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Archive 2019 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
  
 
jeetsukumaran
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p.4 #1 · p.4 #1 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


rvh23 wrote:
No I don't have that remote. But it's an electronic focus lens so I don't see any reason to think it wouldn't work.

But that reminds me to note that the one thing I've found so far that I don't like with this lens is the fact that there is no distance scale marked on it, which means I am forced to use the low resolution electronic distance readout from the camera for focus stacking (or use angle of focus ring rotation estimates). But the Sony zooms are the same in that regard

Unfortunately, it's not so certain. For e.g., the with the EF 24-70 f/2.8 II adapted with the Sigma MC-11, which has full electronic contacts as well as some bells-and-whistles (e.g., eye AF), focus control via the remote does NOT work.


Aug 18, 2019 at 06:37 PM
TheArchitect
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p.4 #2 · p.4 #2 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


rvh23 wrote:
Flare is much better controlled than on the Sony 12-24. You will certainly still see ghosting in some circumstances, but it's much easier to deal with and imo less objectionable than the fairly major flare issues with the Sony. That alone (combined with virtually coma-less f2.8 for astro) would probably be reason enough for me to choose the Sigma over the Sony.

But on top of that sharpness is better. Even though that was already rather good at the wide end for the Sony, once I saw the Sigma 14/1.8, despite the size/weight of that lens I had trouble going back...Show more →


I've been having a hard time deciding to go with the 12-24 or waiting for the 14-24. My primary use would be architectural interiors and exteriors with some landscape mixed in. I know the 2 extra mm of the Sony would be useful but I also like the 2.8 stop and cheaper price of the Sigma.

As someone who has experience with both lenses, do you have any advice to share given my subject matter?
Aug 18, 2019 at 06:38 PM
rvh23
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p.4 #3 · p.4 #3 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


TheArchitect wrote:
I've been having a hard time deciding to go with the 12-24 or waiting for the 14-24. My primary use would be architectural interiors and exteriors with some landscape mixed in. I know the 2 extra mm of the Sony would be useful but I also like the 2.8 stop and cheaper price of the Sigma.

As someone who has experience with both lenses, do you have any advice to share given my subject matter?



I shoot only landscape (including astro) so the choice for me is clear for the reasons I noted. But if having 12mm is more important than those considerations, and you don't need 2.8, the Sony would seem the better choice.

Alternatively, you could do as I do, and add the CV12 to the Sigma 14-24. That way you also have the option of choosing whether or not you want sun-stars on point light sources in very wide FOV shots. Although corners/edges are much less sharp with the CV



Aug 18, 2019 at 06:50 PM
TheArchitect
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p.4 #4 · p.4 #4 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


rvh23 wrote:
I shoot only landscape (including astro) so the choice for me is clear for the reasons I noted. But if having 12mm is more important than those considerations, and you don't need 2.8, the Sony would seem the better choice.

Alternatively, you could do as I do, and add the CV12 to the Sigma 14-24. That way you also have the option of choosing whether or not you want sun-stars on point light sources in very wide FOV shots. Although corners/edges are much less sharp with the CV


Thanks for the quick reply. I'd be using the photos for work so corner sharpness is important. I think that probably rules out the CV.

I think you're probably right about the Sony being the right choice. The Sigma is intriguing but I'd probably regret not having the 12mm.
Aug 18, 2019 at 06:59 PM
Chuck Coyne
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p.4 #5 · p.4 #5 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


TheArchitect wrote:
Thanks for the quick reply. I'd be using the photos for work so corner sharpness is important. I think that probably rules out the CV.

I think you're probably right about the Sony being the right choice. The Sigma is intriguing but I'd probably regret not having the 12mm.


