I love my 17-70mm lens. It has a very nice range of focus distances and give me great light results. I use it as my primary lens for travel and hikes. It is a great option for amateurs looking for more affordable prices.

A Top Macro Macro Lens!

The Sigma 70mm f2.8 DG EX macro is among the best 4 best macro lenses in the world: Canon 100mm f2.8L IS, Nikon 105mm f2.8 VR Micro and probably the sharpest one Sigma 150 f2.8 DG EX macro. Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG (special color corrected multi-coating and designed for any format APS or full-frame sensors) is absolutely sharp with great "bokeh" for macro shots and also portraits (sometimes too sharp for portraits). It fits very well in the APS cameras as a 100 or 112mm macro for that perfect distance in flowers & insects shots or as a super fast portrait lens. Fitted in a full-frame you'll get a great all purpose macro, landscape, portrait lens. I have had them all and I kept the 70mm and 150mm Sigmas. Since them I'm always ready for any kind of product, portrait and ... MoreThe Sigma 70mm f2.8 DG EX macro is among the best 4 best macro lenses in the world: Canon 100mm f2.8L IS, Nikon 105mm f2.8 VR Micro and probably the sharpest one Sigma 150 f2.8 DG EX macro. Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG (special color corrected multi-coating and designed for any format APS or full-frame sensors) is absolutely sharp with great "bokeh" for macro shots and also portraits (sometimes too sharp for portraits). It fits very well in the APS cameras as a 100 or 112mm macro for that perfect distance in flowers & insects shots or as a super fast portrait lens. Fitted in a full-frame you'll get a great all purpose macro, landscape, portrait lens. I have had them all and I kept the 70mm and 150mm Sigmas. Since them I'm always ready for any kind of product, portrait and macro shooting. I'm a professional photographer based in NYC with 3 decades of experience.

Could be a good lens, but not quite.

I've tested the (1st) lens at various focal lengths and apertures on different subjects, and come down to several findings:- Soft focus at 17mm/f2.8 and 70mm/f4.5 (wide open). Stop down aperture did help.- Really soft focus at 50mm (!),at all apertures.- Focus somehow is inconsistent at wide end (~17-35mm)So, of course I returned the lens, thinking I might get a lemon.I ordered the 2nd one (from a different online retailer). This one is better than the 1st one, but not without some issues. I even tested this lens against the famous Tamron 28-75mm f2.8, and the Sigma held up pretty good! But it still has some focus issue at 50mm. If it didn't have this focus issue at 50mm it would have been a keeper. Now I'm not so sure if I want to keep it or not. Two lenses in ... MoreI've tested the (1st) lens at various focal lengths and apertures on different subjects, and come down to several findings:- Soft focus at 17mm/f2.8 and 70mm/f4.5 (wide open). Stop down aperture did help.- Really soft focus at 50mm (!),at all apertures.- Focus somehow is inconsistent at wide end (~17-35mm)So, of course I returned the lens, thinking I might get a lemon.I ordered the 2nd one (from a different online retailer). This one is better than the 1st one, but not without some issues. I even tested this lens against the famous Tamron 28-75mm f2.8, and the Sigma held up pretty good! But it still has some focus issue at 50mm. If it didn't have this focus issue at 50mm it would have been a keeper. Now I'm not so sure if I want to keep it or not. Two lenses in a row with the same problem, could it be design issue? I really want to like this lens (because of its 17mm) over the Tamron, but the latter seems more consistent in focusing (the Sigma actually produces more contrast and better colors than the Tamron in general). I'm not sure if I will give it another try (i.e. a 3rd one). If you don't mind getting some soft-focus shots at 50mm, it is a nice lens to have.

Fantastic Kit Lens replacement

As a new DSLR user on a tight budget you experience the same problems as other users - you need more light, better glass, better range, better clarity, better build quality - but you don't have the money to actually remedy these issues. Thankfully the Sigma 17-70mm uses better quality SLO optics, a longer range, with better f-stop specifications. A bargain really for the price. As well as functioning as a macro lens, this is a good step up for any photographer that is still learning. Great portraits, great wide angles, excellent high ISO shooting and sharp as a button when stopped down. Also available in HSM and USM OS variants which obviously are more expensive. Please also note that the USM OS variant while usually 100 notes more expensive, also is cut to f4 at ... MoreAs a new DSLR user on a tight budget you experience the same problems as other users - you need more light, better glass, better range, better clarity, better build quality - but you don't have the money to actually remedy these issues. Thankfully the Sigma 17-70mm uses better quality SLO optics, a longer range, with better f-stop specifications. A bargain really for the price. As well as functioning as a macro lens, this is a good step up for any photographer that is still learning. Great portraits, great wide angles, excellent high ISO shooting and sharp as a button when stopped down. Also available in HSM and USM OS variants which obviously are more expensive. Please also note that the USM OS variant while usually 100 notes more expensive, also is cut to f4 at the high end, taking in more light. Highly recommended as a first upgrade.

