The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens is a solid replacement for the 18-55mm that shipped with your camera, but another Sigma zoom is our Editors' Choice.

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  Sharp. 4.1x zoom range. 1:2.9 macro magnification. Optical stabilization. Wide aperture. Compact and light. Available for multiple camera systems. Compatibility with Sigma USB dock and mount conversion service.

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  Some distortion. Edge softness at 70mm.

Sigma's latest 'C' badged 17-70mm F2.8-4 is an excellent upgrade option for SLR shooters who've outgrown their kit zooms, and are looking for better image quality and more creative flexibility. It offers a fine balance of zoom range and maximum aperture, while still being highly portable.

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  Useful combination of zoom range and relatively fast aperture, Very good image quality across most of the range, Compact size, Reasonably fast and near-silent autofocus, Effective image stabilisation

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  Somewhat weak image quality at wideangle (soft corners and chromatic aberration), Macro shooting a little impractical (very short working distance)

Overall it is hard to believe that this lens is for real: it has stunning resolution, optical stabilisation, a more-than-four-times zoom range and can be purchased for not much over £300. Fantastic!

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  Great all-round lens

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  Non-internal focusing

Is the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Contemporary Lens right for you? Find out all you need to know in The-Digital-Picture.com review!

Gary Wolstenholme takes a look at Sigma's 17-70mm lens with optical stabilisation. Sigma's 17-70mm lenses have been a popular upgrade for people wishing to move up from the standard 18-55mm kit lenses.

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  Excellent optical performance, Decent build quality, Effective optical stabiliser, Close focus ability

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  Focus ring cannot be disengaged during AF

The first of Sigma’s “Contempo-​rary” lenses, this APS-C-format 17–70mm f/2.8–4 DC OS ($499, street) suits a wide range of photo subjects. With image stabilization and 1:2.33 magnification, it is a true utility player.

The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8 -4 DC Macro OS HSM is the practical zoom. A large-aperture, standard zoom lens for digital cameras with an open-aperture value of F2.8 (at 17mm) and covers the most frequently used focal lengths.

I bought this lens for my 60D and to compliment Canon L, & Tamron SP... 70-300mm lens. I have a Canon 24-105mm L and thought this a good lens to use when not taking the Canon out.

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  Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Lightweight, Nice Bokeh

It has been used mostly for videos. The HSM motor for video is excellent. There is no noise when lens autofocuses. I have several Sigma HSM lenses and all work as well or better than advertised. I've used them on commercial video shoots and they have been excellent.

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  Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight, Nice Bokeh

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  Heavy

I'm happy with it, I'm using the lens for about a week now & did tested it in every way, its really amazing very sharp and bright colors, the focusing system is wonderful fast & quiet & did a great job in low light, the micro is traffic & good focus getting the details very well & clear.

Former professional photographer looking for a "walking around lens". Something to keep on my Canon 7D (or any crop sensor camera) for most shooting situations. The expanded focal length at the wide end (17mm vs 24mm) is perfect for crop sensor cameras.

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  Wide focal length

The "walk around" lens discussion is highly debated, and there are a lot of really great lenses in this focal range - both canon and 3rd party. I've used almost all of them, both constant 2.8, and variable aperture.

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  Great range on a crop, Excellent OS, faster than Canon equivelant

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  no FTM, focus problems at 70mm MFD

I bought this lens as a replacement to a Nikon 17-55 F 2.8 damaged irreparably; so consider myself very critical. Features Its a moderately fast 17-70 F2.8 – F4 Variable aperture DX or APS Zoom with Image Stabilisation (OS) and good close focusing ability.

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  Versatile and useful Zoom Range 17-70, Image stabilization, Fast at wide angle, Smooth bokeh, Close focus

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  Annoying Manual Focus switch, A touch soft at wide apertures, No weather sealing.