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

[grinchy]

Here's some pictures I took with this lens from Hot Import Nights this weekend.

http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/8543/melyssa01qi3.jpg

http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/4053/melyssa02rp4.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1923/melyssa03ju7.jpg



Very Nice!:)

[Q Ball]

Very Nice!:)

Thanks! I was so paranoid when I purchased this lens off Amazon because of that guys thread about back focusing.

[grinchy]

I wold try not to get caught up in that...if you are getting great pics...why scrutinize it?:)

[joseb552]

OK, here are 2 pictures from my XTi and Sigma 17-70, both taken in Vegas.

Click on the image for the full-size.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/420626752_fc6db7dcf9.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/420626752_fc6db7dcf9.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/420627425_fd1157890a.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/420627425_fd1157890a.jpg)


Overall i'd say i'm happy with the lens, i'll try that focus chart test soon and see how that pans out, but i'm not too worried.

[Raphael V]

Thanks to Q Ball.:D

Now we know this lens is good enough for Glamour also.: ;)

[Jamdiver]

Some recent shots with my Siggie :) :D :D.

At this time of year Kingston (capital of Jamaica)is awash with the gorgeous yellow and occasional pink petals of the Poui tree flowers.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/420151682_552a2424c8_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/420151671_fd13877654_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/420157850_f60c3d2f7d_o.jpg

[da_teacher]

Here's some pictures I took with this lens from Hot Import Nights this weekend.

http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/8543/melyssa01qi3.jpg

http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/4053/melyssa02rp4.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1923/melyssa03ju7.jpg

Hey Qball, were you using an external flash? Nice pix...anymore?

[irish1]

Jamdriver--love the composition of #1. The diagnol leads the eye all the way out. Good job!

[dawnron1]

Here are a couple I took today of this very nice machine. I wish the sun had been out!

[Q Ball]

Hey Qball, were you using an external flash? Nice pix...anymore?


Hey da_teacher, Yea, I was using a 430ex.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5072/mel01am5.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8727/mel02fn5.jpg

[macroshooter1970]

Hey da_teacher, Yea, I was using a 430ex.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5072/mel01am5.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8727/mel02fn5.jpg


that's nice

[stathunter]

WOW......I want one of those........sigmas I mean sigmas........ Looks like sigma4less.com has them for $324 is that the best price around?

[Miyagi-san]

i would say that's about the best price to be found for this lens new....

i got compulsive and didn't shop around, went straight to B&H and ordered mine without checking sigma4less like a dummy....shipping costs are a little higher due to my apo address....i paid $409 out the door. wish i shopped around.

that said, i gave it it's first test drive today on a trip to mannheim, germany. WOW what a fun lens. copying raw files to the harddrive now and will start pp work soon (minutes away!) :)

overall a very fun lens, the real proof is in the pudding so they say, so my verdict will not be final till i see the actual results. so far i think it was money well spent.....pics to come!

[stathunter]

i would say that's about the best price to be found for this lens new....

i got compulsive and didn't shop around, went straight to B&H and ordered mine without checking sigma4less like a dummy....shipping costs are a little higher due to my apo address....i paid $409 out the door. wish i shopped around.

that said, i gave it it's first test drive today on a trip to mannheim, germany. WOW what a fun lens. copying raw files to the harddrive now and will start pp work soon (minutes away!) :)

overall a very fun lens, the real proof is in the pudding so they say, so my verdict will not be final till i see the actual results. so far i think it was money well spent.....pics to come!

Thanks! Post a few pics when you are doing working magic on them!

[dawnron1]

Miyagi-san,

Looking forward to your pics! Here are a couple more I took this morning on the way to work(near D/FW). The smoke in the background is from a firefighters' practice drill.

Ronnie

[DerekI]

Some recent shots with my Siggie :) :D :D.

At this time of year Kingston (capital of Jamaica)is awash with the gorgeous yellow and occasional pink petals of the Poui tree flowers.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/420151682_552a2424c8_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/420151671_fd13877654_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/420157850_f60c3d2f7d_o.jpg

They are really nice , stunning images .

I am buying this one soon to replace my 18-200 Sigma , I will keep that 18-200 as my travel lens , though.

Thanks for posting those.

[Purelife]

Gahh i had this lens then i sold it for some stupid reason..
Now i am going to go and buy another one today because i cant find a lens other than L to fit in its place for the price..
I picked up the sigma 24-70 2.8 the other day but i got an bad copy so its going back and i'm going for my 17-70

[joshandlauri]

Another one and a crop.

[joshandlauri]

heres one with crop, you can see the inside of my car in my eye, wow.

[john.hem]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/johnhem/FemaleStatue.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/johnhem/Guards.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/johnhem/Thailand/Grand-Palace6.jpg

John

[Nick_C]

Great shots everyone, keep em coming, this thread is getting HUGE!

Nick :-)

[john.hem]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/johnhem/Thailand/Water-Lilly.jpg

John

[Nick_C]

Nice shots john, love the flower, what is that one called? im useless when it comes to flowers & things like that, looks very pretty!

Nick :-)

[john.hem]

Nice shots john, love the flower, what is that one called? im useless when it comes to flowers & things like that, looks very pretty!

Nick :-)

I took the photo while in Thailand, and have no idea what it's called.

John

[jim9449]

Hi
My 9 month old grandson came to visit his Gran on Mothers Day and was given a bar of chocolate, this is the result , couldn't resist getting out the 17-70

http://jim9449.smugmug.com/photos/136831452-L.jpg

[grinchy]

Hi
My 9 month old grandson came to visit his Gran on Mothers Day and was given a bar of chocolate, this is the result , couldn't resist getting out the 17-70

http://jim9449.smugmug.com/photos/136831452-L.jpg



LOL awesome shot!:) :) :lol: :lol:

[jim9449]

LOL awesome shot!:) :) :lol: :lol:

Thanks Grinchy, his Mum was not pleased :lol:

[Nick_C]

Thanks Grinchy, his Mum was not pleased :lol:

I bet!! what a messy boy, that is certainly one you will want to keep & show his girlfriend when he is 18, lol..

Nick :-)

[Nick_C]

I took the photo while in Thailand, and have no idea what it's called.

John

Ok, well it doesnt look like the sort of thing you would find in homebase! nice flower.

Nick :-)

[jim9449]

I bet!! what a messy boy, that is certainly one you will want to keep & show his girlfriend when he is 18, lol..

Nick :-)
Good Idea;) this is him not eating

http://jim9449.smugmug.com/photos/128405080-L.jpg

[Nick_C]

Dribble everywhere at that age eh? very cute, I bet your really proud..

Nick :-)

[jim9449]

Dribble everywhere at that age eh? very cute, I bet your really proud..

Nick :-)

Thanks Nick, Yes he is a cute kid;)

[grinchy]

here is 1 of my daughter talking on teamspeak with a bunch of guys...

http://i.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/75860124.ajkJskdm.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/grinchy247/image/75860124

not the greatest pic in the world..but a funny one.

[DerekI]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/johnhem/Thailand/Water-Lilly.jpg

John

Hi Jon , it is fabulous .
How do you get so close to the flower?
also, your thai pictures are really cool and much shaper than mine with my kit lens(I took the same temple photos several times here) .

All are great shots thanks for showing me what this Sigma is capable of .

I really get interested in this one because of the close-up feature.

Have a good one.

[Cap0ne]

I love this lens. I hope 10-20 (i'm waiting for it) has same quality and sharpness.
No USM after resize and the picture is still sharp as hell :)
http://www.fototarget.ro/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=21551

[Nick_C]

Hi Jon , it is fabulous .
How do you get so close to the flower?
also, your thai pictures are really cool and much shaper than mine with my kit lens(I took the same temple photos several times here) .

All are great shots thanks for showing me what this Sigma is capable of .

I really get interested in this one because of the close-up feature.

Have a good one.

The Sigma 17-70 can focus as close as you want it to, ive taken shots in MF where im "almost" touching the UV filter on the front on the subject, it can focus really close, so flowers like that are not a problem for this lens.

Nick :-)

[Jamdiver]

2 recent shots from my Siggie.
Oh how I love you :).

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/425133185_c44d175df5_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/425136403_a01e103b32_o.jpg

[gef]

Here is a recent one of my daughter Autumn:

http://static.zooomr.com/images/811911_9e9821904a.jpg (http://static.zooomr.com/images/811911_9e9821904a_b.jpg)

[gef]

I really like the first of the two images you posted Jamdiver.

Here are a couple taken on the weekend:

http://static.zooomr.com/images/815568_df7e1bff9a.jpg (http://static.zooomr.com/images/815568_df7e1bff9a_b.jpg)
(click image for larger view)

http://static.zooomr.com/images/815564_db546a4466.jpg (http://static.zooomr.com/images/815564_db546a4466_b.jpg)

http://static.zooomr.com/images/815572_4ff28c29e5.jpg (http://static.zooomr.com/images/815572_4ff28c29e5_b.jpg)

http://static.zooomr.com/images/815593_0717b4e272.jpg (http://static.zooomr.com/images/815593_0717b4e272_b.jpg)

[grinchy]

I really like the first of the two images you posted Jamdiver.

Here are a couple taken on the weekend:

http://static.zooomr.com/images/815568_df7e1bff9a.jpg (http://static.zooomr.com/images/815568_df7e1bff9a_b.jpg)
(click image for larger view)

http://static.zooomr.com/images/815564_db546a4466.jpg (http://static.zooomr.com/images/815564_db546a4466_b.jpg)

http://static.zooomr.com/images/815572_4ff28c29e5.jpg (http://static.zooomr.com/images/815572_4ff28c29e5_b.jpg)

http://static.zooomr.com/images/815593_0717b4e272.jpg (http://static.zooomr.com/images/815593_0717b4e272_b.jpg)



thank god the only time I see weather like that is on here or t.v.....:)

[gef]

What's funny is by the mid afternoon we were up to about 10 degrees celsius. Not great but spring is in the air... and I'm done with winter!

[grinchy]

it was 25C here today...what a great day for golfing

[Dan Mumford]

Just ordered mine, can't wait for it to arrive now, going to London Zoo on Friday too so should get some good pics! :D

[john.hem]

Just ordered mine, can't wait for it to arrive now, going to London Zoo on Friday too so should get some good pics! :D


Enjoy the lens and we look forward to seeing your photos.

