First impressions of my new Sigma 17-70

I know it's hard to believe but I finally made my mind up on which all around lens to buy. I can now stop my obsession with ? vs. ?.

First thing I noticed was how solid and sturdy it feels. It's much heavier than my 50 1.8 that's for sure. I'll have to order the POTN strap. The Canon XTi strap won't do.

This lens focuses very fast in low light. I've read about a so called "noise". If this is noisy then I'd like to hear what a silent lens sounds like. If "noise" is a concern let me say that it shouldn't be in my opinion. This lens makes no more noise than my USM Canon kit lens.

It's pooring down rain here in Seattle. Hardly a great day to test out the lens. Maybe tomorrow or Wednesday. I'll post pics when I do. I want to do a side by side comparison on a tripod against my nice copy of a 50 1.8. If it's near that I'll be very happy.

I nearly went with the Tamron 18-50 2.8

The reason I did NOT buy the Tamron was...

$100 more
20mm less in range
optical tests on multiple sites - slightly less sharp than the Sigma.
curvature problem on the Tamron which doesn't exist on the Sigma.
Build quality - The Sigma feels more solid, but heavy.
The only time I'll really need the 2.8 is WA, indoors. The Sigma has that.

I hope this helps anyone on the fence. I strongly suggest that you spend alot of time researching. I was surprised at the detail of information and comparison tests online.

Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing the pictures. I just posted today looking for input on that lens. With all I am hearing I will probably order one this week.

Just Be wrote in post #2225642
I know it's hard to believe but I finally made my mind up on which all around lens to buy. I can now stop my obsession with ? vs. ?.

First thing I noticed was how solid and sturdy it feels. It's much heavier than my 50 1.8 that's for sure. I'll have to order the POTN strap. The Canon XTi strap won't do.

This lens focuses very fast in low light. I've read about a so called "noise". If this is noisy then I'd like to hear what a silent lens sounds like. If "noise" is a concern let me say that it shouldn't be in my opinion. This lens makes no more noise than my USM Canon kit lens.

It's pooring down rain here in Seattle. Hardly a great day to test out the lens. Maybe tomorrow or Wednesday. I'll post pics when I do. I want to do a side by side comparison on a tripod against my nice copy of a 50 1.8. If it's near that I'll be very happy.

I nearly went with the Tamron 18-50 2.8

The reason I did NOT buy the Tamron was...

$100 more
20mm less in range
optical tests on multiple sites - slightly less sharp than the Sigma.
curvature problem on the Tamron which doesn't exist on the Sigma.
Build quality - The Sigma feels more solid, but heavy.
The only time I'll really need the 2.8 is WA, indoors. The Sigma has that.

I hope this helps anyone on the fence. I strongly suggest that you spend alot of time researching. I was surprised at the detail of information and comparison tests online.

Hey Just Be,

Glad you got thie Sigma 17-70mm. I have heard of the occasional bad copy but I and so many others are raving about this lens. I agree with you completely in your assessment. It is quiet and pretty fast, even in low light, and now that I am using a 580EX it is such a sweet lens. I was hoping I made the right decision as I knew I was giving up the fixed f/2.8 for the range on the Sigma. I am so happy I did. So for now, I, like you have the Sigma 17-70mm and the 50mm f/1.8 and I am a happy camper.

Can't wait to see some pictures.