can anyone compare quality between these two lenses?

I know there is a large price difference but I am interested in two lenses and not sure which one to purchase, although if it was for price I know which one I would want straight away.

Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5 macro
Canon 50mm F1.8 mkII

Dont suppose anyone has both these lenses and can compare shots?
Cheers for any feedback
Gav

I've only used the Canon 50/1.8, but I would have to say that this is hardly a fair comparison. One lens is a relatively slow after-market zoom with variable aperture, the other is a fast prime. I'd expect the 50/1.8 to beat the 17-70 hands down as far as IQ and sharpness goes, but I can't comment on the Sigma's bokeh, AF, build quality etc. Relative to more expensive lenses, the 50/1.8 has pretty slow AF and cheap build quality, plus it's bokeh isn't anything to write home about. But it was a great learning lens for me (fast aperture-wise) and delivered some real keepers too. The 17-70 will give you many more options in terms of composition (50mm is pretty long on a 1.6 crop factor camera), but I'd expect its optics to be a bit of a compromise.

Do you already have a lens? If you already have a kit zoom (18-55), I'd get the 50mm first and then maybe look at upgrading to a higher-quality (constant aperture) zoom later on.

Yes I have the 18-55 kit lens but I was wanting to purchase another lens before December comes when Im off to Prague for some landscapes and architectural pics (good xmas markets etc) probably very cold and snowy ones too!!! I like the idea of trying to capture the cold with things like seeing the icy breath on a person shivering at their market stall etc.

I used to own the 17-70 before I changed to the 24-80 for the constant aperture. I own the 50mm1.8. Now, the 50mm is sharper from about 2.8 on up, it can be soft at 1.8. The Sigma is pretty sharp wide open at 2.8 but not as sharp as the 50 at equal apertures. After 2.8 though both lenses do well. If I had to choose either lens as an "only" lens again, I'd pick the 17-70 in a heartbeat, it's a great "jack of all trades" lenses that can really do a lot.

I've got example photos from the 17-70 here:
https://photography-on-the.net …ghlight=17-70+sample+pics

There's 50mm shots here:
https://photography-on-the.net …186207&highligh​t=50mm+1.8

If you're wanting a lens for travel shots, I'd suggest either:

1.) Saving your money and making good use of the kit lens around its sweet apertures and focal lengths (i.e. wide and f/8 or so); or
2.) Buying the 17-70; or
3.) Buying the Tamron 28-75 2.8 (constant aperture) and keeping the kit lens for wide shots.

The 50mm will be too long for a lot of your shots when travelling (on a crop camera anyway). The Tamron is a bit more expensive than the Sigma, but constant aperture gives you more options and 28mm is wide enough for *most* shots. Plus the kit lens can get the wider shots anyway -- it performs best on the wide end and large apertures (where the kit lens is crap) normally aren't useful for landscapes. You'll enjoy the extra f/2.8 reach of the Tammy for the candids you're after too.

Hope that helps, and good luck!

Thanks for your help, Iv just about made my mind up now... I have in mind I will take my kit lens on location this time and see how I get on,,, If I do have the extra cash nearer december it will be the Sigma I purchase as Im very pleased with the quality pics Iv seen so far and for £200 I dont think there is a better lens out there!

You really can't compare a zoom lens with Canon's budget 50mm prime lens - they are really apples and oranges. But the 50mm f/1.8 is so cheap really you need to get both lenses. that will solve your dilemma nicely.

but if you can only have one, then it has to be the zoom. 50mm is just too long on a crop camera

I went from the 18-55 kit lens to the Sigma 24-70 EX and it was a very good decision. Have you thought about putting out the extra $75 for the 24-70?

As has been said, you're comparing apples with oranges.
So any comments on their relative 'quality' aren't particularly valid.

Fair enough. But I think you'll wish you had a constant-aperture lens!!

If you must have a compairison, this would be a good way to compare them. Tests run under the same basic test rigor.

http://www.photozone.d​e …sigma_1770_2845​/index.htm

http://www.photozone.d​e …ses/canon_50_18​/index.htm

Enjoy! Lon