The large-aperture, wide-angle zoom lens that is an excellent compact companion for digital SLR cameras
The effective arrangement of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and aspherical glass elements has created a lens of compact dimensions. With an overall length of 84.7mm (3.3in.) , it is the smallest lens of this focal range. (* As of April 16th 2004. In the category of wide-angle zoom lens with Focal length starting at 24mm and with a maximum aperture of F2.8.) This lens offers a large aperture of F 2.8 over its entire range of focal lengths, which is ideal for low light situations both indoors and out. It has a large Depth of field that offers the photographer greater freedom of expression.
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Advanced technology for the Digital Age
By using a new technology and optical design this lens satisfies the needs of digital photography. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements are provided for effective compensation of color Aberration, which is a common problem with wide-angle lenses. Four aspherical lenses, one moulded glass type and three hybrid aspherical types, offer excellent correction for distortion as well as all types of aberration. The design concept of this lens is especially suitable for the characteristics of Digital SLR Cameras. New Coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem of digital cameras and also creates an optimum Color balance. This lens has excellent correction for "light-fall-off", which is a common problem of large aperture lenses.
The design ensures sufficient illumination of the corners of the image.
Minimum focusing distance of 38cm is now a reality
It is capable of taking pictures with a minimum focusing distance of 38cm (15.0in) at all focal lengths. It is very effective for close-up photography. The high performance inner focus system is particularly suitable for using circular polarizing filters and a petal-type hood as the front of the lens does not rotate.
Zoom Lock Switch Mechanism
This lens is also equipped with a zoom lock that eliminates "Zoom Creep". This remarkably compact, high performance zoom lens is ideally suited for traveling
L quality at 1/3 of the price, Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I have owned this lens for several years and have shot 1000s of photos with it. I really wanted the Canon 24-70mm L lens, but the price was out of the question for me. I ultimately selected this lens because I had read good reviews and I was willing to trade 10mm of focal length for a more compact size, as this was to be my walk around lens. It does weigh more than my Rebel XT, but that doesn't bother me, as it is smaller than the other lenses in its class (Canon & Sigma 24-70mm 2.8, Tamron 28-70 2.8). I have worked with the Canon 24-70mm L, and the Sigma 24-60mm's image quality is remarkably close, if not equal, for a third party lens that costs much less. The autofocus speed is where the real difference occurs, but if you don't work in low light or need a lot of speed, it shouldn't be a problem. You can shoot almost anything with this versatile lens and it will look good (I've shot mostly still life and outdoors), but I think it's really well suited to portraits. If I'm taking pictures at a gathering with this lens, my people pictures always blow everyone else's away. I would reccomend this lens to anyone who wants L quality on a budget and isn't concerned with the slower AF. You won't be disappointed.
Excellent lens for the price!, Monday, 20 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
3.3
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
3.0
I absolutely love this lens. It barely ever leaves my camera, gets great sharp images and is pretty fast and quiet. It's HEAVY and pretty huge overall but I recommend it to anyone wanting to upgrade from a kit lens but still can't afford L glass.
Great Deal for a Great Performing Lens, Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I received my lens about 1 month ago and the first thing I did was test the focus. My version had a slight front focus problem so I sent it to Sigma for Calibration. After about 2 weeks I got the lens back and focus is now spot on with my Canon 40D.
Performance: Sharpness: Slightly soft at 2.8 but very sharp at 5.4. At 5.4 it's very sharp from corner to corner across the focal range. I would compare the sharpness to that of the Canon 50mm 1.4 prime when below 2.0 apertures. The 50mm prime at 2.8 is clearly sharper. Contrast: Nice, similar to a Canon 50mm 1.4 prime that I tried out in comparison. Focus: Quick and accurate. Noise is not loud but it's not USM or HSM quiet. I would say that focus speed and noise was on par with the 50. Build: Study and robust. It's not all metal or L quality but it's a well built, formidable lens. Bokah: Much better than the Canon 50mm 1.8 prime.
For the price you can't beat the performance of this zoom lens, definitely much better than any of the kit lens you'd get with the camera body and clearly a step up from the kit lens. It's not the nirvana for zooms around this range but to get that you'll spend 4X more than this. I doubt you will find a better zoom around in this range at this price. People can complain about focus quality control but it is correctable and it's easier to address with Sigma directly than playing the odds on a replacement.
Pros: - Cost: The cheapest f2.8 lens in it's class at $220. Most Sigma/Tamron f2.8 lens cost around $350-400 and Canon L costs $800-1000. - Lens is pretty sharp. - Good Bokeh. - Very well built. Mine dosen't have Zoom Creep but i have heard some of these do. even if it starts having Zoom Creep there is a zoom lock.
Cons: - Lens required a warranty trip to Sigma to fix back-focussing. My my research a lot of people faced the same thing. - Auto focus is weak. You have to make sure the focus locks properly before snapping.
