Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN

Introduction

The Sigma 24–70mm F2.8 DG DN Artwork is a shiny, premium zoom lens for photographers on both the Sony E-mount or the L-mount shared by Leica, Panasonic and Sigma digicam our bodies. Though for this comparability we’re largely taking a look at its Sony E-mount competitors, there are some intriguing lenses on L-mount that it goes up towards as nicely.

Designed particularly for mirrorless, the lens is appropriate with both full-frame or APS-C digicam our bodies. For the latter it gives full-frame-equivalent focal lengths from 36mm to 105mm, with corresponding affect to the efficient aperture. With its commonplace zoom vary on full-frame and beneficiant most aperture, it is well-suited to topics like portraits, weddings, occasions, journey and road images. It additionally has first rate macro capabilities and is kind of well-suited to video, making it a flexible all-rounder.

Accessible since December 2019, record pricing is ready at $1099.

All photos edited in Adobe Digicam Uncooked 12.2 or its Lightroom Traditional equal, with changes restricted to white steadiness, publicity, highlights, shadows, white and black ranges. Sharpening and noise discount at defaults.

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Handling | Autofocus and focus breathing | Compared to… | Image quality | Conclusion | Samples

Key specs:

• Focal size: 24–70mm (36–105mm with APS-C crop)
• Aperture vary: F2.8 – F22
• Stabilization: No
• Filter thread: 82mm
• Shut focus: 0.18m (7.1″)
• Most magnification: 0.34x
• Diaphragm blades: 11
• Hood: Included
• Weight: E-mount 830g (1.83 lb); L-mount 835g (1.84 lb)
• Optical development: 19 components in 15 teams (3 aspherical, 6 FLD, 2 SLD)

The Sigma 24–70mm F2.8 DG DN Artwork’s rivals differ relying upon whether or not you are an E-mount or L-mount shooter. For E-mount, there’s just one direct rival however a number of different lenses that are no less than in the identical ballpark. On the L-mount, although, there are two direct rivals and yet another which is pretty shut in its focal vary.

Dealing with

As you may count on given its shiny F2.8 most aperture, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 is a pretty big lens, though a few of its rivals are even bigger. Its barrel size is 122.9mm (4.8″) for the L-mount model or 125mm (4.9″) for the E-mount model, and each variants share the identical diameter of 88mm (3.5″).

It would not really feel overly heavy although, and we felt the E-mount variant balanced very properly with our Sony A7R III physique. Regardless of being simply barely longer, Sigma specs the E-mount model as being only a contact lighter at 830g (29.0oz) versus 835g (29.5oz) for the L-mount optic.

Sigma sees the Artwork collection as its flagship line, and so construct high quality is superb, with a rugged, all-metal development and complete weather-sealing. Each the zoom ring and guide focus ring really feel easy with simply the correct quantity of resistance to dampen consumer enter. The good-looking outward look and the texture of the 24–70 are each according to Sigma’s different Artwork collection choices.

In addition to the zoom and focus rings, there are three additional controls to be discovered clustered on the left aspect of the lens barrel. From high to backside, these embrace a spotlight mode swap, a customizable button which defaults to offering autofocus lock, and a zoom lock swap which retains the lens retracted however releases by itself should you flip the zoom ring.

Like all of its nearest E-mount and L-mount rivals, Sigma’s 24–70mm F2.8 eschews optical picture stabilization in favor of in-body IS. It additionally opts for a similar 82mm filter threads as utilized by all of its direct competitors. A hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on the entrance lens factor helps to withstand rain drops and unintentional smudges.

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In comparison with…

For E-mount shooters, the closest various could be the Sony FE 24–70mm F2.8 G Master II lens, which is greater than double the worth of the Sigma. Nonetheless this newer lens brings a lot to the desk, enhancing upon its predecessor in virtually each manner. The older 24–70mm F2.8 GM remains to be out there, typically at a reduction, but it surely’s by no means been a favourite of ours.

