Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

Canon EF

Review

The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM is a versatile standard zoom lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. With its fast constant aperture of f/2.8, this lens excels in various shooting conditions, making it a popular choice for both professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.

Build Quality and Design

The lens features a solid construction that feels robust in hand, instilling confidence while shooting in different environments. The rubber seals provide a degree of weather resistance, making it suitable for various conditions, though not fully weatherproof. The zoom and focus rings operate smoothly, allowing for precise adjustments while capturing images or video. The 82mm filter thread allows for a wide variety of filter options, enhancing creative possibilities.

Optical Performance

The optical design of the Sigma 24-70mm incorporates multiple Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements that work together to minimize chromatic aberration and improve overall image quality. The resulting images are sharp, with a good level of detail across the zoom range. Distortion is present, particularly at the wide end, but it is generally manageable and can often be corrected during post-processing.

Autofocus and Usability

Equipped with Sigma's Hypersonic Motor (HSM), this lens boasts fast and quiet autofocus performance, which is especially appreciated in both photography and videography. Manual focus override is also smooth and straightforward, allowing for quick adjustments when necessary. However, some users may find that the lens can be a bit front-heavy when attached to lighter camera bodies, which can lead to fatigue during longer shooting sessions.

Low Light Performance

With a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, this lens shines in low light situations. It allows for great subject isolation and background blur, as well as maintaining a fast shutter speed, reducing the likelihood of motion blur even in dim environments.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid build quality with weather-resistant seals
• Constant f/2.8 aperture for low light versatility
• Sharp images with good detail throughout the zoom range
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Smooth operation of zoom and focus rings

Cons

• Some distortion, particularly at the wide end
• Can feel front-heavy on lighter camera bodies
• Lens may benefit from updates to keep pace with newer tech advancements

Verdict

Overall, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM for Canon EF mount cameras is an excellent standard zoom lens that offers great versatility and performance in various situations. Its robust build, impressive optical quality, and reliable autofocus make it a worthy investment for anyone looking to enhance their photography experience. While there are minor drawbacks, such as distortion and slight weight imbalance, these do not significantly detract from its overall appeal.