The following sample shots were taken with a D7000 and RAW-converted via Capture One.
Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
17.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
55.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
55.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/800s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
70.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/1000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
70.0mm
Aperture:
f/7.1
Exposure
1/1000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
17.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.5
Exposure
1/1250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
38.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/1000s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
17.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.6
Exposure
1/400s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
70.0mm
Aperture:
f/4.0
Exposure
1/800s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
70.0mm
Aperture:
f/11.0
Exposure
1/250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
17.0mm
Aperture:
f/5.0
Exposure
1/800s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
21.0mm
Aperture:
f/6.3
Exposure
1/500s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
35.0mm
Aperture:
f/3.3
Exposure
1/1250s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
125
Focal Length
55.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/640s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
46.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/320s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
17.0mm
Aperture:
f/2.8
Exposure
1/3200s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
70.0mm
Aperture:
f/8.0
Exposure
1/125s
Make
NIKON CORPORATION
Model
NIKON D7000
ISO Speed
100
Focal Length
17.0mm
Aperture:
f/3.5
Exposure
1/2000s
Verdict
The Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC HSM OS is a fairly obvious candidate for budget oriented consumers. It may not reach stellar performance levels but the resolution figures are generally very decent. However, for best results you may want to avoid the largest aperture settings due to somewhat soft borders and high vignetting.
Like most standard zoom lenses the Sigma shows a pronounced degree of barrel distortion at 17mm whereas other focal lengths are less affected. Lateral CAs are comparatively well corrected. All-in-all the performance characteristic is similar to its non-OS predecessor.
The biggest improvement over the older lens is naturally the highly efficient OS - Sigma's optical image stabilizer - which is just as efficient as Nikon's VR. The build quality of the lens is pretty impressive for a lens in this class and a nice contrast compared to the average plastic bomber here. The pricing of the Sigma lens is, as usual, highly competitive especially when taking the relatively large max. aperture in account.