Regardless of its an identical focal vary and most aperture, the Sigma is 140g (.3 lbs) heavier however 1.4cm (0.5″) shorter than the Sony GM II. Additionally it is appreciably cheaper, out there for nearly $1200 much less. Each lenses function rugged construct high quality and climate resistance. The Sigma 24–70 has a smoother-turning guide focusing ring in comparison with the considerably sloppy-feeling ring on the Sony.

Though each lenses present a customizable button on the aspect of the lens, solely the Sony G Grasp II offers a de-clickable aperture ring and a useful choice to easy or tighten the zoom ring’s resistance. Couple that with the lighter weight and we discover the Sony to be the superior dealing with lens.

ISO 500 | 1/30 sec | F4 | 48.4mm | Sony a7r IV Photograph by Rishi Sanyal

Sadly the Sigma cannot compete with the G Grasp II in terms of autofocus efficiency. Though the Sigma is not any slouch on this regard, the Sony delivers sooner and smoother focusing because of its 4 linear XD motors.

As a more moderen lens, we anticipated the Sony to dominate when it comes to picture sharpness, and we’ve to confess it’s extra constant throughout the picture at wider apertures. However the older Sigma 24–70 Artwork holds its personal on this regard.

ISO 500 | 1/60 sec | F2.8 | 24mm | Sony a7r IV Photograph by Rishi Sanyal

The Tamron 28–75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 may sound related in identify and and primary parameters, however optically talking it is a very totally different choose.

The Tamron possibility is much more inexpensive than the Sigma 24–70mm, saving you $200. It is also fairly a bit smaller each in barrel diameter (~15%) and size (~6%), and round a 3rd lighter. Being a lot extra compact, the Tamron has a a lot smaller 67mm filter thread versus the Sigma 24–70mm’s 82mm thread, which can save nonetheless extra money on filter purchases.

However the Tamron incorporates a nine-bladed aperture that may yield less-round bokeh than the 11-bladed aperture of the Sigma. Sadly, the Tamron additionally lacks a customizable button. Regardless of a considerably plastic toy-like feeling to the lens, although, it holds as much as rugged use and all elements zoom and switch confidently.

ISO 100 | 1/320 sec | F4.5 | 29.5mm | Sony a7r III Photograph by Dan Bracaglia

Because of its new VXD motor, autofocus efficiency is snappy, and focus respiration can also be minimal. Tamron has made nice strides to enhance the general look of the bokeh on this lens, one thing which was a lot maligned within the unique model. It has the very best magnification of any lens on this article at 0.37x, in comparison with the Sigma’s 0.34x magnification.

ISO 1250 | 1/30 sec | F4 | 48.7mm | Sony a7r IV Photograph by Rishi Sanyal

ISO 100 | 1/500 sec | F5.6 | 70mm | Sony a7r III Photograph by Dan Bracaglia

Transferring over to the L-mount competitors, the Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24–70mm F2.8 is double the worth of the Sigma 24–70mm F2.8 Artwork, and it is also each 12% heavier and 14% longer. It has an 11-bladed aperture like that of the Sigma and a similarly-complex optical method.

However it may possibly’t focus wherever close to as intently, and so has a a lot weaker 0.25x most magnification as in comparison with the 0.34x of the Sigma. It does, nevertheless, have a extra subtle AF drive mechanism pairing each linear and stepper motors.

ISO 250 | 1/60 sec | F2.8 | 24mm | Sony a7r IV Photograph by Rishi Sanyal

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 F2.8 Asph., in the meantime, is by far probably the most much like the Sigma 24–70mm F2.8 in specification, even whether it is greater than 2.5 occasions as costly. Its dimension and filter threads are an identical and its weight solely 3% larger than that of the Sigma.

It additionally shares a really related optical method, an 11-bladed aperture iris, stepper motor-driven AF and an an identical minimal focusing distance, permitting it to ship the identical most magnification.

In comparison with…

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Autofocus and focus respiration

Sigma has primarily based the 24–70mm F2.8’s autofocus system round a stepper motor, but it surely’s nonetheless fairly responsive. Autofocus operation is completely silent and the lens focuses shortly with no searching. Nonetheless, when in comparison with the extra fashionable lenses that compete towards it, the Sigma tends to fall brief. This distinction does appear to be extra pronounced compared towards different E-Mount lenses.

