Ideal all-round lens for cameras with APS-C sensor

The Sigma 17-70 has largely shifted from purely technical data as an ideal all-round lens on: The converted to full-frame equivalent focal length rounded mathematically 27-112 (Canon) or 26-105 (Nikon), which in each case a moderate wide-angle to a moderate bishin telephoto equivalent. You have to at least theoretically all this to be especially prepared in wanting to pack light for most situations. I want you here represent some of the central points that I noticed during testing and which I consider particularly important.

- Image Quality. Of course, the central point of reference for the assessment of each lens. First of all: The image quality of a fixed focal length does not reach the Sigma. Now you have to remember, however, that such lenses are expected for only one focal length, often by itself in a similar weight and price league play (if not above) and offer no comparable flexibility. The Sigma looks at all focal lengths at maximum aperture very neat - the copy at my disposal at the telephoto end better than the wide angle end. The lens delivers enough detail to tease out some more sharpness of the images using Photoshop. Stopped down to 5.6 or 8.0, the values ​​are very good to excellent. The bokeh (the aesthetic quality of the background blur) is pleasantly quiet for a zoom lens. I would use the lens without reservation, to make me important recordings appears.

- Light intensity. You may be interested to know where changes the light intensity of this lens. Therefore, the short overview: from focal length 20 3.2. From focal length 26 3.5. From focal length 40 4.0. Really strong light the lens is therefore only at the short end. If you need a continuous luminous intensity of 2.8, you're probably better off at the various competitive offerings in the range 17-50 or 17-55. However, if you need the extra telephoto reach to the top, the present lens is more suitable. Ultimately this is a question of the intended use and taste.

- Image Stabilizer. Works very quietly and effectively, no worse than I am accustomed to this as my Canon 24-105 4.0 L. I can not say anything, but for photographing the existing technology is very well suited on the suitability for working in the video area. The power consumption increases, but that's not unusual.

- Autofocus. Reacts fast, accurate and virtually silent. Sigma has done an excellent job here. Unfortunately, you have to switch on a manual switch between AF and MF, so it can not intervene at any time in the focus. However, this is to get over, you also probably for the asking price can not have everything.

- Building quality and aesthetics. Here me Sigma has largely convinced. The zoom ring is running firmly comfortable and moves the tube well controlled over the full distance. Less appealing I find the control ring for manual focusing, which would require a more generous translation and thus more precision tolerated. On the other hand as the focusing path is short and the operation in automatic mode efficiently. Although the objective is for the most part made of plastic, it seems by no means cheap. This owes not least the elegant label that appeals to me much more than the classic Sigma Design.

- Price-Performance Ratio. The starting price for this lens is around 500 euros. At this point, I would describe the price-performance ratio as well. Excellent it is, if the price in the range of 400 Euro or even drops below what is going to happen according to experience over time. It is gratifying that accompanies a lens hood made of plastic.

- Conclusion. The Sigma is a small and elegant for the focal range offered lens that will yield very good performance in experienced hands. I would anytime prefer the usual Kitobjektiven or the mega zoom with much greater focal length spread, since no comparable light levels are achieved. For me it will be used on a small Canon camera with APS-C sensor, if I do not want to carry with me my great professional equipment. Anyone looking for a small generalist with great application potential, could be happy with the Sigma so.

If you want to share your impressions of this lens with me or have any questions, I am pleased with your comment.