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

[tekkie]

look in the marketplace here, you can buy used lenses from various stores but I look pretty regularly and I dont recall ever seeing this one so you would probably be looking for a while :)

the cheapest place to buy this lens and most sigma lenses is sigma4less.com or you can go with B&H photo, Adorama, amazon etc...

here is a link to it, 320 + shipping http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=15468fd97f35120/shopdata/0010_Lenses/0010_Zoom/0010_Digital+Zoom/product_details.shopscript?article=0260_Sigma%2BZo om%2BWide%2BAngle-Telephoto%2B17-70mm%2Bf%3D26slash%3D3B2%3D252E8-4%3D252E5%2BDC%2BMacro%2BAutofocus%2BLens%2Bfor%2B Canon%2BDigital%2BEOS%2B%3D28SG1770F24CA%3D29

[Dan_S]

I bought the 17-70 through this site. Its great.

[Eagle]

I got mine used thru KEH (http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/BrandTableOfContent.aspx)

[e r y k]

picked mine up new for 290 locally :D

[plumers]

so, this lens goes for at least 300 bucks right? do you think 320 bucks sounds right? it's from ebay.

[e r y k]

plumers, yes i was about to buy it from ebay.

its a really good deal ~300 for what you get (from what ive been reading)

[tekkie]

are you guys talking about this one? cause thats the only one I see thats 300 bucks on ebay, you realize that the shipping cost is 43GBP which is over 70 bucks US for shipping right?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sigma-17-70mm-17-70-F2-8-4-5-DC-MacroCAF-6Gift-400D-30D_W0QQitemZ120138648915QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30070Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem

[plumers]

are those ebay sellers actually legit?

shipping from UK? wow, that's a little too far. I'm an impatient kid, i can't wait that long, lol

plumers, yes i was about to buy it from ebay.

its a really good deal ~300 for what you get (from what ive been reading)

yea, i'm trying to bid on the used one tho. please don't tell me you're bidding on it too :D

i can't really afford the new ones, i'm new to DSLR and i just spent all of my money to buy the body, 50mm, and others. i'm broke as hell now :(

[e r y k]

yea, i'm trying to bid on the used one tho. please don't tell me you're bidding on it too :D


lolol, dont worry, im not bidding :P mines coming on tuesday!

[ahh]

I've just got my 17-70. Initial testing shows some back focusing... I haven't done any extensive testing, but will have to see. Unfortunately I am away from home for the next few weeks. Will probably have to have it exchanged when I get back.

Other than that, the lens feels and responds beautifully. The colours and contrast are wonderful. I am sort of missing the range from my 18-200 which I gave in as part exchange.

Will post some pics when I get a chance.

[olly_k]

are you guys talking about this one? cause thats the only one I see thats 300 bucks on ebay, you realize that the shipping cost is 43GBP which is over 70 bucks US for shipping right?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sigma-17-70mm-17-70-F2-8-4-5-DC-MacroCAF-6Gift-400D-30D_W0QQitemZ120138648915QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30070Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem

actually nearly $86 :eek:

Also will there not be some sort of import duty / tax?

[Nick_C]

actually nearly $86 :eek:

Also will there not be some sort of import duty / tax?

From past experience of importing stuff from the US to the UK, import duties only occur on items of a value over £50, they can also decide to charge pretty much what they like, they even charge for repacking up the item if they have to unpack it as part of a spot check! bloody cheek..

Of course I dont know about the other way around, for the US buying from here or hong kong.

Its counterfeit city over there at the moment too, that 17-70 might be a bog roll painted up to look like the real thing! :-p

Nick :-)

[Cap0ne]

I just sold my copy of this lens 2 days ago, cause i want to migrate to Full Frame.
A very good copy, i think i will miss it sometimes :)

http://www.diginews.ro/forum/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=7036

http://www.diginews.ro/forum/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=7037

[neonenergy]

I just got this lens today, and the following is a test pic, resized with 100% crop:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/neonenergy/DPP_0001.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/neonenergy/DPP2_0001.jpg

EXIF data intact

will post more later

[e r y k]

for you 17-70 guys, i have a question... when pressure is applied when the lens is zoomed at 70mm, does the lens retract? it seems like mine just goes back to 70mm w/o much resistance. is this normal??

[Cap0ne]

Yup, it does. And in time will retract even without pressure, only if you point it straight up :) But i don't think that's a big problem. Almoust every zoom with a heavy front element will do this in time ;)

[e r y k]

aww that sucks :( i hope mine wont do it! lol... so i guess theres no way to prevent it getting more lose down the line? nothing to tighten?

