Sigma 17-70mm?

NecroticSoldier · 05-13-2010, 02:35 PM

I have some money to spend, and just bought a 55-300mm. It's not here yet, but I already searched up a potential lens might want (Yeah, I know ;/... I'M NOT AN ADDICT!). Sigma 17-70mm no HSM... or wait a bit longer to get... HSM 17-70 or SDM 17-70.

I'm not really looking for wider angle, but how much of an improvement would it be to get this in place of my kit lens (DA L 18-55)? I know the range is much more flexible, but how about in terms of IQ and stuff?

(I could always save up the money for other more expensive lenses or maybe a tripod if I ever need one.)

Thanks for reading! Hope for some suggestions or insight!

SpecialK · 05-13-2010, 02:55 PM

Originally posted by NecroticSoldier

I have some money to spend, and just bought a 55-300mm. It's not here yet, but I already searched up a potential lens might want (Yeah, I know ;/... I'M NOT AN ADDICT!). Sigma 17-70mm no HSM... or wait a bit longer to get... HSM 17-70 or SDM 17-70.

I'm not really looking for wider angle, but how much of an improvement would it be to get this in place of my kit lens (DA L 18-55)? I know the range is much more flexible, but how about in terms of IQ and stuff?

(I could always save up the money for other more expensive lenses or maybe a tripod if I ever need one.)

Thanks for reading! Hope for some suggestions or insight!

Any of the lenses you are contemplating will be noticeably better than the kit lens under the majority of conditions.

twitch · 05-13-2010, 03:21 PM

Have you looked at the Tamron f2.8 constant aperture zooms?

NecroticSoldier · 05-13-2010, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by twitch

Have you looked at the Tamron f2.8 constant aperture zooms?

Yeah, definitely, but what I need more is also range towards the Tele end. That's why I didn't consider the Tamrons.

Ira · 05-13-2010, 03:49 PM

You're young with an incredible income potential. Plus, no wife yet to put the brake on things.

Get into primes, and start collecting now.

NecroticSoldier · 05-13-2010, 04:14 PM

Originally posted by Ira

You're young with an incredible income potential. Plus, no wife yet to put the brake on things.

Get into primes, and start collecting now.

Well... I got a gf if that counts! I got other hobbies too! Umm... Primes... are expensive and I'm not much of a collecting type of person ;D! though.. I HAVE been looking at the... DA* 200 and some 50s and even the 40 limiteds, but I'm pretty satisfied with what I have now (or so I think...).

My one love, 6 guitars, Pentax stuff, good food EVERYDAY, and living in a "rich" country. What more could I want? While it is no Utopia, I like what I get and have

! (I haven't entered the real world yet though...)

ALSO... YOU LIKE YOUR PRIMES VERY MUCH DON'T YOU?

SpecialK · 05-13-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Yeah, definitely, but what I need more is also range towards the Tele end. That's why I didn't consider the Tamrons.

Tamron makes an excellent 28-75 f2.8

NecroticSoldier · 05-13-2010, 06:58 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

Tamron makes an excellent 28-75 f2.8

Oh yeah! I think I should look into that!

Ehhh... I like the fast aperture, but it also sacrifices a lot of the wide angle range (I'd like to have at least 18mm) The extra tele end range is nice too.

Yeah, the aperture might not be as fast on the 17-70s but I do like the range a lot.

rlocurcio · 05-13-2010, 07:14 PM

I have a sigma 17-70 and love it. The difference from the kit lens is HUGE in terms of range, flexibility and it has macro... I don't miss the HSM... the only limitation is the shift in f stop as you zoom; this is especially troublesome in low light... but otherwise this is a GREAT lens; very sharp. The other difference between this and the kit lens is the weight... it's heavy... but once you try it you'll never use the kit lens again.

SpecialK · 05-13-2010, 09:41 PM

Originally posted by NecroticSoldier

Oh yeah! I think I should look into that!

