Sigma 17-70 question

Olrocker · 05-30-2007, 05:35 AM

I'm considering going DSLR (have used Pentax film cameras since the 70s) and the K10D is at the top of my list (although I may wait to see how the Hoya thing shakes out.) My lens question is regarding the Sigma 17-70 2.8 Macro, which looks like a good alternative to the kit lens. I've seen the 2.8-4.5 macro commented on and advertised, and have seen references to the "2.8 macro", but cannot find it available anywhere. Are we talking about the same lens?

-spam- · 05-30-2007, 05:53 AM

The 2.8 macro could be refering to either the sigma 24-70mm f2.8 macro or the 18-50 f2.8

Anyways, the 17-70 is an amazing lens and i highly recommend it.

maleek · 05-30-2007, 07:23 AM

I am interested in the 17-70 seeing that the tamron 28-75 isn't availiable in pentax mount here in Sweden. How do you people think that it compares to the Pentax kit lens? Pros and cons?

foxglove · 05-30-2007, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by maleek

I am interested in the 17-70 seeing that the tamron 28-75 isn't availiable in pentax mount here in Sweden. How do you people think that it compares to the Pentax kit lens? Pros and cons?

I just got the Sigma 17-70 essentially to replace the kit lens as my general purpose lens, and I'm very happy with it. Way faster AF - who knows, I might actually use it! Larger max aperture at all focal lengths, and although I haven't really pushed its limits, I expect this is going to mean greatly improved low-light performance. Far, far better at macro distances, which is important to me because I always seem to end up on my hands and knees photographing some bug or flower! It's nice and sharp, and it feels more solid than the kit lens. Given the price difference, it had better be superior!

Julie

Olrocker · 05-30-2007, 09:32 AM

So, the 17-70 2.8 Macro is actually the 2.8-4.5, correct? (which is probably fine; just want to make sure there's not a constant max aperture version out there that I'd be missing)

matix · 05-30-2007, 02:57 PM

Hi Olrocker, I have had my 17-70 for a couple of months now, and love it. It is on my K10D all the time as a walk around lens, no complaints.

Here is an example, with an 100% inset from the same image.

This is an earlier thread from just after I got it.

A full on lens - Sigma 17-70 2.8 DC

Phil

Olrocker · 05-30-2007, 05:59 PM

Phil,

Nice looking lens. Your other thread answered my question (it is a 2.8-4.5)

Thanks for the feedback!

Scott

thoughtfulchaos · 05-30-2007, 07:27 PM

I too went with the Sigma 17-70 as my first lens on my K10D - turned out to be a good choice. It gives a good range and decent abilities for a solid all-around performer that's surprisingly sharp - especially on centre. I figured it would help me discover what subsequent lenses I'd want by seeing how I shoot with it (wide, tele, macro), which it did. Ended up grabbing the DA 50-200 not much later for a bit of tele.

-Nate