[neonenergy]

aww that sucks :( i hope mine wont do it! lol... so i guess theres no way to prevent it getting more lose down the line? nothing to tighten?

I just tried it with mine, and it doesn't slide as easily as you seem to state. There is definitely enough friction so that it won't budge if you tilt it too. Therefore i see no problem :eek:

Plus, i assume most of the time your 70mm side will be pointed toward downwards.

[Nick_C]

In practice this doesnt pose too much of a problem, it only creeps when at mid zoom positions, fully in of fully out is much more solid.

Nick :-)

[joseb552]

here's a recent-ish shot...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/488783656_8a08ab4ab6.jpg

[e r y k]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/IMG_3907.jpg

100% crop... im VERY impressed.

[joseb552]

e r y k: that's a very nice and sharp picture, did you have the watch in a light box?

here's another quick one from a few months ago now...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/437129137_6fc526b510.jpg

[BobbyT]

It is with some sadness I report that I have sold my beloved 17-70 to a member here, plumers. It is on it's way to him as I type this. It is a great lens and took some very important family photos. But I am switching to mainly primes, except for my long telephoto Sigma 100-300 and soon to be purchased Sigma 10-20 for UWA. The 17-70 is a fantastic lens capable of stunning pictures. But now I'm off to play with my newly arrived Canon 85mm 1.8 and Sigma 30mm 1.4.

[joseb552]

oh what the heck, i'm in a posting mood today;

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1416/779724281_a2ecd22dfd.jpg

and a 100% crop

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1092/779724927_aab7cb51f9_o.jpg

shot @ F9, 0.6sec, ISO 400 (handheld) under a UV light...

[TMR Design]

Things vary from copy to copy. Mine is going off to Sigma (only about 10 miles from me) for recalibration and to look at the 'creep'.

Over time it went from a slow creep to a glide and I can't have my lens on any position other than fully retracted without having my hand on the zoom ring if I'm pointing up 60 degrees or more. I find it very annoying and since it's going to Sigma to be brought up to spec and optically and otherwise it's in like-new condtion I'll be selling mine.

I also have to say that the AF, especially when hunting in low light, is more of a grinding (not really, but can't think of a better word), as opposed to any of the Canon USM lenses I have that are very quiet even when hunting all the way to infinity and back.

I like the lens optically but not the build and noise.

[grizzy]

I'm still liking mine...

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p857423413-3.jpg

[e r y k]

TMR - how long have you had it? does your lens go through a lot of daily use?

[TMR Design]

I've only had the lens since November of last year so it's about 9 months olds. I was using it daily and as my lens selection grew I used it less and less but I take great care with my gear, always babied it and I think I noticd the creep/glide after about 5 months and it's gotten progressively worse.

I've spoken to Sigma and under warranty they'll look at it and either repair or replace it.

[e r y k]

TMR i hope everything works out :D, i bought mine off 47th street photo, and i believe its grey market... but as long as it happens within a year, ill be able to get it fixed through warranty.

[HowardCanning]

Couple of favourites from mine:

http://www.hcanning.com/gallery/galleries/Colourful%20Town.jpg

http://www.hcanning.com/gallery/galleries/Next%20Level.jpg

http://www.hcanning.com/gallery/galleries/Classic.jpg

[andrewaaa5]

Here's one from the weekend.... Brought out the Rebel for my nephew to play with :)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=184412&stc=1&d=1182910620

...Yel00tlr: that's one of the coolest photos i have seen in a long time..

[neonenergy]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/neonenergy/Test%20images/DPP_0001.jpg

[andrewaaa5]

i had problems initially with my 17-70mm sigma, as it dit not focus to infinity correctly in Auto focus (most images focused to infinity in Autofocus mode came out soft / slightly blurred)

But Sigma's international warrenty resolved this issue and it was returned in perfect shape.

It was the only lens that I used on a recent 1 week Italy trip and the results were fantastic. Here is a sample taken on my 350D

NB, this is a resized JPG, reduced for web (taken on a 350D):

http://www.butterpeanut.com/canong3/italy1.jpg

and here is a 100% crop:

http://www.butterpeanut.com/canong3/italy2.jpg

[Orogeny]

i'm getting this lense pretty soon. any example pictures of cars?
Not the most artistic shot in the world, but I do like the car!

http://www.pbase.com/orogeny/image/80786480.jpg

Of course, there is always the other extreme.

http://www.pbase.com/orogeny/image/80832917.jpg

Tim

[e r y k]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/IMG_40641copy.jpg

:D i love this lens. i thought i would never upgrade something in the kit lens' focal range... but wow. not just the improved IQ, the lens makes my camera feel real!

