Using a Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 in 2021

The Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 is a budget lens that has been around for a while. Be it for creating KZbin videos or shooting portraits, this seems to be one of the best cheap lenses out there. On paper, it has some very impressive specs that seem to compete very well with newer lenses. But how does it actually stack up to them? Let's find out!
Here is a link to the Sigma 17-50:
amzn.to/3Qmvq0A
The camera I used:
amzn.to/3x0HGgu
Feel free to give me a month of Epidemic Sound if you're planning to sign up:
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[@JohnSummerford]

Very well presented and edited - thanks Manuel.

[@speed_and_motion]

Nice video and review. I dusted off mine with a Sony a57 and used it today. Have to say it the combo did well for being over 10 years old.

[@jerryramirez3557]

Super thorough video man. Amen to you. Wish more reviews were like this.

[@manuelneumann]

Thank you

[@simonmorter9341]

Super helpful video man!! I think the autofocus noise during video will sadly be the deciding factor against this lens for me, thankfully I found your video before I bought one!!

[@manuelneumann]

Really glad I could help!

[@GetBusyLiving]

Great review - thanks mate!

[@willemdebeer2507]

Will actually purchase this lens tomorrow online. Glad i first watched this review.. Can get it for half the price of a Canon 17-55mm f2.8 and after watching this I am even more convinced its a good deal. I also have a Canon 90D

[@MimoDais]

Excited to get this lens it looks great

[@timovehkaoja]

Came here to check the autofocus noise, and that is the biggest issue as I’m looking for a nice video lens. Thanks for the vid 🤙🏻

[@manuelneumann]

Yeah no problem!

[@PhilipDrown]

Very nice review and great video and stills!

[@manuelneumann]

Thank you Philip! And thanks for sticking around.

[@Maleick]

9/10 lens only issue is the noises from video Autofocus. I would buy again honestly

[@anhvutran9138]

I use only one lens 17-50 f2.8 in 5 years :))

[@Allan_Madsen]

This lens is awesome i had it for years and i never and i mean never had any issues at all with that lens , i used it on my canon 750D and it was pin sharp from corner to corner straight from 2.8 , i agree the noisy motor but this lens is NOT for video users , today in 2021 7 years later it still runs with no issues at all now its sitting on my gf canon 7D mk ll for everyday street / city photography and portraits of her girlfriends etc.. for ppl who just started in the dslr world its a must have if you ask me ..

[@Robertomaviglia]

Thanks

[@nerys71]

is this lens EF or EF-S ?? I am running full frame and I can't find a clear answer for this.

[@thatfellarosto]

I used it for video and it looks great! the focus wheel isnt actually that bad for manual focus

[@sriharibr3151]

Great to know this...one small advice needed...I have just bought canon 77d apsc...Im a hobbyist and use camera for family events(indoor), travelling, kids, and portraits..I use these photos to frame and hang on walls in my house ...Will Sigma 17-50 fulfil my needs or should I choose something else....

[@thatfellarosto]

@@sriharibr3151 yes absolutely!!!

[@arunshadowplay4213]

I had it in 2008 fot my Nikon 80D.. It was super sharp in the middle... Never found any other lens up to that level of sharpness .. Was thinking of getting one for canon 80/ 90D since the sensor has more megapixel corner softness won't be a problem when cropped in post

[@manuelneumann]

Yeah it's definitely a great budget option

[@Dylon1981]

it was made in 2010, how'd you get it in 2008?

[@SergioStuddardAxTown]

@@Dylon1981 Time travel.

[@UK-JOURNEYS]

@@SergioStuddardAxTown :))))

[@newenglandlight8724]

Nice video. I have this lens on my D5500 and mostly love it. The weight is the main drawback for me, but it's not a deal breaker. I don't do video, but boy that AF motor noise is crazy! Oh, I love rain and shooting storms too!

[@manuelneumann]

That’s awesome to hear. It’s cool to hear the perspectives of others who own this lens. ( And yes, replying to this comment during an epic thunderstorm 😁)

[@johncyrildvngrc]

Doea it have autofocus in d5500?

[@newenglandlight8724]

@@johncyrildvngrc Yes.

[@tlewisAK]

I have this lens on a D5300. Quality is fine, but my biggest complaints are 1. the Autofocus noise, 2. Slow Autofocus, and 3, constant focus hunting. I have other Sigma lenses that are faster focusing, and don’t hunt nearly as much. But Sigma and it’s noisy motors. I also have a Tameron 70-200 f2.8 and a couple Nikon lenses that I have been going to instead of this lens.

