The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM and the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 121mm. The Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM with a length of 89mm, is 32mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM has a larger diameter of 79mm compared to the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM's 78mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM weighs 520g, 35% (290g) lighter than the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM's weight of 810g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Zoom Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM and the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM have the same Filter thread size of 72mm.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM and the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM has the same Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sigma SA lenses are Sigma SD1 Merrill, Sigma SD1 and .
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM has a focal range of 18-35mm and
1.9X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27-52.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM has a focal range of 17-70mm and 4.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 25.5-105mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.