Pros: - Cost: The cheapest f2.8 lens in it's class at $220. Most Sigma/Tamron f2.8 lens cost around $350-400 and Canon L costs $800-1000. - Very well built. Mine dosen't have Zoom Creep but i have heard some of these do. even if it starts having Zoom Creep there is a zoom lock.
Cons: - Lens required a warranty trip to Sigma to fix back-focussing. My research indicated a lot of people faced the same thing. - Auto focus is weak. You have to make sure the focus locks properly before snapping.
every product i've ordered through amazon had been great! quality of the product is usually excellent. but on the sigma 24-60mm, the quality is ok. the focus is somewhat soft and its comes out pixelated when blown up to 8x10. i have a sigma 18-200mm and the pictures are great. i read in other reviews that the 1 in 3 sigma 24-60mm has focus issue. unfortunately i through away the boxes so i cannot return it. otherwise, in the outside daylight the pictures are great. -rex
Excellent lens for price, but may need servicing., Thursday, 16 October 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I bought my lens from Cameta Camera and it would seem that a great number of lens people are receiving from Cameta have been having front and/or back focus issues. I used my lens for awhile in spite of its focus issues and found it to perform quite well, especially for the nice $200ish price. It's not on par with Canon L lens by any stretch of the imagination but I think this is great throw-in lens. It's very sturdily constructed and I actually prefer its lens hood to the ones Canon makes. I finally sent my lens in to Sigma a few weeks ago for servicing and it's been there since so I will update this review once I receive it back. Anyone who is looking to buy this lens or has bought it - I would highly suggest running some focus tests on the lens to see if your lens needs servicing . . .
Great lens for the money, Friday, 19 September 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
3.0
I had this lens for a few months before I acquired a Canon 24-70 f/2.8L. Let me say that this lens is much better than the Sigma 24-70 in both size, weight and image quality. It offers a constant f/2.8 aperture and focuses relatively fast for a non-HSM lens. I was more than happy with the quality of the images that this lens produces. I believe the only flaw with this lens is the fact that Sigma didn't make it a HSM version. This is a tough competitor for Canon's 24-70 but it's still in second place to the Canon. You can't beat the price for the lens either. Given the build quality, image quality and overall functionality of this lens, the price is a steal!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who asks for a budget lens like this.
I bought this via the below link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VJVHMA
This is a great lens. If you research this lens, you will find that it is a "best bang for your buck" type lens. If your comparing this to an L lens, you will be surprised. On a crop body, its a Bit long, but rarely have I had to back up too far to get the shot.
I was out shooting some pictures of my kids playing ~8pm the other evening (August in Texas). I was quite happy with the pictures I shot with this lens. Even without a flash! it was not quite dark yet, and the street lamps gave off enough light.
I do not consider myself a pro, or even an amateur. If your looking for a good walk around lens for a full or crop body, consider this lens. Its worth it money and quality wise.
Pros: Price! Usable on a crop body, and full body so you can keep the lens if you move from crop to full. My copy is sharp as a tack. No back or forward focus.
Cons: Some have reported that their copy was back or forward focusing. Or the zoom ring was "tight". The good news is if you buy it from an authorized dealer for Sigma (Cameta Camera in the link above is Authorized) you get the full Warranty. Send it in, and they will fix it for you. It just costs shipping.
Conclusion: Its a great lens. I am loving the shots I am getting from it. All photographers are different, some do sports, some do landscapes. Some just want good HQ pics of the kids. I am all 3. This lens replaced my kit lens (Canon 18-55 NON IS). I do not miss the wide, and am loving the extra zoom. YMMV.
First I really wish people would post reviews for only Canon copies of this lens since the copies for Nikon and other bodies can not be properly compared. I purchased this lens to use as a walk around lens in place of a more expensive 24-70 L lens. No, this lens is not as well built and it is not as fast to focus as the L, but you should not expect it to either. The lens is a good value for the price you will pay, and it beats the heck out of worrying about someone stealing your L lens when you travel. I did require two copies in order to receive a "good" copy of this lens, the first copy shipped to my door had a nasty front focus issue. The company I purchased the lens from did however take the lens back and replace it with another copy that worked very well with no real issues to speak of. The pictures I obtain with this lens are very nice, and for trips and general photography will make most users very happy. If your looking for a lens to use for special events such as weddings however, this is not the lens to use. The focus is very slow compared to an L lens and sometimes has a habit of hunting a little bit. Overall though, a nice value based lens and with a 2.8 aperture hard to beat for what you pay.
First, yes Sigma do have a reputation for QC issues. Mine include, as the focus locked up after about a week, requiring a trip to Sigma. Not a great start.
