmas time ;-)

A little xmas HDR image....

http://www.network201.plus.com/Tests/christmas.jpg

Nick :-)

wow thats a very nice image!

i have to say i am VERY impressed with this lens. and its soo cheap! deffinetly added to my shopping basket after a 70-200mm F4L which will come after christmas :)

[TMR Design]

wow thats a very nice image!

i have to say i am VERY impressed with this lens. and its soo cheap! deffinetly added to my shopping basket after a 70-200mm F4L which will come after christmas :)


LOL, my 70-200mm f/4 L is also coming just after Christmas and I'm currently the proud owner of the Sigma 17-70mm.

[JaGWiRE]

This lens, the 70-200 f/4l and 10-20 all seem to compliment eachother very well, eh?

[TMR Design]

This lens, the 70-200 f/4l and 10-20 all seem to compliment eachother very well, eh?

Yes these 3 lenses are a great combination and very popular it seems.

[JaGWiRE]

Yes these 3 lenses are a great combination and very popular it seems.

Well that's good. As stupid as it sounds, I like lenses with focal lengths that compliment eachother, just in the rare cause I need say 60mm (which probably would never ever happen because you could always move closer or whatever), and my 70-200 is too long, and say the 18-50 would be too short.

[Miyagi-san]

i'm convinced....pulling the trigger in a week on this 17-70

[JaGWiRE]

When I drop by for my 30 1.4, I think I might just go for this lens. Mm :D.

[wallydog]

a couple from me.... i'm still trying to master DOF so please be kind.

[snedigity]

I was in the market for a second walk arounf lens for my wifes new Camera. I just bought the Canon 24-105L F\4 for myself. I am now going to buy this lens instead of the 17-40 f\4 for my wife. I am amazed how sharp these pictures have been all across the range. I am just suprised more people are't using it more for portrait work. It seems to even challenge the 24-70l 2.8 for about 1\3 the price. Has anyone done any portrait work withthis lens they would care to share?

Scott

[JaGWiRE]

I tried this in the store. Focus is top notch in my opinion. Aperture is meh, I'll miss 2.8 at times, but I have primes.

[TMR Design]

I tried this in the store. Focus is top notch in my opinion. Aperture is meh, I'll miss 2.8 at times, but I have primes.

I think once you start using it you won't be missing the 2.8. You do have 2.8 at 17mm though :D

[tekkie]

well after looking at this thread I think I know what my next lens will be

[Nick_C]

I think once you start using it you won't be missing the 2.8. You do have 2.8 at 17mm though :D

I agree, apart from a few tests when I first got the lens, I cant actually think of any photo where I have used F2.8 yet, I mainly hover around F5.6, F8, F10 & F16.

Nick :-)

[ErikM]

Here is a shot of my Red Mountain Racer using the Sigma 17-70mm

http://www.netengine.ca/snakes/coximacro1.jpg

[TMR Design]

Very Nice Erik!!! Great color!!!

[snedigity]

Erik, nice shot!

[Janika]

Brilliant image Erik, Wow!

[ErikM]

Thanks everyone. I am so happy with this lense!

[jptsr1]

have these in the travel section already but........

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v616/jptsr1/IMG_2474.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v616/jptsr1/IMG_2530.jpg

both shot from the 21st floor of thr Bellagio hotel and casino in Vegas.

J.

[CoolAir]

:D My first post here. It took me long time to decide between 17-70 and 28-135is as my walkabout zoom. But I am sure that I've chosen the right one for me.
The focus range, size, weight, inner-focus, micro, color and sharpness are just perfect.
Here's a recent shot
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/lj5409/DDP-0005-2.jpg

[TMR Design]

It's great to see more people posting beautiful pictures taken with this lens. It's one of Sigma's best in many respects.

I am so glad I made the choice to get this lens with my 30D instead of the kit lens. I know I would have long outgrown the kit lens and upgraded, so for me it was not only smart to skip the kit but getting this particular one was a great choice. At this point I don't even see another lens made that covers this range of focal length (range of focal length being a very personal thing) for even close to the cost. I'm aware I could spend more money and get other lenses that cover approximately the same range but this lens is totally about bang for the buck.

Can you tell I like it? LOLOLOL

[DarioC]

incredibly sharp!
havnt had a chance to use it outside the house yet..but will soon.

so far these are some photos..

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4563/img3356ra0.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1927/img3368io7.jpg

all straight from camera...no modifications just resized.

