Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors
The Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens is an incredibly versatile, lightweight, and compact lens designed specifically for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size sensors. The lens has a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range. It features a construction of 17 elements in 13 groups with glass that corrects for flare, ghosting and all types of aberrations. It produces high contrast and sharp images throughout the zoom range even at its maximum aperture.
Sigma's OS (Optical Stabilization) feature allows you to shoot at shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. This means your images will look sharper, even when shooting without a tripod in low existing light or at maximum range with a flash. This lens is also equipped with Sigma's Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) which provides for fast and quiet autofocusing.
The Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is ideal for many photo opportunities particularly landscapes and portraits, but with its wide focal range and a close focusing distance down to 11" (28cm) you can capture images with unique perspectives. It will quickly become one of the most important lenses in your gear bag.
Note! Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.
- This lens is for use with digital cameras with APS-C size sensors only. 1
- The DC designation on the barrel means that this is a special lens designed so that the image circle matches the smaller size (APS-C) of the image sensor of your digital SLR. Its specialized design gives this lens the ideal properties for digital cameras, including a compact size and lightweight construction.
- The 17-50mm f/2.8 offers Sigma's OS System (Optical Stabilization) that allows shooting at shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would be otherwise possible, for sharper handheld photography even in low-light situations.
- Constructed with 17 elements in 13 groups, it features FLD ("F" Low Dispersion) glass which is the highest level low dispersion glass available with extremely high light transmission. This glass has a performance equal to fluorite glass which has a low refractive index and low dispersion compared to current optical glass. FLD glass offers superior optical performance, equal to fluorite, at an affordable price.
- Its HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus.
- Sigma lenses are made in Japan.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17 - 50 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility | Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 72.4° - 27.9° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11" (27.94 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.20x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:5 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/17 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.3 x 3.6" (8.38 x 9.14 cm) |
| Weight | 1.24 lb (565 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 120 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (89)
- Strong construction (71)
- Consistent output (64)
- Nice bokeh (58)
- Durable (54)
Cons
- Heavy (16)
- Blurry focus (6)
- Slow focus (6)
- Lens creep (4)
- Poor in low light (3)
Best Uses
- Low light (86)
- Landscape/scenery (68)
- Weddings (53)
- Night photography (47)
- Video (34)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (52), Semi-pro photographer (36), Casual photographer (17), Pro photographer (12)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (105), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Job, Sigma!
First, I think it's relevant to point out that my body is a Canon T1i.
And now this; general purpose (walkaround) lenses that I have owned and my brief tak...Read complete review
First, I think it's relevant to point out that my body is a Canon T1i.
And now this; general purpose (walkaround) lenses that I have owned and my brief take on each...
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 non-VC: It should be a crime for a manufacturer to put an AF motor on a lens that's this loud. It scared all my subjects away. And it repeatedly mis-focused, and hunted wildly in low light. A real disappointment.
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM: All in all, I really enjoyed my experience with this lens. It was a bit slow (aperture), but really what finally did me in was missed shots due to its wide end being too long at 28mm.
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM: This lens produced gorgeous pictures. Mechanically, it was superb too. It just ended up being too slow (aperature) too many times. (I'm in Seattle, so when I can shoot outdoors, there are plenty of days that it's still just not all that bright.)
Now the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8... I'd been curious for a while to try a Sigma product. But I'd read too many stories similar to mine (with the Tamron) on mis-focus issues. That, and their EX finish has a bad reputation. And before this lens, they didn't have a HSM variant at this focal length range. (Yes, I HATE loud AF.) Anyway...
The colors that this lens produces are AMAZING. Arguably identical to the 15-85mm and very close to my 35L. Very sharp too, once stopped down to f/4. Very useable at f/2.8. Good bokeh.
It focuses fast and accurately.
Their "new" EX finish is great. It's more of a balance between smooth plastic surfaces and their matte black. It's tastefully done though.
Can't really comment on how well OS works. Presumably OK, since my pictures are turning out nice, and my hands aren't that steady.
I've never used the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8, but I really never have wanted to. I think it's too large for a walkaround lens on a Rebel body. Maybe it's an OK size for a X0D body, but not Rebel. That my opinion, of course. But this is primarily why I've never used it, and also why I liked this Sigma spec-wise so much. It's a great size.
One oddity about the lens... Its OS mechanism does "rattle" inside the lens, when the lens is not powered. Kindof a weird thing, but apparently normal. I'll take it.
