Upgrading from Sigma 17-70

[overthere]

Hi there

I've got a sigma 17-70, the non hsm one, i've had it for just over a year now

I've been thinking of upgrading it for quite a while

as much as i love the lens, and use it all the time, i just fancy a change


I looked at a few other threads using the search
and most people said the canon efs 17-55 as an alternative
but that's a bit out of my league right now


I mainly shoot cars, still and in motion


i think what i would want most from a lens is probably fast focusing

i had the sigma 10-20 for a little while, and i loved the HSM,
it was faster and quiter which was a very nice advantage

I would say i use the macro feature to an extent on my current lens every now and then, so ideally that would be something i'd like to have without buying a dedicated macro lens


I was considering the tamron 17-50, the newer one with the IS equivalent, but have read some people not getting sharp copies :shake:

i've also seen the newer version of the sigma 17-70 that has the HSM and OS


i personally think the newer 17-70 would be ideal for me

but just wondering if anyone could share any information, thoughts and what have you..


does anyone know about people recieving non-sharp copies? any problems?
I would imagine since its an upgrade on an existing lens, all they could do is improve it
but still just curious


budget is about £400ish

thanks for your help in advance

 

[lauy]

I fully recommend the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM, as you already know its an amazing lens. If budget is an issue, you can try and scout one used for a good price. I was lucky and managed to get one plus a Sigma 10-20mm for £730. Considering the Sigma sells for around £280, it's like I got it for £450 in a way. I think usually, they go for more around the £500-600 mark, but you can definitely get some really good deals if you are patient, and can stretch to that little extra as it is worth it!

Can't comment on the other lenses as I haven't owned them......sorry. I think for me though, if I was going to spend £400 on one of the others, I'd probably save a bit more and get a used Canon like I mentioned above, because you will know it will definitely be super sharp!

 

[Bob Loblaw]

I'm not sure you'd get too much of an improvement in image quality from another lens below the 17-55/ 24-105L budget. I've heard a lot of good things about the Tamron, but since you use the macro function, sounds like the new 17-70 would be suit you well. There's also the Sigma 24-70 f2.8, which I'm thinking about myself.

I use the old 17-70 too, and i do find the autofocus laking a little!