Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras
The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens is a large-aperture lens with a maximum f/stop of f/2.8 in wide angle setting. The large zoom range of this 4x zoom lens (equivalent range of approx. 27-112mm when used with a Nikon digital SLR camera with an APS-C size chip) makes it ideal as an everyday large-aperture lens. In addition, the minimum focus distance of 8.7" along with the maximum magnification of 1:2.7 also makes the lens perfect for close-up photography.
Optical Stabilization (OS) anti-shake technology allows you to use shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible, without motion blur. This anti-shake technology, along with the fast f/2.8 to 4 aperture, makes this lens perfect for shooting in low light without a tripod.
The lens' Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a quiet and high-speed auto focus, while its rounded, seven-blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur when shooting at wide apertures. The inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarizing filters.
DC lenses are exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size chip. The image circle (rear of lens) is made to match the smaller dimensions used for the image sensor on digital cameras. As a result these lenses are also more compact and lightweight, and are better matched to digital SLR cameras.
Note! Not suitable for 35mm film SLR cameras or for any digital SLR camera with image sensor bigger than APS-C size, e.g. Canon 1D series
- DC lenses are designed for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size chips
- Large 4x zoom range gives this lens an equivalent range of 27-112mm when used with a Nikon digital SLR camera
- Optical Stabilization (OS), anti-shake technology allows use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible, without motion blur
- Fast f/2.8-4 aperture makes this lens perfect for low light
- With a minimum focus distance of 8.7" along with the maximum magnification of 1:2.7 the lens is perfect for close-up photography
- Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a quiet and high-speed auto focus
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17 - 70 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 - 4.0 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View | 72.4° - 20.2° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 8.7" (22.10 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.37x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2.7 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/17 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 72 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.1 x 3.5" (7.87 x 8.89 cm) |
| Weight | 1.18 lb (535 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 48 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (50)
- Consistent output (34)
- Strong construction (28)
- Easily interchangeable (19)
- Durable (15)
Cons
- Heavy (9)
- Lens creep (6)
- Inconsistent focus (3)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (33)
- Low light (22)
- Weddings (22)
- Macro photography (18)
- Night photography (12)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (33), Pro photographer (8), Semi-pro photographer (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (26)
Most Liked Positive Review
Versatile lens
The Sigma 17-70 mm f/2.8-4 DC macro zoom lens with HSM is a nice lens choice for making good photographic images in the normal range of focal lengths (17- 70 mm)...Read complete review
The Sigma 17-70 mm f/2.8-4 DC macro zoom lens with HSM is a nice lens choice for making good photographic images in the normal range of focal lengths (17- 70 mm). I wanted a normal zoom lens that was at least one f-stop faster than the Nikon kit lens and the Nikkor alternatives are too pricey for my budget. Before purchasing this Sigma lens I struggled with the decision to spend additional money for Sigma's 17 – 50 mm f/2.8 lens, or this lens. They are both nice lenses and I made my decision after I realized that there is only a 2/3 f-stop penalty at 50 mm, no penalty at 17mm, and with this lens you get a wider zoom range. I have only owned the lens for two weeks and so far I don't regret buying a Sigma 17-70 mm f/2.8-4 lens. It takes nice photos, focuses fast, and has optical stabilization. Now for a few minor annoyances and these are minor because overall Sigma makes nice, easy to use lenses. The lens is heavy, it does not have a lens mounting gasket, and the zoom ring is stiff while the manual focus ring is touchy. One other annoyance, for some reason the lens metadata shows that optical stabilization is turned on regardless of the lens OS switch position. Optical stabilization seems to be working correctly though and all other lens metadata seems correct. I hope this snapshot of information helps you decide whether this lens would be right for you. I expect to get many years of nice photos from mine. Cheers.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good idea but not quite there
I struggled with 3 or 4 stars because this lens is not really bad but I ultimately decided that it doesn't perform in the key areas that would have set it apart. It is soft...Read complete review
I struggled with 3 or 4 stars because this lens is not really bad but I ultimately decided that it doesn't perform in the key areas that would have set it apart. It is soft wide open so for me that is a deal breaker in itself. AF is average at best and OS is decent but not as good as Nikon's VR. When compared to the Nikon 16-85mm it really is no contest. The 16-85 has more range on both ends, AF is much better, it's quieter, and VR is better. The 17-70 image quality is decent as long as you stop down, but again, that defeats the purpose of choosing this over the others. I also didn't find the Macro to be anything worth using. While this isn't a bad lens, there are just better options out there. If you need f2.8, get the Tamron 17-50 or Sigma 18-50. Otherwise, I would recommend the 16-85mmVR or even the 18-105mmVR Nikkors.
