What to do...?

[moneypenny02]

Hi all,
So I had been searching for what I thought was a great "walk-around" lens (for lack of a better word. Basically I was looking for something with all of the following qualities:
1)Higher aperture--at least at the wide end--so that I could shoot indoors
2)Sharp pictures
3)Decent zoom range
4)Range that at least replaces the XTi kit lens, ideally with greater zoom at the wide end
5)Affordable price

After a lot of searching, I thought I had found the perfect lens--the Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro. I ordered it, got the Nikon mount accidentally, sent it back to be returned....3 weeks later I get told that they don't have any more in stock. :-/

The newer Sigma--Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens--is available, and I can exchange it for that one. Unfortunately it is $80 more (originally paid $369, now need to pay $449). That was definitely out of the price I wanted to pay, and would not have ordered a $449 lens initially (I know it doesn't SEEM like a lot, but it kind of is).

So, what should I do? Is the OS version worth the extra $80? Is there a different lens that meets my criteria, but with a lower price point?

I'm open to suggestions!

[fdexclpl]

I'm not sure if the HSM OS model has better optics but, if it's at least on par with the regular one, it's worth it. My brother-in-law has the older version and it is a great lens. Stabilization and a high speed motor can only make it better.

[laydros]

I'd say yes. I think that lens meets your requirements quite well, and it is supposed to be a very good quality lens. Yes you are spending a lot of money in the first place, but once you are up to $369 I would even pay another $150 to get both image stabilization (allowing hand holding at lower speeds) and HSM (faster, more accurate, and quieter focusing). Those are two features that you will often pay a whole lot for. I would certainly pay another $80. That is one of the most versatile lenses you can buy, most with that kind of range have a much smaller aperture. It may not be the last lens you want, but it will cover most of what you really need.

[Viky]

Is the OS version worth the extra $80? Is there a different lens that meets my criteria, but with a lower price point?

The Sigma 17-70 is a great choice of lens.

HSM with FTM, a 4-stop Optical stabilization and a slightly faster aperture (f/4 compared to f/4.5 in the previous model) at the Tele end for only $80 is a steal!!

Go for it!

[Kushnirenko]

OS version have Optical Stabilizer Function - see SIGMA Lenses overview.
Advantage of Optical Stabilizer You can see in results of testing Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OS HSM - Chapter Optical Stabilization.
HSM - Hyper-Sonic Motor also give most faster and exact focusing.
I think these two features Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens are powerful enough arguments in its advantage.
Goosd loock!

[faisal]

Go for it. OS will make hand held indoor shots much more easier (hand holding at a shutter speed of 1/8 at 17mm will be easily possible) and HSM on my 70-200mm works great so that's surely a nice added benefit over the previous version for this lens.

[moneypenny02]

Sold! I will call up on Monday and pay the difference for the OS lens.
Thanks!