Nice build. Sharp. Nice size and weight, given the optical quality.

Autofocus is poor

I purchased this along with the Canon 350D XT rebel. From perusing the web, looking for an everyday lens, it seemed that it was perhaps the best compromise of zoom range, optical quality, speed (i.e. F/2.8) ,and weight/size. I was a bit worried by some reports I read that said that autofocus did not work well. Unfortunately I did not have another lens to compare the Sigma too. However I quickly noticed that autofocus was not that accurate, to the point that if I was shooting where depth-of-field was at all shallow, then autofocus was not up to the job. Basically, if I wanted to get the shot, and I was shooting at less then F6, I would have to manually focus. I took the lens and camera to the store and spent awhile comparing it to a Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 ( a lens to which the Sigma is often compared). The tamron autofocused almost as quickly (which is fast), and was almost always spot on. The differene was pretty clear. So I returned the Sigma and bought the Tamron

Well Built Nice pictures Sharp Compact Resolved some previous issues found on the 24-70mm Comes with nice pouch and flare guard

All Nitpicking- zoom lock only at 24mm (wouldn't use it any way), auto focus motor noise, unable to override AF unless you switch to MF.

Received this great little lens over 2 weeks ago. It is the perfect size for a portrait lens, and fits nicely into your hands. The big brother sigma (24-70mm) is probably 35% larger so for travelling this lens is ideal. First impressions on this lens is that it is nicely built. Heavy enough to know its quality, light enough to carry around especially if the shoulder strap doesn't leave your neck for the entire day. I was considering the 24-70mm but I am glad that I didn't. The 10 mm you loose off the zoom end isn't really noticeable, and if you have a tele-zoom starting around 70- 90mm range you will never notice it. The end of the lens comes out when zooming, yet it doesn't turn when focusing so a petal flare guard can be used. The Auto focus is a little noisy, but not as bad as the 24-70mm. The two adjusters (focus, zoom) run smoothly and sigma seemed to have resolved the stiff focus problem which seems to be quite common on the 24-70. They have also resolved the manual focus issue on the 24-70mm with no pull focus required. Picture quality seems to be quite sharp so far. Not as much as the canon L series but what do you expect for under half the price. Tried to create flare by shooting into the sun and found very little/ no flare. I have seen worse. Great colour in the pictures. I haven't so far found to many problems shooting at f2.8 Nice bokeh. Definately consider the 24-60mm if you are looking around. I would recommend it over the 24-70mm for many a reason. I have used this on a Canon 300D and so far haven't had any compatibility issues.

Customer Service

sigma4less.com Fantastic customer service and price.

Similar Products Used:

Canon L 24-70mm Sigma 24-70mm macro

Sharp Very good contrast Very little flare Excellent performance for the price

AF slighty noisy - but this is nitpicking

Being used on a Nikon D70 and Fuji S3 Pro. A little soft at the edges wide open, but not objectional. Very sharp across the whole image from f4 and up. Not overly warm like some Sigmas. Well built. AF is in same field as USM & AF-S. AF is a little whiny, but doesn't bother me. Flare is very well controlled. Image quality in same league as top Nikon and Canon glass.

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 35-70mm/2.8

- great picture quality - fast - solid and efficient construction

only some little flare at 24-28mm, but this can be handled very well (hood inclusive)

This is simply a great lens. It has a shortest distance of 38cm and a constant aperture of 2.8. It´s solid and a joy to use. It has a fast and silent autofocus (on a F5). Pictures were extremly sharp with superb contrast all over the frame between f4-18. Since I use this lens I sold the overpriced Nikon 20-35mm...

Customer Service

not needed

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor 20-35mm 2.8 Sigme 20-40mm 2.8