John

[DerekI]

The Sigma 17-70 can focus as close as you want it to, ive taken shots in MF where im "almost" touching the UV filter on the front on the subject, it can focus really close, so flowers like that are not a problem for this lens.

Nick :-)

thanks for the input , but will you have to take off the hood when try to frame a flower like that, or just keep it on?

[john.hem]

thanks for the input , but will you have to take off the hood when try to frame a flower like that, or just keep it on?


The Lilly I took was very large so there was no need to remove the hood, but on other occasions I would imagine you would have too.

John

[JamieC]

I am really considering this lens after looking at the results and the price. What alternatives are there in the same price range? Do any other comparably priced lenses match this on image/build quality?

[grinchy]

if there was this thread would not be this big...*-)

[Nick_C]

I am really considering this lens after looking at the results and the price. What alternatives are there in the same price range? Do any other comparably priced lenses match this on image/build quality?

I would say NO!

The only other option is the Tamron 17-50, its very sharp & is F2.8 all the way through, but you lose the macro side of things & it is only 50mm, I find im always using the 70mm.

Nick :-)

[BobbyT]

Here are a couple I did recently of my wife and daughter

http://images22.fotki.com/v724/photos/9/949682/4723488/IMG_9188-vi.jpg

http://images21.fotki.com/v577/photos/9/949682/4723488/IMG_9201-vi.jpg

[grinchy]

Here are a couple I did recently of my wife and daughter

http://images22.fotki.com/v724/photos/9/949682/4723488/IMG_9188-vi.jpg

http://images21.fotki.com/v577/photos/9/949682/4723488/IMG_9201-vi.jpg



Awesome pics!....you must be proud...boy or girl coming?:)

[Nick_C]

I love the second shot, it shows TRUE unconditional love, really nice, well done!

Nick :-)

[BobbyT]

Thank you Grinchy and NIck. It is going to be a boy this time around. And yes I am very proud of my family.

Would you guys believe this was my first try at portrait work and the back ground is a white blanket hanging over the blinds on the front window?:)

[Nick_C]

Funny you should mention that, I was just about to say "Hey that looks like a blanket draped over a window" lol..

Thats an excellent first try at a portrait, my first portrait was holding a teddy bear in front of the camera! :-p

Nick :-)

[grinchy]

LOL....awesome pic regardless of backdrop.....going to have to try that myself.:)

[irish1]

Bobby--great lighting on the girls face. What did you do?

[BobbyT]

I brought in lamps from all over the house and lit the room as evenly as I could. I had short lamps on the floor aiming in front and behind her to balance the light and try to eliminate shadows.

Thanks again for the compliments. This was very important to me. And to get a thumbs up from the members here says a lot.

[grinchy]

played with photo for a minute tell me what you think? hope you don't mind...:)


http://hotimg5.fotki.com/a/65_32/180_88/IMG_9201-vi-th.jpg (http://hotimg5.fotki.com/p/a/65_32/180_88/IMG_9201-vi.jpg)

[ahh]

Bobby T,

Fabulous shot. I love the feeling this image conveys. I also tried a quick levels tweak with your image. Again I hope that you don't mind.

[DerekI]

The Lilly I took was very large so there was no need to remove the hood, but on other occasions I would imagine you would have too.

John

Thanks for the reply , and ask you one thing:

Is the macro 1:2 ratio or 1:3?

The Sigma 18-50 EX macro has 1:3 macro but can go as close as to 20cm .

best regards.

[Mr B Snappy]

Thanks for the reply , and ask you one thing:

Is the macro 1:2 ratio or 1:3?

The Sigma 18-50 EX macro has 1:3 macro but can go as close as to 20cm .

best regards.

I don't know what the macro ratio is, but when I was trying to see just how close it could focus I knocked the front element on the item I was focusing on!

[Geoff_Shawcross]

I believe the macro ratio is 1:2.3 and yes, the focus distance can be that close. You can literally have the item touching the front element (or filter) and still focus clearly.

I love this lens......For this and because it's fast and very good at helping to give wonderfully crisp pictures. :)

[Nick_C]

That often confuses people, on the Sigma website you will notice in the spec for the 17-70 it says the min focus distance (MFD) is 20cm (7.9") but that is measured from the actual focal plane or CCD, its marked on the camera as a little figure of 8 kinda symbol.

Ive used my 17-70 in a macro setup many times & from what ive found it can focus as close as you want or need it to, if you change to MF which you should really use for macro anyway you can actually touch the front UV on the subject, a good reason to have a UV in place so you dont clonk the front element which is easy to do as it has no problem with focussing that close.

Nick :-)

[BobbyT]

Grinchy and Ahh I don't mind at all. Those look great. I still need to learn my way around photoshop better.

[DerekI]

>That often confuses people, on the Sigma website you will notice in the spec for the 17-70 it says the min focus distance (MFD) is 20cm (7.9") but that is measured from the actual focal plane or CCD, its marked on the camera as a little figure of 8 kinda symbol.

This made me clear , now understanding the MFD of20cm means clearly that measured from the CMOS not from the front element of the lens ... then, it is amazing, no wonder so many people shooting incredible close-up photos with this lens.

I 'd say it is just like a Power Shot A series camera , they can literally get as close as 1 cm to any thing I will shoot and this is why I keep my power shot with me always any where I go .

