The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens is a remarkable piece of optical equipment designed for modern full-frame mirrorless cameras. This lens is available for both Sony E-mount and L-mount systems, making it a versatile choice for photographers. Here’s an in-depth review of this lens, dissecting its features, performance, and value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens boasts a robust construction that incorporates both tough polycarbonate and metal. The lens exudes a professional-grade feel from the brass mounting plate to the grippy rubberized hood. It’s designed with internal seals to prevent dust and moisture from infiltrating, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use in various weather conditions.
Optical Performance
This lens comprises 19 elements in 15 groups, including six FLD (‘Fluorite’ Low Dispersion) elements and two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements. These elements work in harmony to minimize chromatic aberrations and ensure high clarity and sharpness across the frame. The lens also features Sigma’s proprietary Super Multi-Layer Coating along with a newly-designed Nano Porous Coating to reduce ghosting and flare, ensuring your images are clear and contrasty even in challenging lighting conditions.
Autofocus
The autofocus system in this lens is driven by a stepping motor, which replaces the ring-type ultrasonic autofocus motor found in the SLR lens. The autofocus is quick, essentially silent, and proved to be unerringly accurate in various tests. This makes it a suitable lens for both photography and videography, especially in scenarios where silent operation is crucial.
Manual Focus
Manual focus on this lens is electronic but responds quickly. Coupled with frame magnification, it offers very precise adjustment, which is a boon for photographers who prefer manual focusing or are working in tricky focusing situations.
Zoom Range
The 24-70mm focal length is a classic range for a standard zoom lens, offering wide-angle to short telephoto perspectives. This makes it an incredibly versatile lens suitable for a wide range of photography genres including portraits, landscapes, events, and more.
Aperture
With a constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, this lens allows for great low-light performance and depth of field control. This is particularly useful for portrait photographers or any scenario where a blurry background is desired.
Close Focusing Ability
The lens has a commendable close focusing ability, allowing you to shoot as close as 7.1 inches from the subject. This is particularly useful for capturing detailed shots or working in tight spaces.
Value Proposition
Priced at around $1,099, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens offers excellent value for money. It delivers top-notch performance, robust build quality, and professional-grade features at a price significantly lower than similar lenses from other brands.
Conclusion
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens is a compelling option for photographers seeking a versatile, reliable, and affordable lens. Its optical performance, build quality, and autofocus efficiency make it stand out in a crowded market, offering professional-grade features without the hefty price tag.
