p.42 #1 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
Just got two copies of this lens. The better copy is slightly softer on the left side deep corner at f/2.8 and 14mm, and with the upper left corner being the worst. It's not crazy bad, and better than any UWA I've had previously. By f/5.6 it clears up and at f/8.0 it's a razor. Weirdly, this seems to me to be actually sharper in the corners at 24mm wide open than at 14mm. In fact, at 24mm across the frame, center to edges, it does better than my EF 24-70 f/2.8 II (and I have a very good copy of the latter). Given all I've read, I expected 24mm to be weaker than 14mm, and the decentering softness to be on the right side. So I must have a real anomalous copy or terrible eyes! Still debating whether to get a third copy to compare. Testing is exhausting and tedious, and I tending toward this one being "good enough"!
Have not managed to adjust focus back and forth using the Sony bluetooth remote. I can do autofocus. But just not use the "+"/"-" button to adjust focus. I called Sigma and spoke to an engineer to find out if this was at all possible or I had a defective copy (or two copies, since neither could do it). He said he would get back to me. Interestingly, he said that Sony's software and interface is all open, and so he anticipates no incompatibility issues going forward into the future.
p.42 #2 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
stjepan wrote:
I have to say I like the the NiSi Pro IR ND64&CPL better than the Landscape CPL. The former gives a more Velvia film look to the images (which are preferable in my opinion for landscapes), while the latter one is more Provia like (too cool). But that's personal preference.
My copy of the lens is due to arrive next week, can't wait. I also can't believe I gave up my MF CZ and Voigt glass in favor of this lens. Not to mention filtering size and pricing which come with it, yikes. Hope it's all justified.
I agree the NiSi Pro IR ND64&CPL is a great filter on the Sigma 14-24. I really am enjoying the NiSi filter system on this lens. The size is not that bad after you get used to using it. It is a very welcomed addition to my basic landscape kit.
p.42 #4 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
Yesterday I got a chance to try another copy of this lens but this time from another shop. I need help to decide whether to get this copy of the lens. I have never owned any UWA lens, primes and zooms. The only lens that I have now are Sony 24-105 f4 and 55mm f1.8. So I am not sure whether the IQ that I see for this copy is good enough, given that so much praises have been showered on this lens in this forum and reviews.
I shot at 14mm, 17mm, 20mm, 24mm from f2.8, f4.0, f5.6, f8.0, f11 to f14. Kindly click on the link and give me your advice whether this copy is "good enough". Your comments are most welcome.
Note: the last 5 images were shot with my own Sony 24-105 @24mm. I find that the 24-105 @24mm is slightly sharper than the Sigma copy. What do you think? If so, is this copy still acceptable?
p.42 #5 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
Some test images.
First the overall scene at 14mm, f/2.8. Hghly contrasty, I know, but I only cared about the test area, i.e. the wall in the foreground center. The focus was on the upper right corner of that wall.
14mm f/2.8 center crop (no complaints):
14mm f/2.8 upper left (the weakest corner; noticeably soft in this 1000x1000 pixel crop, but honestly better than any other UWA I've had. How does this compare to those of you with good/great copies?):
14mm f/2.8 upper right (Could be a tad better, but I can live with this)
14mm f/2.8 lower right (OK, this is, frankly, incredible ... this is a UWA corner at f/2.8 folks!!!)
p.42 #7 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
jeetsukumaran wrote:
What do you folks think?
On the two samples I tried at 14mm all 4 corners were identical (and great). I've seen a similar behavior as above at 24mm on one sample.
If 14mm (wide open) is really important for you (for example for astro images), I would return the lens. If your lens is perfect at 24mm and 24mm ist more important to you than 14mm keep it. It is extremely difficult to find a zoom lens that's perfect at every focal length.
p.42 #9 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
Bobu wrote:
On the two samples I tried at 14mm all 4 corners were identical (and great). I've seen a similar behavior as above at 24mm on one sample.
If 14mm (wide open) is really important for you (for example for astro images), I would return the lens. If your lens is perfect at 24mm and 24mm ist more important to you than 14mm keep it. It is extremely difficult to find a zoom lens that's perfect at every focal length.
Yes, but I want it ALL!
Seriously, ofc, I agree -- it's always going to be a compromise. So, I at least I want a good compromise. In your case, are you saying that your samples at 14mm had all 4 corners tack sharp (i.e. comparable to the center) at f/2.8? Is that the standard that might be expected? What was the trade-off there?