I would agree, I have the CV 12 and in reality it is really a 14mm lens when wanting a large print. I usually will crop the extreme corners making it more like a 14 mm focal length. If you really need the 12mm then the Sony 12-2 may be your best option. I'm more a landscape, astro and travel photog so the 14mm of the Sigma is more than enough for my needs. I will likely sell my CV 12 after I receive my Sigma 14-24.
Aug 18, 2019 at 08:46 PM
Aztatlan
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p.4 #6 · p.4 #6 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


rvh23 wrote:
No I don't have that remote. But it's an electronic focus lens so I don't see any reason to think it wouldn't work.

But that reminds me to note that the one thing I've found so far that I don't like with this lens is the fact that there is no distance scale marked on it, which means I am forced to use the low resolution electronic distance readout from the camera for focus stacking (or use angle of focus ring rotation estimates). But the Sony zooms are the same in that regard

Focus stacking on FBW lenses is such a nightmare. I always find myself reaching for my mechanical focus primes because of how much easier it is, and as someone who focus stacks pretty much every single wide angle shot I take, it’s a huge time saver when the light is changing rapidly.

I am keen on this lens but it would probably still be my second choice over a mechanical focus prime.


Aug 18, 2019 at 10:12 PM
wind30
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p.4 #7 · p.4 #7 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


rvh23 wrote:
Flare is much better controlled than on the Sony 12-24. You will certainly still see ghosting in some circumstances, but it's much easier to deal with and imo less objectionable than the fairly major flare issues with the Sony. That alone (combined with virtually coma-less f2.8 for astro) would probably be reason enough for me to choose the Sigma over the Sony.

But on top of that sharpness is better. Even though that was already rather good at the wide end for the Sony, once I saw the Sigma 14/1.8, despite the size/weight of that lens I had trouble going back...Show more →


I think most people will be interested in seeing a comparison between the sony 12-24mm and the new sigma 14-24mm.

I guess at the end of the day is 12mm vs 14mm and f2.8 vs f4. I guess at the end of the day the 12mm is more important to me than the f2.8.
Aug 18, 2019 at 11:05 PM
rvh23
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p.4 #8 · p.4 #8 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


Aztatlan wrote:
Focus stacking on FBW lenses is such a nightmare. I always find myself reaching for my mechanical focus primes because of how much easier it is, and as someone who focus stacks pretty much every single wide angle shot I take, it’s a huge time saver when the light is changing rapidly.

I am keen on this lens but it would probably still be my second choice over a mechanical focus prime.

Yes I agree, I focus stack everything too and it's a pain not to have distance marked on the lens. The Sigma 14/1.8 does have a scale btw. But this zoom is so good I plan to get to know it well enough to use the electronic readout. My impression so far is that there is not a lot of change in sharp-focus distance with focal length, which would facilitate that process, but I haven't tested it carefully yet. And who knows, if the distance readout resolution is camera limited, it may improve with new camera or firmware releases.

I was initially expecting to use this lens only for the range 14-18 and use Loxia/CV primes at 21 and 25. But after testing it, I now plan to use it over its full range unless I'm shooting against the sun (and want minimal flare and/or prominent sun-stars). Even the color with the zoom looks like it will be comparable to what I get with CVs/Loxias. Here's a quick test shot for color (raw via CR with no adjustments for both lenses):

http://www.richardvanhoesel.com/test/color%20CV21%20Sgma1424 f6.3.jpg








Aug 18, 2019 at 11:46 PM
Aztatlan
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p.4 #9 · p.4 #9 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


rvh23 wrote:



Yes I agree, I focus stack everything too and it's a pain not to have distance marked on the lens. The Sigma 14/1.8 does have a scale btw. But this zoom is so good I plan to get to know it well enough to use the electronic readout. My impression so far is that there is not a lot of change in sharp-focus distance with focal length, which would facilitate that process, but I haven't tested it carefully yet. And who knows, if the distance readout resolution is camera limited, it may improve with new camera or firmware releases.