DarioC

[Stime187]

Just took this a couple hours ago with it...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/stime187/silverrunfalls_9419_web2.jpg

- Scott

[TMR Design]

Just took this a couple hours ago with it...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j187/stime187/silverrunfalls_9419_web2.jpg

- Scott

I don't want everyone to think I'm the "hey, great shot!" guy, but this is a really great shot and shows how nice the 17mm is on it. Hey, great shot..LOLOLOL

[ErikM]

Here is another waterfall shot with the 17-70 @ 24mm

http://www.netengine.ca/dec29_06/snow_melting_waterfall.jpg

[Dorman]

Man TMR is so "Hey Great Shot Guy", yeesh, give it up it's tired.
;) j/k buddy, the shots are well deserving.

[CoolAir]

Has anyone tried using a lens to shot another lens?
Here's what I got using 17-70mm to looking into 18-55mm kit lens
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/lj5409/img_2679.jpg

[chet79]

great thread. I quite like the lens, for the money, it's great. This is the only lens I have, and here's a few samples (all have been PPd):

http://chet.smugmug.com/photos/117100549-L.jpg

http://chet.smugmug.com/photos/115803342-L.jpg

http://chet.smugmug.com/photos/109479866-L.jpg

[Dewpoint]

Here's my first shots with my XTi & 17-70 today. I sharpened them a tad but otherwise just tossed them up there. I think I'm going to like it!

http://enzo.zenfolio.com/img/p795800458.jpg
http://enzo.zenfolio.com/img/p794813521.jpg

[snedigity]

Dew point I take it that is the Snake. I was stationed in Mountian Home for a while. I so miss Idaho. You should take some of Crater Rings.

[tantalus1662]

Great pics. I think I've just made my mind up which lens will be replacing my kit lens

Thanks!!

[tekkie]

I hope you guys are happy now !! I just had to order this lens after all these amazing pics lol

[Dewpoint]

Dew point I take it that is the Snake. I was stationed in Mountian Home for a while. I so miss Idaho. You should take some of Crater Rings.

Very good! I was born on that airbase.

Anyway, it's not the snake river but close. :)

It's Owyhee Reservoir, which is just inside Oregon.

Hey guys how are the colors on your monitor? They look good here but I haven't calibrated with anything yet. Just wondering. It was late in the day and it was hazy so not much blue sky and my CP wasn't helping much do to the angles.

[Nick_C]

Here is another shot using my Sigma 17-70 but this time in my recently made lightbox using the Sigma EF500 DG Super flashgun, SIGMA ALL THE WAY!! hehe.

The shoe btw is only 3" long, its quite small, certainly not my size! lol.

http://www.network201.plus.com/Tests/shoe.jpg

Nick :-)

[Adi7r]

Here's a couple, although quality of images posted aren't as good as originals. That's my excuse anyway:p

Both have had levels, curves and USM.

[Adi7r]

Here's a couple more

134618

134619

[Adi7r]

Last one for now.

134621

[Janika]

Good stuff guys / galls! Here is one from today:

17-70 on Rebel-XT, AV, ISO-800, f/9, hand-held in freezing weather..

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/Janika2/Winter/Dec-31-2006-017.jpg

[xevious]

that's my mind made up too! i had just convinced the mrs to let me buy the 70-200 f4 L but thought long and hard about this. i tend to use my kit lens much more than any zoom, and i like landscape shots.

so i opted to go for a kit lens replacement, and this has just got to be the one to go for!

thanks soooo much to those who posted the fabulous pics, you helped me make this decision!

[landoawd]

When in doubt, get both! ;)

I recently convinced the wife to let me get the 70-200mm and the lenses compliment each other well, in my rookie opinion.

[wallydog]

a couple more from me

[Nick_C]

I love the way they always decorate that area of New York at Christmas time, much more than they do over here!

Nick :-)

[xpsentity]

I'm having a hard time deciding between this and the Canon 17-85 IS. The Sigma is 100$~ cheaper, comes with a better warranty and hood/bag, and is a bit faster. However, the Canon has a longer reach and IS.

I've read the IQ is nearly identical.. lens will just be main walkaround..

Thoughts?

[St. Germain]

I'm having a hard time deciding between this and the Canon 17-85 IS. The Sigma is 100$~ cheaper, comes with a better warranty and hood/bag, and is a bit faster. However, the Canon has a longer reach and IS.

