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17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Pro Lens for Canon Digital SLR image
 
(based on 3 ratings)
Brand: Sigma
Located in: Photography, Camera Lenses
The new Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC macro is a highly anticipated lens especially among Canon users seeking for a higher quality, affordable alternative to the original Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 or EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 USM IS. In fact the interest in the Photozone forum was big enough to purchase the lens for testing rather than loaning it from users like you which is the usual approach for the local lens tests. The Sigma is a DC ("Digital Camera") lens specifically designed for the reduced image circle of today's APS-C DSLRs where its field-of-view is equivalent to 27-112mm on classic full frame SLRs. The lens is available in Canon EOS, Nikon and native Sigma mount. As usual an EOS 350D was used for testing purposes. The optical construction is made of 15 elements in 12 groups with 2 aspherical and one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) element. The aperture mechanism features 7 aperture blades. The min. focus distance of 0.20m resulting in a max. magnification of 1:2.3. The Sigma ha
Review Snapshot®
Avg. Customer Rating:
 
3.7 stars
(based on 3 reviews)
67% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Describe Yourself:
Enthusiast(3)
Pros:
Consistent output(3), Fast / accurate auto-focus(4)
Best Uses:
General purpose(3)
 
Compatibility/Quality Testing Issue
By wbroyVerified Purchaser from Cottage Grove, MN on 1/8/2009
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Pros:
Consistent Output, Quick Focus, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction
Cons:
Canon Incompatibility, Error 99 Message
Best Uses:
General Use
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Comments about Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Pro Lens for Canon Digital SLR:

From day one after every picture I would get an Error 99 message in the display window on my Canon XTi. It would not allow me to take another shot until I cycled the power, or actually reinstalled the battery. Totally unacceptable behavior for a brand new out of the box lens! Sigma's Web Site had no information on this error and the camera never behaves this way with my Canon lens.

After searching on the Internet for "Sigma error 99" I found out this has been a common incompatibility with Canon cameras and Sigma lenses. I have now sent the lens to Sigma for repair under warranty.

I have never had to return a brand new product before for service and I am very disappointed in Sigma's apparent lack of thorough testing with this lens on Canon XTi. Their service department assures me this can be repaired and that this lens does work properly with a Canon XTi. Take some time to search on the error message yourself before you consider purchasing this lens.

From the little I was able to use the lens before sending it in for repair, I was very impressed with the picture quality, sharpness, easy manual and auto focus and the well built lens itself. My greatest fear is a long running back and forth with Sigma service, I do hope they fix the problem the first time!

Because of the Error 99 message, in spite of the other excellent qualities of the lens, I can not recommend this lens to anyone. I do not have the money or time to spend on products that need warranty work right out of the box.

 
Good lens for an amazing prize
By AnnaVerified Purchaser from USA on 12/20/2008
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Sharp Focus
Cons:
Heavy
Best Uses:
General Use, Landscape Photography, Macro, Upgrade
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Pro Lens for Canon Digital SLR:

This was an upgrade for my Canon xti. What a difference. Crisp pictures, great colors. I use this as a walk around lens, but the macro feature is amazing. If you are on a budget, this is the lense to buy.

Images shared by: Anna

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Tags: Made with Product

 
Great all around lens
By SJC DukeVerified Purchaser from San Jose, CA on 11/1/2008
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Pros:
Consistent Output, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight, Sharp Focus
Cons:
Slow focus in low light
Best Uses:
General Use, Landcape, Upgrade
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Pro Lens for Canon Digital SLR:

This is a great addition to my Canon 40D. Much, much better than the kit lens, and macro is certainly a bonus. Much lighter than I expected, yet solid feel on 40D. Size and weight is almost ideal for going all around and getting that great shot. Included petal hood is great.

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