Get a free beginner's guide to photography

Learn techniques and best practices for capturing motion in low light

Sigma 17-50 2.8 OS Review

When it comes to fast wide angle lenses there are a few options out there. You can stick with the Canon or Nikon versions that run over $1,000 or you can look into the Sigma and Tamron 17-50 2.8s for much less.

In this case I am reviewing the Sigma 17-50 2.8 OS which runs $669.99 at Allen’s Camera. Who is this lens for? This lens is for the new and up and coming photographer with the Canon Rebels or Nikon D3100 D5100 and possibly the D7000. This lens is one of the first two lenses that I see being in a photographers bag. This lens will work hand and hand with a 70-200 giving you full coverage from 17 all the way to 200mm in a 2.8 lens.

The 2.8 is very important to have in terms of letting more light in which allows you to drop the ISO as well as color and clarity of your images. These type of lenses tend to be built better and hold their resale value. With that said this investment will pretty much pay for itself over time and when your ready to step up into a full pro lens you will be able to sell this lens for close to 80% of what you paid for it.

In the review you will see me talk about the build quality all the way to the showing you sample images captured with this lens. I recommend this lens like I said above for more of the amateur photographer who is looking to get better quality images over the kit lenses. If you ever come across a Canon or Nikon 17-55 2.8 used at a great price I would try and swing that over picking up the Sigma. It will be rare that you will find one of those lenses used so this is a great alternative for the price.

The only people I do not see picking up this lens would be photographers who are on the brink of going full frame. If you are making money in photography and this is your profession I personally like to get either the Canon or the Nikon versions.

If you are interested in picking up any Sigma lens from April 30th – May 4th Allen’s Camera is running a sale. Please call 215.547.2841 to ask about the Fro Price and the FREE item that will come with your lens. Click the banner to the right to get all the information about the Meet up!!

Sigma 17-50 2.8 OS Sample Images


Previous Next