Sigma 17-70 or 24-70?

[PaulMark]

I am currently using a Canon 550d with the kit lens (18-55). As I have been getting more into photography I have discovered the limitations of the kit lens and I am looking for a suitable upgrade. The Canon L series lenses seem a bit over the top for my current level of photography and the Sigma's seem like a good compromise between quality and price.

I am currently trying to decide between the Sigma 17-70mm and the 24-70mm EX with HSM. The plus side of the 24-70 is that it is an EX lens with a constant 2.8 aperature. I do a fair amout of indoors and low light photography so a fast lens seems like a big plus. On the minus side, as the 550d Camera is a crop, I am worried that the 24-70 won't be wide enough for the odd landscape shot. Also it doesn't have the macro abilities of the 17-70mm. So the 17-70 seems like the right way to go... however there is a good chance I will upgrade to a full frame camera some time in the future so the 24-70 may be a better investment.

What you guys recommend? Is the 17-70 good enough for my purposes or should I invest in a 24-70?

 

[undesign]

I don't know Sigma lenses, so I'm just rambling p), but as you said 24mm isn't very wide on a crop lens. So you'll probably want a wide angle lens as well. For low light a fast prime may be an option, something like the 35 f2 or 50 f1.8/1.4.

Unsure as to the quality and price, but on the face of it I'd say 17-70 + fast prime. I also have a 550D and shoot primarily with a Canon 15-85 and then a 35 f2 and 50 f1.4 when I need fast glass.

Unless your move to full frame is imminent I would disregard that as a factor IMHO.

 

[Deezil]

17-70 is replicating what you already have in the kit lens and you won't see better results

You basically answered your own question when you stated you do a fair bit of indoor low light photography and outdoor landscape will only be on the odd occasion ... constant aperture f2.8 isn't to be sniffed at and even if 24 isn't very wide on crop sensor, you can always take 2 pictures and stitch (landscape is easy to stitch)

On the other hand as good as the 24-70 is I honestly don't think it is good enough for a modern full-frame sensor and you'll probably get mediocre results at best should you upgrade in the near future ... I'll second Siris' suggestion of a fast prime but I'll simply keep using the kit lens for now (with a touch of sharpening your photos will look as good as anything out there in the wild) and save up a bit of money for a "proper" lens once you go the FF route.

Just my cheap-ass opinion though

Link to 24-70 review

 

[bwana]

The 24-70 DG EX HSM is a stunning lens. As far as image quality goes its on par with canons version. I use it on the 1.6 and 1.3 crop sensors regularly and I couldn't be happier.

 

[RanzB]

I have the Sigma 24-70 and me loves it to pieces I also have a crop sensor, and for the landscape shots I picked up a Sigma 10-20 4-5.6, which is a also very very nice lens.

I'd suggest you do the same, and I know the cost will add up, but I bought my lenses about 6 months apart.

 

[Deezil]

I'm a BIG Sigma fan but I think their quality control isn't up to scratch ... I've borrowed a 24-70 many moons ago and I wasn't happy with the results (not even close in sharpness to the Canon 70-200 I owned at the time)

On the other hand some people (^^^ as an example) swear by their Sigma's but I think if you do decide to go down this route make sure the lens you buy is perfect! Buy from a shop that will allow you to test the lens before purchase or otherwise you just might end up with a dud.

 

[mic_y]

I'm a BIG Sigma fan but I think their quality control isn't up to scratch ... I've borrowed a 24-70 many moons ago and I wasn't happy with the results (not even close in sharpness to the Canon 70-200 I owned at the time)

On the other hand some people (^^^ as an example) swear by their Sigma's but I think if you do decide to go down this route make sure the lens you buy is perfect! Buy from a shop that will allow you to test the lens before purchase or otherwise you just might end up with a dud.

Agreed... not sure about Canon L, but many of the (non-pro) Nikkor lenses are being made in China now, and QC seems to have gone down by quite a bit (judging by forum posts). Obviously the same QC issues are going to be applicable to Sigma lenses. Different units of the same lens can produce some pretty varying results, so make sure to test beforehand...

 

[PaulMark]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm going to give the 24-70mm a try with the option to return it.

 

[bwana]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm going to give the 24-70mm a try with the option to return it.

Just be sure they let you try the high end version.

 

[Edduck]

interesting, I have heard the 24-70 is prone to be very soft at f2.8 at 24mm. Before you dive in, have you used a 24mm lens on a APS-C sensor? I found the field of view VERY restrictive, especially for people group shots and landscapes.

I have had the 1st generation 17-70 for 2 years know and I absolutely love the lens!! It is pin sharp at all focal lengths and although it does not use HSM focusing, the AF is very quick. Ig you check my blog or the pics posted in the 'everday photo thread' you will see how well this lens performs.

Remember it is also f2.8 at 17mm which is really handy for indoor shots.

There is also the 2nd gen version that inlcudes OS and an improved build quality.

 

[bwana]

I can't comment on edge softness on a full frame sensor as I use mine on aps-h and aps-c bodies. How well does the 17-70 function on ff or aps-h? On the cameras I use its sharp edge to edge at all focal lengths.

The 24-70 is f/2.8 at all focal lengths, which is also pretty handy for indoor shots.

 

[Edduck]

OH forgot to say the 17-70 is APS-C only.... @but it can be mounted on APS/H but has severe vignetting @ 17mm...

 

[Deckert]

Canon 15-85mm

I'd like to also recommend the 15-85mm lens from Canon. Besides its wide angle on the short end, the lens is remarkably fast in focussing, is almost completely silent and has one of the best IS mechanisms I've seen. The front lens element doesn't rotate and the focus is full-time manual (i.e. no danger of stripping gears by not switching to manual). I use this lens with my 500D and it's the one that's almost always on my camera.

I also have the newly released 70-300mm L and been playing with the 50mm f1.8, but the 15-85 makes the best allround lens. I was recently fortunate enough to travel in Italy for 11 days and the 15mm wide angle never let me down, allowing me to capture large buildings without hassle, then snap to 85mm to take close-up portraits of people.

Here's a fairly good review of the lens:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbScC8rl1W8

If you do get this lens, I'd really recommend that you also get the EW-78E lens hood and a filter to protect your front lens element.

--deckert