The Tamron 28–75 F2.8 G2 is barely snappier, whereas the Sony 24–70 F2.8 G Grasp II is noticeably faster and smoother when focusing. This could solely be a problem in probably the most demanding of conditions, nevertheless. Most photographers will discover the Sigma to be responsive and fast sufficient.

With regards to macro capabilities, the Sigma matches the very best of its direct rivals and considerably betters lots of them, as long as you do not thoughts getting extraordinarily near your topic. On the 24mm wide-angle place it may possibly focus at simply 18cm (7.1″) for a most magnification of 0.34x (1:2.9). On the 70mm telephoto, in the meantime, you possibly can again away out of your topic to round 38cm (15.0″) however the magnification falls to 0.22x (1:4.5).

ISO 400 | 1/60 sec | F2.8 | 70mm | Sony a7r IV Photograph by Rishi Sanyal

We did notice some discipline curvature for macro capturing, which results in fairly comfortable corners, however the 24–70mm F2.8 is not an extremely sharp lens when capturing close-up within the first place. Stopping down yields superb nook sharpness.

The Sigma additionally makes for a really compelling video lens. It exhibits little or no focus respiration at both finish of its zoom vary and its autofocus motor works very nicely for video in case your chosen digicam physique gives enough efficiency. It does lack the main target clutch of the Panasonic 24–70mm F2.8, however on condition that it prices barely half as a lot, you could be prepared to miss that omission.

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Picture high quality

Sigma delivers on virtually all fronts in terms of the 24–70mm F2.8 Artwork lens’ picture high quality, with solely an unusually distracting cat’s eye impact actually detracting from an in any other case stable efficiency.

ISO 100 | 1/200 sec | F11 | 70mm | Sony a7r III Photograph by Chris Niccolls

Sharpness

At its 24mm wide-angle place, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 delivers loads of element within the heart even when shooting wide-open at F2.8, and whereas the corners undoubtedly aren’t as sharp, they’re nonetheless very acceptable. Stopping down to F5.6 delivers a slight however noticeable enchancment within the heart and in addition brings again the sharpness within the corners.

Zooming in to the 70mm place the story is fairly related, with an amazing stage of element within the heart however fairly softer corners when shooting wide-open. Once more, stopping down to F5.6 helps all through the picture. That mentioned, the advance within the heart is much less dramatic at telephoto and the advance within the corners is extra noticeable than it was at wide-angle.

ISO 320 | 1/320 sec | F3.5 | 70mm | Sony a7r III Photograph by Dan Bracaglia

We did not discover any enchancment in nook sharpness from putting the main target level within the nook of the picture at either the wide or telephoto ends of the zoom vary. All issues thought-about this lens may be very succesful resolution-wise, delivering a efficiency that ought to show a match even for high-res our bodies.

Bokeh

It is arduous to search out a lot to complain about with the Sigma 24–70mm F2.8, however we did discover one situation on the bokeh entrance.

When capturing at wider apertures it’s normal for lenses to exhibit cat’s eye with the bokeh fashioned by specular highlights, an impact that is attributable to the lens barrel blocking incoming gentle. The nearer to the corners of the picture, the extra the highlights lose their roundness and tackle a rugby ball-shaped kind paying homage to a cat’s pupil.

ISO 640 | 1/320 sec | F2.8 | 70mm | Sony a7r III Photograph by Chris Niccolls

However when capturing wide-open with the Sigma 24–70mm, the form of the cat’s eye impact is fairly uncommon and fairly totally different to that we have seen in different lenses. There is a fairly noticeable shift in angle as if the shaded aspect of the bokeh has been additional flattened, and it makes the bokeh much more distracting than it will be in a lens exhibiting common cat’s eye.

The excellent news is that it is solely actually a priority the place there are sturdy specular highlights, and it is quite easily resolved just by stopping down a little. And because of its 11-bladed aperture – one thing most of its E-mount rivals lack – the Sigma provides stunning, round highlights even when capturing stopped down.