Ehhh... I like the fast aperture, but it also sacrifices a lot of the wide angle range (I'd like to have at least 18mm) The extra tele end range is nice too.

Yeah, the aperture might not be as fast on the 17-70s but I do like the range a lot.

I mis-interpreted your post above about needing more range into the tele end (compared to the kit lens) (and still wanting the wide end...).

So, yeah, a 17-70. I would go with a Tamron as the SDM-complaint threads are numerous...

ozzi-paul · 05-13-2010, 11:29 PM

I have the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 on my K20D, its way better than the kit lens and the aperture range is much better, so is the focal range. The new version may be of more interest to you though, f2.8-4.0 aperture range with better glass, HSM and OS,(not that the OS is needed, but it can be used instead of the SR).
The weight of the Sigma shouldn't be a problem, yeah heavier than the kit lens but its only a bit over 500 grams so its not to heavy.

bobmaxja · 05-14-2010, 04:14 AM

I started a tread to show difference between the Kit lense 18-55 and the Sigma 17-70 but also the Tamrom 10-24

Just go here

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/100845-compara...vs17-70-a.html

Honestly not a major difference between the two. in coverage at the 18 or 17mm. If you need coverage look at the Tamron 10-24

bdery · 05-14-2010, 05:35 AM

I have the Sigma 17-70 (first version) and the WR kit. the kit is better than I expected, but it is NOT on par with the Sigma. The latter has much better contrast, colours, it's a faster lens, it's sharper, in short everything is better.

I love having the small, light WR kit lens, it's perfect for hiking, rainy days, etc. But the Siggy is my go-to lens most of the time.

Entropy · 05-14-2010, 07:22 AM

Originally posted by rlocurcio

I have a sigma 17-70 and love it. The difference from the kit lens is HUGE in terms of range, flexibility and it has macro... I don't miss the HSM... the only limitation is the shift in f stop as you zoom; this is especially troublesome in low light... but otherwise this is a GREAT lens; very sharp. The other difference between this and the kit lens is the weight... it's heavy... but once you try it you'll never use the kit lens again.

Keep in mind the Pentax 17-70 is fixed at f/4, not f/2.8 - so the existing Sig 17-70 is only slightly slower (f/4.5) and the new one performs the same, while giving you the option of going faster at the wide end.

If you don't want to shift exposure as you zoom, simply go into Av mode and set aperture to 4.5 or slower.

NecroticSoldier · 05-14-2010, 02:12 PM

Originally posted by ozzi-paul

I have the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 on my K20D, its way better than the kit lens and the aperture range is much better, so is the focal range. The new version may be of more interest to you though, f2.8-4.0 aperture range with better glass, HSM and OS,(not that the OS is needed, but it can be used instead of the SR).
The weight of the Sigma shouldn't be a problem, yeah heavier than the kit lens but its only a bit over 500 grams so its not to heavy.

Yeah, I read about it and... it's about $100 more expensive, but HSM has gotta be good + the faster tele end aperture + rounded aperture blades. The minimum focus range is longer though. I believe... the older one is 1:2.3 while this one is 1:2.7. To a newbie like me though, it does not make much difference. Is rounded aperture better bokeh as it says?

@Bob those are just 3 pictures ;/ it's kinda hard to judge... with just that. But from what you have, it seems like all three lenses are EXACTLY the same, but maybe a bit darker on the green in differences.

I have also read about Sigma and QC issues ;/ should I worry about it?

05-13-2010, 02:35 PM	#1
NecroticSoldier Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scarborough, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 488	Sigma 17-70mm? I have some money to spend, and just bought a 55-300mm. It's not here yet, but I already searched up a potential lens might want (Yeah, I know ;/... I'M NOT AN ADDICT!). Sigma 17-70mm no HSM... or wait a bit longer to get... HSM 17-70 or SDM 17-70. I'm not really looking for wider angle, but how much of an improvement would it be to get this in place of my kit lens (DA L 18-55)? I know the range is much more flexible, but how about in terms of IQ and stuff? (I could always save up the money for other more expensive lenses or maybe a tripod if I ever need one.) Thanks for reading! Hope for some suggestions or insight!