[TMR Design]

Man, that looks like Alien vs. Predator in insect form.

[Minja]

Saw this kid watching other kids playing cricket. And than he grabbed bat...

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/Licanin2/e3c0a0e4.jpg

[pepperoni]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/IMG_40641copy.jpg




OMG... WTF is that? Is it real?
It sorta looks like a cross between a frog, a fly, a grasshopper and a fish.
:eek:

[Nick_C]

Yeah I know, what on earth is it?

I tell you one thing, I would certainly not want that thing landing on me!

Nick :-)

[TMR Design]

It looks like the little black car in the above post.,...lolol

[olly_k]

OMG... WTF is that? Is it real?
It sorta looks like a cross between a frog, a fly, a grasshopper and a fish.
:eek:

It's a Cicada. Fascinating creatures there is a species that has a 17 year cycle - there is a mathamatical reason behind this which I think is amazing - see wiki if you are interested!!!

[Nick_C]

Well that is a new one to me, ive never heard of them, but then im tucked away in my own little world most of the time :-p

Nick ;-)

[pepperoni]

It's a Cicada. Fascinating creatures there is a species that has a 17 year cycle -


You mean these horrific little things?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh4DFqLdgZs
:)

[Nick_C]

It's a Cicada. Fascinating creatures there is a species that has a 17 year cycle - there is a mathamatical reason behind this which I think is amazing - see wiki if you are interested!!!

17 year cycle? if I had one of those in my house it wouldnt be lasting that long I tell you, horrible looking thing, although thats probably what he things about humans as well :p

Nick :-)

[e r y k]

It's a Cicada. Fascinating creatures there is a species that has a 17 year cycle - there is a mathamatical reason behind this which I think is amazing - see wiki if you are interested!!!

ding ding ding :D
awesome little bugs, nothing id want to touch though... lol

[ayman86]

we had cicadas here in chicago a few weeks ago. ppl were actually catching them and bbqing them. nasty. there were tons all over.

[PhotoFranz]

That is a VERY different looking Cicada than we had this year in Chicago. Here is a picture I posted of them. Very cool though.

By the way, this was taken with my Sigma 70-300 APO.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1213/640252701_42375f9433_o.jpg

[plumers]

first picture using this lens, just got it this morning and i took a little trip right after i receive the lens. fully automatic mode. comments and suggestion is always welcomed.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/plumers/IMG_0082b.jpg

[neonenergy]

first picture using this lens, just got it this morning and i took a little trip right after i receive the lens. fully automatic mode. comments and suggestion is always welcomed.


My first suggestion would be to not shoot in fully automatic because it restricts you to jpeg format, and can produce uneven results sometimes.
My second suggestion would be to shoot in raw :eek:.

I don't know your level of expertise though, so i can't say anything more right now :rolleyes:.

[plumers]

My first suggestion would be to not shoot in fully automatic because it restricts you to jpeg format, and can produce uneven results sometimes.
My second suggestion would be to shoot in raw :eek:.

I don't know your level of expertise though, so i can't say anything more right now :rolleyes:.


thanks for the suggestion. I know my picture came out crappy, I even leave the white balance to auto. I just learn something last night from various different websites, and today, i'd definitely try to shoot in RAW+small JPG just incase and definitely manual mode or at least aperture mode. Well, this is my second day with DSLR, so I'm a beginner, hope I learn something and can take better pictures today.

cheers

[madhatter04]

I'm beginning to think my copy is soft at infinity focus because, despite using a tripod and shooting in manual RAW format, my landscapes and such are coming out much softer than the ones I see posted here. How long does it typically take to get your lens back from Sigma once you send it in? I'm hoping I don't have any little vacations coming up ;) haha.

[angryhampster]

thanks for the suggestion. I know my picture came out crappy, I even leave the white balance to auto. I just learn something last night from various different websites, and today, i'd definitely try to shoot in RAW+small JPG just incase and definitely manual mode or at least aperture mode. Well, this is my second day with DSLR, so I'm a beginner, hope I learn something and can take better pictures today.

cheers


It only gets better from here :)

[olly_k]

17 year cycle? if I had one of those in my house it wouldnt be lasting that long I tell you, horrible looking thing, although thats probably what he things about humans as well :p

Nick :-)

LOL I prob think that about people too sometimes :p Anyway there is a UK Cicada but thought to be extinct now. if you happen to see one in your kitchen, squishing it *could* land you in jail!

