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Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED vs Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Verdict at a glance

  • Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is faster by 0.6 stops (f/2.8 vs f/3.5), letting in more light.
  • Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is lighter by 10g.
  • Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM goes wider (17mm vs 24mm).
  • Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED reaches further (120mm vs 50mm).
Specification comparison
Spec AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
Brand Nikon Sigma
Mount Nikon F Nikon F
Type Superzoom Zoom
Focal length 24-120mm 17-50mm (wider)
Max aperture f/3.5 f/2.8 (faster)
Released 2003 n/a
Format full-frame aps-c
Groups 13 13
Af motor SWM HSM
Elements 15 17
Weight g 575.0 565
Filter mm 72 77
Length mm 94.0 91.8
Stabilized Yes Yes
Diameter mm 77.0 83.5
Min focus m 0.5 0.28 (closer focusing)
Blades n/a 7
Max magnification n/a 0.2

Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

Nikon's FX zoom with VR and a 72mm filter thread, introduced in 2003. The 24-120mm f/4G ED VR succeeded it.

Pros

  • Wide range
  • VR
  • Silent Wave Motor
  • Lighter than its f/4 successor

Cons

  • Slow aperture
  • Soft at 120mm
  • Distortion at 24mm

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

A stabilized standard zoom for APS-C DSLRs with a constant f/2.8 aperture. It weighs about 565 g and takes 77mm filters.

Pros

  • Constant f/2.8
  • Optical stabilization
  • HSM autofocus
  • Close focus 0.28 m

Cons

  • APS-C only
  • Not weather sealed

More comparisons for Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

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