I just wish , this lens was designed to be a constant F2.8 like its similar brother 18-50EX macro.

Oh well , there is no one perfect lens ,just have to weigh the wide end of 17mm against the constant F2.8 , to decide ?



Thanks for your reply .

[grizzy]

Here are a few from the last two days...I'm liking this lens:

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/p520332123-3.jpg

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/p296824704-3.jpg

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/p196705180-3.jpg

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/p201582732-3.jpg

[grinchy]

Here are a few from the last two days...I'm liking this lens:

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/p520332123-3.jpg

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/p296824704-3.jpg

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/p196705180-3.jpg

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/p201582732-3.jpg



Great pics! Very colorfull...I remember my kids in their baby einstein's...LOL...brings back memories:)

[BobbyT]

Cute baby Grizzy and great shots.

[grizzy]

Thanks to both of you.

I remember debating this lens for a while after some of the bad pub on here. In the end I decided I planned on shooting more than a sheet of paper at a 45 degree angle and I saw some nice examples on here.

I also think some people forget that you might only get a few keepers out of a shoot...those 4 above are from about 70 shots.

Thanks again,
Chris

[randerson07]

Nice shots there grizzy, is that a Shiba in the backround?

Anyone own this lens, and a 24-70 f/2.8?

I sometimes find 24 not wide enough, and cant afford to get an L and cant get an EFS lens on my 10d. But i do find im using f/2.8 at 70mm alot so keep my ISO down. Would the 17-70 and a 24-70 in the same bag be pointless? is the sigma 18-50 a better option? from reviews and such it doesnt seem to be as sharp as the 17-70, what about the 17-35?

tooo many lens only one body, and not enough money. LOL

[grizzy]

randerson,

Thanks. He's a mix of a Corgi and mut (perhaps some shiba after looking at your avatar) :). He's a chill dude with the best disposition...he's happy when everyone is in the same room but isn't underfoot all the time.

Can't help you with the lens question.

[john.hem]

Thai school children

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/johnhem/Thailand/School-Children2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/johnhem/Thailand/School-Children1.jpg

John

[grinchy]

great shots!

[grinchy]

Ok here are a few that I took of my XTI with the Opteka Battery Grip attached....I have to say that the XTI now feels like a whole new camera...wow what a difference..:)

http://i.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/76031762.ca1xMteJ.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/grinchy247/image/76031762
http://i.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/76031765.GFaUcjk8.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/grinchy247/image/76031765
http://i.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/76031766.sFTELDrg.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/grinchy247/image/76031766
http://i.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/76031767.ozJbDhnB.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/grinchy247/image/76031767


this is still 1 of my favorites with this lens:
http://i.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/76031756.o7tuq9C7.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/grinchy247/image/76031756

[Nick_C]

Hey Grinchy, do you like your 50mm F1.8 as I noticed it on your shots?

Why im asking is ive been toying with the idea of getting one but im concerned about a couple of things, the first is AF accuracy & second is the plastic mount wearing.

If you were to take a photo at say F8.0 50mm on the 17-70 & the same image on the 50mm 1.8 would you say the 50mm prime is better or worse than the 17-70? what is the sharpness,contrast & colour like compared to the 17-70?

Sorry for all the questions but its good you actually have both lenses.

Thanks m8,
Nick :-)

[grinchy]

Hey Grinchy, do you like your 50mm F1.8 as I noticed it on your shots?

Why im asking is ive been toying with the idea of getting one but im concerned about a couple of things, the first is AF accuracy & second is the plastic mount wearing.

If you were to take a photo at say F8.0 50mm on the 17-70 & the same image on the 50mm 1.8 would you say the 50mm prime is better or worse than the 17-70? what is the sharpness,contrast & colour like compared to the 17-70?

Sorry for all the questions but its good you actually have both lenses.

Thanks m8,
Nick :-)



I have never really done a comparison with those 2 lenses...might be something I try tonight or tomorrow...what I do know is that my "nifty" was 1 of the 1st lenses I bought and have NOT sold....I love that lil bastard...LOL...it takes some awesome shots for the $$$ here are 2 with it:




http://i.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/71732863.h5wNcHQD.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/grinchy247/image/71732863/large
http://k53.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/71732864.V1MczW2g.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/grinchy247/image/71732864

[Nick_C]

Yes a comparison could be a very interesting test :-) :-)

Nick ;-)

[Dan Mumford]

Received the lens in the post today, all I can say is it's amazing! can't wait for London Zoo tomorrow now! :D

[Nick_C]

Received the lens in the post today, all I can say is it's amazing! can't wait for London Zoo tomorrow now! :D

Good for you, im sure you will come back with loads of keepers, I love my 17-70, infact I like Sigma lenses in general, I recently got the Sigma 55-200, a cheap lens at £69 but its VERY good indeed, I find myself shooting at 200mm wideopen with it & the results are quite sharp, even at the edges.. it was even sharper than the 17-70 at 70mm F4.5!

Nick :-)

[BobbyT]

Hey Grinchy, do you like your 50mm F1.8 as I noticed it on your shots?

Why im asking is ive been toying with the idea of getting one but im concerned about a couple of things, the first is AF accuracy & second is the plastic mount wearing.

