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Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN – first impressions and sample images

3 April 2023
Maciej Latałło

2. Build quality

As we've already mentioned in the introduction, the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN is a very shapely lens that doesn't weigh much. The rivals, however, offer similar lenses – faster Canon or Samyang models can be even lighter and they feature an aperture of f/2.8. For a better comparison we put them all in the following chart. Of course you should add that the Sigma is a lens completely made of metal and this fact certainly influences its parameters in a significant way.

In the photo below the new Sigma is positioned between the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 2/50 and the new Nikkor Z 26 mm f/2.8.

Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality

The Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN starts with a metal mount that surrounds contacts and a rear element, 19 mm in diameter. That element doesn't move and is positioned about 1 cm deep. All parts inside the mount are properly blackened, ribbed, and matted - from this side, everything looks as it should.

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Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality

The proper body of the lens starts with a smooth ring painted black. On it you can find an inscription with the name and parameters of the lens, the logo of the producer, the 'C' letter meaning it was qualified as a part of the Contemporary series, '023' meaning the model year of the instrument, its serial number, and finally a white dot, making an alignment with a camera easier. Then there is the focusing mechanism mode switch (AF/MF) and a part of the body with an inscription 'MADE IN JAPAN' and the focusing mechanism working range '0.12M/0.39FEET–∞'.

Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality

The next ring allows you to control aperture. It is less than 7 mm wide and it is equipped with protruding ribs that make your grip firmer and the operation- easier. The ring features aperture markings from f/4.0 to f/22, with intermediary points every 1/3 EV and also an A position that enables automatic control from the camera menu's level. Its performance is beyond reproach.

Another ring, also made of metal, is almost 15 mm wide and it is used for manual focus. It doesn't feature any markings and its upper part it is covered by ribs that make your grip firmer. It is a focus-by-wire construction that moves very smoothly; even if you turn it quite fast its whole distance range needs a turn through an angle of about 180 degrees. Taking the parameters of the lens into account, it is a very high value, allowing you very precise settings.

Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality

The lens ends with an immobile, metal ring on which you see a hood mount. The mount surrounds a non-rotating filter thread, 55 mm in diameter.

The convex front element is 26 mm in diameter, and it doesn't move. It is surrounded by a black casing without any inscriptions this time, and a few ribs.

Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality

When it comes to the optical construction you deal with 9 elements positioned in 8 grups. Among them you can find two elements made of low dispersion SLD glass and as many as three elements aspherical in shape. Inside, there is also a round aperture with seven diaphragm blades that can be closed down to a value of f/22 at the maximum.

Buyers get in the set: a metal hood, a rear cap, and two front caps – a classic one, made of plastics, and the second magnetic, made of metal, a very nifty solution. The C series instruments aren't sold with any kind of a case.

Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality