Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) Review

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) is the highly anticipated update to Sigma’s highly regarded 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, specifically designed for Sony E-mount and L-mount mirrorless cameras. As part of Sigma’s prestigious Art series, the lens aims to deliver exceptional optical performance, high-quality construction, and cutting-edge technology. With numerous improvements over its predecessor, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) offers a host of features that cater to both professional photographers and videographers looking for a reliable and versatile zoom lens.

With a fast constant aperture of f/2.8 across the zoom range, it is perfect for portraiture, landscape photography, event coverage, and even low-light shooting. Let’s explore the detailed features, performance, and image quality of this new iteration.

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Features / Specifications

Focal Length: 24-70mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8 (constant)
Lens Type: Zoom
Lens Mount: Sony E-mount (and L-mount)
Optical Design: 17 elements in 12 groups
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.18m (7.1 inches) at 24mm, 0.38m (15 inches) at 70mm
Maximum Magnification: 0.22x at 70mm
Filter Thread: 82mm
Weight: 835 grams (1.84 lbs)
Dimensions: 88.2mm x 121.4mm (3.47 in x 4.78 in)

Build Quality

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) is built with high-quality materials to ensure a solid and durable construction. It boasts a combination of metallic and polycarbonate elements that create a premium feel while keeping the weight manageable for a zoom lens of this caliber. The lens has been designed with dust- and splash-resistant construction, making it suitable for use in challenging environments, such as outdoor or adventure photography.

Sigma has paid attention to the tactile experience of the lens. The focus ring is smooth, with a precise and enjoyable feel when manually adjusting focus. The zoom ring also operates smoothly, though there is a bit of resistance when turning, ensuring you have full control during zooming.

Additionally, the lens includes a front lens element with Sigma's Super Multi-Layer Coating, which helps to reduce flare and ghosting, improving contrast and image quality even in backlit situations. Overall, the build quality is superb and gives the user confidence that the lens will last through demanding professional use.

Size, Weight, and Dimensions

At 835 grams (1.84 lbs) and 121.4mm in length, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) is slightly heavier than some competitors, such as the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, but still remains relatively compact for a fast-aperture zoom lens. The diameter of the lens is 88.2mm, which means it shares a similar size to most 82mm filter thread lenses in this range.

The weight and size are manageable, though on the heavier side when compared to some other lenses in the Sigma DG DN series. However, considering the impressive image quality, fast aperture, and robust build, this weight is justified, especially for those who prioritize professional-grade performance.

Image Quality

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) delivers exceptional optical performance, making it one of the best in its class for mirrorless systems.

Sharpness

Center Sharpness: Even wide open at f/2.8, the Sigma 24-70mm Art is impressively sharp in the center of the frame. When stopped down to f/4, sharpness improves further, and at f/5.6, the lens reaches its optimal performance across the entire frame. The corner sharpness is remarkably good, especially considering this is a zoom lens, which can struggle with edge sharpness at wider focal lengths.
Edge Sharpness: The edge sharpness is one of the standout features of this lens. At f/2.8, the lens performs admirably even at the wide end (24mm). As you zoom in, edge sharpness holds strong, with minimal softening, and improves as you stop down to f/4 or f/5.6. For landscape and architecture photographers who need sharpness from corner to corner, this lens does not disappoint.

Color Rendering and Contrast

The color rendering is consistent and true to life, producing vibrant yet accurate colors. Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating also helps reduce chromatic aberrations and enhances contrast. Whether shooting under direct sunlight, harsh artificial light, or backlit situations, the lens maintains high contrast and clear, saturated colors. Chromatic aberration is controlled well, with only minor purple fringing visible in extreme situations, which is easily correctable in post-processing.

Bokeh

The lens’s bokeh is smooth, creamy, and pleasing to the eye. The rounded aperture blades contribute to a softer, more natural transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas. The background blur is especially noticeable when shooting at f/2.8, providing a nice separation between the subject and the background, ideal for portraiture and subject-focused shots. However, at the wider focal lengths (24mm and 35mm), bokeh can show some slight angularity, which is typical of wider zoom lenses.

Distortion and Flare

Distortion: As is often the case with zoom lenses, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art exhibits some barrel distortion at 24mm and pincushion distortion at 70mm. However, the distortion is not extreme, and the lens does a great job of minimizing it, particularly when zoomed in at the longer focal lengths. These distortions can be corrected in-camera or during post-processing with ease.

Flare and Ghosting: The lens coatings significantly reduce the impact of flare and ghosting, even in high-contrast or direct sunlight situations. The Super Multi-Layer Coating does a great job of keeping image contrast intact while minimizing artifacts, ensuring clean, high-contrast images with minimal loss of detail in the highlights.

Autofocus

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) features a fast and accurate autofocus system thanks to its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) and dual linear motors. It is quick and reliable for both stills and video, with smooth transitions between focus points. The autofocus is also silent, which is especially useful for videography. In terms of focus accuracy, it tracks moving subjects well, making it suitable for wildlife, sports, and event photography. The minimal focus breathing further aids in videography, ensuring smooth and continuous focus changes.

Performance in Photography and Videography

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) is a versatile workhorse that performs exceptionally well in both photography and videography.

Photography:

For portrait photography, the lens provides excellent subject isolation with its wide aperture and smooth bokeh. The focus accuracy and sharpness make it ideal for shooting subjects in controlled environments, as well as in dynamic situations like event photography.

In landscape photography, the corner-to-corner sharpness, minimal chromatic aberration, and excellent contrast ensure that your images remain clean and detailed even at wider focal lengths. The close focus distance of 0.18m at 24mm also makes it useful for capturing close-up details in nature photography.

Videography:

For videographers, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art shines with its fast and accurate autofocus, making it an ideal choice for run-and-gun shooting or dynamic scenes. The focus breathing (the shift in focal length during focusing) is well-controlled, which is crucial for smooth video transitions when focusing on moving subjects. Additionally, the linear motor ensures silent and precise focusing, making it perfect for filmmaking in quiet environments.

Use Cases

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) is incredibly versatile and covers a wide range of shooting scenarios:

Event Photography: The fast aperture, sharpness, and excellent low-light performance make it ideal for weddings, concerts, and other fast-paced events.
Portrait Photography: The lens excels in creating beautiful background separation and maintaining sharpness, even at wide apertures.
Landscape Photography: Its impressive sharpness from corner to corner, along with minimal distortion, makes it a great choice for wide-angle landscape shots.
Videography: With its fast, silent autofocus and minimal focus breathing, the lens is well-suited for video applications, whether it’s interviews, dynamic shooting, or cinematic storytelling.

Price

aThe Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) comes at a premium price point, but considering its build quality, optical performance, and features, it represents excellent value for money in the premium zoom lens category. It is priced competitively against other high-end zoom lenses, including the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II and Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM.

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) is an impressive lens that builds on the success of its predecessor and offers excellent optical performance, build quality, and autofocus. Whether you're shooting portraits, landscapes, events, or video, this lens excels in nearly every category, making it an essential tool for professional photographers and videographers alike.

Conclusion

Rating

Our overall rating: 9.3/10

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (Version 2) is one of the best standard zoom lenses available, offering superb image quality, excellent build quality, and impressive autofocus performance. It is a versatile and reliable tool for both photography and videography, making it an excellent investment for Sony E-mount and L-mount mirrorless camera users.