If you were to take a photo at say F8.0 50mm on the 17-70 & the same image on the 50mm 1.8 would you say the 50mm prime is better or worse than the 17-70? what is the sharpness,contrast & colour like compared to the 17-70?

Sorry for all the questions but its good you actually have both lenses.

Thanks m8,
Nick :-)

I recently took some screen shots of my new TV for some friends in another state to see using the nifty and the 17-70. The color and contrast was better from the 17-70 straight out of the camera. It was the first time the thought of selling the nifty ever came to mind.

[Dan Mumford]

One question I have...is there any type of flash ring that can be used with the lens?

[Nick_C]

I recently took some screen shots of my new TV for some friends in another state to see using the nifty and the 17-70. The color and contrast was better from the 17-70 straight out of the camera. It was the first time the thought of selling the nifty ever came to mind.

Thats interesting to hear, I dont want to buy the 50mm 1.8 if its going to be worst than the 17-70 at 50mm.

I do a lot of panoramic images & 50mm is my prefered setting for building up a scene with multiple images, I need something that has minimum distortion & is capable of even better sharpness & overall images than the 17-70 is when set to 50mm, it might not be possible, I might have the best already but the 17-70 when set to 50 does have some zoom creep when im taking the top & bottom rows for my panoramic.

Im not saying the 17-70 isnt sharp at 50mm, ive had some insanely sharp shots but there is always that thought in the back of my mind "can I get even better?" lol.

Nick :-)

[grinchy]

resons for having a "nifty"

pros:

1.inexpensive
2.AWESOME IQ
3.f/1.8
4.lightweight
5.way less $$$ than f/1.4 or f/1.2

cons:

1.cheapy plastic feel
2.not to fast at focusing and it's a lil bit noisy
3.can't focus very close (unless you have ext tubes)


bottom line...for the $$$$$$$ every person that has a canon camera should have this lens! it is a GREAT lens for the $$$

[grizzy]

I own both the 17-70 and the nifty. I like to use the nifty in lower light (taking portraits indoors) situations and when I want more DOF. The plastic build doesn't bother me as long as it continues to produce results. I've got keepers in my gallery from it.

Maybe one day I'll sell my Sigma for an L or something but the fifty will be with me forever.

[grinchy]

amen...love my 50:)

[Tony-S]

One question I have...is there any type of flash ring that can be used with the lens?

Yes. I have the Sigma EM-140 ring flash and bought the 72mm adpater for it. It does a great job of lighting with the 17-70 at its minimum focus/highest magnification.

[gef]

DOF is one really good reason to have the 50mm, I also find it to be very sharp! And like everyone says, you can go wrong for the money!

[BobbyT]

resons for having a "nifty"

pros:

1.inexpensive
2.AWESOME IQ
3.f/1.8
4.lightweight
5.way less $$$ than f/1.4 or f/1.2

bottom line...for the $$$$$$$ every person that has a canon camera should have this lens! it is a GREAT lens for the $$$

I agree with all of this. And I have gotten shots with the fifty that I don't think the 17-70 could have captured due to low light performance. I can't see ever selling it. At least not till I pick up the Sigma 30mm 1.4.

[gef]

I've been eyeing up the Sigma 30mm 1.4 for a while now. It's that or the Sigma 10-20mm lens that I probably will get next. I really would like a wider prime for indoor shots on my cropped body.... =_)

[DerekI]

Thats interesting to hear, I dont want to buy the 50mm 1.8 if its going to be worst than the 17-70 at 50mm.

I do a lot of panoramic images & 50mm is my prefered setting for building up a scene with multiple images, I need something that has minimum distortion & is capable of even better sharpness & overall images than the 17-70 is when set to 50mm, it might not be possible, I might have the best already but the 17-70 when set to 50 does have some zoom creep when im taking the top & bottom rows for my panoramic.

Im not saying the 17-70 isnt sharp at 50mm, ive had some insanely sharp shots but there is always that thought in the back of my mind "can I get even better?" lol.

Nick :-)

Well , Nick dont waste your moeny on this 50mm thing , it is very slow focusing and huting alot in low light (I bought this only for low light).

Plus, the color contrast of the lens is not great , I do beleive that my sister's Canon EF-S 60mm is much better lens than this.

As I get either a 17-70 or 18-50 EX macro sigma , I will sell this lens , but I do like the design and look of the lens ....... I may get an EF 35 F2 , cause 35mm is more useful on a cropped body than 50mm.

Take care.

[gef]

Someday I could see myself upgrading to the Canon 50mm 1.4, but that lens is a few bucks more. I picked up the 1.8 simply because it was so cheap. Ideally I would like to get a few fast primes and different focal lengths to go along with the slower zooms I currently have for low light shooting.

[Nick_C]

I've been eyeing up the Sigma 30mm 1.4 for a while now. It's that or the Sigma 10-20mm lens that I probably will get next. I really would like a wider prime for indoor shots on my cropped body.... =_)

Without going off topic, I thought about the 30mm 1.4 but it looks soft at the edges judging from the charts on SLRGear.

Anyway, better stick to the 17-70 topic, I dont want to be accused of turning this thread into another topic..