[Nick_C]

first picture using this lens, just got it this morning and i took a little trip right after i receive the lens. fully automatic mode. comments and suggestion is always welcomed.



You live in a nice sunny part of the world so you shouldnt have any trouble getting some nice vibrant images, the 17-70 is a very good lens.

May I make a small suggestion or advice? try shooting in AV mode, you will soon begin to love this mode, all you have to think about then is what aperture to use, shutter speed is dealt with by the camera, so keep an eye on that & if it goes too low, either raise the ISO or open up the lens a little more (lower F number), you may already know all this im not sure? but it doesnt hurt saying it again as it drums it in :p

My settings if its any help are the following, ive used them on the 350D & now my 5D.

Outdoors (when I havent got time to mess around too much):

AV Mode
ISO I manually set between 100 & 400
Auto WB (tell you why in a moment)
Raw mode

I only ever shoot in raw mode because I love the ability to process my shots differently each time, I leave WB to auto because I change it afterwards when processing the raw images.

When I do have time to mess around I will go into full manual, but ONLY when ive got time to take the shot, for those "quick take the shot!" images its AV mode all the way.

Also it doesnt hurt to take several shots of something good, try loads of different angles, different apertures, focal points, etc etc.. as when you get home you might just prefer one shot to another, much of the time I find my best shots are the ones I least suspected.

I love the whole subject with passion!

Nick :-)

[Nick_C]

LOL I prob think that about people too sometimes :p Anyway there is a UK Cicada but thought to be extinct now. if you happen to see one in your kitchen, squishing it *could* land you in jail!

I would be willing to take that risk, I wouldnt want that thing landing on my bolognaise :p

I thought it was some computer generated insect first of all, I never knew such creepy things were around, living in the west country ive seen some grass snakes & even a scorpion, at night ive seen bats & heard some owls in the distance but thats about it.. although all of that is a bit of a shock compared to living right near London!

Nick :-)

[plumers]

You live in a nice sunny part of the world so you shouldnt have any trouble getting some nice vibrant images, the 17-70 is a very good lens.

May I make a small suggestion or advice? try shooting in AV mode, you will soon begin to love this mode, all you have to think about then is what aperture to use, shutter speed is dealt with by the camera, so keep an eye on that & if it goes too low, either raise the ISO or open up the lens a little more (lower F number), you may already know all this im not sure? but it doesnt hurt saying it again as it drums it in :p

My settings if its any help are the following, ive used them on the 350D & now my 5D.

Outdoors (when I havent got time to mess around too much):

AV Mode
ISO I manually set between 100 & 400
Auto WB (tell you why in a moment)
Raw mode

I only ever shoot in raw mode because I love the ability to process my shots differently each time, I leave WB to auto because I change it afterwards when processing the raw images.

When I do have time to mess around I will go into full manual, but ONLY when ive got time to take the shot, for those "quick take the shot!" images its AV mode all the way.

Also it doesnt hurt to take several shots of something good, try loads of different angles, different apertures, focal points, etc etc.. as when you get home you might just prefer one shot to another, much of the time I find my best shots are the ones I least suspected.

I love the whole subject with passion!

Nick :-)

Wow, thanks for all the informations. I'd definitely take a note on this one and carry it around today. Hope i can capture some good subjects today.

what aperture do you usually use on outdoor shooting? I've been using 5.6 and it seems this lens does its best captures at 5.6.

[e r y k]

theres no set aperture you should use outdoors, the lens is pretty sharp even wide open at either 2.8 (wide end) or 4.5 (telephoto end).

[Nick_C]

F5.6 is the 17-70's sweet spot, its really sharp at that aperture, for street shots like the one you posted that would be ideal, for landscapes I generally shoot between F8.0 & F16 on the 350D, on the 5D I can push it a little further without diffraction (getting softer).

There really are no set rules, its whatever it takes to get the result you want, ive got some nice landscapes taken at F2.8.

Nick :-)

[e r y k]

oh man, if my lens isnt at 70mm, if its pointed up to the sky, it retracts itself :(
...not even a full week of owning it!

[bobinatcat]

haahhaha i love this one. perfect timing.... "phwooooarrrrrr"

Here are three of my son...The "good", the "mad", and the ummmm, well, you'll see :cool: :






http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/p680599027-3.jpg

[Nick_C]

oh man, if my lens isnt at 70mm, if its pointed up to the sky, it retracts itself :(
...not even a full week of owning it!

That is normal, some may come off the production line tighter than others but they all creep to some extent.

Its a shame that the zoom lock doesnt work at all focal lengths.

