Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens is a versatile staple in the toolkit of many photographers. Designed for the L-Mount system, this lens combines an impressive zoom range, sharp optics, and sturdy construction, making it a go-to option for a wide variety of shooting scenarios—from portraits to landscapes and everything in between.

Build Quality and Design

The construction of the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art is notable for its robust, weather-sealed design, ensuring durability for use in various environmental conditions. The lens feels solid in hand, and the premium finish gives it a professional feel, suited for both enthusiasts and professionals. Weighing around 835 grams, it is relatively portable for a zoom lens of this caliber.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the lens delivers exceptional sharpness throughout its zoom range. Images are consistently crisp even at the maximum aperture of f/2.8, making it suitable for low-light conditions while also maintaining great clarity at f/8 for landscapes. This lens also excels at handling chromatic aberration and distortion, which is often a concern with wide-angle zooms. However, while the overall bokeh is pleasing, there are occasional instances of busy backgrounds at certain focal lengths, which might not please every photographer.

Autofocus

The autofocus system in the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art is fast and reliable, benefiting from advanced stepping motor technology that provides smooth and quiet performance. It's particularly effective for capturing moving subjects, such as during events or wildlife photography. However, there may be rare instances of hunting in low contrast situations, which is something to be mindful of.

Versatility

The 24-70mm focal length makes this lens incredibly versatile, allowing photographers to deftly switch from wide-angle shots to short telephoto portraits. This flexibility makes it an excellent all-around option for travel, commercial, and wedding photography. The lens also supports impressive close focus capabilities, letting you capture details with an impressive minimum focusing distance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with weather-sealing
• High sharpness throughout the zoom range
• Fast and reliable autofocus
• Versatile focal length suitable for various shooting scenarios
• Great close focus capabilities

Cons

• Weighs more than some competitors, which can be a drawback for long shoots
• Some background bokeh may become busy at certain focal lengths
• Occasional autofocus hunting in low contrast situations

Verdict

Overall, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art is a top-tier lens that brings together quality construction, impressive optical performance, and versatility. While it has a few minor drawbacks, they do not overshadow the numerous benefits it offers. If you’re looking for a reliable workhorse lens for your L-Mount system, this lens is an excellent investment that will serve you well for a variety of photographic endeavors.