Nick ;)

[khrest]

Not yet 100% happy with this lens yet, not had much good light since I got it and the camera is new to me as well. These are what I have so far, the macros seem good. Using Canon 350D.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/433721757_e38548555c_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/160/433721883_534df0e729_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/433721452_c6d2bd2564_o.jpg

Next one is 100% Cropped:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/433721300_bd3daf174f_o.jpg

So is this one

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/433721204_4b291e77ee_o.jpg

[grinchy]

looks GREAT to me...

[DerekI]

wish it were 17-70 F2.8 macro EX HSM OS , then no need to be agonized over this choosing lens stuff.

My head is hurting , I wanna this but wanna the Tamron 17-50 too.

[RedMatrixXRS]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/434644257_71fd1e4976_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/434644241_a7ac58a9bc_b.jpg

[angryhampster]

Smithsonian? :)

I can't wait to go back to DC.

[SnowManZ]

Nice shots at whatever that museum is. Different, but very cool angles.

[burchy]

khrest, where were the pictures of the canal boats taken, it wasn't in Leicestershire by any chance was it?

[Q Ball]

Not sure what that white line is.
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/8224/img2623bq2.jpg

[angryhampster]

Not sure what that white line is.
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/8224/img2623bq2.jpg

Looks like exhaust from a jet plane. Nice exposure :)

[jim c]

Here is a shot...1/10s @ 57mm, camera in left hand, lens in right hand, as close as I could reasonably get.No sharpening.

[Eagle]

camera in left hand, lens in right hand,
How did you press the shutter button?

[RicCharles]

IQ discussions aside .. this lens is just plain fun to use. Here's my contribution.

[john.hem]

IQ discussions aside .. this lens is just plain fun to use. Here's my contribution.


Nice.

John

[ben4633]

I love this lens, taken at f/4.0 1/1000 @ 70mm. Amazingly sharp for the price

[khrest]

khrest, where were the pictures of the canal boats taken, it wasn't in Leicestershire by any chance was it?

Good call, Sileby basin to be precise !!

Taken this Sunday on a walk between Mountsorrel and Cossington....

[BobbyT]

He's here

http://images21.fotki.com/v755/photos/9/949682/4756551/IMG_9371-vi.jpg

http://images21.fotki.com/v756/photos/9/949682/4756551/IMG_9370-vi.jpg

[Northern Tony]

Hi guys,

I just love the photos on this thread. They are awesome!:cool:

Now I am in the market for a wide angle lens and cannot decide between the Sigma 17-70 and the Sigma 10-22.

Is the 10-20 best for landscapes and the 17-70 more a multi-purpose lens?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.:)

[angryhampster]

Hi guys,

I just love the photos on this thread. They are awesome!:cool:

Now I am in the market for a wide angle lens and cannot decide between the Sigma 17-70 and the Sigma 10-22.

Is the 10-20 best for landscapes and the 17-70 more a multi-purpose lens?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.:)




If you want to go wider than the kit lens, the 17-70 won't be wide enough. It's a great walkaround lens, which is something the 10-20 is not. The 10-20 is great for landscapes, cars, interiors, etc..

[Northern Tony]

If you want to go wider than the kit lens, the 17-70 won't be wide enough. It's a great walkaround lens, which is something the 10-20 is not. The 10-20 is great for landscapes, cars, interiors, etc..

Hi Angryhampster,

Thanks for the speedy reply!

I will be visiting the Lake District in the North of England later in the year and need a lens that will allow me try and take some great shots. Would I not be able to get great shots with the 17-70 or is the 10-20 really the must have lense for this situation?

Finding it a little difficult to decide on!:confused:

Thanks

[gef]

I've gotten some nice landscape shots @17mm with my Sigma, but I still want something wider. Chances are the Sigma 10-20 will be the next lens I pickup. The 17-70 is more of a walk around lens so if it's landscape your after the 10-20 is probably a good choice.

[olly_k]

Hi folks, I am a newby here so have not yet introduced myself, but I am seriously considering this as a lens to replace the kit, as I have been sorely dissapointed so far with the soft images I have been getting!
Anyway, just so I know in advance, is this lens a quicker focusing lens than the kit? Will it be able to keep up with my daughter on a 350D?
Oh, and a local camera shop *may* have offered me the lens for £230, which I am thinking with the extra suport I should get is perhaps a good deal?

Thanks in advance!

Olly.

@NickC I have to give you credit for some of the stunning pics you are taking with your setup! You are a credit to Canon & Sigma! Thanks for sharing your efforts!

[Northern Tony]

I've gotten some nice landscape shots @17mm with my Sigma, but I still want something wider. Chances are the Sigma 10-20 will be the next lens I pickup. The 17-70 is more of a walk around lens so if it's landscape your after the 10-20 is probably a good choice.

Thanks for your comments gflatt.

I was afraid that you were going to say that! I was trying to save a few pounds as I will need to purchase a Circular Polariser for it as wel! In addition, I have my eye on a ND filter kit, so any savings that I can make would be good!:)

Thanks again.

