Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4

[iolair]

Does anyone here have any first-hand experience of any version of the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4. On paper, it ticks a lot of boxes for me (relatively fast aperture, good focal length range, stabilisation, sharp (according to many reports, but others are disappointed), close focus) and looks a great all-rounder. Amazon reviews are generally pretty positive, sounds like Sigma's variation between copies has gone down a lot recently.

DxOMark's comparison suggests that on a 7D it is the equal of the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 in terms of overall quality, but has less vignetting and better transmission than the Canon lens.

 

[SCraig]

Yes, I have the previous version as opposed to the one they are making now. It seems to be sharp from one end of the zoom to the other, and I've never noticed any vignetting on it however I seldom shoot it wide open. For the price I think it's an excellent lens, and that's why I originally purchased it. I've had it about 3 years, I think, and have had no regrets whatsoever.