Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC 17-40mm
Its constant f/1.8 aperture across the 17-40mm zoom range on APS-C ensures consistent low-light performance, backed by an HLA autofocus motor and weather sealing. The included filter and cleaning kit adds practical value, while 4 SLD and 4 aspherical elements maintain edge-to-edge sharpness. Best for travel and street photographers who need a rugged, fast wide-to-standard zoom with reliable autofocus.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
Score dropped to 76 and price now reaches $1267. New competitors like the Sigma 16-300mm and Tamron 18-300mm offer more range and better value. Still decent if found cheap, but no longer a standout pick.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Base price still accessible at $904 97th
- Solid optical performance in its class 80th
Cons
- Price can climb to $1267, hurting value
- Outpaced by newer superzooms with more range
- Overall score dropped to 76
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews — so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 10 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 |
| Focal Length Max | 40 |
| Elements | 17 |
| Groups | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4 |
| ED Elements | 4 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | 16 |
| Min Aperture | 1.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 |
Build
| Mount | Canon RF |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.2 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 280 |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.8 |
vs Competition
The competitive landscape has shifted significantly. The Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS now offers a massive zoom range with stabilization, making it a more versatile travel companion. The Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 VC VXD matches that flexibility with fast autofocus. On the longer end, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR stretches reach even further for full-frame users. For those who prioritize sharpness over zoom range, the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4 and the Viltrox 13mm F1.4 provide specialized alternatives that outperform in their respective niches. This lens now feels squeezed from both the convenience and optical quality sides.
| Spec | Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC 17-40mm | Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR | Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES50200 | Viltrox 13mm F1.4 f/1.4 E STM Auto Focus Ultra Wide Angle | Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17-40mm | 18-300mm | 28-400mm | 50-200mm | 13mm | 18-135mm |
| Max Aperture | 16 | f/3.5 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Canon RF | Fuji X | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E | Canon EF-S |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | false | true | true | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 535 | 92 | 726 | 655 | 415 | 515 |
| AF Type | HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) | VXD linear motor | STM | linear motor | STM | STM |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | telephoto | Wide-Angle | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC 17-40mm | 54.5 | 52.8 | 65.4 | 70.8 | 96.5 | 49.5 | 76.5 | 80.3 | 36 |
| Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Compare | 98.3 | 74.9 | 96.6 | 87.7 | 74.6 | 76.9 | 99.2 | 83.1 | 81.3 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Compare | 86.9 | 77.8 | 51.6 | 81.3 | 97 | 71.2 | 98.9 | 83.1 | 98.3 |
| Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES50200 Compare | 98.3 | 86.1 | 55.3 | 23.1 | 95.9 | 83.7 | 88.3 | 65.9 | 96.4 |
| Viltrox 13mm F1.4 f/1.4 E STM Auto Focus Ultra Wide Angle Compare | 86.9 | 96.6 | 42.1 | 89.4 | 82.6 | 96.4 | 34.2 | 74 | 81.3 |
| Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Compare | 86.9 | 74.9 | 47.3 | 33.2 | 80.1 | 76.9 | 96 | 78 | 92.6 |
Price
Value & Pricing
The price range has expanded upward, now reaching $1267 for certain configurations, which makes the value proposition harder to justify. While the base price remains at $904, the higher ceiling puts it in direct competition with lenses that offer more range or brighter apertures. If you can find it near the lower end of the spectrum, it still holds some appeal, but at full retail, you are paying a premium that the current performance score of 76 does not fully support. Budget-conscious buyers will want to compare closely with alternatives before committing.
B&H Photo 1 offers From CA$1,267
Read more
Verdict
With a revised overall score of 76, this lens now sits in a more crowded and competitive space. The expanded price range up to $1267 weakens its standing, especially when newer all-in-one zooms and specialized primes have entered the top ranks. It remains a capable optic, but the market has shifted around it. For most people, the newer Sigma 16-300mm or Tamron 18-300mm will deliver more flexibility for similar or less money. If you already own it, there is no urgent need to switch, but new buyers should look carefully at what the latest rivals offer.