I've read the IQ is nearly identical.. lens will just be main walkaround..

Thoughts?I have the Canon 17-85 IS and this thread has me trying to figure out if it's worth the hassle of selling it to get this lens. The IS has been nice and I'm wondering how much I'd miss it. I'm assuming that I'll lose the difference in price between the two reselling the 17-85.

Grrrr...

[Nick_C]

Definately go for the Sigma & im not just saying that because I own one, if you have a look on www.slrgear.com at the reviews of each lens you can click on a little chart for each, basically purple areas = sharp, the blue/green areas = softness, if you have a look at the Canon 17-85IS you can clearly see that even 17mm F8.0 is not very good.

Another thing is the Canon suffers from barrel distortion, im not talking a little amount either, one review said that the Canon broke a new record here! also CA is higher than normal.

I REALLY wanted to go for this lens because of the longer reach & mainly the IS, but think about it for a moment, how much money has gone into the actual lens optics, which is what will give you good images at the end of the day, it should have really been a lot more expensive than what it is, all the money has gone into the IS.

Nick :-)

[BobbyT]

I have not got to use my 17-70 much since getting it but here is my chicken shot in place of a duck since there are none here during the winter.
http://images20.fotki.com/v368/photos/9/949682/3800985/IMG_8474-vi.jpg

[syntrix]

wallydog, love that last one. The foreground needles with the blur make that huge angel look like it's a tree ornament. Love it!!

[bgmike]

Got this wonderful lens a week ago. Haven't had a chance to really take it out and test it but, I have managed to take a few snaps with it. I am truly impressed so far with this lens. It is a little soft wide open at 17mm. However, my lens is tack sharp at 5.6 - 11 throughout the focal range. With the added range I will be selling my 17-40L and keeping this one. Here are some casual snapshots.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/weathernut07/my%20family/mustang-shelby.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/weathernut07/my%20family/ford.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/weathernut07/my%20family/allibw.jpg

[Jamdiver]

Ooof i'm absolutely in love with my Sigma 17-70mm.
Quite sharp, wonderful image quality, fast to focus.

Stellar on all points.
Some shots that i've taken in the past few days of ownership.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/353005990_2ccceac0b7_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/351739675_e17eae5886_o.jpg

Soursop
For those who aren't familiar, this is a very common and popular fruit in the Caribbean.
The fruit has a unique and pleasant taste, part strawberry and pineapple.
In Jamaica it's used mainly to make soursop juice.

On a technical note, love how the out of focus lights are rendered with the Sigma.
On the 50mm f/1.8, those lights would be pentagonal

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/144/352836826_46e5edad27_o.jpg

[Raphael V]

Since this lens does not support Canon's distance linked ETTL feature, Do you think flash photography will suffer adversely ?
Just a thought I would like to clear before I buy this lens, since most of my photgraphy is indoor's and with flash.

[ErikM]

Not sure I am following.. I own the 430ex and I use the ETTL mode and when I zoom to 70mm the flash also zooms to 70mm, when I retract to 35mm so does the flash :D Here is a picture with the 430ex dialed down 2 stops on the flash.

http://www.netengine.ca/snakes/coximacro2.jpg

[Nick_C]

Since this lens does not support Canon's distance linked ETTL feature, Do you think flash photography will suffer adversely ?
Just a thought I would like to clear before I buy this lens, since most of my photgraphy is indoor's and with flash.

I wouldnt worry about it, im always using my 17-70 with my sigma flashgun with no problems, exposure is spot on everytime.

From what I have read only a few Canon lenses support that feature anyway.

Nick :-)

[Jamdiver]

Some more recent shots with the Sigma..

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/355987921_67d896c987_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/355982408_4d4eefa7a0_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/355979911_2be7fbba84_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/355997491_eb6b58eaea_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/140/356006031_a4a51b0b9f_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/354984884_ab2235ec50_o.jpg

[slug]

Those are really great, Jamdiver. I got this lens less than a week ago and I am enjoying it so far. I have not really had a chance to test it in great lighting conditions as daylight occurs while at work...