I was...Show more →

If it’s parfocal or close to it that helps. Getting infinity right in a memorable and repeatable way is usually doable even with the awful electronic distance scale, it’s the closer focusing steps that I struggle with. I shoot about half the speed or less if focus stacking with an FBW lens vs a mechanical focus lens, so it means either lost compositions or lost light during the golden hour. If the lens isn’t hugely sensitive to minor adjustments of the focus ring that can also help, as it means you don’t need to work as hard for pinpoint accuracy.

The Sigma 14 did appeal to me although the size and weight was always a turn off for me. This lens looks like a better alternative albeit with the awful focus by wire system as it’s greatest drawback.


Aug 19, 2019 at 01:14 AM
rvh23
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p.4 #10 · p.4 #10 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


I tested the focus-by-wire of this zoom in more detail this afternoon and discovered to my great disappointment that it's implementation is of the worst form: non-linear such that faster rotation moves the focal point more than slow rotation over the same angle. This means you can't use angle of rotation increments for focus stacking.

I saw this sort of behavior with a Batis lens in the past and very much disliked it.


Aug 19, 2019 at 02:59 AM
Aztatlan
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p.4 #11 · p.4 #11 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


rvh23 wrote:
I tested the focus-by-wire of this zoom in more detail this afternoon and discovered to my great disappointment that it's implementation is of the worst form: non-linear such that faster rotation moves the focal point more than slow rotation over the same angle. This means you can't use angle of rotation increments for focus stacking.

I saw this sort of behavior with a Batis lens in the past and very much disliked it.

That is unfortunate

Sony badly need a focus bracketing feature in their cameras.
Aug 19, 2019 at 03:20 AM
BastianK
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p.4 #12 · p.4 #12 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


rvh23 wrote:
I tested the focus-by-wire of this zoom in more detail this afternoon and discovered to my great disappointment that it's implementation is of the worst form: non-linear such that faster rotation moves the focal point more than slow rotation over the same angle. This means you can't use angle of rotation increments for focus stacking.

I saw this sort of behavior with a Batis lens in the past and very much disliked it.
With the 1.2/35 I am still not sure how linear it is.
The throw is so long, I always ended up somewhere in between 450-540° depening on speed of rotation.
But yeah, that is not accurate enough for that kind of focus stacking approach.

What is the throw on the 14-24mm lens "roughly"?
Aug 19, 2019 at 04:49 AM
Chuck Coyne
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p.4 #13 · p.4 #13 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


I focus stack 80% + of my landscape photos and I find that using the Sony Magnify AF does a tremendous job nailing focus. I have it setup as a custom button so it is very quick to use. Not as quick as using a manual focus lens but very close once you get used to using it. I’m thinking this may be even easier with the increased EVF resolution and increased number of AF points/area of the new A7RIV.
Aug 19, 2019 at 05:55 AM
rvh23
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p.4 #14 · p.4 #14 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


BastianK wrote:
With the 1.2/35 I am still not sure how linear it is.
The throw is so long, I always ended up somewhere in between 450-540° depening on speed of rotation.
But yeah, that is not accurate enough for that kind of focus stacking approach.

What is the throw on the 14-24mm lens "roughly"?

The 14-24 is noticeably more non-linear than that. From where the lens is focused at infinity (not the end of the scale) to minimum focus is in the vicinity of 360 degrees if turning slowly, but 2 to 3 times less than that if turning quickly.

Speed dependence seems an odd (poor?) choice to me in a lens strongly aimed at landscape photographers. But Zeiss apparently thought it was a good idea too in their Batis 18. Maybe it could be altered in firmware. An in- camera option to select more/less linearity might be ideal.

From my perspective it's the main weakness I've found with this otherwise remarkable zoom.
Aug 19, 2019 at 06:32 AM
hiepphotog
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p.4 #15 · p.4 #15 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


Just got my lens. It's a well centered copy, tested at 14mm and 24mm. A quick test showed that this lens has a very mild mid-zone dip (way better than my Tamron copy) with the edge of the frame is slightly sharper. A quick comparison between the Siggy and Tamron at 17mm and WO. I only show the center and mid frame here. They were taken in the same day (so take it for what it is). It's interesting that there is less stretching with the Siggy at 17mm. Overall, the Siggy is way better I say , at least for nightscape (not just astro).

