Looking to find more information regarding the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon? Read our latest review to learn more about the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon, its specifications, and if it’s a good camera lens for you.
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon Overview
The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon lens is a high quality standard zoom lens that offers top of the line performance for an affordable price. This newest “C” version will feature Sigma’s SSA (Super Multi Layer) coating, designed to reduce flare and ghosting. The Hyper Sonic Motor ensures quiet, fast, accurate autofocus while the Optical Stabilization allows 2 stops of correction.
This Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon also includes several other amenities such as internal focusing with full time manual focus override, 9 blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh effects, rubberized zoom & focus rings, and a brass bayonet mount.
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon Specifications
The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon was first announced on 09/17/2012 with a Nikon F DX mount type. Below is a summary of this len’s specifications:
Indicative Price: $500
Focal Range: 17-70mm
Aperture: F/ 2.8-4
Filter Diameter (millimeters): 72
Maximum Diameter (millimeters): 79
Number Of Lenses: 16
Length (millimeters): 82
AF Motor: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Zoom Type: Ring
Tripod Mount: None
Colors Available: Black
Manual Focus: None
Weight (grams): 470
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon Performance
The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon offers outstanding performance, all the while keeping a price that is very affordable. This lens features an optical design of 16 elements in 14 groups that includes two SLD (Super Low Dispersion) glass elements to help minimize aberrations and distortions.
In addition to this, Sigma states it has “optimized lens power distribution” which should provide edge to edge sharpness and illumination while also minimizes distortion throughout the entire zoom range. Combined with a fast f/2.8 aperture at the wide end, the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon provides enough speed for low light situations along with a large enough opening to create an attractive out of focus background, or bokeh.
Build and Handling Quality
Sigma has designed the 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon with a high quality plastic exterior combined with an equally high quality rubberized grip for handling. This lens also provides full time manual focus override, even when AF is activated. Also included are Sigma’s “Supersonic Wave Motor” which gives quiet, fast, accurate autofocus while Optical Stabilization compensates for up to two stops of camera shake.
Autofocus Performance
The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon uses a “Supersonic Wave Motor” (SWM) to provide quiet and fast autofocusing and this setup will keep focusing even when shooting video or in live view mode.
Sharpness
With an aperture of f/2.8 at the widest end and f/4 at the 70mm mark, this lens provides users with enough light to create beautiful out of focus backgrounds, along with keeping things sharp when needed.
Vignetting
The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon has relatively low vignetting throughout the zoom range, even at the widest aperture, but it is noticeable when utilizing a shallow depth of field.
Chromatic Aberration
The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon’s optical design assists in keeping chromatic aberration at bay and it is very minimal throughout the zoom range.
Distortion
There is very little distortion throughout the entire zoom range on FX cameras, but it is more significant when using DX crop mode.
Image Quality
Sigma is known for making top of the line lenses that produce outstanding images, and the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon is no different as it provides sharp images with accurate colors and contrast throughout its entire zoom range. In addition to this, Sigma has also included their “Super Multi Layer Coating” which reduces ghosting and flare to further improve image quality
Bokeh
The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon provides users with enough light to shoot at both high and low aperture settings, allowing them to create beautiful out of focus backgrounds to their images.
How Does The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon Score?
Below are the lens metric scores we’ve measured for this specific lens:
- Performance and Image Quality: 7/10
- Features: 6/10
- Bokeh: 7.5/10
- Build Quality: 8/10
- AutoFocus Quality: 7/10
- Handling: 7.5/10
- Value: 8/10
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon Pros and Cons
Below are some of the pros and cons regarding this lens.
Pros:
- Exceptional sharpness and contrast throughout entire zoom range
- Excellent build quality with full time manual focus override
- Quiet and accurate auto-focusing along with optical stabilization
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Not as good performance with DX mode
- More vignetting when shooting at f/2.8 compared to other lenses
Our Verdict
Sigma has produced another excellent lens with the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon and it is one of their top performing lenses due to its outstanding sharpness, amazing build quality, and fast aperture that provides enough light for low light shots as well as creating a beautiful bokeh. On top of this, users also receive Sigma’s “Super Multi Layer Coating” which helps reduce ghosting and flare throughout the entire zoom range and Optical Stabilization which compensates for up to two stops of camera shake. Combine all of these features along with an affordable price tag and you have yourself a winning combination with the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon.
