Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Review (Imaging Resource)

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
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Specifications (from B&H’s product page)

• Aperture Range: f/2.8-22
• Hyper Sonic AF Motor
• Optical Stabilizer
• Macro Capabilities
• Compact and Lightweight TSC Construction
• FLD, SLD, and Aspherical Lens Elements
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

The Imaging Resource reviewed Sigma’s latest addition to their “Contemporary” line-up, the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM. Some excerpts:

• The Sigma 17-70mm “C” is surprisingly sharp, especially when compared to its predecessor
  
• Chromatic aberration is handled quite well outside of the extremes in the focal ranges capable of the lens (23-50mm), but at the 17mm and 70mm ends we note some considerable chromatic aberration
• Corner shading is only a problem in two cases: when the lens is used at 17mm, or when the lens is used at any other focal length and at its widest aperture
• […] the lens was able to focus between infinity, close-focus and back to infinity in around one second
• 0.34x magnification [for macro]
• With the new “Contemporary” 17-70mm ƒ/2.8-4 OS HSM “C”, Sigma’s created a smart and stylish upgrade to its kit-lens alternative. There’s a good recipe for sales here: make it look awesome, and don’t jack up the price too much.