Royce Moss Loc: Irvine, CA

Hey Hoggers, I have been looking at reviews on the Sigma 17-50 and 17-70 for a while now and I thought I better check with you guys as I don't really trust some of the professional reviews. Most just sound like paid endorsements to me so I am asking the real life experts. I need a sharp, fast lens to use in low light and mostly tight spaces in night clubs, at parties, bars, restaurants, concerts and events. Currently using a 35mm 1.8 and 18-140( not so good in low light) on a Nikon D7100. The 35 is fine but a zoom would give me a lot more flexibility that I need. I am leaning to the 17-50 for the constant aperture and price. my budget is in the $400-$600 and I am looking for a new lens vs used or refurbished. The one reviewer I like is Tom Hogan and he says he uses the 17-50. Does anyone have or had this lens. Any info about it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I don't know about the 17-50mm as I only have the 17-70mm which happens to be my favorite lens. Not having a "constant aperture," I think it is a lot more affordable.
Nevertheless, my Sigma 17-70mm gives me very sharp images and the low-light capability has helped me quite a bit.
I know that you said Tom Hogan uses the 17-50mm but I like the extra reach the 17-70mm gives me. On our cameras, mine being a D5300, the 17-70 range would be equivalent to 25.5mm-105mm. The 17-50 gives you a max equivalency of 75mm. Gets you up a little closer.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I have and use the 17-70 with no issues. One of the recent British photo mags found the 17-70 slightly sharper than the 17-50 (objective numbers testing) Current 17-70's are a "contemporary" lens - and as such, are useable with the docking feature. Finally, the 20mm longer length is a big deal for me regarding isolation and back round blur - even if it is ONLY f4.

brent46 Loc: Grand Island, NY

I use the 17-50 f2.8 on my D7100. I did fine tune the focus to -3. The lens works great and is very sharp.

mtcoothaman Loc: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

I have the Sigma 17-70, not the current one, and researched it before I purchased it. It probably is not as good as the 17-50 but there is price difference too. I am very happy. I also recently purchased a new Pentax ( which I shoot )17-70 lens at a ridiculously low sale price on impulse to try out the SDM focus motor. this lens is a fixed f4 and most reports suggest it is slightly shaded by the Sigma- I am still to decide but unable to shoot right now as have had shoulder surgery.

I know you shoot Nikon but, for those lenses that are available in Pentax, Nikon etc mounts the reviews on Pentax Forums seem to provide good independent info and comparisons. Just Google up the forum and go from there. I hope this helps.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I have the Sigma 17-50 mm f 2.8 (for Pentax) and it is a sharp, clear lens of reasonable size and weight. No problems at all. It has come in handy for early morning and later in the evening as well as indoors. You really can't go wrong for the price.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Sigma Lenses on a Nikon Dx body aer a kick ass combination.

lehighjack Loc: somewhere in FL

I own and use extensively the Sigma 17-70 on a crop sensor Sony A mount. Except for some glare at 17(25.5) and to be expected focus hunt at the telephoto end, F8 and up, it is a strong performer. (Usually I shoot Aperature priority, when I shoot Manual, focus Peaking on the Sony works quite well with the EVF.) Occasionally Sigma has a Sale or Rebate period, you might call Adorama, BH Photo or Cameta to inquire; all three offer, at no extra cost or minor extra cost, packages with lenses. The 17-70 is relatively light, produces very good detail and very fine color. I have shot some very good portrits at the 70mm end(105) and though F4, the bokeh is excellent with the DOF. At that length it reminds me of my old Nikon 105 2.5 waaay baaack when.

I also use the Sigma 10-20 and constant aperture 3.5 and get really fine low light exposure. If you are shooting in darker surroundings like twilight or night, night club events, etc. bring a monopod if allowed, My Sony camera has IBIS, whilst the Nikon and Canon lens versions will have VR and IS respectively. Enjoy your acquisition. BTW, please use the lens hood all the time to protect the front element. A decent CPL would be a grand accessory to have available when shooting many subjects.

Enjoy your new lens!

3dees

I had the 17-70 and it's a nice lens for the piece but it's a f4 at 70mm. if you want a lens for low light I would look for a Sigma 50-100 f1.4. unless you need the wide end. if so the 17-50 is a great lens at a decent price.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You are going to be very pleased with the Sigma 17-50 f2.8. You are going to need that f2.8 aperture for your low light photography.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Royce, I own a Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.0, which I use with a Nikon D7200. It is very sharp and light enough to use for hours on end. I am selling it, and advertised it last week, here, in the classified section. It is a part of the new global vision line of lenses. The beauty of the global vision line is that they can be tuned to your camera using the Sigma tuning dock. I am selling it because I use my Nikon 18-200 more and find that this focal range is duplicative. I have had no issues with this lens in lower light situations. The 17-50, with it’s constant f/2.8 aperture, would be better if low light is your main concern. If you are interested, PM me. If you choose the 17-50, you will not be disappointed and B&H has them on sale right now for $369. I, too, enjoy reading Thom Hogan’s equipment reviews.

Surfknotts

I had the 17-50 found it very sharp throughout the focal range and f-stops.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I don't own the Sigma, but a Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 & it is a great walk around lens for me...Might be another consideration for you.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

If you are willing to live with an f2.8-f4 aperture on a crop camera, have you considered the Nikon 16-80 e lens? I use mine on a D5300 and am quite pleased with it

cochese

Have the 17-50 on my 60D. Very sharp, quick accurate focus. It's the lens that is always on unless I have something specific like tele in mind. All my lenses are Sigma, the 17-50, 50-150 EX OS HSM, and my newest toy a 120-400 APO OS HSM. Love my Sigma glass. The EX glass is pro quality, maybe not L lens quality but darn close.