You will find in practice that its not a problem, you need to hold the lens in a way so that it cant creep when taking the shot pointing up or down.

Nick :-)

[Gutter Tech]

Just a couple shot with this lens...

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a98/robertaldecoa/13.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a98/robertaldecoa/02.jpg

[plumers]

first raw image. any comments and suggestion are always welcomed.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/plumers/er0002b.jpg

[tekkie]

find a new organizer instead of the sticky notes :p

[Nick_C]

And there was me thinking my desk was in a mess!!

Nick ;-)

[e r y k]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/tater-2.jpg

:)

[madhatter04]

Here's one for you all, from my recent Sierra Nevadas trip. Can't wait to go back this weekend!
some EXIF:
Shutter: 1/15
Aperture: F/3.2
ISO: 100
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/2560/sunsetsmqg0.jpg

[e r y k]

does anybody have pics of the 17-70 with a polarizer?

[Orogeny]

That is normal, some may come off the production line tighter than others but they all creep to some extent.


Not all. I have owned my lense for over a year and it doesn't creep even a little.

Tim

[gef]

Here's one I took a little while back with a polarizer.

http://static.zooomr.com/images/763389_7cfc0594ce.jpg

[In2Photos]

Just got mine last week from POTN member Tony-S. I bought it as a replacement for my beloved Tamron 28-75. I just wanted something wider but with IQ comparible to the Tamron. I finally got the chance to do some shooting with it this weekend, although I need to do more before my vacation starts Wednesday. Here is one of my favorites from yesterday, a cloudy, overcast yucky sort of day.

I love the wide angle so far, especially close up shots. :D

http://www.pbase.com/madawson/image/82287688.jpg

[joseb552]

does anybody have pics of the 17-70 with a polarizer?


here's a shot (def. not the greatest by any means)

NO Polarizer:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1037/828927590_7d647d729b.jpg


WITH CPL:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1055/828069601_89cfc1e944.jpg

[joseb552]

Here's a shot from last Saturday night, went to see the fireworks @ Navy Pier, stayed a little later for some extra shots.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1066/820381832_7e4e72c9d2.jpg

and a link to the large:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1066/820381832_5db96a0048_o.jpg

[hoser]

how is the exposure on you guys lenses? my pics seem to have a habit of coming out a little under exposed. ive been shooting in AV mode and have been exposing to the right a hair to compensate...

[gardengirl13]

Mike you daughters hair is getting so long and curly!

[In2Photos]

Mike you daughters hair is getting so long and curly!
Haha, yes, and we, er um, my wife, actually trimmed it recently. I am not dure where she hets her curls though. I guess from me. If I let my hair get too long it gets curly, but not like that. :) The humidity doesn't help much either. :lol:

[Nick_C]

Not all. I have owned my lense for over a year and it doesn't creep even a little.

Tim

What about at say 50mm pointing right up or right down?

Nick :-)

[hoser]

im really diggin this lens, i still wonder if its worth the gamble to try to get a good copy of the 24-70 f/2.8 though....

[madhatter04]

does anybody have pics of the 17-70 with a polarizer?
here's one. I used the UV and the Polarizer at the same time, which I later read is a no-no. Oops.
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/2262/polarizerbq5.jpg

[Nick_C]

here's one. I used the UV and the Polarizer at the same time, which I later read is a no-no. Oops.


I do that all the time, its ok if both are good quality, dont believe everything you read, ive read things about filters & after my own tests proved some peoples rants to be completely without any fact.

Nick :-)

[madhatter04]

I do that all the time, its ok if both are good quality, dont believe everything you read, ive read things about filters & after my own tests proved some peoples rants to be completely without any fact.

Nick :-)

Nick, I agree with you. I shot an entire vacation using the UV and CP filters and nothing seems to have come out horribly disfigured or anything (besides some attempted handheld shots at 1/15. Tripod fixed those ;) ). Before my next trip to the Sierras, I'm going to take the lens out with my handy notebook and experiment with both filters, just the UV, and just the CP. I should really just worry about getting another [bigger] memory card.

[Nick_C]

I always like to run a series of tests to see if there are any drops in sharpness or increased flare by using a filter, well even with 2 filters stacked it was damn hard to tell any difference, I also dont want to remove the permanent UV to screw on a CPL, I just know that sooner or later im going to drop something, the Hoya Pro1 filters I now use dont alter the image in ANY way at all, not even in serious flare conditions, they are terrific! but not cheap, so I certainly would NOT want to risk dropping one of those.

I need to get another memory card too, I use a 4Gb but now that I own a 5D with its 12.8mp images its just gobbles up my memory card in no time at all.

