Product Description

Large aperture zoom starting from 24mm and realizing a maximum aperture F-value of 2.8 As for the front element does not rotate at the time of focusing.

Product Details

• Brand: Sigma
• Model: B0009E1XF8
• Released on: 2006-05-04
• Dimensions: 2.97" h x 2.97" w x 2.30" l, .95 pounds

Features

• Accepts 82mm size filters
• Variable zoom offers excellent image definition and increases your creative possibilities, when compared to a standard 50mm 'normal' lens
• The use of two (2) SLD (The Special Low Dispersion) glass elements results in excellent correction of chromatic aberration for a high level of optic integrity
• The lens materials used in this new lens are lead and arsenic free ecological glass

Customer Reviews

Professional Quality Optics
I have owned and used this lens professionally for over a year now and after a minor focus issue that was resolved very quickly by Sigma's excellent service department I have to say this is the sharpest 24-70 lens I have used. I also have experience with the canon 24-70L lens which retails for just over a grand and the Sigma is sharper throughout the whole range(even at 2.8). The only negative thing I have to say about this lens is the noisy autofocus (Canon's USM is much quieter). But it is still reasonably fast to AF. This is definately the best lens for the money in this zoom range and is without a doubt the best optically. Canon's build quality and weather sealing are definately superior to the Sigma so if that is an issue, you may want to go with the Canon.

-NB

Great f2.8 for the price!
Disclaimer: used it for 4 months+, on Canon Rebel XT 350D and Canon 430 film camera, I am an ameteur shooter.

Pro:
Full time MF.
constant 2.8.
Great contrast and color, consistent with my other Sigmas,
nice weight, fit and finish.

Neutral:
OK AF speed indoor and outdoor
f2.8 isn't fast enough in many indoor situations with moving subjects. I have to use flash with it.

Con:
Arrived with severe front-focus problem. Fixed under warranty.
Zoom could be smoother.
AF whines a bit, but tolerable;
Border not as sharp as center.
Sharp only after stop down. But usable wide open for me



Conclusion:
Probably not pro grade, but for the build quality at this price, it's a winner! (I deducted 1 star because of the less than perfect IQ.)

Update:
This claims to be a macro lens without HSM, so the so-so AF speed is excused. Got a very shallow DOF wide open. So IQ can be very low if AF is not spot on wide open. This is not a great low light lens as I thought it would be. But with good light, the IQ is excellent with fantastic color and contrast. Considering the price, it's not a bad deal really.

Update: March 2009
Just got my used 28-70 2.8L. It looks used and the MF is problematic, but the IQ(sharpness/color/contrast) is so much better than this Sigma, not to mention flair resistance, light fall off on full frame, AF. Contrary to the Sigma, the Canon L is very much usable at f2.8. Only the border sharpness improves significantly stop down. And I got the L used for not much more than the Sigma brand new. The L is a bit bigger but not really heavier in hand, both feel handful. I am a pack-rat so I'll keep my Sigma. I guess without the Sigma I couldn't have really appreciated the L lens anyway! Sigma just came out with a Mark II of its 24-70 with HSM, priced into $800+ range. I think if you like it cheap, Mark I is a steal now, if you have the cash, go for the L. If you are lucky, there might just be a good used L out there for you somewhere :)

Some Pros, Some Cons
After using my stock kit lens, 18-55, for months, I decided I really needed a new lens to replace the kit lens.

I chose this over the Tamron 28-75 and the Canon 17-85.

This lens has been proven to hang right with the $1300 Canon 24-70 L in terms of sharpness.

On with the review:

PROS: Extremely sharp above f/2.8, pretty decent in low light situations, very solid and rugged build quality, comes with a carrying case and hood, very good price

CONS: little on the heavy side (weighs as much as my 70-200 f/4), very loud AF, focusing is a little on the slow side, 2 step manual focus, 82mm filter size ($$$)

Overall, this has been a decent lens for me, but I actually have it up for sale now to move on.

Rev