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Canon Ef-s 17-55mm F/2.8 Is Usm Vs Sigma

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.

What To Know

  • In the realm of photography, lenses play a pivotal role in shaping the creative vision of an image.
  • The Sigma lens has a slightly faster autofocus acquisition speed, while the Canon lens offers smoother and quieter focusing.
  • 8 IS USM has a slight edge in sharpness and bokeh quality, making it a better choice for portraits.

In the realm of photography, lenses play a pivotal role in shaping the creative vision of an image. When it comes to versatile, high-performance zoom lenses for APS-C sensor cameras, two prominent contenders emerge: the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM. This in-depth comparison will delve into the strengths and nuances of each lens, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your specific photographic needs.

Key Features and Specifications

Feature Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
— — —
Focal Length 17-55mm 17-50mm
Aperture Range f/2.8-22 f/2.8-22
Image Stabilization Yes, 4 stops Yes, 4 stops
Ultrasonic Motor (USM/HSM) Yes Yes
Minimum Focusing Distance 0.35m 0.35m
Filter Diameter 77mm 77mm
Weight 645g 565g

Optical Performance

Sharpness

Both lenses exhibit exceptional sharpness throughout their zoom range. However, the Canon lens has a slight edge in overall sharpness, especially at wider apertures.

Distortion

The Sigma lens has a slight advantage in terms of distortion control. It exhibits less barrel distortion at wide angles and less pincushion distortion at telephoto lengths.

Vignetting

Vignetting, or darkening of the corners, is more noticeable in the Canon lens at wider apertures. The Sigma lens shows better control of vignetting, resulting in more evenly lit images.

Image Stabilization

Both lenses feature image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and allows for sharper handheld shooting. The Canon lens has a slight advantage in stabilization performance, providing up to 4 stops of correction.

Autofocus

Both lenses utilize ultrasonic motors (USM and HSM) for fast and accurate autofocus. The Sigma lens has a slightly faster autofocus acquisition speed, while the Canon lens offers smoother and quieter focusing.

Build Quality and Handling

The Canon lens is constructed from high-quality materials and feels more robust in the hand. It features weather-sealing, making it suitable for use in challenging conditions. The Sigma lens is lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around.

Price and Value

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM typically retails for a higher price than the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM. However, the Canon lens offers a more comprehensive feature set, including weather-sealing and slightly better optical performance.

Ideal Applications

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

  • Wedding and portrait photography
  • Travel and landscape photography
  • Low-light photography
  • Video recording

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

  • Street photography
  • Documentary photography
  • Travel photography
  • Everyday use

Takeaways: Choosing the Perfect Lens for Your Needs

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM are both excellent zoom lenses for APS-C sensor cameras. The Canon lens offers superior sharpness, weather-sealing, and slightly better image stabilization. The Sigma lens is lighter, more compact, and has a faster autofocus acquisition speed.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual requirements. If you prioritize optical quality, weather resistance, and image stabilization, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is the ideal choice. If you prefer a lighter, more affordable lens with fast autofocus, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is a great option.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which lens is better for portraits?
A: The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM has a slight edge in sharpness and bokeh quality, making it a better choice for portraits.

Q: Which lens is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM offers smoother autofocus and more consistent image stabilization, making it more suitable for video recording.

Q: Is the Sigma lens compatible with Canon cameras?
A: Yes, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is compatible with Canon APS-C sensor cameras via an EF-S mount adapter.

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Drew D.

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.
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