Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art lens for Nikon F (DX) mount is a versatile standard zoom lens that has made a strong impression in the photography community. Perfectly suited for a variety of situations, this lens offers an excellent combination of features that can cater to both budding enthusiasts and seasoned professionals.

Build Quality and Design

The construction of the Sigma 24-105mm Art series is exceptional. It boasts a solid build with a sturdy metal barrel that feels durable and well-crafted. The lens is weather-sealed, providing some protection against dust and moisture, which is a significant advantage for photographers who shoot in varying environmental conditions. Weighing in at approximately 885 grams, it's not the lightest option for a walk-around lens, but it feels balanced in hand, especially on a full-frame body.

The design features a smooth zoom ring and a separate focus ring, allowing for precise adjustments. The focus ring offers an impressive degree of control, essential for achieving critical focus, especially in portrait and macro photography. Although it lacks a dedicated aperture ring, the design integrates well with the digital controls found on Nikon cameras.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art lens is impressive. It features a constant maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the zoom range, which is great for consistent exposure while zooming. The lens is equipped with Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and aspherical elements that help minimize chromatic aberration and distortion, which can be an issue with zoom lenses.

In terms of sharpness, this lens performs admirably, producing sharp images across its entire zoom range. Center sharpness is excellent even wide open, and it improves upon stopping down. The bokeh, due to its nine-blade rounded diaphragm, is pleasing, making it suitable for portraits and creative photography.

Autofocus Performance

The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) provides quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance. Autofocus tracking is reliable for moving subjects, making it a great choice for event and wildlife photography. However, some users have reported occasional hunting in low-light conditions, which might be something to note if you frequently shoot in such environments.

Stabilization

One of the standout features of this lens is its Optical Stabilization (OS). It effectively helps reduce camera shake, allowing for sharper images at slower shutter speeds, which is particularly advantageous for handheld shooting in challenging light conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and weather-sealing.
• Versatile focal length range (24-105mm).
• Constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range.
• High optical performance with great sharpness.
• Effective Optical Stabilization (OS).
• Quick and quiet autofocus with HSM technology.

Cons

• Relatively heavy for a standard zoom lens.
• Occasional autofocus hunting in low-light situations.
• Lacks a dedicated aperture ring.

Verdict

The Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art lens for Nikon F (DX) is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a reliable and high-performing all-in-one lens. It combines excellent optical performance with a robust build and versatile focal range, making it perfect for a wide array of photographic scenarios. While it may be on the heavier side and has minor autofocus quirks in challenging lighting, the overall benefits far outweigh these drawbacks. This lens is a worthy investment for any serious photographer looking to enhance their creative toolkit.