[digitaldoug]

Here's some pictures of Maine.
http://mrdoug.smugmug.com/photos/121449096-L.jpg
http://mrdoug.smugmug.com/photos/98218287-L.jpg
http://mrdoug.smugmug.com/photos/98598466-L.jpg
http://mrdoug.smugmug.com/photos/98613830-L.jpg

[El Duderino]

Here's some pictures of Maine.
http://mrdoug.smugmug.com/photos/121449096-L.jpg
http://mrdoug.smugmug.com/photos/98218287-L.jpg
http://mrdoug.smugmug.com/photos/98598466-L.jpg
http://mrdoug.smugmug.com/photos/98613830-L.jpg


Those are really nice.

I'm going to have to get this lens now. :mad:

[mntbikejack]

Here is one from my 17-70.

http://QuantumPics.smugmug.com/photos/139122761-L.jpg


Here is a link to the rest of the snapshots from the day in the park. All taken with the 17-70.
http://QuantumPics.smugmug.com/gallery/2626284/7/139122761

[gardengirl13]

Darn you guys!! I was all set to get the 24-105 next year when I could afford it and the 1.4TC now, but I looked on B&H to see the price of the 17-70 and they had one used, 9+ barely used. Darn, there goes that TC for now! I was just going to get another prime for my walk around but this lens seems great to me.

My one question is, has anyone printed large images with it? I've been printing large photos lately for my house (the smallest being 8x10 and the largest (so far) is 20x30) Will images from this lens print well that large?

[El Duderino]

Is 47th Street Photo a good place to get this lens?

They currently have it there for $330. I haven't really heard much about them. I would order it from B&H, but it's $390 there.

Anyone know?

Thanks!

[El Duderino]

My one question is, has anyone printed large images with it? I've been printing large photos lately for my house (the smallest being 8x10 and the largest (so far) is 20x30) Will images from this lens print well that large?

I've made 16 x 24 prints with my kit lens (shooting with the XT), and they turned out great. So I can imagine this lens will give much better results. :cool:

[gardengirl13]

Great!! Thanks!

I try to stick with B&H or (I hate to say) amazon. Amazon only because they have 30 day return policy and no sales tax. B&H because I have trusted them for years and years. Their CS dept is great and very helpful and I normally get my order within a day or two the most.

I've never bought anything from 47th street, Adorama is OK but expensive and their shipping was high with what I've bought from them ($8 for a 52mm filter going only 60 miles from their store)

[angryhampster]

47th st is a reputable dealer. I've bought quite a bit of stuff from them. Also check sigma4less.com. Absolutely fantastic customer service.

[Nick_C]

I havent added anything to the archive for a while, its been lousy weather here!

Anyway here is a shot taken of the west country, taken on the 17-70 (F3.5, 125th, ISO800), it was fairly low light but the little siggy performed really well, even went to ISO1600 F2.8 for a few shots, all turned out fine.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/438892671_29119bedc3_o.jpg

Subject isnt great but I was still in TESTING MODE!! lol, seeing what I can & can't get away with ;-)

Nick :-)

[noirb74]

Is 47th Street Photo a good place to get this lens?

They currently have it there for $330. I haven't really heard much about them. I would order it from B&H, but it's $390 there.

Anyone know?

Thanks!

$325 at sigma4less. I bought mine from them and had no problems.

[khrest]

M I C K E Y ........ M O U S E !!!!!

The lighting is rubbish (lit with a 60w tungsten bulb, although it suits the mood of the sculpture!) and it's handheld, balanced on the box. Even so, I think it's amazingly sharp. Mickey's nose is actually 4mm across for real, here it looks like a football. I can't wait to try some macros using a lightbox. I've done the battery focus test and mine seems to want to focus about 5mm further than true, so at least I don't have a back focus problem to speak of.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/439044305_0e44443244_o.jpg

[BobbyT]

Also check sigma4less.com. Absolutely fantastic customer service.
x2

For anyone who didn't see my sigma4less story in the 100-300 thread let me do a quick repeat. I ordered the Sigma 100-300 f4-f5.6 on the Wed. before christmas. I selected 3 day shipping cause it was only a few $ more and that way I would have it before returning to work from Christmas vacation. About 30 minutes later a nice lady from sigma4less CS called. She said she saw I checked 3day and asked if I needed the lens for Christmas. I told no, just wanted it before vacation is over. She told she would get it out immediatly and offered the 7 year mack warranty for $19.99, which I took. Then she has the lens in my hands 2 days later that Friday morning. And remeber this was the prime Christmas shipping rush. Plus with shipping and the Mack warranty it was still $200 less than B&H. They have earned my repeat business.

[Eagle]

Just sitting out front the other evening just before dusk.
Both @ f4, ISO 100, 1/15 and 1/10 handheld, 48mm and 36mm.

[Tamata80]

Hi Eagle, aren't 1/15 and 1/10 TOO SLOW for handheld? I see a bit of soft focus in your shots.
Here one of my last shot with this great lens
Bye

[Eagle]

Hi Eagle, aren't 1/15 and 1/10 TOO SLOW for handheld? I see a bit of soft focus in your shots.
Here one of my last shot with this great lens
Bye

Yes it is slow, especially without IS, but I thought they came out pretty decent for that slow. Just showing what the lens is capable of. And I know what I could have done to get a faster shutter but I was just experimenting with the lens as I just got it about a week or two ago.

Is the ship in your pic Italian? What's her name and type?

