Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

[Mightyquin]

I'm seriously thinking of buying this lens for use on my 20D/30D. I've read several good reviews, it seems to perform as well as the Canon 17-55 f2.8 is said to overall (better in some areas!) and it can be bought new with 3 yrs warranty for just over £300.

Before I pull the trigger I'd like to get some users opinions.

[Paulstw]

Re: Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

I know many people using it with great success. I've tried one out and I'd pull the trigger on one myself if I could afford it. Far superior IQ to my 17-85 from the quick test I did. It's well built too and feels solid.

A girl I know from Glasgow shoots exclusively with it on her 400D. Her pics are great.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lkbphotographic/

[wayne2418]

Re: Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

She (Leanne) loves her street pics Paul ...

[Mightyquin]

Re: Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

Thanks Paul, impressive work. I was going to PM her for advice but pulled the trigger and picked up one of these today. Park Cameras new store in London had Sigma in and the rep gave me a small discount so it seemed rude not to!

First impressions are it's a quality product, more 'together' feel than the Canon 17-55 and more compact. It comes with a lens hood and a very nice case, and 3 years warranty. I'll post some images and opinions when I've had a chance to use it.

I was thinking of putting the money in buying a 5D Mk1 body instead and using my manual focus primes but this will give my 20/30D a new lease of life hopefully!

[Mightyquin]

Re: Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

I managed to take a few quick test shots this evening to compare the IQ with the Canon 18-55 IS. Obviously you'd hope to see a difference in a more expensive lens. At f4 (to compare like for like) the difference is significant. I'm interested to see how it holds up against my Leica lenses too….

[Hereford_EOS]

Re: Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

The Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 EX DC HSM OS is quite a good lens.
It is let down when wide open at f/2.8 but from f/4 onwards it is very good.
The centre resolution is outstanding from f/4.
The extreme corners can appear soft but stopping down improves it a lot.
The AF is fast and quiet.
There is no full-time manual focusing.

[Mightyquin]

Re: Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

Two shots this morning at 17mm, f2.8 and f8.

f2.jpg

f8.jpg

[Doglet]

Re: Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

I swapped my 17/70 for this lens and do not regret it.


Forth Rail Bridge by M1RVW, on Flickr

[colin C]

Re: Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

Beautiful.

I would by the lens just on the strength of that photo.

[DeeGee]

Re: Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

The Forth Rail Bridge photo is a stunner.

[Mightyquin]

Re: Anyone use the Sigma 17-50 f2.8?

Excellent photo Doglet!