Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens is a standout addition to the L-Mount family, delivering exceptional performance for photographers who prioritize wide-angle capabilities without compromising on image quality. This lens is particularly suited for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography, thanks to its impressive specifications and design.

Build Quality and Design

The Sigma 14-24mm features a robust, weather-sealed construction, ensuring it can withstand challenging shooting conditions. The lens has a sleek, modern design, with a matte finish that not only looks premium but also reduces glare and reflections. Both the focus and zoom rings are well-damped, providing a comfortable and precise user experience, while the lens's front element is coated to minimize flare and ghosting.

Optical Performance

This wide-angle lens excels in delivering sharpness across the frame, even at its widest aperture of f/2.8. With Sigma's advanced optics and low dispersion elements, chromatic aberration is well-controlled, resulting in clean, vibrant images. The lens's unique optical formula, which includes aspherical elements, also helps maintain excellent image quality, even at the corners. Distortion is minimal for a lens in this category, making it an excellent choice for architectural photography where straight lines need to stay true.

Autofocus and Usability

Equipped with a fast and reliable autofocus system, this Sigma lens performs well in various lighting conditions. The AF is quiet, making it suitable for video recording, and the lens is compatible with high-speed autofocus features of L-Mount cameras. Manual focus operation is also smooth, allowing for precise adjustments when needed, which can be particularly beneficial in astrophotography or landscape photography.

Portability

While it’s a wide-angle zoom, the Sigma 14-24mm is relatively compact for its class, weighing in at a little over 1.5 kg. However, it may still be a bit heavy for some users who prefer lightweight setups for extended shooting sessions. Its size might deter those wanting a more portable solution, especially for hiking or travel photography.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness and clarity throughout the zoom range.
• Minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.
• Robust, weather-sealed construction.
• Fast and reliable autofocus performance.
• Great for a variety of photography styles, especially landscapes and architecture.

Cons

• Some users might find it a bit heavy for extended use.
• The front element design may limit the use of traditional filters without an adapter (e.g., for ND filters).
• Premium price point, which may not suit all budgets.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens is a powerhouse for anyone seeking a wide-angle lens with exceptional optical performance on the L-Mount system. Its combination of sharpness, build quality, and versatility makes it a top choice for landscape and architecture photographers, as well as filmmakers in need of a reliable, high-quality wide-angle option. While the weight and filter limitations may be drawbacks for some, the overall performance solidifies this lens as a worthy investment for serious photographers.