Here's a bw conversion I did of a shot I made yesterday night at a concert. I editted it a bit based on feedback from this forum. Handheld, iso 1600, 70mm, f4.5, 1/60 i believe...

http://student.vfs.com/%7Eneilv/xti/EmilyBW1.jpg

[Jon]

Since this lens does not support Canon's distance linked ETTL feature, Do you think flash photography will suffer adversely ?
Just a thought I would like to clear before I buy this lens, since most of my photgraphy is indoor's and with flash.
A lot of lenses, including many of Canon's, don't support the distance linking. E-TTL 2 still works even without it.

Not sure I am following.. I own the 430ex and I use the ETTL mode and when I zoom to 70mm the flash also zooms to 70mm, when I retract to 35mm so does the flash :D Here is a picture with the 430ex dialed down 2 stops on the flash.

That's not distance-linking, which uses the focussing distance not the zoom setting in exposure calculation (deciding which metering cell(s) to use).

[AginKajun]

Got mine before Haloween. Pumpkin time.:lol: :lol:

[TMR Design]

Got mine before Haloween. Pumpkin time.:lol: :lol:

I like the second shot of the flower. You did not provide EXIF data but I think it would have looked much better with the lens opened up a bit more and less DOF. The background is a bit dstracting to my eye and I could go for better bokeh.

[AginKajun]

I like the second shot of the flower. You did not provide EXIF data but I think it would have looked much better with the lens opened up a bit more and less DOF. The background is a bit dstracting to my eye and I could go for better bokeh.

Shot it at 5.6. It was growing through a chain link fence which is what that funny background is. I'm not sure if it would have been this detailed at 4.5. I'll have to wait until next sunflower season to try again.:lol: :lol: Thanks for the suggestions.

[Jamdiver]

Some more pics from the Sigma....

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/363535332_cec35c41a7_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/363574060_4b2b247bc7_o.jpg

[ErikM]

I think this image sums up just how nice this lens is. This is one of my favorite shots so far with the 17-70.

http://www.netengine.ca/photos/jan21_07/goldenretriever.jpg

[Dewpoint]

Here are a few more I shot this weekend. XTi and 17-70

http://enzo.zenfolio.com/img/p329837937-4.jpg
http://enzo.zenfolio.com/img/p462912680-4.jpg
http://enzo.zenfolio.com/img/p68209667-4.jpg

[chet79]

would people mind providing 100% crops of shots taken with this lens? I'll stick some up tonight - I don't believe my lens is very sharp at all :(

ps. how does one actually do a 100% crop? Never done one before...

[Tony-S]

ps. how does one actually do a 100% crop? Never done one before...

If you have photoshop, select the crop tool, then set the Style pull-down to Fixed size of 800 by 800 pixels. Then just crop what's inside the box.

[Tony-S]

Here's a pic at full-frame, 70mm f/4.5. Second is 100% crop (sorry about the nose - he's fighting a cold).

[chet79]

excellent guys, thanks. If I get some time tomorrow nite, I'll post some of mine.

[AginKajun]

Does this make you feel cold. Oklahoma icestorm 2007.

[xlr8ed]

http://www.midwestgeek.net/stuff/ceiling.jpg

This was my second outting with a DSLR, so be kind.....btw, I know my ISO was set WAY too highhttp://wwww.midwestgeek.net/stuff/ceiling.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/midwestgeek/335893946/)

[PhotoFranz]

I am buying a Canon XTi in March. I have been considering the Sigma 17-70 and 70-300APO. I think this thread has helped to make up my mind that this is the way to go.

[slug]

I think this image sums up just how nice this lens is. This is one of my favorite shots so far with the 17-70.


Wow Erik, that is a really great shot... and not just because of the lens.

[LucisPictor]

Those are great pictures!
I also think it was a good decision to buy my 17-70.

Carsten

[ErikM]

Wow Erik, that is a really great shot... and not just because of the lens.


Thank you so much, your comments are appreciated :)

[tornadolive]

I have been very impressed by this lens so far. I have had the lens for a couple of weeks and here are a few shots that I have taken.

Darin

One hour exposure

http://tornadolive.com/images/star2.jpg

30 second exposure

http://tornadolive.com/images/snow1.jpg


http://tornadolive.com/images/test1.jpg

[Janika]

Darin, These are too cool, You must be a very patient person?! ( One hr exposure! ) :O


John

[dtngo]

Darin, These are too cool, You must be a very patient person?! ( One hr exposure! ) :O


John
Did he have NR turned on too? hehe another hr :)

[rakesh]

My Controbution with Sigma 17-70

http://www.mg-india.com/gallery/_mg_0040.jpg

One More :

http://www.mg-india.com/gallery/_mg_0042.jpg

Regards

Rakesh

[Jamdiver]

Foto, you have to wrap the URL for the images that you want to post in and tags :).