[@garra7472]

@@tlewisAK you mention slow focusing and focus hunting you have this issues in taking photos or in video or both?? I have D7200 and thinking to buy this lens but also looking for nikkor 17-55mm f2.8 which is a little more expensive

[@AdekunleJohnsonEseyin]

Good video, please can it work with viltrox speed booster

[@dalstarvisuals1385]

Anyone having soft focus issues with this lens on a Canon 90D? I tried it recently and had issues.

[@vedder7373]

Hi. Thanks for the video. I just broke my canon 17-55. Looking to replace it. I need it for video work on a gimbal. How slow is the focus when you depend on a autofocus. I would be using it on a 90D and Canon R. Thanks.

[@JeneralMat-zp2ii]

Hi... Can you review this on canon new apsc camera since there's no 24-70 equivalent lens in canon apsc r ecosystem right now... Thanks.

[@gilberthonaniephotography]

That sigma lens was actually built for aps-c cameras

[@manuelneumann]

Yeah, I have used it on a fullframe once, but you'll have to use a crop setting so you don't have that black vignetting around the image.

[@bk2323]

Tks for the video! Would you recommend this lens for sony zv e10 with 7artisan ef/s adapter instead of the kit lens?

[@victorv9019]

lol that crackling is the focus noise?! thanks for the clip, it saved me from an unfortunate purchase!

[@slawomirciempiel]

I'm buying one for me tomorrow. Great upgrade from Canon kit. 😆

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

You forgot one of the lens' best features: its physical size. It's 1 inch shorter, and half an inch smaller across than Canon's equivalent lens (when zoomed out). That means it fits in a bag easier and it's easier to carry around. Canon's 18-55 2.8 lens is a gigantic behemoth I wouldn't want on an edc camera.

[@alejandrachavez4180]

Hi, I need help. I just bought a 17-50 mm sigma lens for my Nikon 5300 but the autofocus is not detecting it and I don't know what to do. I already updated the camera's firmware to 1.03 and nothing.First time that the camera gives me this problem because I have the 50 mm and the 70-300 and neither of them had given me this problem And the truth is that it is very difficult for me to focus manually. Thank you

[@JangoAC]

I got the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 as the ultra budget alternative for 90,-€. It is surprisingly good for its age. Anyone thinking about if it is worth to upgrade the kit lens, the answer is yes.

[@la73films63]

Hello is this lense compatible with the nikon d850?

[@AhmadAlnajjar]

I am using Canon EOS M50. Do you recommend me to get this lense for vlogging and photos? Seen many using Eye fish lenses.

[@manuelneumann]

The canon m50 uses the ef-m mount, so this lens won't fit natively. However, I would definitely recommend looking into getting a speed booster for the m50. It makes the camera compatible with most lenses while almost turning it into a fullframe equivalent.

[@michaelezinga]

Great review Manuel! I'm seeing online a lot that this lens has a crop factor certain camera's, is this the case? I'm using a Canon 90D for video freelancing and I want to make sure that I don't get any crop otherwise I will have to keep looking for another lens

[@manuelneumann]

Thanks! This lens uses the EF-S mount, meaning you can only use it on crop sensored cameras like the 90D. You’ll be getting the 1.6 crop factor that you’d be getting with any lens used on a 90D(or any other APS-C camera). So if you need to shoot wide, basically just calculate the focal length of any lens times 1.6.

[@michaelezinga]

@@manuelneumann Thanks for the reply. I've seen that you can turn to the crop setting off on the 90D. I will look into it more. Thanks for the help!

[@hotel228]

@@manuelneumann Man you should really stop spreading this misinformation.. crop factor only applies to EF lenses, because they're made to cover a larger sensor. This lens is MADE for EF-S. There is no crop factor

[@manuelneumann]

Keep in mind that the crop factor is coming from the camera sensor, not the lens. The focal length simply states the focal ratio. It doesn't change, no matter what camera it is used on. What changes is how it behaves on a particular camera. A 17mm lens is a 17mm no matter the camera it is used on. The difference between EF and EF-S is, an EF lens has a lot more optical glass, so the image that it projects back toward the sensor just properly covers a full frame sensor. The same EF lens will work on a crop sensor also. However, some of the image is wasted where it falls outside the crop sensor. (As a result of the EF-S lens having less optical glass, it also tends to be lighter and less expensive). This is why this lens isn't ideal for vlogging because it's not really wide enough. 17mm on a fullframe is easily wide enough for a good vlogging experience. The manufacturers do not give an adjusted number on the lens's stated focal length; you need to do the 1.6x multiplier on the EF-S lenses exactly as you do on an EF lens. Here is a link to a forum that may explain things better: community.usa.canon.com/t5/Lenses/Does-an-EF-S-lens-focal-length-have-the-1-6-crop-factor/td-p/145516 Hope this helps :)

[@SergeyVikultsev]

Thanks for the video. What camera body did you use for video recording?