Edit: AF on my A9 is very snappy.





Center







Mid-frame
Aug 19, 2019 at 03:24 PM
j4nu
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p.4 #16 · p.4 #16 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


hiepphotog wrote:
Just got my lens. It's a well centered copy, tested at 14mm and 24mm. A quick test showed that this lens has a very mild mid-zone dip (way better than my Tamron copy) with the edge of the frame is slightly sharper. A quick comparison between the Siggy and Tamron at 17mm and WO. I only show the center and mid frame here. They were taken in the same day (so take it for what it is). It's interesting that there is less stretching with the Siggy at 17mm. Overall, the Siggy is way better I say , at least...Show more →

Sorry for a noob question, but is the visible tamron's midfield dip typical for a wide angle zoom, so that it's actually sigma that is exceptionally great in this case? Or the other way around, is it the tamron (this copy?) which is on the weaker side in this regard?
The difference is substantial IMHO.
Aug 19, 2019 at 04:54 PM
rvh23
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p.4 #17 · p.4 #17 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


hiepphotog wrote:
Just got my lens. It's a well centered copy, tested at 14mm and 24mm. A quick test showed that this lens has a very mild mid-zone dip (way better than my Tamron copy) with the edge of the frame is slightly sharper. A quick comparison between the Siggy and Tamron at 17mm and WO. I only show the center and mid frame here. They were taken in the same day (so take it for what it is). It's interesting that there is less stretching with the Siggy at 17mm. Overall, the Siggy is way better I say , at least...Show more →

Are these at 200%? Also, are you refocusing between center and mid-zone? I did notice some mild field curvature with the Sigma.
Aug 19, 2019 at 05:47 PM
hiepphotog
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p.4 #18 · p.4 #18 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


j4nu wrote:
Sorry for a noob question, but is the visible tamron's midfield dip typical for a wide angle zoom, so that it's actually sigma that is exceptionally great in this case? Or the other way around, is it the tamron (this copy?) which is on the weaker side in this regard?
The difference is substantial IMHO.
Not a zoom shooter until recently, so I can't say for sure. My first was the Sony 12-24 and I don't remember such a significant dip. However, it seems many are happy with theirs so mine could be an outlier. It was a centered copy as well. And I believe this way, panning from side to side, it's much easier to spot a dip. I wouldn't be surprised if the Sigma is still better than other good Tamron copies. The Sigma is twice the weight.
Aug 19, 2019 at 05:51 PM
hiepphotog
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p.4 #19 · p.4 #19 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


rvh23 wrote:
Are these at 200%? Also, are you refocusing between center and mid-zone? I did notice some mild field curvature with the Sigma.

300% on my 4K display so about 150% on a regular screen. I just tested for field curvature and my copy, at infinity and 14mm, has a very slight field curvature at mid-zone but the corners are very close to the center; I took 3 shots with refocusing for each zone, center, mid-field and corner. To me, the FC is flat for field use. I need to test for coma tonight to see if mine performs similarly to yours. The Vignetting is not small, but it looks like less than the Tamron in the extreme corners but it spreads more into the frame if that makes sense.
Aug 19, 2019 at 06:33 PM
timerickson
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p.4 #20 · p.4 #20 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions


Fred Miranda wrote:
I wonder if the 0.1mm thick ND gels from Irix will fit and won't cause induced field curvature..
https://www.amazon.com/Irix-Gelatin-Filter-29x29mm-Lenses/dp/B073M4RY13

Update: these are not the right size. You'd be better off buying gel sheets and cutting using the included template or waiting til commercially available pre-cut options


Aug 19, 2019 at 06:51 PM
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