[chet79]

My Controbution with Sigma 17-70

[snip]http://www.mg-india.com/gallery/_mg_0040.jpg[/IMG]

One More :

[snip]http://www.mg-india.com/gallery/_mg_0042.jpg[/IMG]

Regards

Rakesh
nice! where's the monkey statue picture from?

[S2000]

I owned this lens then sold it for the 17-55 IS. I had a good copy, but it wasn't as sharp at the extremes as I would have liked. It is worth the money for what you get.

here is a shot I took with it

http://www.pixelision.com/albums/userpics/10019/SanFran.jpg

[rakesh]

nice! where's the monkey statue picture from?

Hi

This Statue is of Hindu God Hanuman.

Here is one more :

http://www.mg-india.com/gallery/_mg_0043.jpg

Location : Tirupati, South India.

Regards

Rakesh

[chet79]

cheers Rakesh :)

[Scott_1469]

Posted this a few days ago in Landscapes, but here's a shot from my 1st outing with the lens. Looking forward to some great shots with it.

[Jamdiver]

Some more recent shots with the Sigma...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/369369247_ddb7f0731c_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/160/369369242_2783642769_o.jpg

[Johan Groenewald]

I'm ordering this lens now and if my wife is unhappy I'll blame everybody who participated in this thread!!!

[Flatten]

Well I have to say my wife is happy that I did. Well for the most part anyways, she does like the semi macro feature on this lens.

[pepperoni]

I just got mine delivered today. I'm looking forward to testing it out more this weekend.

First pic..
http://jellybeanracing.com/John/Misc./sig%20box_1779.jpg

[S2000]

I just got mine delivered today. I'm looking forward to testing it out more this weekend.

First pic..
http://jellybeanracing.com/John/Misc./sig%20box_1779.jpg

Pepperoni....you S2000 driving fool...nice lens

[021411]

Well I joined the club this afternoon. I'll post some pictures later. :cool:

[killer4605]

Sold the lens today but it has served me well:

http://mattbadr.com/images/Picture-003.jpg

http://mattbadr.com/images/Picture-024.jpg

http://mattbadr.com/images/Picture-027.jpg

http://mattbadr.com/images/Picture-056.jpg

http://mattbadr.com/images/Picture-072.jpg

http://mattbadr.com/images/Picture-154.jpg

http://mattbadr.com/images/Picture-156.jpg

[Medic85]

I was just messing around with some close up's on this one. It was in a flower arrangement I bought for my wife that was sitting on our kitchen table. Nothing too impressive about the composition but I thought the detail at that close of a range was pretty good. More to come.


142296

[021411]

The macro on this lens is amazing!! Here are some preliminary shots I took this evening at a friend's house of random things.

http://htphotog.smugmug.com/photos/125868471-O.jpg
http://htphotog.smugmug.com/photos/125868473-O.jpg
http://htphotog.smugmug.com/photos/125868475-O.jpg
http://htphotog.smugmug.com/photos/125868477-O.jpg

[pepperoni]

Pepperoni....you S2000 driving fool...nice lens

Thanks. I'm gonna go try to shoot a local autocross with it tomorrow.

[JoshTPhoto]

Do any of you use a filter with this lens? If so, which one would you recommend?

[021411]

Do any of you use a filter with this lens? If so, which one would you recommend?

What filter will depend on what you are trying to achieve. B+W is a good brand.
Are you just looking for lens protection? The hood will provide enough protection for the front element. If you need a screw on UV/Haze filter for protection I read that the B+W multicoated ones were nice.

[shaneotool]

Here is a picture of my niece:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/337889689_0e9cdfda26.jpg

Here is a picture of a waterfall I took today:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/372858044_f2bab3f285.jpg

I have no complaints with this lens.

[wallydog]

Another one just messing around.