Gets the job done for a great price. Requires skill to get good results.

Using on a Canon 60D Definitely best for use as a Macro lens. Bought it with intention of using it as cheap, multipurpose, fast glass. Works great in brilliant sunlight, not as sharp in low-light. It gets the job done and at an extremely reasonable price. Works wonderfully for up-close video! I wish I had put out extra money for sharper glass, though I'm not completely dissatisfied with this purchase as it does get the job done for portraits and general purpose.

I like it but...

The lens is ok, its fast and very sharp. Ok, now the but... I dont like that the variable aperture is only at certain focal lengths. For instance you cant have a 2.8 aperture for all focal lengths (17-70) or 4.5 aperture for all focal lengths (18-70). Other than that my client loved the pictures taken with this lens on my Nikon D7100.

One lens that stays on the camera a lot

Very versatile focal range from wide to short telephoto. Not too big and heavy for all day photo trek. Matches nicely with cropped sensor APS-C DSLRs. Close focusing ability at maximum focal length of 70mm (which will be 105mm on an APS-C sensor). Not a true 1:1 dedicated Macro Lens but will do nicely in a pinch. Very well constructed, very sharp across the frame when stopped down to f/4.0 and beyond. The colors are wonderful and renders a nice background bokeh. Highly recommend.

Plenty Fast & Very Good Resolution

A decent fast wide-angle lens that won't break the bank. Very good edge to edge sharpness unless you are using it wide open at f2.8 to f4. This is the compromise you get in getting to use a fast wide angle lens with an effective 35mm equivalent to a 26mm through a 105mm lens. Smooth focusing whether you use it in auto-focus mode or manually focused. Macro use is very good as well but I recommend a more modest aperture and a tripod for extended exposures if needed. An excellent value for such a great zoom range.

The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro For Canon

I'm only a beginner when it comes to photography, but I have been nothing short of amazed with this lens ! It produces excellent photos, incredibly sharp, and I have used this without fault (so far) straight out of the box. Admittedly I have used it with the Auto-Focus function only so far on my first Digital SLR camera, a Canon 350D. I also have a Tokina Zoom Lens and 2 other Canon Lenses which are all Manual Focus only, and as yet I'm struggling to produce images with these which have the same sharpness and depth of colour as the Sigma. Yes they are different TYPES of lens, but nevertheless I'm still astonished by the results of this Sigma 17-70mm. In my humble beginners opinion, a great starter lens, you can't go wrong with it really....Outstanding, ... MoreI'm only a beginner when it comes to photography, but I have been nothing short of amazed with this lens ! It produces excellent photos, incredibly sharp, and I have used this without fault (so far) straight out of the box. Admittedly I have used it with the Auto-Focus function only so far on my first Digital SLR camera, a Canon 350D. I also have a Tokina Zoom Lens and 2 other Canon Lenses which are all Manual Focus only, and as yet I'm struggling to produce images with these which have the same sharpness and depth of colour as the Sigma. Yes they are different TYPES of lens, but nevertheless I'm still astonished by the results of this Sigma 17-70mm. In my humble beginners opinion, a great starter lens, you can't go wrong with it really....Outstanding, Astonishing...100%. A Faultless Lens...at least to beginners anyway.

Top quality. Rock bottom price

I bought one of these used as a cheap everyday lens, I just wanted 17 or 18mm with 2.8 aperture. I already gave the Canon 18-55 and 18-135 five stars, and I can't give this any more, but if I'm going to take photos now, this is my first choice. The lack of image stabilisation may put some off, but so far, I haven't missed it. The great picture quality at higher iso of my 600D and the 2.8 aperture may have something to do with it. I would say it is on a par with the Canon 18-135 for picture quality, but with less chromatic aberrations. Sharp accutance (if you can apply that term to digital) and strong colours. The Canon 18-55 looks abit soft and washed out in comparison. I am well chuffed with my purchase.