Tell me about the Sigma 17-50 f2.8

Dooku77

Dooku77

Senior Member
Ok so I'm having this dilemma of wanting to purchase the 50mm f1.8 and use that in conjunction with my 35mm on vacation in 2 months. I'm thinking of selling my 2 zooms I have now and purchasing the 17-50 f2.8. The only thing that's stopping me is reviews stating that the front element becomes loose after a while and the lens hood does not stay on at all. I'll be the first to admit that when I got my 35mm I freaked out because I thought the lens hood wouldn't stay on until I realized it had to be snapped into place. Other than that I heard its tack sharp image quality. Anyone care to share their thoughts?
 
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jwstl

Senior Member
I just received mine and have only done a few test shots around the house but it seems quite good.
In a couple of days I'm leaving for a few days of R&R in Florida and I'm taking this lens. I'll have a better idea of it's strengths and weaknesses when I return.
 
Dooku77

Dooku77

Senior Member
jwstl said:
I just received mine and have only done a few test shots around the house but it seems quite good.
In a couple of days I'm leaving for a few days of R&R in Florida and I'm taking this lens. I'll have a better idea of it's strengths and weaknesses when I return.
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Excellent. That's what I want it for as well. I really am interested to hear and see your results.
 
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nzswift

Senior Member
Just my opinion but I can't see a zoom outperforming a prime. They only have to be optimized for one focal length. The zoom has to try to be the master of all focal lengths. Harder for the optical engineers to perform
 
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Bukitimah

Senior Member
When you need flexibility, the 17-50 f2.8 comes in handy. I am using the Tamron but I don't think there is a difference between the 2. I heard good reviews about Nikon but we are talking of different $
 
Dooku77

Dooku77

Senior Member
Bukitimah said:
When you need flexibility, the 17-50 f2.8 comes in handy. I am using the Tamron but I don't think there is a difference between the 2. I heard good reviews about Nikon but we are talking of different $
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How do u like the Tamron? I have read that the build quality is a little spotty. Do you have the VC version?
 
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Bukitimah

Senior Member
I have not own other brand for this range but fron the outlook compared with my other Nikon lens, quality is inderior a little. I would say acceptable for the $ difference.

Mine is without VR. For lens that is less than 100 mm, VR not that important but always good to have extra feature. I think it cost 50% more.
 
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crashton

Senior Member
I don't have experience with those lenses. I do have experience with both Sigma & Tamron. They taught me years ago it is best to buy Nikkor glass. Way back when their lenses were junk, not sure if that is still the case or they have improved.
 
Dooku77

Dooku77

Senior Member
Outrage has set in!!!! I got the lens today in the mail and guess what? It doesn't work. Autofocus doesn't work, it hunts like crazy and I cannot take a picture with it. I'm so mad. I have my photo gig this Saturday. I'm going to have to try and order the Tamron next day air. So bummed out
 
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Dooku77

Dooku77

Senior Member
Rick M said:
Sorry to hear that, good luck with the Tamron, I hear the new VC is pretty good.
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Thanks Rick. I'm trying to cool myself down. I'm was freaking out earlier because I finally got the funds together to get this lens and this happens. In a worst case scenario I have my 2 prime lenses.
 
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jwstl

Senior Member
Dooku77 said:
Outrage has set in!!!! I got the lens today in the mail and guess what? It doesn't work. Autofocus doesn't work, it hunts like crazy and I cannot take a picture with it. I'm so mad. I have my photo gig this Saturday. I'm going to have to try and order the Tamron next day air. So bummed out
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That's strange. I assume you use it on the D7000 that's listed in your profile. I'm using this same lens on a D7000 without incident. In fact, it's great.
Did you buy the lens new or used? Sometimes the Sigmas need to be sent in and to have the firmware upgraded to work with newer models.
 
Dooku77

Dooku77

Senior Member
jwstl said:
That's strange. I assume you use it on the D7000 that's listed in your profile. I'm using this same lens on a D7000 without incident. In fact, it's great.
Did you buy the lens new or used? Sometimes the Sigmas need to be sent in and to have the firmware upgraded to work with newer models.
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I bought it used like new but it is in fact a new lens. I would love to get another but I do not have the time to send it in to Sigma. I absolutely love the build quality on this thing, but unfortunately I already have the return scheduled back to Amazon. I put it on the camera and went to just take a simple photo in great lighting and it was hunting like crazy. Wouldn't stop, it sounded like a machine gun. Man I really wanted to love this lens.
 
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