[dtngo]

Couple more from a weekend trip:

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3226/sunriseyy8.jpg

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/800/sunrise3fv6.jpg

[Jamdiver]

Some recent shots with the Sigma, I just love the versatility of it...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/140/370884091_472ad9d64a_o.jpg

ISO 1600

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/373850907_b8cf490b8f_o.jpg

[chet79]

WOW!!! last few pics are awesome!!

wish I could get snaps like this with my 17-70. Have they all been sharpened?

edit: ok, I've just processed two from tonight, and I'm pretty damn happy!

http://chet.smugmug.com/photos/126453418-L.jpg

http://chet.smugmug.com/photos/126453768-L.jpg

[Jamdiver]

Love the quasi-macro ability of this lens... :D.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/375713819_fef45766df.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/377065773_83ba33c8c1.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/168/375681950_e3e587e4e5.jpg

[pepperoni]

Here's another one with the 17-70.

70mm
f/8
ISO 800
1/20

http://jellybeanracing.com/John/Misc./cat1888.jpg

[pythagpython]

Love the quasi-macro ability of this lens... :D.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/375713819_fef45766df.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/377065773_83ba33c8c1.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/168/375681950_e3e587e4e5.jpg

These shots are AMAZING! Are they PPed?

[Ospi]

Very nice shots jamdiver, that wasp is showing us his immense strength, showoff.

[Jamdiver]

Just a little PP pythagphyton , remember the 17-70 has .5x magnification or something on the tele end.
So the wasp shots are a bit cropped, but the DOF, bokeh and everything else is straight out of the camera...

The wasp's head barely filled the center AF square!

[LucisPictor]

Your shots are great!
I also like my 17-70 a lot! Best allround lens you can get for such a price.

As to the close-ups: put a close up lens in front and you won't believe it.
You can get so close to the object that you fear to touch it with the front lens.
And it still produces excellent pictures!

Carsten

[pythagpython]

Just a little PP pythagphyton , remember the 17-70 has .5x magnification or something on the tele end.
So the wasp shots are a bit cropped, but the DOF, bokeh and everything else is straight out of the camera...

The wasp's head barely filled the center AF square!

So what was the croped size of the first image? I really love it! Could you post/pm me the original?

[rakesh]

Some more from me :

http://www.mg-india.com/gallery/lalbagh.jpg

http://www.mg-india.com/gallery/Bubbles.jpg

[Raphael V]

Hi Rakesh,
Where in Bangalore did you buy this lens from? and How much did you pay for it?

[rakesh]

I bought it from Sigma DEaler and paid approx. $300 with warranty.

Regards

Rakesh

[Rebeljuice]

Just got the 17-70. Great lens... Took this on a foggy night.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/384729746_b5c509fce5_b.jpg

[Geoff_Shawcross]

Well, I think I've finally desided which lens I'm getting to replace my 350D kit lens. The info. and pics on this thread have been extremely helpful in making the tough choice. :)

When I get the chance, perhaps I'll post a few examples of my own for this lens.

[coolmonk]

This thread is truly what inspired me to get the 17-70. I haven't had the chance to take it outside yet in this -5 degree temperature but I'm hoping it'll be a blast.

Here's a few I took of my kit lens and nifty fifty using the Sigma 17-70. These were all shot at 28mm on ISO 100....I also played around with different aperture values to see its differences...

F/3.5
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/5217/img3525kv7.jpg

F/11
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/5549/img3527ka8.jpg.

F/22
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/1448/img3526pn8.jpg

[Ospi]

Few from yesterday. Really loving this lens, will be even better when i get the back focusing fixed.

http://ospi.smugmug.com/photos/128821603-O.jpg

http://ospi.smugmug.com/photos/128821493-O.jpg

http://ospi.smugmug.com/photos/128821398-O.jpg

[chet79]

http://chet.smugmug.com/photos/129174982-L.jpg

http://chet.smugmug.com/photos/129175798-L.jpg

[Raphael V]

How do I run a quick test at the dealers place? What are the things to look for? How do I know whether it is a good copy or not?
Anybody....?

[Raphael V]

Hi Rakesh,
Actually I tried to buy this lens in Bombay but most of the dealers didn't had it in ready stock. The asking price was varying between dealers from 15,500Rs. to 17,500Rs.
The distributors for India M/s Ameeko Marketing was asking around 16,500 and he had only one piece to show. And I was not very sure about that particular piece, whether it is a good copy or not.
So, I was wondering if you could suggest a delaer in Bangalore who would allow me to test the lens before buying, since I'm also from Karnataka.

[jonnypb]

How do I run a quick test at the dealers place? What are the things to look for? How do I know whether it is a good copy or not?
Anybody....?

i too would like to know a couple of good tests to do as it looks like I'll be buying this when I get my 400D