However, since then I've been very happy with the lens. It handles great, has a reasonable range, good speed, and top quality build and optics. You really can get some great shots from this lens. If I had a chance to make the choice again, I'd still want this lens in my bag, despite the problems.
comparable to lenses costing much, much more, Sunday, 04 May 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
I love this lens. Bought it to replace my EF-S 17-85 for the kind of shooting I do. I highly recomment this lens as an upgrade to the Canon kit lens on the Rebel XT/XTi, it's great for indoor shooting.
Pros:
High image quality- near that of Canon "L" lenses such as the 24-70L Very sharp, lovely color.
Constant f/2.8 aperture makes it perfect for a budget wedding lens, or for use indoors with no flash. I was able to shoot at a carnival at night handheld at ISO1600 and get a fast enough shutter speed.
Nice Depth of field, Lovely bokeh (background Blur).
Built extremely well, does not feel cheap and the zoom is nice and tight. Nice finish to it, comes with a nice bag and lens hood.
Cons:
With a wide angle of 24mm, it is more suited for a full frame camera. With the Rebel series and 20D/30D/40D some may prefer a zoom lens with a wide angle of 17 or 18mm. I personally don't find this much of a problem, however, just take a few steps back. This lens is great for portraits.
My suggestion- if you are a beginner photographer or on a budget and can not afford lenses that cost $400 such as the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, or $1000 on Canon's 17-55 f/2.8 IS or 24-70 f/2.8, then this is the lens for you!!
Great Lens for the price!, Saturday, 29 March 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This lens is Sigma's hidden little secret. My version is extremely sharp, even at F/2.8 and has no focusing issues. It is extremely well made and comes with a lens hood and a case - both of which more expensive Canon lenses don't come with in the box.
Focusing speed is very reasonable and accurate, it has no trouble in low light like some less-expensive lenses. Build quality is amazing. Metal construction, smooth rotation on both the focus and zoom rings, even a zoom-creep lock to help with storage. I have used this on both a Full Frame 35mm camera and a Canon 1.6x Digital SLR and it has worked perfectly
The negatives - inconsistent quality control - some get great lenses, others aren't, although Sigma will happily fix and return the lens within a week or so. 77mm filters are also a pain, especially since they could have used 72mm filters which are less expensive.
Overall, I'd recommend the lens, and is a GREAT step up from the standard lens that comes with the camera.
Got this len from Cameta through Amazon. Perfect transaction, good communication quick shipping well packed.
The lens was bad. It was soft on left side and 2.8 was full of flare it improved stopped down but was not right.The focus also was very noisy. Cameta accepted a return and promptly shipped another. The the next lens is probably as good as this lens gets although some claim exceptional performance equal to pro OEM.
I have no issues with its auto focus. The focus is accurate. It makes more noise than my 18-70 AFS lens but less than my 28-200 D series and about the same volume as my 28-105D while the sound is different. It has a nice sound to it unlike my first copy where there was a raggedy uncertainty about it. It is quite fast and accurate. Not being a church shooter the sound of a servo motor/drive is OK by me. It really makes the focus confirmation beep superfulous. When the motor stops you know you are there. My AFS lens always makes me wonder if it did anything as I keep the beep set to off.
At the F2.8 aperature the image files it produces have some things going on. They are not as sharp and exhibit underexposure by about 1/2 to maybe 1 F stop. They sharpen up and the exposure is correct at F3.5 and sharper still at F4.The sharpness gets better as you stop down to about F11. The 2.8 image looks like a vignete both in sharpness and exposure it is much darker at the edges. I am guessing that Sigma wanted it this way for portraits. As my family ages I am maybe not so interested in needle sharp representations. With this lens if I use F 2.8 it will soften some of the experience lines and I sort of like a portrait to be darker on the edges. If there is a perfect person ie, a kid then I can just stop down to F4 and it sharpens up nicely. The test I shot on a raggedy anne doll show that there is not much difference in depth of field between 2.8 and 4 at the point of focus. The raggedy anne is about the size of a newborn baby. Both eyes would not be in focus at 2.8 or 4 with the subject turned about 30 degrees from dead straight mug shot. My point is that maybe to much is made of 2.8 for shooting where the real benifit is maybe better autofocus in low light.
The rendering of color is a little different than my Nikkors. It seems to have a little colder rendition when outside but the same indoors if that makes any sence. I had heard of a warmer cast with Sigma lens but this lens does not exhibit that trait.
Well it is not a Nikkor 24-70 but I did'nt expect it to be for $$$ against$$$$ and like most lens it is a compromise. The build quality seems very high, fit and finish are nice and it has some heft to it indicating more metal than plastic in its construction. It comes with petal hood and very nice case with belt loops and camera strap loops. 1 year international and 3 year USA for total 4 years. You pay postage both ways.
Worth noting is this is a full frame lens. I am using it on a D200 DX format so your results on full frame or a 6 megapixel dx format cam may be worse or better! Hope this is helpful, Dennis
