Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Digital SLR Cameras

Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Digital SLR Cameras:

Crisp focus, fast, bought it for my wife for Christmas and we spent the day shooting with it on the beach. Beautiful for both close up work and panoramic views. Macro is very nice, took some great close up shots of rock strata patterns. Very pleased with this lens [...] [...] and price were great.

Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Digital SLR Cameras:

I bought this lens because my Sony kit lens broke. And I have to say that, so far, I like this lens better. I love this lens. It was definitely the right purchase for my needs. The macro abilities are quite impressive. The lens is almost touching the subject by the time it is out of focus.

For the versatility and price of this lens, it is fantastic.

I do have a few complaints about it though. The auto focus is incredibly slow and loud and sometimes refuses to focus at all especially in low light and sometimes just relatively dim situations like shade on a cloudy day. This is my biggest complaint although to be honest it does not bother me that much as I tend to focus myself anyway. But if you are going to be using this for lots of action shots, you should probably look for something with a better autofocus.

Also I noticed that when shooting macro there is a noticable clarity loss on the outer part of the image, but as macro shots tend to be centered anyway, I dont think this is much of a problem.

This lens will cast a pretty enormous shadow when used with the built in flash of a Sony a100 as well. I use an external flash so this isn't much of a prblem for me, but if you don't have an external flash you might want to think about getting another lens.

Over all, I feel like this lens is sturdier, more versatile, and sharper than the Sony equivalent. (although I have not done a side by side comparison) I am extremely happy with it. The only major flaw it has is the autofocus, but if you are doing lots of shots with huge depth of field, like I do, and long et up times, then this should not be an issue.

Pair it with a longer zoom lens, and you are preparred for basically anything.

Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Digital SLR Cameras:

an adequate macro lens, but w/some zoom range (unlike a dedicated true macro) and decent wide angle capabilities. love the upclose ability, as minimum focus distance is less than 8 inches! works flawlessly w/my sony alpha 700. a very capable all purpose lens, which enables you to shoot in a variety of conditions w/o switching lenses, so that it is not only convenient but also a great value.

Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Digital SLR Cameras:

This lens has proven to be well-made and reliable. Have not needed the lens lock as there has been no lens creep. Produces sharp photos in a variety of lighting conditions paired with my Sony A700. Presently the only lens I have for this camera, with hopes to add a longer zoom in the near future. I use it for street photography as well as aviation photos.

Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Digital SLR Cameras:

I have not had a chance to use this lens yet. It is well made and appears to function well. I have never had any problems with Sigma lens. I have six.

Comments about Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Digital SLR Cameras:

I am a prosumer photographer that works towards professional quality pictures. The Sigma 17-70mm macro digital camera lens does the trick for me. I get good wide angle and crisp clear pictures. I would certainly recommend this lens.