Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM | Contemporary

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM | Contemporary lens for Nikon F (DX) mount is a versatile option that showcases Sigma's commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovative design. This lens is particularly appealing to enthusiasts and semi-professionals looking for a reliable everyday zoom that performs well across a range of scenarios—from landscapes to portraits to macro photography.

Build Quality and Design

Constructed with a solid build, the lens feels robust yet lightweight, making it suitable for extended shooting sessions without causing fatigue. The sleek design and matte finish contribute to a professional look, while the rubberized zoom and focus rings provide a comfortable grip. The inclusion of a lens hood helps to minimize flare and improve contrast in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the compact size of this lens makes it a great travel companion.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Sigma 17-70mm is one of its strongest attributes. With a maximum aperture of F2.8 at the wide end and a respectable F4 at 70mm, you can achieve beautiful depth of field for portraiture while retaining sharpness across the frame. The lens exhibits excellent sharpness even wide open, with only minimal softening noticeable at the edges. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, lending itself to cleaner images, especially when photographing subjects against high-contrast backgrounds.

The macro feature allows for close focusing capabilities, ideal for shooting small subjects like flowers and insects. This adds to the lens's versatility, allowing for creativity without the need for an additional macro lens.

Autofocus and Image Stabilization

The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus system is fast and relatively quiet, ensuring that you don’t miss crucial moments while shooting. The autofocus is generally accurate and responsive, making it suitable for both stills and video applications. The built-in Optical Stabilization (OS) is a significant benefit, particularly in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld, further enhancing the flexibility of this lens.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid build quality with a compact, lightweight design
• Excellent optical performance with sharp images and good color rendering
• Wide aperture range (F2.8-4) for low light and shallow depth of field
• Versatile zoom range, suitable for various photography styles
• Effective image stabilization for handheld shooting

Cons

• Not the fastest maximum aperture in the telephoto range (only F4 at 70mm)
• Some distortion and vignetting at the wide end, requiring post-processing correction

Verdict

Overall, the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM | Contemporary lens is a solid choice for Nikon F (DX) users seeking a versatile all-in-one zoom lens with excellent optical quality and reliable performance. While it may have some limitations in terms of maximum aperture at the telephoto end and minor optical quirks, the pros far outweigh the cons for most photography enthusiasts. Whether you're capturing sweeping landscapes or intricate macro details, this lens proves to be a capable companion for your photography adventures.