[@manuelneumann]

Hi Sergey, I was using a Canon 90D.

[@SergeyVikultsev]

@@manuelneumann Thanks!

[@pensivesquid308]

@3:20 as far as I know that lens is an EF-S lens and if u are using an APS-C camera, is the crop factor issue will still occur?

[@manuelneumann]

Yes an APS-C camera will still effectively turn this into a 25-27mm lens

[@MasterT2]

why you have to consider crop factor when this is design as dx lens? should crop factor only applicable if you use full frame lenses?

[@manuelneumann]

The crop factor comes from the camera sensor. DX or EF-S is simply the mount type.

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

Be better with a low light example... F2.8 is asking for it and many folks need to know... thanks

[@canalnossashistorias]

Are you using a micro ? Or native camera micro

[@manuelneumann]

I was using a RODE VideoMicro. I was about 2 meters away from the camera though so I could shoot at 50mm to get that shallow depth of field.

[@MrNabsMix]

Can you please do a test on cantemporary lens sigma 17-70mm 2.8-4 ?

[@manuelneumann]

Unfortunately I currently don't have access to a 17-70mm, but maybe I can get my hands on one sometime

[@tbip2001]

Can this lens be modified for use on ef mount? I realise it won't cover full frame.

[@manuelneumann]

You actually don't need to modify it. It will fit just fine. You only need to select a crop setting in a fullframe camera(assuming it has one, otherwise you need to crop in post)

[@sheldon2000]

On which aperture is this lens the sharpest???

[@manuelneumann]

It is slightly softer around the edges at f2.8(not very noticeable at all though) but it sharpens up quickly once you get beyond f5.6 or so

[@GVNKyo]

how do you do to take a macro shot with this lens ?

[@manuelneumann]

I zoom in as far a possible and then focus it manually as close as it goes. That's pretty much all there is to it

[@a_js]

Can I use viltrox speedbooster for this lens?

[@manuelneumann]

Unfortunately no, the speedbooster is designed to be used with EF-M mounts(like the Canon m50). I would definitely get one for myself if it would work :)

[@DatGuyAdri]

So I bought the Lens and adapter but I’m sure if I got the wrong adapter how would I know

[@manuelneumann]

What camera are you using it with?

[@DatGuyAdri]

@@manuelneumann m50

[@manuelneumann]

@@DatGuyAdri You need an adapter that goes from EF-M to EF/EF-S (I would personally consider getting the Viltrox speedbooster for the m50)

[@huskythnoname4697]

hi, is the sigma 17-50mm compatible with nikon d7500?

[@manuelneumann]

Yes it should work

[@lesnytropiciel]

I use this setup. Brilliant lens and body

[@darinashkolnik1058]

Can I use this lens with Sony alpha a7?

[@manuelneumann]

Technically yes, but you will need to crop in since this lens is intended for aps-c cameras.

[@mainakpandey2777]

Heard that this lens is having mis focus issues with Canon cameras. Is that true !

[@manuelneumann]

It does actually focus pretty well on my Canon camera, the only thing is of course the motor noise

[@tooxtalivai0690]

Question would using a wireless mic be a workaround for the sound issue.

[@manuelneumann]

I have actually been thinking of getting one, but I can't really justify the price difference at this point

[@mrlightwriter]

@@manuelneumann I have a Zoom H1n on top of my Canon 700D inserted in a damper connected to the socket :D The mic stays above the camera some 10cm; would it still be able to catch the autofocus noise?

[@manuelneumann]

@@mrlightwriter I think it would be better, but my guess is you would probably still hear it a bit.

[@mrlightwriter]

@@manuelneumann Yes, I think you're probably right.

[@matographiq.D5500]

Hello ! I'm sorry I'm not sure to understand, if I put it on my APS-C, it is a 17-50mm or a 25-75mm ?

[@manuelneumann]

The crop factor applies to APS-C cameras as well

[@matographiq.D5500]

@@manuelneumann so it is a 25-75mm, isn't it ?

[@ubaste2498]

Ok not a Vlog lens unless you don’t care about the noice but it’s a good B roll lens definitely

[@manuelneumann]

Yeah b-roll looks stunning with this lens

[@hellokitty8630]

Can it use on sony a6400 ?

[@manuelneumann]

Yes, just make sure to get the Sony version

[@AJVLlaxus90]

hey man..just want to ask..if we zoom it to 50mm for example, did the aperture change or stick to the default setting?

