Large aperture standard zoom lens provides superior performance both for Digital SLR Cameras and 35mm Film SLR Cameras
To achieve an F2.8 aperture at all focal lengths, it employs three Aspherical lens to provide optimum Aberration compensation. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements are provided for color aberration compensation, to assure high image quality.
- -
Optimized for digital SLR cameras
It incorporates "Super Multi Layer Coating" to reduce the influence of harmful light caused by reflections from the digital image sensor.
Excellent correction of aberrations
Two SLD elements, one Glass Mold Aspherical plus two Hybrid Aspherical lenses provide excellent correction of various aberrations and a high level of optical performance.
Minimum focusing distance of 40cm
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 40cm at all focal lengths and is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8.
DF (Dual Focus) System
This lens incorporates a Dual Focus (DF) system that is designed to make the lens easy to hold during autofocusing, and yet provides a large focus ring for easy manual focusing.
Petal Type Hood
Since the front of the lens does not rotate, a Petal-type hood and circular polarizing filters can be easily used.
This is a very good fast lens for the price, it is sharp almost all though the range and. The build quality is excellent.
More in-depth review to follow shortly.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: Editor review
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Yes Pros: Sharp, price Cons: build, can be heavy
User Lens Reviews
Average user rating from: 17 user(s)
Overall rating (weighted)
3.9
Sharpness
4.1
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.8
Value for Money
3.8
Add new review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Not very satisfying at f2/.8, Thursday, 30 October 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
I've had it for a few months now, and after minor usage these are my initial thoughts:
Pros: - Very nice focal length range for indoors/street photography; using full frame or film cameras this goes from very wide angle to a short telephoto, covering normal lengths. On APS-C cameras, it becomes a 38-112. Useful for some street shooting and portraits, not for tight spaces. I've used it successfully to shoot stage performances too, taking advantage of its telephoto characteristics with APS-C. - Constant maximum aperture, so you don't have to recheck your exposure everytime you change focal lengths. - Makes you look like a pro. I know this may sound silly, but the truth is, people tend to respect you more when they see you arrive with a smart looking lens. - Comes with a cool hood that can be stored with the lens (Canon, can you hear???). - Comes with a nice padded pouch (Canon, can you hear???). - Well built, feels sturdy.
Cons: - Quite soft at 2.8. If you're buying it just because of this feature alone, think twice. - No image stabilization. - No full time manual focus (despite what other reviewer said, this lens does not have that capability). - Two step manual focus (a switch would have been much better). - Quite heavy at 711 grams. - Bulky. - Lens length changes when zooming in/out. - Focus ring not very smooth (at least compared with my canon lenses). Maybe with enough usage that will change? - Very large filter size ($)
Despite what other reviewers said, I haven't had problems with AF.
Similar items used: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Unsharp at f/2.8, spotty AF, Sunday, 12 October 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
1.8
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
1.0
AF Speed
2.0
Value for Money
1.0
I bought this lens hoping for a deal. Make no mistake-- this lens is not in the same class optically as the Tamron 28-75 or 24-70L, both of which I have often owned. The main problems with the Sigma are the performance wide open (it begins to get sharp around f/3.5-f/4), inconsistent and loud AF, and unlovely color cast. It also offers annoyances such as a very large filter size, and a poor design of the MF/AF clutch and switch that makes switching modes a major pain.
Do yourself a favor and give this one a miss. You will almost certainly have better luck with a Tamron 28-75mm on a budget.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
MAKE SURE YOU CAN RETURN IT, 2ND ONE IS GREAT!!, Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Review of lens based on Canon 40D:
Be sure you can return it because the first one I got was pure junk. All of the images at 70mm f2.8 where unusably blurry.
But wait... after returning it to Amazon (which was quick, return shipping paid, and pain free!!) for another copy of the lens it is very sharp and I would consider it acceptable for any amateur as well as professionals on a budget(such as myself).
That being said, I should mention that there is a Bit more Chromatic aberration than I have seen from other lenses but it's acceptable and can be minimized with smart shooting.
CONCLUSION: Don't be scared of the lens but do be sure you can return without hassle. All-in-all I am extremely happy with the results of the second lens.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Great Lens, Great Price, Sunday, 29 June 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I bought this lens as a result of the damage of my other sigma lens(18-50mm). Basically it fell out of my camera bag. I was going to save up for the Canon L series version of this lens, but I was forced to buy a lens pronto... Fortunately I'd already done research on these lenses. The main drawbacks of this lens is the lack of USM, and the fact that the 82mm filter screw is larger than normal... But that's ok. I don't like filters anyway, and for the 800 dollar difference, quietness is not worth it. I went to canoga camera and tried both the L lens and the sigma... Back at home with my big cinematic monitor I couldn't tell the difference between the two lenses... I'm glad that I wrote down which exposures were which.
I've heard complaints about flair on this lens... I couldn't find it. with the provided lens hood attached, I took a few pictures directed at a bright glass door, the sun behind a model, and sun through the trees, and nothing... The glass on this is great, very low amount of aberation... only at extreme wide open aperture.
To review: Sigma... No HSM, 82 mm, L quality image. Canon... USM, 77mm, L quality image.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
My Walkaround Lens, Thursday, 19 June 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I use this lens as a walkround lens, it's a great lens with great IQ, Highly Recomended
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Love it, Friday, 02 May 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
3.0
I use this lens to take action photos at my curling club. The f2.8 works wonders in the poor lighting of the arena.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
A great lens !, Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
Cristal clear at all f/stops including f/2.8 at 800 iso. Love every thing about this lens, the feel is topnotch, i like the heft and the solid feel, allso like the lens hood that Sigma supplys with this one.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Quality Lens if you get a good copy, Thursday, 14 February 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
Out of the box I don't think I would have gave this lens one star. The focus was terrible, I couldn't get a sharp image out of the lens to save my life. To be honest i read alot of reviews beforehand and almost anticipated on sending it back for Calibration. Anyhow, I sent it back to sigma for calibration, 2 weeks later I have the lens back and it's consistently sharp! It's not "L" quality glass (as some claim)....but for for the $700 savings this lens is worth it's price in gold!
