Compact, lightweight, yet robust, large aperture zoom lens
This compact, large and constant F2.8 aperture zoom lens and is ideal for digital SLR cameras. Two SLD elements and four aspherical lenses provide the ultimate correction against distortion as well as all types of Aberration, especially Spherical aberration. Its advanced optical design ensures high performance throughout the entire zoom range. The use of aspherical lenses in the construction of this lens not only corrects aberrations but also produces a very small and lightweight lens design. Its compact, yet robust, construction has an overall length of 87.2mm, maximum diameter of 74mm, filter size of diameter 67mm and weight of 510g.
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Compact, lightweight Zoom Lens The use of aspherical lenses in the construction of this lens not only corrects aberrations but also produces a very small and lightweight lens design. Its compact, yet robust, construction has an overall length of 87.2mm, maximum diameter of 74mm, filter size of diameter 67mm and weight of 510g.
F2.8 large aperture over the entire zoom range This lens offers a large aperture of F2.8 over its entire range of focal lengths and its large Depth of field offers greater freedom of creative expression. This lens is perfectly suited for low light conditions indoors or at dusk. It covers wide angle to medium telephoto and is ideally suited to a wide range of subjects.
Excellent optical performance Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements are provided for effective compensation of color aberration, which is a common problem with super-wide angle lenses. Four pieces of hybrid aspherical lenses offer excellent correction for distortion as well as all types of aberration. This lens’ excellent optical performance makes it an ideal lens for Digital SLR Cameras as well as film SLR cameras.
Super Multi Layer Coating It incorporates "Super Multi Layer Coating" to reduce the influence of harmful light caused by reflections from the digital image sensor.
Minimum focusing distance of 33cm at all focal lengths It has a minimum focusing distance of 33cm at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4, which is very convenient for close-up photography.
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.
Petal Type Hood Since the front of the lens does not rotate, a Petal-type hood and circular polarizing filters can be easily used.
As a fast and relatively lightweight lens for short telephoto
work, this lens has a lot going for it. It is well built,
nicely torqued with no creep and felt right in use.
The Resolution throughout the zoom range was high, as was
the Contrast, while the overall colour was pleasing. I
would certainly
be happy to work with this lens based on the test
analysis and it has a nice balance between weight and size
without compromising on its optical qualities. Overall I would
say that this lens looks like a Bit of a bargain.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: Editor review
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Undecided Pros: Sharp and well built Cons: slight abrasion
Last updated: Wednesday, 06 February 2008
User Lens Reviews
Average user rating from: 6 user(s)
Overall rating (weighted)
4.2
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.2
AF Speed
4.5
Value for Money
4.2
Add new review
0 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Soft, VERY Soft, Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
1.5
Sharpness
1.0
Build Quality
1.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
1.0
I am a amateur photographer, but was encountering situations where I needed a lens of this focal length which could accommodate less available light. My Canon kit lens only goes down to f5.6, and I had heard it was in general a poor quality lens. Well if it is, that makes this Sigma lens nothing but junk.
After receiving the lens, I noticed most pictures were very soft, almost out of focus. So a ran a number of controlled tests against my Canon kit lens, using both Auto focus and Manual focus with the Sigma lens (on a tripod, of course). In all cases, the Canon lens produced MUCH sharper pictures. How could this be, I asked myself.
So I sent the pics and an explanation, along with the lens, to Sigma for repair / adjustment. Two weeks later they returned the lens indicating they had adjusted the AF, and tested the lens, and all was now OK.
I beg to differ. I ran more tests, and guess what! The Canon lens wins again. Needless to say, if you want sharp pictures, forget this lens. You'll probably pay twice as much for the similar Canon lens, but you'll probably get pictures twice as nice.
I bought this as kit replacement lens (after it broke) with the main attraction being the f2.8 max aperture across the zoom range. Being part of the Sigma EX range the build quality is superb and image quality is general excellent, especially in my experience in lower light conditions. Highly recommended for that kit lens replacement.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I own it Where did you buy this item?: Warehouseexpress Price paid: 250
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Yes Pros: Picture/build quality Cons: Slightly slow and noisy AF
OUTSTANDING LENS At A Very Affordable Price, Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This lens is an amazing piece of glass at a remarkably affordable price. While I will readily admit a preference for Canon's signature lenses, especially the IS line, this lens is very tack sharp and shows little or no Blur with small jitters. For a closer range lens this is a perfect economical choice for those who want to take better portraits.
This lens is a little heavy on the xti (compared to the 35mm and 50mm primes I normally shoot with). It feels very well made and can focus very close. I think it is a great lens for the money and it performs well.
OUTSTANDING, FAST ALL-PURPOSE LENS AT A GREAT PRIC, Friday, 09 June 2006
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This is an excellent lens. I have used it extensively on the 1D, Rebel XT, and the 20D. The lens is acceptably sharp for many purposes at f/2.8, and EXTREMELY SHARP stopped down a bit to f/3.5 or f/4.0, at all focal lengths. I have compared it to the Canon 85mm f/1.8, the 50mm f/1.8, and the 35mm f/2.0, all renowned lenses. I find this lens very competitive with - and in some instances, superior to - all of them in sharpness, contrast, and color. Focusing is fast enough for most action purposes, impressive for a non-USM lens.
I also compared this lens to my Canon 28-135mm USM Image Stabilizer lens. I found the Sigma 28-70 f/2.8 to be significantly superior in image quality. I sold the 28-135 IS. This Sigma is virtually always on one of my digital SLR's.
A significant note - INFORMATION AND PICS I HAVE SEEN INDICATE THAT THIS LENS IS SUPERIOR IN IMAGE QUALITY TO THE MORE EXPENSIVE SIGMA 24-70MM F/2.8. I WOULD RECOMMEND SAVING SOME MONEY, GETTING THE CHEAPER LENS, AND GETTING BETTER PICTURES OUT OF IT.
I HAVE USED A LOT OF SIGMA AND CANON LENSES ON MY DIGITAL SLR'S, AND THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST, BAR NONE.
