Sigma’s second-generation 17-35mm f/2.8-4 EX AF features dramatically improved close-up performance [maximum magnification ratios go from 1:11.5 to 1:4.4]. It also boasts an advanced ring-type HSM AF motor, one noticeably quieter than Sigma’s previous micro-type; you can now manually touch up focus while working in AF. The cost of this advance? Added weight [19.8 ounces compared to 14 ounces] and a $50 hike in the street price. Covering a 35mm frame, this lens is optimized for use on DSLRs thanks to new multicoatings to suppress reflections that bounce off digital sensors.
HANDS ON:
The lens is somewhat large for its class [in fact, its weight and dimensions are almost identical to Canon’s fixedaperture 16-35mm f/2.8], and finished in Sigma’s newly improved EX surface, which eliminates tiny gold and silver flecks that looked like dust in some photos of previous EX lenses. The new surface is still slightly textured, but now it’s a uniformly sleek matte black. Focusing, depth-of-field, and zoom scales are in white and easily legible. Zoom and focusing rings are amply large and covered with a ribbed, rubberized material. The manual-focus ring turns smoothly and evenly, with a pleasing drag, but the zoom action grows stiffer as you rack the lens out. Unlike most zooms, this lens’ focusing collar is significantly wider than its zoom — a feature manual-focus fans should applaud.
IN THE LAB:
SQF performance showed excellent sharpness at all tested apertures and focal lengths. According to DxO Analyzer tests, the lens has slight barrel distortion at 17mm [0.83%] and 24mm [0.62%]; and minimal barrel distortion [0.45%] at 35mm; an above-average, even excellent performance. Light falloff at the edges was gone by f/5.6 at all apertures, also above average. At the universal close-focus distance of 10.8 inches, magnification ratios ranged from 1:10.2 at 17mm to a satisfying 1:4.4 at 35mm.
CONCLUSION:
In our opinion, the lens’ forte is its close-up performance, a welcome development in the ultrawide-angle zoom category. If you want dramatic closeups from a wide-angle zoom, and a minimum of linear distortion, you’ll be pleased with this new Sigma.
Specifications
17-35mm [17.62-33.66 tested], f/2.8-4 [f/2.75-4.18 tested], 16 elements in 13 groups. Focusing turns 130 degrees counterclockwise. Zoom ring turns 50 degrees counterclockwise. Focal lengths marked at 17-, 20-, 24-, 28-, and 35mm.
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Manufacturer Sigma Model 17-35 mm f/2.8-4 EX DG HSM Aspherical Lens style Wide angle zoom Focal length 17 - 35 mm Maximum aperture f/2.8 - 4 Angle of view 103.7 - 63.4 o Closest focusing distance 0.27 m Maximum magnification 1:4.5 Minimum aperture 45 Number of diaphragm blades 8 Auto focus type AF HSM Lens Construction 16 elements / 13 groups Filter diameter 77 mm Macro No Available mounts Canon EF Nikon F Sony A / Minolta Sigma Pentax K Dimensions 83.5 x 86.2 mm Weight 560 g Additional information No HSM in version for KM/Sony and Pentax/Samsung
Average rating [7 owners reviews]
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This lens is good edge to edge when stopped down, even on full frame. This lens is good for every day landscape / architecture work. Color is good, with good deep blues. It is less saturated than the DG version. Contrast is slightly improved with a good modern multi coated UV filter.The lens is not brilliant wide open and probably wasn't meant to be. The Pentax 15-30 mm is, obviously, sharper on the edge at wider apertures, but how often do you need ultra wide angle and shallow depth of field?