Nick :-)

[plumers]

somehow i like this picture :)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/plumers/aer0012.jpg

[e r y k]

did you handhold that? it doesnt seem as sharp as it could be at f5.6

[plumers]

yep, i was using my hand and it was at f5.6, i thought that image was sharp enough, this lens is truly unbelievable. i guess i should invest for a tripod, eh :)

any tips for shooting a sharp focused image?

[farmdog fan]

trying out the macro function.

[PhotoFranz]

Hand held, no flash, 1/8 second and ISO 1600 are a formula for a soft photo.

It is almost impossible NOT to get some lens skake at 1/8 sec hand held with a non-IS lens. A tripod almost certainly have helped here. Flash would also have helped, by bringing the speed up, but because the object is very reflective, indirect flash would have been best. The ISO 1600 also makes shots look softer by adding noise.

[grizzy]

does anybody have pics of the 17-70 with a polarizer?

eryk,

Take a look at my British Virgin Islands gallery on my zenfolio site. All of those were taken with a Hoya HMC and the 17-70. Same thing with a lot of my Boston shots.

Chris

[e r y k]

thanks grizzy :) amazing pics!

[madhatter04]

Nick! I notice your lens is for sale! What?! Why?! Kidding... is the 5D's full frame glory rendering the lens useless?

[andrewaaa5]

I'm beginning to think my copy is soft at infinity focus because, despite using a tripod and shooting in manual RAW format, my landscapes and such are coming out much softer than the ones I see posted here. How long does it typically take to get your lens back from Sigma once you send it in? I'm hoping I don't have any little vacations coming up ;) haha.

You seem to have the same defect as I did in the lens. Sigma took the lens away for about 1 week to correct. It works perfectly now, focusing to infinite accurately...

[e r y k]

can u post examples of such softness?

[joseb552]

I just sent my 17-70 away to Sigma for recalibration / tightening (zoom creep)... I'll sure miss it while it's gone.

anyway, here are a couple more pics from last Saturday:
1.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1066/820381832_7e4e72c9d2.jpg

2.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1418/820377938_5496292c96.jpg

[gef]

What! Nick is selling the 17-70.... I guess since he has a 5D and the 24-105, I'd probably do the same.... But since I don't have a 5D...... Maybe someday... =_)

[Nick_C]

What! Nick is selling the 17-70.... I guess since he has a 5D and the 24-105, I'd probably do the same.... But since I don't have a 5D...... Maybe someday... =_)

Yep, unfortunately I have to, being as im also selling my 350D, the 17-70 wont work on a FF camera, I will miss it a LOT..

Im working on a 17-70 review at the moment though, I thought what better time than now, cant do it after its sold.

Nick :-)

[Orogeny]

What about at say 50mm pointing right up or right down?

Nick :-)Just to be sure, I just went and tested it. If it is creeping, it is doing so at such a slow rate that I can't see it happening. Either direction.

Tim

[jptsr1]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v616/jptsr1/DPP_0028.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jptsr1/780998894/

J.

[Nick_C]

For anyone interested, I have just posted a full review with a direct comparison between the 17-70 & the Canon 24-105L.

It might be an interesting read:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=350625

Nick :-)

[e r y k]

Nick_C - i have a question for you, and whoever else can maybe help me out here.

after reading your review on the 17-70, i decided to run my own test on my lens.

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

the image was shot at 17mm, f2.8 with a shutter speed of 0"3 ( kinda dark in my room )

is this level of CA normal? what causes CA? the bottom are 200x200 crops of the image and u can see that CA is present near the corners, but pretty CA free at the "O" (where the focus point was centered on).

is this normal? i really dont wanna deal with returning it... maybe the CA was caused by the high contrast between the highlights and shadows?

[Nick_C]

Nick_C - i have a question for you, and whoever else can maybe help me out here.

after reading your review on the 17-70, i decided to run my own test on my lens.



the image was shot at 17mm, f2.8 with a shutter speed of 0"3 ( kinda dark in my room )

is this level of CA normal? what causes CA? the bottom are 200x200 crops of the image and u can see that CA is present near the corners, but pretty CA free at the "O" (where the focus point was centered on).

is this normal? i really dont wanna deal with returning it... maybe the CA was caused by the high contrast between the highlights and shadows?

I found the same thing, you can see the CA on my shots too, however I dont see this in any of my images, I think it may well be down to the high contrast difference.

I wouldnt worry about it, you dont need to return it, the only time that CA shows up like that is when you get a treeline against a vastly overexposed sky which has totally blown white.

