Best Standard Zoom for Sony: Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM vs Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN vs Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8

A standard zoom lens is a versatile tool for photographers and videographers, covering a broad range of focal lengths and applications, from portraits to landscapes to events. Three popular options for Sony E-Mount users in the standard zoom category are the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM (version 1), Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, and Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 (version 1). While all three offer a constant f/2.8 aperture and excellent performance, they vary significantly in price, image quality, features, and usability.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which lens best suits your needs.

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Build Quality and Design

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Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

Build: Premium-grade with a robust magnesium alloy body. Weather-sealed for professional use in challenging conditions.
Weight: 886g – quite heavy, reflecting its top-tier construction.
Design Features: Includes a customizable focus hold button and a focus mode switch, adding functionality for pro-level workflows.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Build: High-quality materials with a durable metal exterior. Weather-sealed but slightly less robust than the Sony GM.
Weight: 835g – lighter than the Sony but still hefty.
Design Features: Features a lock switch to prevent zoom creep and an AF/MF switch.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8

Build: Primarily polycarbonate construction with some metal components. Minimal weather sealing, suitable for light use in good conditions.
Weight: 550g – significantly lighter, making it ideal for travel and long shoots.
Design Features: Streamlined design with no additional switches or buttons, keeping it simple and minimalistic.

Winner: Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM for its premium build and professional-grade weather sealing. However, the Tamron is far more portable.

Image Quality

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

Sharpness: Excellent center-to-edge sharpness throughout the zoom range. Performs especially well at wide apertures.
Color and Contrast: Exceptional color reproduction and contrast, thanks to Sony’s advanced coatings.
Distortion and Vignetting: Well-controlled for a zoom lens, though some minor distortion is present at 24mm.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Sharpness: Outstanding sharpness, rivaling the Sony GM in many situations. Slightly softer at the edges at f/2.8, but overall impressive.
Color and Contrast: Strong performance with vivid colors and good contrast, though slightly less vibrant compared to the Sony.
Distortion and Vignetting: Noticeable barrel distortion at 24mm, but easily correctable in post-processing.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8

Sharpness: Very good center sharpness but softer at the edges, especially at 28mm and wide apertures.
Color and Contrast: Decent performance, though colors lack the richness seen in the Sony and Sigma.
Distortion and Vignetting: More pronounced distortion and vignetting compared to the other two lenses, especially at 28mm.

Winner: Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM for overall image quality. The Sigma comes close but lags slightly in edge performance.

Autofocus Performance

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

Speed: Fast and reliable, using dual XD linear motors. Excellent for both stills and video.
Accuracy: Highly accurate, even in low-light conditions. Works seamlessly with Sony’s Real-Time Eye AF.
Noise: Virtually silent, perfect for video work.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Speed: Fast and competitive, though slightly slower than the Sony in challenging lighting conditions.
Accuracy: Highly accurate and works well with Sony’s autofocus system.
Noise: Quiet, but with occasional noise in extreme AF situations.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8

Speed: Quick and efficient, but not as fast as the Sony or Sigma.
Accuracy: Works well for general photography but struggles slightly in low light or with fast-moving subjects.
Noise: Slightly noisier autofocus, which may be noticeable during video recording.

Winner: Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM for its speed, silence, and precision, with the Sigma close behind.

Versatility and Usability

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

Focal Range: Covers 24-70mm, ideal for landscapes, portraits, and events.
Aperture: Constant f/2.8 throughout the range, making it versatile for low-light and bokeh-heavy shots.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Focal Range: Matches the Sony’s 24-70mm range, offering similar versatility.
Aperture: Constant f/2.8, performing well in diverse shooting conditions.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8

Focal Range: Starts at 28mm, which is less wide than the other two, limiting its usability for wide-angle shots. However, 75mm offers a slight telephoto advantage.
Aperture: Constant f/2.8, good for consistent exposure.

Winner: Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM and Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art tie for versatility. The Tamron is less adaptable due to its narrower wide end.

Price and Value

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

Price: Around $2,000, the most expensive option in this comparison.
Value: Premium optics and features justify the price for professionals, but it’s overkill for casual users.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Price: Around $1,100, significantly more affordable than the Sony.
Value: Offers 90% of the performance of the Sony at nearly half the price, making it a fantastic deal.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8

Price: Around $800, the most affordable option.
Value: Great for beginners or budget-conscious shooters, though it lacks the premium features of the other two lenses.

Winner: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, striking the best balance between performance and price.

Final Verdict: Which Lens Should You Choose?

For Professionals: The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is the clear winner for its superior build, exceptional image quality, and flawless autofocus. It’s the best option for those who demand the highest performance.
For Enthusiasts: The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is nearly as good as the Sony GM at a much lower price. It’s the perfect choice for advanced amateurs and semi-professionals who want premium quality without the premium price tag.
For Budget-Conscious Shooters: The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is a fantastic entry-level lens, offering good performance at a fraction of the cost. It’s lightweight and portable, ideal for travel and casual use.

Ultimately, the best lens depends on your specific needs and budget. For most users, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art strikes the best balance between performance and affordability, while the Sony GM is the go-to choice for uncompromising professionals.