Recommended. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come from Sigma.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
The lens you want to love
Let me first say that the image quality and contrast are amazing. I original bought this lens to replace my Canon 15-85mm. However, the build quality is sub-par in comparison. First thing ...Read complete review
Let me first say that the image quality and contrast are amazing. I original bought this lens to replace my Canon 15-85mm. However, the build quality is sub-par in comparison. First thing I noticed is that the lens has this rattling noise on the inside I believe is the OS system. Just sounds cheap. There is no full time manual focus. This in not a deal breaker and all you have to do is disengage the AF switch. However, reading the user manual it says not to turn the focus ring when then the AF switch is turned on because in can damage the AF system. The problem with this is that when the AF system is engaged the manual focus ring does not entirely lockout and can still turn with the same resistance as the zoom ring. When you are looking through the eye piece you can't tell whether you are turning the zoom ring or focus ring. I found myself accidentally turning the focus ring instead of the zoom ring. It was just a matter of time before I would damage the AF system. Also the AF system has to search a lot more then the AF system on the Canon lens. The Canon AF system is light years ahead of the sigma. Lastly, every time the OS mechanism would turn off the lens would make this faint clunk noise. Drove me nuts. Again its too bad the build quality is not that great, because the image quality is amazing. Who knows maybe it was just my copy.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 120 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
Great lens. I got it to fill in between an EF-S 10-22mm and a 70-200 2.8. The other lenses I had in the middle just didn't cut it. I love how this performs! I think this will quickly tie my 10-22mm for usage and flexibility in the go-to lens category.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
Very easy to use. Great pictures quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice aperture
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slight vignetting
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
Very, very slight vignetting but lens works great, especially in comparison to the cost of the comparable Canon lens ($400+ more). Nice weight, good build quality, great optics & great low light capabilities!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
Solid quality, great optics... and that 17mm is a lot of fun.
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
I've had this lens for about two weeks. I bought it as an indoor/lower light general purpose lens for situations where my Canon 15-85 would be too slow. I've used it for an indoor event with good results, and for a number of "portraits" of our cats, which have been outstanding.
What's good: Autofocus is very fast and quiet. The included hood is a very nice touch. The IS seems to work very well.
What's OK: Wish it had full time manual focus, but I honestly haven't needed it yet!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Stiff focus ring
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
I basically bought the lens to replace my Canon EF f1.4 because I was going on a trip and needed a lens with a focal range that could cover landscapes, buildings as well as great portraits.
There it is...the SIGMA 17-50 f2.8 !
Amazing picture, super sharp, great bokeh, a bit soft on the edges when at full wide angle...but I do not mind since it's pretty common with wide focals.
Nothing to say picture wise...
The only detail that bothers me a bit and hope will change with time is the lens focal ring being quite stiff. SOme may like it but the problem, if you're filming is that it is hard to zoom in or out smoothly. But that's about it.
Overall more than satisfied for the price. Built, picture quality + price...= big competitor to the 17-55 from Canon.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
If you dont have a full frame camera, this is the lens to get. I dont like the fact is not Weather Proof. Is useless on rain even if your camera can shoot under it.
The focus ring doesnt seem "Pro", it stops at the ends, bad thing for the life of the mechanism if you use manual focus a lot. The ring on the Pro lenses keeps rotating so the mechanism doesn't receive much impact or pressure.
The image quality is good even on the edges. No big deal. Nice performance in low light, nice weight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Well priced
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
I wanted a wide angle lens and read reviews for other brands. The Sigma lens had very good reviews and with the price I went with this lens. So far I am very happy with this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
Love this lens. use it for my 7D & 60D and works like a charm especially in doors when light can be an issue with no lights.
Taken pics with it and amazed at what it does. Nice Bokeh as well.
Certainly an all around lens for APS-C sensor cameras.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
I use this lens for indoor and outdoor portrait shots.
Works great in low light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
Dont buy this lens unless your on a tight budget and have tried with a couple of copies untill you get the right one. I got mine and had a problem with the focus. The review on [@] is spot on. I agree with them. I didnt have the patients to play with another copy instead went with Canon 17-55 and I'm happy with it.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
Mostly landscape but I wouldn't hesitate to use it indoors in low light or w/flash. I have an excellent tamron 17-50 non vc and this lens is easily it's equal.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
This is a nice little lens. Cross-shopped this with the Canon 17-55 IS and decided this was 95% of that glass at ~60% of the cost. The color reproduction is amazing and it feels pretty durable to use.