Nick :-)

[Jamdiver]

Some recent shots with my SIggie, god how I love this lens :)...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1204/838435574_aa19d1846d_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1439/797707397_6a71f2e41c_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1275/798572770_a015dc74b9_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1342/768843546_9f2fe82eda_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1294/756251132_ad32909eb0_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1407/756251120_8232caff89_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/650467438_d4c0673134_o.jpg

[madhatter04]

Well, I've done more playing with the lens and when I shoot in M mode, my images come out noticably better! Practice makes perfect, eh? Take a look at this one. Composition wasn't taken into account, obviously, but here's a test with a 100%:
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/1410/fishal2.jpg
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3848/fish100xj2.jpg

[madhatter04]

Here's a fun one I just took:
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/955/ziggytoyta1.jpg

[e r y k]

nice pics guys :)

something very weird just happened... the lens stopped creeping when pointed upwards -.- !

[Marlon_]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum. I ordered a Canon XTi and a Sigma 17-70mm lens a few days ago. My package from B&H should arrive tomorrow and I can hardly wait. I'll post some sample pics as soon as I can!

[e r y k]

congrats marlon_ you'll love it: )

-edit-

camera porn! how about pics of the lens itself :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/campron-1.jpg

[Nick_C]

congrats marlon_ you'll love it: )

-edit-

camera porn! how about pics of the lens itself :)



Nice!

[90blackcrx]

In, cause I think I'm picking one up

[IB///M]

In, cause I think I'm picking one up

i picked one up just today, from Nick_C :D

[rohicks]

i just bought one from sigma4less like 30 mins ago; mine should be here in a week :D

[sandro9mm]

how would this sigma compare to 17-40 L?

[Cap0ne]

If you compare the prieces, Sigma is a better value for the money. Of course, 17-40 is better built , faster and more precise. But opticaly speaking, Sigma is close enough at image quality. And you'll have f2.8-4.5 vs f4 and 30mm more on the tele end ;)

[Nick_C]

how would this sigma compare to 17-40 L?

Ive spoken to a few people that have owned the 17-40L & gone over to the Sigma 17-70, they say there isnt any difference in image quality, I can also confirm that the 17-70 is just as good optically as my 24-105L.

Apart from build quality & lack of USM which I personally dont see what all the fuss is about, the 17-70 is fast enough, so we could call it the 17-70L :p

Nick :-)

[90blackcrx]

i just bought one from sigma4less like 30 mins ago; mine should be here in a week :D

Same here, well still have to order. Going with 3 days shipping, I can't wait. $320 is a great price.

Which filters are you guys using..... for protection ?

[gef]

Here are a couple recent ones. Decided to get out on a foggy day with the tripod and see what I could get.

(click images for bigger)
http://static.zooomr.com/images/2779174_35cc0cf459.jpg?r=360 (http://static.zooomr.com/images/2779174_35cc0cf459_b.jpg)

http://static.zooomr.com/images/2779175_38443ea8c1.jpg?r=360 (http://static.zooomr.com/images/2779175_38443ea8c1_b.jpg)

http://static.zooomr.com/images/2779178_c369554f36.jpg?r=360 (http://static.zooomr.com/images/2779178_c369554f36_b.jpg)

[plumers]

first attempt doing car photoshoot. here's my friend's new GSR

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/plumers/er0019.jpg

[90blackcrx]

If the focus ring is all the way to the right, which way is the lens hood suppose to go on ? Longer parts on the top or side ? Or does it even matter ?

[sh0ebox]

If the focus ring is all the way to the right, which way is the lens hood suppose to go on ? Longer parts on the top or side ? Or does it even matter ?

I think the threads on the hood/lens are deisgned in such a way that the hood will lock in once it's oriented in the correct position. Someone correct me if i'm wrong.

[Eagle]

I believe petal type hoods when mounted the long sides are top and bottom.

[Nick_C]

I believe petal type hoods when mounted the long sides are top and bottom.

Thats correct..

Nick :-)

[rohicks]

Same here, well still have to order. Going with 3 days shipping, I can't wait. $320 is a great price.

Which filters are you guys using..... for protection ?
damn straight!
I checked ebay before i bought from sigma store and it was 15-20 bux cheaper from the sigma store :D
I'll be using uv, fd, and polarizing filters.

[Medic85]

Obviously I haven't searched this thread in a few days but I'm glad to see In2Photos finally got his lens and posted some shots.

Nice additions to the archive.

[Captain Mantastic]

wow guys... i think i have been swayed from the 17-55 IS USM lens to this one... can't really cough up the cash (well can't convince the wife to let me) for it... i think this is a great one.

