Those of us who travel usually have one big thing in common. We enjoy taking pictures. Whether we share them on social media, do it for work, share with family, or just keep them to ourselves, most of us take a lot of pictures. In a world with hundreds of possibilities, it can be hard to find the best lens for travel photography. For me the perfect travel lens is one that works for a variety of different situations, light weight, constraint low light performance, and affordable.
The Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC checks all of the boxes for me. Sigma is a camera and lens company that makes a wide variety of lenses for all the major camera manufacturers. Since this lens is made for Canon, Nikon, and Sony it is available to a wide range of photographers. You do need to get the one with the right fit for your camera manufacture. Another important note is that this lens is made for APS-C, or crop sensor, cameras.
What Makes The Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 The Best Lens for Travel Photography?
Focal Length
The 17-50mm focal range is a pretty standard range comparable to a 24-70 on full frame, as on a crop sensor it is roughly equal to 25-75. While this range is not as large as an 18-300, it does provide a good range for landscapes. I have used this lens for wide angle landscapes, zoomed in landscapes, and portraits. The only limitations I have had are for wildlife photography.
Weight and Size
When you are traveling, hiking, or camping, size and weight are an important factor. This lens only comes in at a weight of 595 grams. Compared to other lenses this is a very lightweight and compact lens. However compared to a kit lens like the Nikon 18-55 f/3.5-5.6G, the Sigma 17-50 weighs a little over two times the kit lens. While that is heavy compared to a kit lens it is lightweight compared to other high quality glass.
Constant 2.8 Aperture and Image Quality
The biggest difference and the number one reason to upgrade to this lens over a kit lens is the image quality, and constant 2.8 aperture. While this lens is not a pro-grade lens it is a huge step up in build quality and image quality. My biggest reason I upgraded to this was the constant 2.8 aperture. Shooting at 2.8 allows for 2 extra stops of light compared to the 5.6 aperture of the kit lenses. This is a major benefit in low light and when trying to get a shallower depth of field.
Affordability
Most lenses that have a constant 2.8 aperture are very expensive. This lens however is quite affordable in comparison. When this lens first came out in 2010 the MSRP was $980, nowadays you can find it for less than half of that price and even as low a third.
Key Specs
- Focal Range : 17mm-50mm
- Max Aperture: F2.8
- Minimum Aperture: F22
- Sensor Format: DC
- Filter Thread: 77mm
- Lens Elements: 17
- Aperture Blades: 7
- Weight: 595g
- Dimensions: 83.5 x 91.8
Available for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and Sigma APS-S cameras