Reviewed by 48 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Perfect standard lens
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Everyday
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
This lens is a perfect "standard" lens, the lens you have attached to your camera as default. The quality is in another league then the standard 18-55mm lens that comes with kit DSLR cameraes. I would strongly recomend to purchase the camerahouse without a kit lens and use the money you save on buying just the camerahouse, then add some money to the money you saved and buy this lens which is in everyway better then the kitlenses. I have two negative things about this lens. First, the camera has a very notisable zoomcreep, but, there is a lockswitch which locks the lens to 17mm to address the problem but does not solve it because you have to unlock the zoomfunction everytime you turn on the camera and that may cost you the halv to one second that lost you the great scene. The other thing about the lens is that it lacks a rubber sealing that some NIKKOR lenses have to give a better seal between the camera and the lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
Love the range and close up ability of this lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
The Sigma 17-70 mm f/2.8-4 DC macro zoom lens with HSM is a nice lens choice for making good photographic images in the normal range of focal lengths (17- 70 mm). I wanted a normal zoom lens that was at least one f-stop faster than the Nikon kit lens and the Nikkor alternatives are too pricey for my budget. Before purchasing this Sigma lens I struggled with the decision to spend additional money for Sigma's 17 – 50 mm f/2.8 lens, or this lens. They are both nice lenses and I made my decision after I realized that there is only a 2/3 f-stop penalty at 50 mm, no penalty at 17mm, and with this lens you get a wider zoom range. I have only owned the lens for two weeks and so far I don't regret buying a Sigma 17-70 mm f/2.8-4 lens. It takes nice photos, focuses fast, and has optical stabilization. Now for a few minor annoyances and these are minor because overall Sigma makes nice, easy to use lenses. The lens is heavy, it does not have a lens mounting gasket, and the zoom ring is stiff while the manual focus ring is touchy. One other annoyance, for some reason the lens metadata shows that optical stabilization is turned on regardless of the lens OS switch position. Optical stabilization seems to be working correctly though and all other lens metadata seems correct. I hope this snapshot of information helps you decide whether this lens would be right for you. I expect to get many years of nice photos from mine. Cheers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Tomboy
58mm 1/60 s f/5.6 Sigma
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46 mm 1/15 s f/3.8 Sigma
(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
I bought the lens to use for weddings and portraits. I was looking for a fast, sharp lens that wouldn't break the bank. I have not been disappointed. Great in low light. Fast focus. I am really enjoying the lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
I mostly use this lens as my walk around lens, but have had excellent results in using it for portrait photography. The focusing is extremely quiet and pretty fast. Some people have reported that the image through the view finder shakes while focusing but it is in fact normal for the first minute until the OS is active. READ THE MANUAL PEOPLE!!! If you can not afford a nikon 17-55, this is an excellent alternative.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
I am able to take alot shots in low lighting conditions and I think it is a great all around lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Sharp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
I just tested this lens for macro flower photography and I am very disappointed. I am returning it. The images I shot with D7000 are very sharp and the lens is lighter and more compact than another macro zoom lens I have been using, however the lens must be only inches away from the subject for extreme closeup, which is problematic in natural light nature photography. Being this close means you loose light, your shadow may be cast onto the subject, and sometimes you just aren't able to physically get close enough.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
great lens kids!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
- Whisper quiet
Cons
- No cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
I use this for macro work, general scenery and + and - EV sets for HDR processing , I use this as a hobby, now that I am retired , but this is quite sharper and better built than Nikons earlier 18-70 mm kit lens...I would buy this again or recommened to a friend
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
I don't normally give 5 stars to any product but this lens is fantastic. I have only used it lightly so far but will be using it daily during my upcoming hols. Super, super, super.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
You have seen giant Times Sq bill boards from this lens . I shot em ! Its great .
Its got the right focal lengths for 90 percent of the things I shoot . Its fast enough at f2.8 and doesn't slow down too radically as it zooms out . The close up factor is great and the Stabilizer part makes it a winner ! I shoot almost every day on construction sites , insects , or grip and grins . This lens has it covered . Sharp with good color rendition . No its Not a Nikon --its just a little better . this is my second one - I dropped the last one -crunch . I could have replaced it with any number of choices but nothing else gave these features and good quality . So at almost any price Im sporting another one . It just works !
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
This lens stays on my camera 75% of the time .
Great price too .
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
I selected this lens over other manufacturers products for several reason. Features 2.8 Macro, wide to medium tele,, OS, and finally price. I have had Sigma lenses previously and enjoy the smooth operation of the zoom and focus. This is my first with OS so I will be learning with this option. Oops forgot video. This is also new to me...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
I use this lens as a photojournalist as well as a portrait photographer. I love this lense for its price.
It is great for macro work and outdoor landscape.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
Great lens
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
This lense might not seem to be made as well as a nikon but performs as well. It is less than half the price. The only thing that I dislike is, you can't adjust the focus manually with AF on or you can damage the lense.I am very happy with the pictures that I have taken so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
It is said that the reason to buy a Nikon camera is to use Nikon lenses. Well, this Sigma is an exception. I had just purchased a D90 and also have a D200 with the early "Made in Japan" 18-200 Nikon VR. I was looking at a used manual focus Nikkor 60mm Micro for taking close-ups of my watch collection but that would be its only use. The Sigma has all the features like macro, OS (VR), zoom and speed that make it very attractive plus it is built well with a metal lens mount. I'm impressed with the vibrant colors, sharp pictures and speed of the auto focus.
It has been used on my D200 and D90. Compared to my old 18-70 Nikon D70 kit lens this Sigma is superior. The spec that says the lens will focus as close as 8.7 inches but this is measured from the DX processor. Actually it will auto focus as close as about 1.7 inches form the front of the lens at 70mm. Width of picture is 2.5 inches at this point. Of course it won't beat the Nikkor 60mm Micro for close-ups but the added capabilities make it more usable for me. I suspect wedding photographers will like this lens too. The down side is that the zoom is opposite to my 18-200 Nikon VR, the OS chatter and the distance ring is locked when the AF is engaged but I don't care!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
I upgraded to this lens from my two-generations-older Sigma 17-70mm. I upgraded to get the image stabilization, with which I've been more impressed than I had expected to be. Otherwise, the lens focuses accurately and has good side-to-side sharpness -- no soft corners, as far as I can tell.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Great value
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
Love, love, love this lens. I use it mostly for portrait work and as a walk around lens. The 17mm gives my crop sensor Nikon a much wider view and shoots super sharp images.
No reason to spend 2x's as much for a Nikkor
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras:
Auto focus is real bad
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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