Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC HSM Macro Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2008.
The lens belongs to the category standard zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2008 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC HSM Macro:

"Sigma’s 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM is the practical zoom! A large-aperture, standard zoom lens for digital cameras with an open-aperture value of F2.8 (at 17mm) and covers the most frequently used focal lengths. With an aperture fast enough to be used in many light situations, it’s close focusing for use with very small object and its outstanding optical performance make this is an ideal all-around lens for landscapes, portraits, still life studies, group shots and just about any everyday photo situation. With a faster aperture than the typical camera “kit lens” it is an excellent choice for the photographer who has higher expectations for their photo equipment.

Designed exclusively for use with smaller chip APS-c cameras

Close focusing down to only 8” away for a 1:2.3 magnification which is approximately ½ life size

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus

SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass provide optimum color correction & sharpness

Two aspherical lens elements provide critical sharpness & low distortion

A Super Multi-Coating is used to reduce the occurrence of flare & ghosting and delivers high performance across the entire focusing range

A lens hood and front & rear lens caps are included with the lens."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is designed and meant for Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 17-70 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 26-105 mm on your Nikon camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8-4,5.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 17 mm the lens brightness is f/2,8 and at 70 mm the brightness is f/4,5. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. 

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 72 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH780-04 581".

Images of Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC HSM Macro

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Light weight (490 gr)
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • No built-in image stabilizer
  • Poor aperture value with its f/4,5
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC HSM Macro.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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