[@manuelneumann]

No the aperture stays at whatever you set it to throughout the zoom range

[@AJVLlaxus90]

@@manuelneumann wow thts great man. its the lens ive been looking for although its an old lens

[@hotel228]

Did you end up getting one of these? If so how do you like it

[@AJVLlaxus90]

@@hotel228 not yet..but im planning to get 1

[@hotel228]

@@AJVLlaxus90 Same. I was debating between this and the nifty fifty, since the nifty fifty is f1.8, but since I'm on a crop sensor that would be close to 85mm, which would pretty well limit me to JUST portraits, maybe some astrophotography or other small situations. Whereas with the sigma, I get a little of each. It seems like it would be a great walk-around lens, 55mm certainly wouldn't be the best portraits but definitely not the worst. Especially if they're waist up

[@mellamoraymond]

Hi, is this compatible with ef to rf mount?

[@manuelneumann]

Yes, but you will need to crop in so you don't get vignetting

[@astro143_]

How loud/fast is the autofocus when using it for stills? I want to pick one up, but am skeptical because my Nikon DX 35mm prime is loud and really slow, and almost never captures focus.

[@manuelneumann]

So for stills, I haven't really had any issues with the focus. Since the camera body drives the autofocus(in my case, a Canon 90D), it's pretty fast and precise. For me, the motor noise hasn't been an issue for stills. It's only for video that you hear it, especially if it's fairly quiet around.

[@astro143_]

@@manuelneumann thanks! I just ordered the 17-70 since it's newer and not discontinued, not having that constant 2.8 is sad though

[@tlewisAK]

I have a Nikon D5300, and it’s slow. I have other lenses that focus much faster. Also, the focus motor is crazy loud.

[@RobertoSteveLou]

What I understood from this lens elsewhere is that being a APSC lens, DC, there actually wont exist no crop factor, is that wrong?

[@manuelneumann]

There is no additional crop other than the standard 1.5 or 1.6x aps-c crop. Basically this lens at 17mm would be more cropped in than a 17mm full frame lens(even though you can’t use it with a full frame body without a crop setting)

[@arafath_shxfin]

the only problem with this lense is that focusing sound

[@manuelneumann]

Yeah that's true. It's great for shooting b-roll and stuff like that

[@arricammarques1955]

Sigma 15mm EX-DG : )

[@paulaaraujo5258]

Where did you buy it?

[@manuelneumann]

I got mine on Amazon

[@sarojbhusal2388]

Which body?

[@manuelneumann]

I was using a Canon 90D

[@bornforgaming2506]

Sir! please Tell Me That This Lens Is Only For Crop Bodies?

[@manuelneumann]

Yes, it would fit to full frame bodies, but you would have a lot of vignetting

[@bornforgaming2506]

@@manuelneumann sir I have d610 so there is a function fx to Dx it will work if I put my camera on dx function?

[@engmgu1990]

what camera are you using?

[@manuelneumann]

I am using a Canon 90D

[@MuhammadUmairShaykh]

Is it good for 50mm lens?

[@manuelneumann]

It's actually pretty great at 50mm f2.8, I use it like that all the time

[@MuhammadUmairShaykh]

@@manuelneumann menas this lens is better than 50mm prime lens

[@hotel228]

@@MuhammadUmairShaykh Zoom lenses will generally never be sharper than a prime lens

[@MuhammadUmairShaykh]

@@hotel228 yeah absolutely right i bought this lens and experienced

[@kskisser]

if you turn off the optical stabilization you get less shake on video. Also....current price is $489.00 new

[@hotel228]

That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. That's like saying "If you turn off traction control in your car you get better grip"

[@lukes7573]

👍

[@xXMr_NormalXx]

Does it make the focusing noise when using manual focus?

[@manuelneumann]

No, it’s just the motor that makes the noise

[@xXMr_NormalXx]

@@manuelneumann thank you!

[@shadow6996]

You love it you hate it, not so good but yeah it's great. Which is it pal?????

[@manuelneumann]

lol both, depending what you're gonna use it for :)

[@hotel228]

A lot of your negative points are related to video shooting/vlogging; a 24mm focal length being "too high", AF being noisy

[@manuelneumann]

Yeah I shoot a lot more videos than photos. I do think it is actually a pretty great budget photography lens

[@hotel228]

@@manuelneumann Rewatching this video and I noticed you, as well as about every other reviewer, said it's effectively an 85mm from the crop factor, but that doesn't apply. This is an EF-S lens

[@manuelneumann]

Keep in mind that the crop factor is coming from the sensor, not the lens. A 17mm EF-S lens and a 17mm EF would look the same on an APS-C camera, but would both be much wider on a full-frame(you would, of course, have black edges around the image if you use an EF-S like this one on a full-frame). The manufacturers do not give an adjusted number on the lens's stated focal length; you need to do the 1.6x multiplier on EF-S lenses exactly as you do on an EF lens. Hope this clarifies it a bit :)

[@Kinematographer]

Your videos are very overexposed.