Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM VS Sigma 17-70MM F/2.8-4.5

[dakoo]

Which lense is a better choice.. Also in terms of sharpness which would b better !!!

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
OR
Sigma 17-70MM F/2.8-4.5


psl advise !!!

[Max@Home]

Hi dakoo,

...choices, choices...

To determine which is better *for you* I'll try to explain the commonnalities and the differences, and their advantage/disadvantage:

To start, both are 'consumer grade' lenses, decent build, but no weather proofing on both.

Both are 'EF-S/DC' lenses, designed for the 1.5x/1.6x 'cropped body', so they are only useable on 300D/350D/400D/20D/30D

The OEM (Canon) lens will have the advantage that it will also work on a new 'EF-S' body released in ten tears, with Sigma that can only be guessed/hoped...

The Canon lens has ImageStabilzation, IS, which helps enormously when capturing still images shot-handheld at low shutter speeds, the advantage is said to be 3 stops, which makes it 'faster' than the Sigma, that is 'in design' 1 to 2/3 stop faster.

This advantage is lost however when shooting 'moving objects'.

The Canon lens is a tad longer (the Canon gives a 27mm-135mm FoV, the Sigma a 27mm-112mm FoV)

Both lenses are known to have some variation in build, where the Sigma seems to have a tad more 'bad copies'.

(if in doubt, have it calibrated or exchange for another, might be important to check the return policy -where ever you are buying it-)

Because the Sigma starts with F2.8, on the 20D/30D/400D (same focussing system) the Sigma will focus a tad faster and better, because on those bodies at F2.8 an extra AF sensor kicks in. But as soon as you start zooming the Sigma, it will kick out again...

Regarding sharpness there is not much difference, a decent/good copy of both lenses should be sharp, remember however that these lenses are consumer grade, so do not expect full sharpness wide open, both need to be stopped down a little (2/3 to 1 stop) to achieve their 'optimal sharpness'

Both lenses are also known to have (minor) distortion and vignetting at the wide end, but this is easy to correct in PhotoShop (or with the use of PTLens from www.epaperpress.com)

The Canon lens has a filterdiameter of 67mm, the Sigma has a 72mm filterthread, this *could* be important to share (polarizer)filters and such with your other lenses...

The Sigma comes with a lenshood, the Canon lenshood has to be bought separately.

For a 'general walkaround lens', *I* would prefer the Canon, as *for me* the IS and extra lenght would make it the more useable/versatile lens.

...and as always, all the above is just *my* €0.02 worth of knowledge & advise...

My kindest regards,

Max@Home

[dakoo]

That is very helpful & in depth advice ... Thank u so much .... Gives me enough confidence to go with Canon.
although sigma i m getting as a seconds deal. at around 200$

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by dakoo

Which lense is a better choice.. Also in terms of sharpness which would b better !!!

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
OR
Sigma 17-70MM F/2.8-4.5

My take won't be nearly as long, because I use paragraphs. The Canon is a bit longer in reach and that is good, but some think a lens that reaches 5 times (or more) in length is running short optically. Canon known really good lenses, if not prime ones, do not reach that far.

The Canon has IS, and I am not a huge IS fan, with the cost of it being one consideration. It is also an EF-S lens, and I am not a fan of that either. The Sigma has a wider aperture, and with that come more advantages. I am one of the ones that think Sigma has some really good lenses, and I wouldn't shy away from them, just to be brand loyal.

[magicmikey]

I chose to go with a Sigma 17-70 because of the wider aperture, great reviews (comparable to the 17-85) and great price. It's a lot less expensive than the Canon. So far, I've been very satisfied with it.

Michael