Jose... great -pictures of Chi. nice to see another McHenry county person on here. ( i actually grew up in CL. went to CLC, parents still live there)

[bocaj]

Here is one for the archive im really starting to dig this lens :)
http://www.jacobthephotographer.com/072007/IMG_5563.jpg

[rohicks]

OH WOW!

# please ...

[e r y k]

jacob you tha maan :) im going poor from buying flashes so i can try to do what youre doing :P
ive been following most of your shots, amazing work.

[bocaj]

Here is another :)

http://www.jacobthephotographer.com/071807/IMG_4496.jpg

[e r y k]

jacob - how stopped down are you in these shots? they seem very very sharp.

[bocaj]

jacob - how stopped down are you in these shots? they seem very very sharp.

hmm bout f11 or so and shutter is round 100-200

[grizzy]

bocaj,

Very impressive. You've given me the urge to look into lighting and start snapping people. Well done.

[angryhampster]

jacob, has anyone ever told you that you use a touch too much sharpening?

[bsmotril]

How does this lense do with autofocus, especially low light where you are shooting wide open? Any comparison to say an 8fmm f1.8 prime? I'm thinking of getting one for shooting indoor rollersports.

[Nick_C]

How does this lense do with autofocus, especially low light where you are shooting wide open? Any comparison to say an 8fmm f1.8 prime? I'm thinking of getting one for shooting indoor rollersports.

Some say it hunts but ive done plenty of low light indoor shots & with the AF assist on my flashgun ive never had any hunting, the only time ive ever had it going back & forth like a crazy thing was when I was pointing at a white panel on a door, but thats my own fault, no lens can lock on to a smooth surface.

Nick :-)

[In2Photos]

How does this lense do with autofocus, especially low light where you are shooting wide open? Any comparison to say an 8fmm f1.8 prime? I'm thinking of getting one for shooting indoor rollersports.
I would not use this lens for indoor sports. The AF is not bad but nowhere near the 85 1.8 especially in low light.

[bckane]

Just ordered my lens ......:)

[e r y k]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/17.jpg

[Nick_C]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/17.jpg

Howd you do that? panning or photoshop motion blur?

Very nice shot actually, well done!

Nick :-)

[PhotoFranz]

It looks like he may have been traveling at the same speed in another car. Just a guess though.

[Nick_C]

Yes could be...

Nick :-)

[e r y k]

Nick_C & PhotoFranz - yeah we got the two cars to travel the same speed ~30-40 mph, i popped out of the passenger side window and snapped a few shots off :P

[90blackcrx]

Lens cam in today, I like it. Any suggestions on where I can get a center pinch lens that will fit it ?

Will this one fit ?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/37671-REG/Nikon_4749_72mm_Snap_On_Lens_Cap.html

[e r y k]

grab one off ebay :)

[PhotoFranz]

Lens cam in today, I like it. Any suggestions on where I can get a center pinch lens that will fit it ?

Will this one fit ?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/37671-REG/Nikon_4749_72mm_Snap_On_Lens_Cap.html

I am surprised it did not come with one, mine did.

[PhotoFranz]

Oh wait, you want a different type. Sorry, mine came with a side pinch.

[e r y k]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/1edit.jpg

another :)

[bckane]

Lens cam in today, I like it. Any suggestions on where I can get a center pinch lens that will fit it ?

Will this one fit ?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/37671-REG/Nikon_4749_72mm_Snap_On_Lens_Cap.html

I picked up this one off of ebay
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a276/bckane/IMG_2837.jpg

[In2Photos]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/erykv1/1edit.jpg

another :)
That is sweet. The only thing I would do is try to correct a little of the barrel distortion and that sucker would be a wall hanger.

[In2Photos]

Not the greatest shot but of my first shots with the new lens. Taken at Holden Beach, NC on vacation so really just a snapshot.

http://www.pbase.com/madawson/image/82858214.jpg

[Mr B Snappy]

"Not the greatest shot but of my first shots with the new lens. Taken at Holden Beach, NC on vacation so really just a snapshot."

Yes but it's a very good snapshot! maybe crop out a little foreground?

[In2Photos]

"Not the greatest shot but of my first shots with the new lens. Taken at Holden Beach, NC on vacation so really just a snapshot."

Yes but it's a very good snapshot! maybe crop out a little foreground?
I think I am going to crop some of it. I was trying to decide if I should leave the reflections or not and I don't think they need to stay. But as soon as I do crop them out I will here "Would be nice with the reflections" :lol:.