Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art: A Versatile Zoom Lens
Best bang for the buck for Sony E Mount? Let's dive in and let me tell you why it may very well be.
As one of the first Sigma lenses specifically designed for a mirrorless full frame mount, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art is a bright, premium zoom lens. This lens is tailored for photographers using either Sony E-mount or the L-mount Alliance shared by Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma camera bodies. In this review, we will focus on the Sony version. This lens in many people's eyes is right up there with the more expensive native glass offering from Sony, the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II. The Sigma holds it own against a lens that cost nearly three times as much. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Specifications:
Focal Length: 24–70mm (36–105mm with APS-C crop)
Aperture Range: F2.8 – F22
Stabilization: No
Filter Thread: 82mm
Close Focus: 0.18m (7.1 inches)
Maximum Magnification: 0.34x
Diaphragm Blades: 11
Weight: 830g (1.83 lb)
Optical Construction: 19 elements in 15 groups (3 aspherical, 6 FLD, 2 SLD)
Build and Handling:
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 is a fairly large lens, as expected due to its bright constant F2.8 maximum aperture. Its barrel length is 125mm (4.9 inches) for the E-mount version. Both variants of this lens share the same diameter of 88mm (3.5 inches). Despite its size, it doesn’t feel overly heavy, and the E-mount version balances nicely with Sony A7IV body.
Sigma’s Art series emphasizes build quality, and this lens lives up to that reputation with rugged, all-metal construction and comprehensive weather-sealing. The zoom ring and manual focus ring feel smooth, offering just the right amount of resistance.
Performance:
This thing is fast and versatile! The lens is well-constructed, with extensive weather-sealing. You can tell it is a premium lens when you hold it with the metal body. The lens does a great job focusing, in my test it performed great on the Sony A7IV. It never hunted or missed focus. Images appear nice and sharp, corner-to-corner. A little softer in the corners at 2.8 but once stopped down this goes away. Aberrations and ghosting are also very well-controlled.
Conclusion:
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art is a versatile all-rounder suitable for various genres, including portraits, weddings, events, travel, and street photography. At the 24mm end it also serves as a good landscape lens. Its decent macro capabilities and video-friendly features make it a reliable choice for creatives. Priced at $1099, it competes well against the higher priced offers from Sony.
In my humble opinion, this may be the best lens you can buy for the money. If you are in the market for a premium mid range zoom, you will want to give this one a look. Happy shooting! 📸
