Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.5 DC Macro with Nikon D40

Ciphon · 4 Sep 2010 at 17:07

Hi All,

I'm looking to upgrade my stock D40 lense (Nikkor DX AF-S 18-55 2.5-5.6) with this:

Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.5 DC Macro

I've done some reading on the lens, and have found it for about £220, which I think is a fair price.

My only concern is the size of the lens! I read that it's fairly large (Diameter: 7.9 cm), and can block the auto focus light.

The D40 is a pretty small camera, and although I've read that it fits and the motors are compatible, but the comment worried me a little.

Does anyone have / have used this combo / know if it works?

Thanks very much!

syke · 4 Sep 2010 at 18:04

You considered the Tamron 17-50 2.8? Very sharp lens, and can get it for around that, too

Raymond Lin · 4 Sep 2010 at 18:07

How does the size of a lens block the auto focus light? What light? You mean the built in flash?

Personally i don't see it as an upgrade, it is still a fairly slow lens and money the tamron is a much better lens for the money.

syke · 4 Sep 2010 at 18:14

Raymond Lin said:
How does the size of a lens block the auto focus light? What light? You mean the built in flash?

Personally i don't see it as an upgrade, it is still a fairly slow lens and money the tamron is a much better lens for the money.

I agree. The 18-55 kit lens is actually pretty sharp too. The Tamron is faster, and sharper.

blastman · 5 Sep 2010 at 14:28

although I'm a canon user, I have just got my hands on sigma 17-70 DC macro and have found the images it produces much better than the 18-55 kit, plus i like the extra length.

I paid £180 for the lens 2nd hand from a TP forum member.

As for the auto focus light, I'm not sure what you mean there, I'm unaware of any auto focus light on either Nikon or Canon body's.

I can also confirm that in low light conditions the siggy does hunt a bit when trying to focus, but I'm getting a flash gun next week so this doesn't bother me, but something to keep in mind.

Hope some of that helps.

Ciphon · 5 Sep 2010 at 16:16

blastman said:
I can also confirm that in low light conditions the siggy does hunt a bit when trying to focus, but I'm getting a flash gun next week so this doesn't bother me, but something to keep in mind.

This was pretty much my concern.

How does a flash gun help rectify the auto focus?

blastman · 5 Sep 2010 at 16:20

Ciphon said:
This was pretty much my concern.

How does a flash gun help rectify the auto focus?

TTL will fire a couple of beams to work out how much light to emit when you press the shutter button. These light pluses can provide enough light to auto focus. (in my limited experince..)

I'm still more than happy with the lens, cracking images, tac sharp, if your lucky to get a good one

At The Gates · 5 Sep 2010 at 16:30

He means the AF Assist lamp next to the shutter button. I doubt a lens will block it. My Sigma 30mm is 7.6cm and that doesn't come close to blocking the light.