To sum it up, buy this lens but plan on sending it back to sigma for calibration. I do wish they would get a handle on quality!
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
you paid for what you get, Saturday, 19 January 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.0
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
2.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
3.0
This is not a good lens to use. Aperture F2.8, 16-32 are useless because it is too soft. It is very heavy. A good filter of 82mm is very expensive. If you have the money, you should buy the canon's 24-70 L lens.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Huge in size and in quality, Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
That's a very sharp lens that allows you to take great pictures indoors without a flash and not pushing the camera to 1600 ASA. I found it "flare sensitive" which means that Backlight can damage a little the image quality. But I put a UV filter and haven't test it without it. Be aware that it is a very good lens but it is also prominent. When you put it in front of a Canon Rebel... It looks like that it's not at the right place and the balance it quite different. Nevertheless, it worth it and you can get used to that very quickly. Soucharenko
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8, Friday, 12 October 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I found this lens at a pawn shop nearly new. Paid half of what is listed for on Amazon so I can't complaint much. you can get very creative with this lens. The AF is a little slow specially in low lighting conditions. It is loud but that has never bothered me other than the few times I have tried to capture a shot of someone not knowing I was doing it but got spooked away by the AF and I missed the shot I wanted.
It is very solid and heavy, pictures at times will come out blurry (as another reviewer stated) always take 3 shots to ensure you get a good one. I love this lens and I have used it professionally for weddings and portraiture without problems. Images should be a little sharper at F2.8 but again, play around with it allot and you will find that it will do allot. For the money is great! I will recommend this lens for both semi professionals, amateurs, and beginners. You may see 10 images I've posted on this site at the top.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Nice lens for a cheaper 24-70 f2.8, Wednesday, 01 August 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
3.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
This is a nice lens, you have the speed of a f2.8 and the nice range of the 24-70mm. It was well for me and I like to use it as a day to day lens. Some might same, well it is only a Sigma. But it does the job and the Nikon replacement will cost around £1,000. So it works for me and it has taken some very good photos. It is sharp, fast, the build quality is good and it feels solid. It works well in my D2X, but I also have a D70 and the lens feels quite large on a smaller body.
For the price it is a good peice of f2.8 kit.
Hope you agree
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I own it Where did you buy this item?: Jessops Price paid: 250 When did you buy this item?: Jan 06
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Yes Pros: Good lens for the price Cons: Hmm, not alot.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Great f2.8 for the price!, Wednesday, 07 February 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
Disclaimer: used it for 4 months+, on Canon Rebel XT 350D and Canon 430 film camera, I am an ameteur shooter.
Pro: Full time MF. constant 2.8. Great Contrast and color, consistent with my other Sigmas, nice weight, fit and finish.
Neutral: OK AF speed indoor and outdoor f2.8 isn't fast enough in many indoor situations with moving subjects. I have to use flash with it.
Con: Arrived with severe front-focus problem. Fixed under warranty. Zoom could be smoother. AF whines a bit, but tolerable; Border not as sharp as center. Sharp only after stop down. But usable wide open for me
Conclusion: Probably not pro grade, but for the build quality at this price, it's a winner! (I deducted 1 star because of the less than perfect IQ.)
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Good sometimes, down right horrible others, Thursday, 07 December 2006
Overall rating (weighted)
1.3
Sharpness
2.0
Build Quality
1.0
AF Speed
1.0
Value for Money
1.0
I bought this lens through Amazon to do some indoor shooting. Team and individual sports pictures, nothing involving action, I use another lens for that. I thought it would be nice as a walk around lens as well. Well, I was wrong, I shot about 150 indivdual and group basketball pictures with a 580ex flash in a well lit gym, as well as any gym can be lit. Some of the pictures came out extremely crisp, sharp, etc. then right out of nowhere the next picture completely out of focus. With the first few I thought maybe it was me, so I continued with it, with the same mediocre results. I use a 20D, so I am used to some soft pictures every now and then, but these were beyond soft.
This happened through out all the pictures I took of these groups. A few pictures good, some horribbly out of focus. (Horribly out of focus means it is unfixable in photoshop)I have other sigma lenses that work great. My 70-100 f/2.8 is exceptional. Maybe it was just a bad one out of a Batch. I returned it to Amazon directly and am still waiting for a refund.
For the kicker, I did use a good professional tripod. Not to bash Sigma because my other two Sigmas work very good.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Good for the money, pros back away., Saturday, 06 May 2006
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
3.0
I've used this lens a couple of years now. It's a good value but not up to professional standards.
Pros: Very good in low light/no flash situations. Focuses well in low light, better if you catch and edge in the focus box. The 24-70 range is good for general indoor photography.
Cons: The image is not crisp at f2.8 but is ok at 3.5 getting better with higher f-stops. The lens is heavy, almost to the point it should have it's own tripod mount. Two stage manual focus, difficult to switch between manual and auto.
The lens is solid, but mine is cracked at the base from a minor 25" to 30" fall (from a pew) onto carpet with camera attached. I didn't flinch when it fell, I didn't think it hit hard enough to do too much. I've dropped cameras from a ladder before with no damaged. The plastic around the base is now cracked. I had to loosen the base ring and pop the plastic back into place. The lens still works and I'll keep using it for candid shots.
The image quality is "good" but does not compare to other 2.8 lenses I've used. For the price, however, it's a great deal.
