Testing the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
I wanted a fast normal zoom to use with my D300. Based on the many reviews online it was easy to narrow my decision down to two choices, the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 or the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8. I decided to get the Sigma since it was half the price of the Nikon and had VR. I have never used anything but Nikon glass for my Nikon cameras so this was outside the box for me. I was concerned about build quality and image quality, sharpness in particular.
The first lens I received had an obvious alignment problem, the left side of the frame would be very soft while the right would be sharp even at f/8 on equidistant objects. I exchanged the lens for another sample.
When I received the new lens I shot test images using a D300 to compare the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS HSM lens to Nikon's 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-s and 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR. I was specifically interested in determining whether to keep the Sigma or return it and get the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 for TWICE the price. After seeing the results I decided to keep the Sigma. It's faster and sharper than what I was using, it's half the cost of the equivalent Nikon option, plus I get VR. Central sharpness on the Sigma is excellent. Corners are soft at the wider settings below f/5.6 but as focal length increases past 35mm the image sharpens up nicely even wide open everywhere but the most extreme borders.
1. The first three image pairs (single test chart shots) were taken at f/4 and close distance at a focal length of about 34mm. There is an image pair for each lens; a reduced size of the full image and a 100% crop from the lower left.
2. The next several images are snapshots taken with the Sigma. Applied a small bit of unsharp mask (15) and converted the RAW files to full size jpg's using Capture NX.
3. The remaining images (each showing five test charts) are a series to compare the three lens's performance at various apertures and focal lengths. The RAW files were processed through DxO Optics software where lens specific corrections were applied then rendered as a full size jpgs. DxO Optics is part of my normal work flow so I processed these to compare the best post-process image from each lens.
To view any full size image hover the cursor over the right side of the image on the right and select "Original" on the pop out menu. You can right click and save if you want.
Read MoreThe first lens I received had an obvious alignment problem, the left side of the frame would be very soft while the right would be sharp even at f/8 on equidistant objects. I exchanged the lens for another sample.
When I received the new lens I shot test images using a D300 to compare the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS HSM lens to Nikon's 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-s and 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR. I was specifically interested in determining whether to keep the Sigma or return it and get the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 for TWICE the price. After seeing the results I decided to keep the Sigma. It's faster and sharper than what I was using, it's half the cost of the equivalent Nikon option, plus I get VR. Central sharpness on the Sigma is excellent. Corners are soft at the wider settings below f/5.6 but as focal length increases past 35mm the image sharpens up nicely even wide open everywhere but the most extreme borders.
1. The first three image pairs (single test chart shots) were taken at f/4 and close distance at a focal length of about 34mm. There is an image pair for each lens; a reduced size of the full image and a 100% crop from the lower left.
2. The next several images are snapshots taken with the Sigma. Applied a small bit of unsharp mask (15) and converted the RAW files to full size jpg's using Capture NX.
3. The remaining images (each showing five test charts) are a series to compare the three lens's performance at various apertures and focal lengths. The RAW files were processed through DxO Optics software where lens specific corrections were applied then rendered as a full size jpgs. DxO Optics is part of my normal work flow so I processed these to compare the best post-process image from each lens.
To view any full size image hover the cursor over the right side of the image on the right and select "Original" on the pop out menu. You can right click and save if you want.
