Sigma 17-70: Which version?

Edmund · 05-20-2010, 06:18 AM

According to Sigma's website [Standard Zoom Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com] there are three versions of the 17-70mm lens:

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8 - f/4.5 DC Macro HSM

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8 - f/4 DC Macro OS HSM

Based on everything I have read I do not need the OS version with my K-7, plus the non-OS versions seem to be slightly better lenses. So, should I get the non-HSM or the HSM? I guess I am asking: Does the HSM work well with the K-7? Is it better or worse than the non-HSM version? Thanks.

Last edited by Edmund; 05-20-2010 at 06:34 AM.

KjetilH · 05-20-2010, 06:36 AM

If I remember right, there is just the "old" non-HSM -4.5 and the new OS HSM -4.0. The -4.5 HSM is for Nikon.

According to Photozone, the OS HSM seems to be better at the wider angles, but similar at 70mm. The older version has better close-up features (1:2,4) compared to the newer (1:2,7).

I don't have a K-7, but generally I find Sigmas HSM to be quick and responsive, though not necessarily faster than screw-driven lenses.

Edmund · 05-20-2010, 07:04 AM

OK, I see now that the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8 - f/4.5 DC Macro HSM (non-OS) is only for the Nikon mount. Thanks for pointing that out.

So my choices are really just the Macro or the Macro OS HSM. I am guessing the plain Macro version may provide the best results (based on reviews and users' opinions). I am still open to other's views on this.

RBellavance · 05-20-2010, 07:37 AM

Originally posted by Edmund

So my choices are really just the Macro or the Macro OS HSM. I am guessing the plain Macro version may provide the best results (based on reviews and users' opinions). I am still open to other's views on this.

They both are "macro" (more precisely, close-focusing). The non-OS has a slightly better magnification ratio, as has already been mentioned, but it's not likely to make a big difference in practice. Neither is the f/4 vs f/4.5 aperture at 70mm.

What it boils down to is if the difference in price is worth having OS and HSM. On a Pentax body with SR, and in that focal range, I don't think OS is worth it. As for HSM, I have not tried it, but I own the non-OS version and it focuses quite quickly.

Conclusion: I would recommend choosing the older non-OS version.

Mechan1k · 05-22-2010, 09:04 AM

I'd be happy with just the old version myself.

05-20-2010, 06:18 AM	#1
Edmund Forum Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 68	Sigma 17-70: Which version? According to Sigma's website [Standard Zoom Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com] there are three versions of the 17-70mm lens: Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8 - f/4.5 DC Macro HSM Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8 - f/4 DC Macro OS HSM Based on everything I have read I do not need the OS version with my K-7, plus the non-OS versions seem to be slightly better lenses. So, should I get the non-HSM or the HSM? I guess I am asking: Does the HSM work well with the K-7? Is it better or worse than the non-HSM version? Thanks. Last edited by Edmund; 05-20-2010 at 06:34 AM.

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05-20-2010, 06:36 AM	#2
KjetilH Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oslo Photos: Gallery Posts: 309	If I remember right, there is just the "old" non-HSM -4.5 and the new OS HSM -4.0. The -4.5 HSM is for Nikon. According to Photozone, the OS HSM seems to be better at the wider angles, but similar at 70mm. The older version has better close-up features (1:2,4) compared to the newer (1:2,7). I don't have a K-7, but generally I find Sigmas HSM to be quick and responsive, though not necessarily faster than screw-driven lenses.

05-20-2010, 07:04 AM	#3
Edmund Forum Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 68 Original Poster	OK, I see now that the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8 - f/4.5 DC Macro HSM (non-OS) is only for the Nikon mount. Thanks for pointing that out. So my choices are really just the Macro or the Macro OS HSM. I am guessing the plain Macro version may provide the best results (based on reviews and users' opinions). I am still open to other's views on this.

05-20-2010, 07:37 AM	#4
RBellavance Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Near Montréal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,716	Originally posted by Edmund So my choices are really just the Macro or the Macro OS HSM. I am guessing the plain Macro version may provide the best results (based on reviews and users' opinions). I am still open to other's views on this. They both are "macro" (more precisely, close-focusing). The non-OS has a slightly better magnification ratio, as has already been mentioned, but it's not likely to make a big difference in practice. Neither is the f/4 vs f/4.5 aperture at 70mm. What it boils down to is if the difference in price is worth having OS and HSM. On a Pentax body with SR, and in that focal range, I don't think OS is worth it. As for HSM, I have not tried it, but I own the non-OS version and it focuses quite quickly. Conclusion: I would recommend choosing the older non-OS version.

05-22-2010, 09:04 AM	#5
Mechan1k Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,891	I'd be happy with just the old version myself.