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dbehrens wrote:
I see nothing that would alarm me into returning the lens.
p.42 #10 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
jeetsukumaran wrote:
In your case, are you saying that your samples at 14mm had all 4 corners tack sharp (i.e. comparable to the center) at f/2.8? Is that the standard that might be expected? What was the trade-off there?
Yes, but only if you focus directly at the corner. The 14-24 DG DN is for an ultra wide angle lens rather flat field but not completely free of field curvature. If you focus on the extreme corners you get a very slight mid zone sharpness dip, at least with my sample. In addition my sample is at 24mm not as sharp wide open as at 14mm, but all for corners are identical.
p.42 #13 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
Good news for those waiting for the Aurora rear filters:
"Just when we are almost ready to freeze the design, we’ve inspired by our another design to use a magnetic latching mechanism for this filter. We will run a quick prototype to see how it works in the field.
The new design will have a separate adapter and a simple filter frame. The adapter will have similar shape of the current filter frame and be attached to the rear of the lens permanently. The filter will be on a simple retangular frame and be attached or detached from the adapter. This will improve the user experience in the field as there is no need to align the filter and to move the little tab inside the Sigma lens."
p.42 #14 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
MarcB83 wrote:
Really looking forward to read about your tests!
Test 1: Quality test: voluntarily dropped on a hard floor, from 1.6 meters high. Not one scratch ..
Test 2: color shift: No difference with or without ND 10 stops filter.
Fieldwork will follow later. ;-)
p.42 #15 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
Fred Miranda wrote:
Good news for those waiting for the Aurora rear filters:
"Just when we are almost ready to freeze the design, we’ve inspired by our another design to use a magnetic latching mechanism for this filter. We will run a quick prototype to see how it works in the field.
The new design will have a separate adapter and a simple filter frame. The adapter will have similar shape of the current filter frame and be attached to the rear of the lens permanently. The filter will be on a simple retangular frame and be attached or detached from the adapter. This will improve the user experience in the field as there is no need to align the filter and to move the little tab inside the Sigma lens."...Show more →
Not sure I like the idea. It adds more complexity, size and weight. Since their first prototypes without the addtional adapter seems to work very well I would prefer they would just start the production of their first design as soon as possible.
p.42 #16 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
Bobu wrote:
Not sure I like the idea. It adds more complexity, size and weight. Since their first prototypes without the addtional adapter seems to work very well I would prefer they would just start the production of their first design as soon as possible.
Is there an anticipated "pre-order" date and which specific filters are they considering? Any idea on cost?
Sorry if this is posted somewhere within the 42 pages (and counting...) of this thread
p.42 #17 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
Bobu wrote:
Not sure I like the idea. It adds more complexity, size and weight. Since their first prototypes without the addtional adapter seems to work very well I would prefer they would just start the production of their first design as soon as possible.
I should test the last prototype and provide some feedback. To me, if it makes mounting and un-mounting easier, it would be a plus.
p.42 #18 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
docsmiles17 wrote:
Is there an anticipated "pre-order" date and which specific filters are they considering? Any idea on cost?
Sorry if this is posted somewhere within the 42 pages (and counting...) of this thread
No idea of cost but they will offer a ND set like ND 3, 6, 10, 15 or similar. There will also be a light pollution filter but this one won't be as thin. They were shooting for Jan release but with the addition of the magnetic feature, I'm not sure if their deadline changed. Should know more soon.
One thing is for sure. They will have the thinnest glass filters available for the Sigma 14-24/2.8 which means that field curvature won't be affected as much as with the other glass rear filters options.
p.42 #19 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
Fred Miranda wrote:
No idea of cost but they will offer a ND set like ND 3, 6, 10, 15 or similar. There will also be a light pollution filter but this one won't be as thin. They were shooting for Jan release but with the addition of the magnetic feature, I'm not sure if their deadline changed. Should know more soon.
One thing is for sure. They will have the thinnest glass filters available for the Sigma 14-24/2.8 which means that field curvature won't be affected as much as with the other glass rear filters options.
Did you happen to do any testing of traditional filters (front element based) for this lens?
p.42 #20 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions
I just found Kase rear ND filter for Sigma 14-24 DG DN on ebay. It has exact same shape as gel filter as Sigma guide. It must be thin as gel filter to put it on slot. Even Haida also change filter shape to fit it easy. https://www.kasecn.com/en/newsshow.aspx?ID=1643
