Sigma 17-70mm 2.8-4 OS Macro thoughts?

I had an accident with with my kit lens and was looking to upgrade to a general purpose lens anyway.

This Sigma is on sale at B&H for $399 and seems like a good deal.

I was also considering the Tamron 17-50 2.8 or the 28-70 (probably not wide enough on a crop) but don't know if need the constant 2.8.

I like the idea of having a little extra reach & still wide and the macro is a nice little bonus.

I've seen mixed reviews but not a whole lot on this lens.

I basically use it for my kids, vacations, car shows, static aircraft.

Thanks

It is a very good lens and a steal at that price. Keep in mind that a new version has been announced and the version you are looking at is not the new version.

The 17-70 OS has been my wide/normal lens for a couple of years and the first version (17-70 non-OS) was my wide/normal lens for several years before that. So, I might be biased towards that lens!

Tim

$399 is a good price for it, but I would wait for the new version.

It is my walk-about lens for my 7D. Check the lens archives for its own thread. You will find more comments and example photos there.

I would expect the new version to be out of my budget of $500 or less.

That's why I thought this was a good price.

The new lens is supposed to be under $500.
I would wait a few more weeks if I were you. If the new one turns out to not be any better, then you can buy the older one. But if you buy one now, and the new one turn out to be a significant improvement, you'll be kicking yourself.

I like this lens, and praised it on POTN a few times. Good IQ, f/2.8 from 17mm to about 40-45mm, has macro capabilities, lightweight, great OS, longer than the 17-50 or 17-55 counterparts and a great price compared to them.

this was onsale for $299 not very long ago @ B&H too!

Check it out:
Compatible with the new USB dock too:

http://sigma-global.com …ontemporary/c_1​7_70_28_4/

new one is right at your price range...expected at the end of the month

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0mm_f_2_8_4_DC_​Macro.html