[Waveform]

Currently I have a 300D + kit lens, 50mm F1.8 & Sigma 70-300mm APO.
I've got two upgrades in mind, the camera body (to a 30D after things have settled post-400D general availability) and my main walk around lens. Having read lots of reviews the top of the list of lenses is the 17-70mm Sigma but before taking the plunge I just wanted to get the views of people on the forum who have had this for a while. Whats it like for;
AF Speed?
IQ across the range?
Build quality?
Had a look at one in my local camera shop and build seemed quite good for the price although the focus ring seemed to have a little too much play in it to me.
The other lens in the frame is the Canon 17-85 IS USM which, while much more expensive in the UK, is comparable in the US.

[toadoftoadhall]

just something to find out first, I dont think the sigma 70-300 works with the 30D I am nearly sure I have seen these for sale due to not being compatible with the later canon models.
Dont take my word for it, but do try to check it out.

toad

[PmSonic]

I might be wrong, but i thought the sigma 70 - 300 APO worked with the 30d? I've got one on my 350d, i was sure my camera used the same 1.6x sensor setup at the 30d?

Hopefully someone will clarify this, but i think your fine with the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro

[Waveform]

Originally Posted by toadoftoadhall

just something to find out first, I dont think the sigma 70-300 works with the 30D I am nearly sure I have seen these for sale due to not being compatible with the later canon models.
Dont take my word for it, but do try to check it out.

toad

checked up and the 70-300 should be fine - its the more recent APO version - some of the earlier iterations of the lens need rechipping to work with cropped frame DSLRs.

[dood]

I'm also curious to get feedback on the sigma 17-70 - anyone?

[BananaTiger]

I've got the Sigma 17-70 and I'm pretty happy with it so far on my 350d. I haven't had many lenses so I can't compare to it to anything but the kit lens but I'm pleased with the results so far.

[Waveform]

Originally Posted by BananaTiger

I've got the Sigma 17-70 and I'm pretty happy with it so far on my 350d. I haven't had many lenses so I can't compare to it to anything but the kit lens but I'm pleased with the results so far.

Would be interested to hear how it fairs against the kit lens, particularly AF speed and image quality

[Waveform]

Well got it anyway. The local camera shop, Wildings, did a price match (well almost) to Bristol Cameras price for £235 + including a 72mm UV filter (BC price was £225) so I'm pretty happy.
Will post back with some shots once I've had chance to shoot something more interesting than next doors cat....
Initial impressions;
a lot more weight than the kit lens, build quality seems really good considering the price point and the AF performance is fast - much faster than any of my other lenses (kit, 70-300mm APO or 50mm 1.8II).

[BananaTiger]

Sorry I didn't reply with AF speeds and IQ. TBH, I'm pretty knew to this stuff so comparison of the two against the kit lens would be a bit fuzzy, but glad you are enjoying the new lens. The one thing for sure, it does feel nice and solid compared to the kit and 50f1.8 lenses.

[leoedin]

hey

This is next on my list.

this thread on POTN just makes me want it now :o

Anyway...Have fun with your new lens.

[Waveform]

Originally Posted by BananaTiger

Sorry I didn't reply with AF speeds and IQ. TBH, I'm pretty knew to this stuff so comparison of the two against the kit lens would be a bit fuzzy, but glad you are enjoying the new lens. The one thing for sure, it does feel nice and solid compared to the kit and 50f1.8 lenses.

No problem Tiger, if I was honest I had probably already decided I was going to get it - was just checking for any "howlers".
Glad to say I haven't found any yet, as you say it has a real nice solid feel to it and I've found the AF speed to be fantastic even though it isn't HSM/USM.
From what I've shot over the weekend I am pretty impressed. I think I had a pretty good copy of the kit lens but this is quite a bit better, wider aperture allows for some nice shallow DOF for portraits and it seems sharp throughout.
I'll spare you all the shots of my kids so here's half a dozen from Stapeley Water Gardens.
**Health warning: I am still learning this photography lark so you'll have to look past the composition etc - all pics are straight from the RAW with no other adjustments**

F/5 70mm

F/8 33mm

F/6.3 36mm

F/7.1 44mm

F/7.1 28mm

F/7.1 53mm