This is my first piece of 'fast glass,' so maybe it was just my lack of skill, but this lens seemed to back-focus at little too frequently in lower-light situations. I took this to my sister's wedding and was surprised at how many outdoor pictures came back with the subjects (people) in the foreground blurry, but the background sharp. Almost all of these were at f/2.8; stopping it down to f/4 mitigated that issue and the results were notably sharper.
But I didn't buy a 2.8 lens to run it at 4, so I sent it back to Sigma. They asked me what body I was using with it – 40D – and they recalibrated the AF data. This seems to have fixed that issue.
A 17mm (or wider) f/2.8 lens is a must for anyone with a crop sensor and this lens has been a great addition to my bag.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- None so far
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
So far this lense has performed well. No problems yet. Fast focus. Good lenses for the money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
I tossed up between this lens and an equivalent Canon EF lens for ages. But Im super gald I went with this one. The picture quality and low light ability are superb. Nothing short of fantastic. If you look at DXO Mark and compare this lens with others it rates the highest in it's focal length field. And rightly so. Cant say a bad word about it, bar a little lens creep when pointed down, but this makes no/little diff.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- General Purpose
- Walk around lens
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
My first lens purchase was the 18-200 Canon. I am still a bit dissapointed with the salesman advice at that point. Being new to dSLR I didn't know the importance of lenses. (I am making reference to the 18-200 as I was looking to replace this lens and did not find such a situation on BH comments)
With this lens, I now know I should have purchased this one first. The F2.8 is excellent to have, give photo's a real quality feel. It is really much more versatile than the 18-200 for travelling. I never used the long end that much (and to be honest from 175mm to 200mm the lens does not really zoom any more), but having the F2.8 for indoor use and bokeh is much better as a travelling/walk around lens.
Built quality = excellent with no zoom creep (unlike 18-200mm which is horrible)
Colour & Sharpness = excellent
Value = excellent (hood and pouch included) at 1/2 the price of the canon
Weight = a bit heavy but the same compared to the 18-200
Focus = very good - especially compared to 18-200
Squeak = a little squeak developed on my last trip (Sahara) when zooming out, but it is already fading again.
A glass focus scale would have been nice, as I think it looks better, but this is only aesthetics.
Overall, a much better travel / walk around lens than the 18-200 and I would highly recommend this. It now hardly leaves my camera. 4 stars because one always want more, but really for this class and price I would give it 5 stars
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
That´s excellent!!! You can take beautiful photos that live as an proffessional photografer...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- None so far
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
This lens has been a truly wonderful addition to my gear bag. I find it to be razor sharp even at 2.8 (rivaling my prime) and a supremely useful range on my crop sensor 40d. I added this to a 28-135 and a 50 1.8 and I haven't taken it off the camera once since I got it a month ago.
This lens even inspired me to try out other sigma glass. I think the next piece I get will be another sigma after this.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
Very freat lens. it is my first IS (OS) lens and it works great. the AF is accurate and fast. not so good for MF cause it don't rotate really much.
the only con i encontered with this lens is that when you shake it it make the sound of a piece of glass that is shaking. i think it is notrmal but sometime it makes you think that it is broken or weak. it is heavy but it is great with my 60d.
i ddon't have any porblems with the tulip cap for the sun. (i don't know the name in english sorry)
Instead of buying the canon i woulod buy this lens and a 85 mm prime lens or another. i think that this lens is better than the canon. the only problem is that this lens don't have FTM.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Zoom Lens for Canon DSLRs with APS-C Sensors:
The negatives you read about are not apparent in my lens. Many complaints I think come from not understanding the many control aspects of a DSLR and photography in general, but that is my guess. At any rate, this is a must buy if you have a crop sensor Canon. Makes all the difference in the world with my Rebel XSI and is the focal range I work with most. Looks good on the camera a produces the photos I wanted but was not always getting with the kit lens (in low light without the speedlight) Glad I made this purchase. It will be a keeper even after I move beyond the Rebel to another Canon crop sensor camera someday. Get yourself one from [...]!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $33.90
- Price: $119.95
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
What's in the Box
- Lens Hood
- Front and Rear Lens Caps
- Carrying Case
- 1-Year International Warranty plus 3 Additional Years in the USA
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