ISO 100 | 1/50 sec | F2.8 | 70mm | Sony a7r III Photograph by Jordan Drake

We additionally discovered no issues with onion ring impact, and this lens provides a very nice transition from in-focus to out-of-focus picture areas. General, it is a very good efficiency in all respects aside from its bizarre mechanical vignetting when capturing wide-open.

Flare, ghosting and sunstars

So how does the Sigma 24–70 F2.8 Artwork deal with shiny gentle sources and flare? It is undoubtedly a combined bag and the affect will largely rely on the type of images the lens is used for.

Because of glorious lens coatings, the Sigma 24–70 handles total flare and lack of distinction fairly nicely. Distinction is nicely maintained throughout the picture and the lens largely avoids washed out areas of the picture when capturing at shiny sources of sunshine.

ISO 320 | 1/125 sec | F18 | 24mm | Sony a7r III Photograph by Dan Bracaglia

Ghosting will be a problem with the Sigma 24–70, though solely in pretty difficult conditions. When capturing at apertures from F2.8 to F8, ghosting is nicely managed, with the occasional inexperienced streak displaying reverse the sunshine supply. Nonetheless because the aperture is tightened ghosting turns into extra apparent and may create seen trails of inexperienced throughout the picture.

In fact it’s when capturing at tight apertures that sunstars are fashioned. Together with the requisite ghosting the Sigma additionally delivers 22-point sunstars because of its 11-bladed diaphragm. As an added bonus, the factors are largely even in size.

Sadly, regardless of the dramatic variety of factors the looks of the sunstars is kind of diffuse. If you’re a panorama photographer in search of sharp, clear and dramatic sunstars chances are you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Longitudinal / lateral chromatic aberration (fringing)

Though you will see some lateral chromatic aberration in photographs shot with the 24–70mm F2.8, that is straightforward sufficient to repair in post-processing and so not a fear. As for longitudinal chromatic aberration, which causes colour fringing within the foreground and background and will be arduous to appropriate post-capture, whereas there’s some current it is a fairly common efficiency and so would not symbolize a major concern.

ISO 100 | 1/50 sec | F2.8 | 70mm | Sony a7r III Photograph by Chris Niccolls

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Conclusion

Though alternate options to the Sigma 24–70mm F2.8 DG DN Artwork lens differ relying upon whether or not you are an E-mount or L-mount shooter, it is a very stable providing for both mount. Its pricing merely blows producer choices from Sony and Panasonic out of the water, and regardless of its high-end construct and efficiency, it isn’t an entire lot costlier than consumer-grade choices for both mount.

Should you’re an E-mount shooter who’s particularly delicate to dimension, weight or price, and you may reside with the lesser wide-angle prospects, it is undoubtedly price investigating Tamron’s newest providing.

ISO 100 | 1/50 sec | F2.8 | 31.9mm | Sony a7r IV Photograph by Rishi Sanyal

The newer VXD G2 is a extra fashionable, ground-up redesign that outperforms the Sigma in most areas besides bokeh efficiency. Nevertheless it’s arduous to argue that it’s best to spend twice as a lot for the Sony G Grasp in gentle of the Sigma Artwork lens’ stable all-around efficiency. It may well ship very enticing photos in virtually all respects whereas saving you simply sufficient cash to purchase one other lens or piece of digicam gear on your package.

In fact, on the L-mount you do not have Tamron’s choices to contemplate, but it surely’s the same story to the G Grasp when evaluating to the Panasonic 24–70mm F2.8, and much more so towards the even pricier Leica lens.

ISO 125 | 1/60 sec | F2.8 | 24mm | Sony a7r IV Photograph by Rishi Sanyal

In case your pockets are deep and your L-mount physique would not have the very best autofocus, you may maybe need to take into account the Panasonic for its useful focus clutch, however in any other case it is a no-brainer to go for the Sigma.

And that, had been we in Leica, Panasonic or Sony’s sneakers, would have us feeling fairly nervous proper now.

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Scoring

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DPReview TV overview

See what our group at DPReview TV has to say in regards to the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Artwork.

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Sony a7R IV and a7R III

Sony a7R III

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