05-13-2010, 04:14 PM	#6
NecroticSoldier Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scarborough, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 488 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ira You're young with an incredible income potential. Plus, no wife yet to put the brake on things. Get into primes, and start collecting now. Well... I got a gf if that counts! I got other hobbies too! Umm... Primes... are expensive and I'm not much of a collecting type of person ;D! though.. I HAVE been looking at the... DA* 200 and some 50s and even the 40 limiteds, but I'm pretty satisfied with what I have now (or so I think...). My one love, 6 guitars, Pentax stuff, good food EVERYDAY, and living in a "rich" country. What more could I want? While it is no Utopia, I like what I get and have ! (I haven't entered the real world yet though...) ALSO... YOU LIKE YOUR PRIMES VERY MUCH DON'T YOU? Last edited by NecroticSoldier; 05-13-2010 at 04:39 PM. Reason: Adding...

05-13-2010, 06:58 PM	#8
NecroticSoldier Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scarborough, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 488 Original Poster	Originally posted by SpecialK Tamron makes an excellent 28-75 f2.8 Oh yeah! I think I should look into that! Ehhh... I like the fast aperture, but it also sacrifices a lot of the wide angle range (I'd like to have at least 18mm) The extra tele end range is nice too. Yeah, the aperture might not be as fast on the 17-70s but I do like the range a lot. Last edited by NecroticSoldier; 05-13-2010 at 07:10 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sigma 24-70mm, Sigma 28-70mm, or Tamron 28-75mm?	gkreth	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	05-23-2010 01:01 PM
For Sale - Sold: K20D, FA35mm f/2, FA50mm f/1.5, Sigma 17-70mm, Sigma EF-500DG	palmor	Sold Items	11	10-29-2009 10:10 PM
For Sale - Sold: FS: FA 77mm limited, Sigma 17-70mm DC Macro, Sigma 70-300mm APO DG	chemxaj	Sold Items	10	03-17-2008 08:55 AM

05-13-2010, 02:55 PM	#2
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Originally posted by NecroticSoldier I have some money to spend, and just bought a 55-300mm. It's not here yet, but I already searched up a potential lens might want (Yeah, I know ;/... I'M NOT AN ADDICT!). Sigma 17-70mm no HSM... or wait a bit longer to get... HSM 17-70 or SDM 17-70. I'm not really looking for wider angle, but how much of an improvement would it be to get this in place of my kit lens (DA L 18-55)? I know the range is much more flexible, but how about in terms of IQ and stuff? (I could always save up the money for other more expensive lenses or maybe a tripod if I ever need one.) Thanks for reading! Hope for some suggestions or insight! Any of the lenses you are contemplating will be noticeably better than the kit lens under the majority of conditions.

05-13-2010, 03:21 PM	#3
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Have you looked at the Tamron f2.8 constant aperture zooms?

05-13-2010, 03:34 PM	#4
NecroticSoldier Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scarborough, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 488 Original Poster	Originally posted by twitch Have you looked at the Tamron f2.8 constant aperture zooms? Yeah, definitely, but what I need more is also range towards the Tele end. That's why I didn't consider the Tamrons.

05-13-2010, 03:49 PM	#5
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	You're young with an incredible income potential. Plus, no wife yet to put the brake on things. Get into primes, and start collecting now.

05-13-2010, 06:24 PM	#7
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Quote: Yeah, definitely, but what I need more is also range towards the Tele end. That's why I didn't consider the Tamrons. Tamron makes an excellent 28-75 f2.8

05-13-2010, 07:14 PM	#9
rlocurcio New Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Merritt Island, FL Posts: 9	I have a sigma 17-70 and love it. The difference from the kit lens is HUGE in terms of range, flexibility and it has macro... I don't miss the HSM... the only limitation is the shift in f stop as you zoom; this is especially troublesome in low light... but otherwise this is a GREAT lens; very sharp. The other difference between this and the kit lens is the weight... it's heavy... but once you try it you'll never use the kit lens again.

