Canon 17-85mm or Sigma 17-70mm (non OS)

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Whiters

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Having decided that the Sigma 17-70mm OS is out of my price range, I now have a choice between two second hand lenses - a Canon 17-85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM or a Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro (WITHOUT Optical Stabilisation).

Whichever lens I buy will be my main walkaround lens for scenery shots so is the Sigma of sufficient quality to justify losing the Image/Opticial Stabilisation?

Price of the two lenses second-hand is similar so not an issue.

Thanks in advance.
 
The Canon, because it has IS, and goes 15mm longer.
 
trencheel303 said:
The Canon, because it has IS, and goes 15mm longer.
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Thanks, that does seem the logical choice but I'm still a bit unsure because previous threads on here have suggested that the Sigma is much better than the Canon in terms of the quality of images produced?

The other reason for my doubt is that from time to time I may use bought lens on a tripod for sunset photos, in which case image quality is obviously essential.
 
I have the sigma 17-70mm non IS and can't recommend it enough, I get sharp images good quality images with mine :-), and having the Macro ability beats the extra 15mm at the telephoto end ! I can focus on subjects as close as 20cm! I don't even miss the IS, don't forget this lens is 1.2 stops faster.

If you want any samle shots let me know :-)

Cheers

Lee
 
Example shots using a Canon 450D, all resized to 640x427

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This is a 100% crop then resized to 640x427

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I had the Siggy. My brother the Canon. I was always convinced I had the better lens as far as IQ was concerned. Never missed IS/OS at all. I have no problem recommending the Siggy unreservedley.
 
Hi, have a wee search as someone asked the very same question last week. I would try and find the link but just using my phone to post here. I put my comments on the other thread with my thoughts :) Mike.
 
The siggy is the better lens optically, I'm looking to upgrade mine to the sigma OS version but would never consider swapping it for the Canon you mention.
 
mikeyb said:
Hi, have a wee search as someone asked the very same question last week. I would try and find the link but just using my phone to post here. I put my comments on the other thread with my thoughts :) Mike.
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I got the Canon as a kit lens. It's OK, and has a good range, but it's nothing special. I'll probably replace it with something better when I can afford it but I want constant f2.8, not just at the short end. IS probably isn't so important with fairly short lenses and I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker unless you expect to be hand holding a lot in poor light with stationery subjects.
 
Be aware though, I've had two copies of the Sigma lens, my old copy which I no longer have had a slight back focus problem, but my current copy is sharp :D
 
yep I have looked into swapping my 17-85mm for the 17-70mm, mostly due to the lower aperture, as I take mostly night shots/at basketball matches recently (used to play semi-pro before injury)

gonna make a thread to sell/swap my one if anyone is up for it :) (well when I am allowed to)
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. In the end I decided to stretch to buying the Sigma 17-70mm with OS, found it for £311 on Amazon.

As a walkaround I really wanted the OS/IS and at only about £100 cheaper for a second-hand Canon 17-85mm IS, that would have been a false economy really.

Will let you all know how I get on with it (should arrive on Monday).

Brilliant shots btw Leeboy!
 
my new sigma arrived 3 days ago going to cumbria next weekend cant wait
 
Nice one, have a great trip and let us know what you think of the lens. I'll do likewise although it might take me until w-c 18th before I get a chance to get out anywhere decent and give it a proper try.
 
I wouldn't have either.....I find constant f2.8 far more useful! :thumbs:

Have you looked at the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 or the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8? :thinking:
 
Whiters said:
Thanks for all the advice guys. In the end I decided to stretch to buying the Sigma 17-70mm with OS, found it for £311 on Amazon.

As a walkaround I really wanted the OS/IS and at only about £100 cheaper for a second-hand Canon 17-85mm IS, that would have been a false economy really.

Will let you all know how I get on with it (should arrive on Monday).

Brilliant shots btw Leeboy!
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Excellent, enjoy the lens :-), though I'm not sure how good the OS version is, reviews say it's as good, and AF is quieter. Thanks for compliment on photo's :-), none have been enhanced, B&W one has had chroma reduced to about 6% in DPP.
 
craigg said:
my 17-85is was / is a HORRIBLE lens. Constantly searching for focus and failing I have to add.

Luckily I now have a 24-105l...

Going to sell the 17-85 but feel I should pay someone to take it off me.
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Is your lens in good working order? The 17-85mm certainly has its shortcomings, but I've no complaints about the focussing. Mine focuses quite fast and rarely hunts in anything like reasonable light.
 
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