[Tamata80]

Yes Eagle, It's an italian corvet, "minerva" class, name: "Urania".
The shot is taken in the port of Cagliari, Sardinia.
Bye

[olly_k]

Just sitting out front the other evening just before dusk.
Both @ f4, ISO 100, 1/15 and 1/10 handheld, 48mm and 36mm.

Well when I saw your image initially I thought this lens might not have been as sharp as I thought but looking at the slow shutter I am quite impressed! Is that a testiment to you or the lens, or both though
?

[DerekI]

M I C K E Y ........ M O U S E !!!!!

The lighting is rubbish (lit with a 60w tungsten bulb, although it suits the mood of the sculpture!) and it's handheld, balanced on the box. Even so, I think it's amazingly sharp. Mickey's nose is actually 4mm across for real, here it looks like a football. I can't wait to try some macros using a lightbox. I've done the battery focus test and mine seems to want to focus about 5mm further than true, so at least I don't have a back focus problem to speak of.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/439044305_0e44443244_o.jpg

What a lovely shot , I love the sleepy Micky .

What was the settings you used for this shot ,ISO,SS,AV?
Thanks.

[Eagle]

What a lovely shot , I love the sleepy Micky .

What was the settings you used for this shot ,ISO,SS,AV?
Thanks.
Exif says:
ISO - 200
Aperture - f18
Shutter - 1/6
Focal Length - 40mm

[speedy_2]

Few of mine. I haven't used this lens enough since i got it. I need to get out and shoot more!

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9990/bwire2wp9.jpg

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/7639/jw1rb3.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7075/fl1ar7.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/7349/newlens3uo5.jpg

[Raphael V]

My lens will arrive tomorrow.
I'll have some photos from it uploaded soon.

[Nick_C]

My lens will arrive tomorrow.
I'll have some photos from it uploaded soon.

Welcome to the club :cool:

Nick :-)

[DerekI]

Few of mine. I haven't used this lens enough since i got it. I need to get out and shoot more!

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9990/bwire2wp9.jpg

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/7639/jw1rb3.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7075/fl1ar7.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/7349/newlens3uo5.jpg
The first one is cool as an artistic picture , the second one is really sharp and crisp.

I love the second one.

[burchy]

Good call, Sileby basin to be precise !!

Taken this Sunday on a walk between Mountsorrel and Cossington....

I knew it was Sileby!, but didn't have the guts to go that precise! I grew up in Charnwood, but haven't lived there for years (17) yet I recognised it straight away. Was visting parents this week end and went past the mariner, thought about your pics as it happened.

[olly_k]

Guess what I did today :D

I love Macro, so naturally I looked for something challenging to shoot....


Eristalis Pertinax

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u270/olly-k/Img2007-04-02150216.jpg

and then I had to try something my old coolpix just couldn't quite pull off!

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u270/olly-k/Img2007-04-02150334.jpg

Both shots 70mm Tv @ 250 ISO 200. Manual Focus. First is 100% crop minor sharpening second cropped & enlarged again with minor sharpening..

Not bad considering the lens had been on the camera for 10 minutes! I tried getting some pics of my daughter running around and I think I need some practice in this area as things were a little soft still but better than my kit that's for sure! Early days though I will try to get a trip to Alderly Edge tomorrow for a proper test!
Tell you what I have noticed the difference in weight! However, I feel a great relationship forming here... :cool:

[khrest]

Some shots from a nice long walk this past Sunday:

1:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/444060753_c0059246f8_o.jpg
2:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/444061161_b394da17b8_o.jpg
3:
http://khrest.zenfolio.com/img/p111649914-4.jpg
4:
http://khrest.zenfolio.com/img/p532837526-4.jpg
5:
http://khrest.zenfolio.com/img/p378235934-4.jpg

[jim9449]

Where was your walk? nice pics;)

[Nick_C]

Yes where was that? looks very nice indeed.

Nice pics everyone, keep them coming ;-)

Nick :-)

[khrest]

Where was your walk? nice pics;)

Through Charnwood in Leicestershire with a short stop to watch the 4141 GWR Large Prairie go by on the Great Central Railway.

[Nick_C]

Charnwood? boy I must get out a little more, ive got a lot of woodworking equipment that comes from there, I wouldnt have guessed the photos was from up there, especially the one of the train.

Nick :-)

[jim9449]

Through Charnwood in Leicestershire with a short stop to watch the 4141 GWR Large Prairie go by on the Great Central Railway.

Looks a nice part of the country, take more pics;)

[BobbyT]

http://images21.fotki.com/v725/photos/9/949682/4788675/_MG_9469-vi.jpg

[burchy]

Through Charnwood in Leicestershire with a short stop to watch the 4141 GWR Large Prairie go by on the Great Central Railway.

I do believe I was on that GCR4141 service on Saturday, here's a shot of it shunting into position in Loughborough station (taken with the SIGMA 17-70 of course!)

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1809/img4141ev2.jpg

[khrest]

I do believe I was on that GCR4141 service on Saturday, here's a shot of it shunting into position in Loughborough station (taken with the SIGMA 17-70 of course!)



Why didn't you wave :(

Heh, small world, isn't it?

[kennys350d]

I looked at enough photos! Im soo convinced!! Getting this lens next payday!!

[jim9449]

Also good for sports

http://jim9449.smugmug.com/photos/140804264-M.jpg