05-13-2010, 09:41 PM	#10
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Originally posted by NecroticSoldier Oh yeah! I think I should look into that! Ehhh... I like the fast aperture, but it also sacrifices a lot of the wide angle range (I'd like to have at least 18mm) The extra tele end range is nice too. Yeah, the aperture might not be as fast on the 17-70s but I do like the range a lot. I mis-interpreted your post above about needing more range into the tele end (compared to the kit lens) (and still wanting the wide end...). So, yeah, a 17-70. I would go with a Tamron as the SDM-complaint threads are numerous...

05-13-2010, 11:29 PM	#11
ozzi-paul Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: N/E Victoria, Australia, on the mighty Murray River. Photos: Albums Posts: 141	I have the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 on my K20D, its way better than the kit lens and the aperture range is much better, so is the focal range. The new version may be of more interest to you though, f2.8-4.0 aperture range with better glass, HSM and OS,(not that the OS is needed, but it can be used instead of the SR). The weight of the Sigma shouldn't be a problem, yeah heavier than the kit lens but its only a bit over 500 grams so its not to heavy.

05-14-2010, 04:14 AM	#12
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	I started a tread to show difference between the Kit lense 18-55 and the Sigma 17-70 but also the Tamrom 10-24 Just go here https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/100845-compara...vs17-70-a.html Honestly not a major difference between the two. in coverage at the 18 or 17mm. If you need coverage look at the Tamron 10-24

05-14-2010, 05:35 AM	#13
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	I have the Sigma 17-70 (first version) and the WR kit. the kit is better than I expected, but it is NOT on par with the Sigma. The latter has much better contrast, colours, it's a faster lens, it's sharper, in short everything is better. I love having the small, light WR kit lens, it's perfect for hiking, rainy days, etc. But the Siggy is my go-to lens most of the time.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

05-14-2010, 07:22 AM	#14
Entropy Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 976	Originally posted by rlocurcio I have a sigma 17-70 and love it. The difference from the kit lens is HUGE in terms of range, flexibility and it has macro... I don't miss the HSM... the only limitation is the shift in f stop as you zoom; this is especially troublesome in low light... but otherwise this is a GREAT lens; very sharp. The other difference between this and the kit lens is the weight... it's heavy... but once you try it you'll never use the kit lens again. Keep in mind the Pentax 17-70 is fixed at f/4, not f/2.8 - so the existing Sig 17-70 is only slightly slower (f/4.5) and the new one performs the same, while giving you the option of going faster at the wide end. If you don't want to shift exposure as you zoom, simply go into Av mode and set aperture to 4.5 or slower.

05-14-2010, 02:12 PM	#15
NecroticSoldier Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scarborough, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 488 Original Poster	Originally posted by ozzi-paul I have the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 on my K20D, its way better than the kit lens and the aperture range is much better, so is the focal range. The new version may be of more interest to you though, f2.8-4.0 aperture range with better glass, HSM and OS,(not that the OS is needed, but it can be used instead of the SR). The weight of the Sigma shouldn't be a problem, yeah heavier than the kit lens but its only a bit over 500 grams so its not to heavy. Yeah, I read about it and... it's about $100 more expensive, but HSM has gotta be good + the faster tele end aperture + rounded aperture blades. The minimum focus range is longer though. I believe... the older one is 1:2.3 while this one is 1:2.7. To a newbie like me though, it does not make much difference. Is rounded aperture better bokeh as it says? @Bob those are just 3 pictures ;/ it's kinda hard to judge... with just that. But from what you have, it seems like all three lenses are EXACTLY the same, but maybe a bit darker on the green in differences. I have also read about Sigma and QC issues ;/ should I worry about it?