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Archive 2019 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

tsdevine
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p.52 #1 · p.52 #1 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

Thanks, my lenses in the 15-24 range have filter sizes between 52 and 77. I have dedicated sized CPLs and 3 to 6 stop dark CPLs. As light changes I may need to swap out the filter and go with another strength, but otherwise they stay on the lens. I do have other lenses above 25 that share these filter sizes, so I may need to swap across lenses. I need to keep an eye on the filter to make sure I didn't get any spray or rain droplets (I'm often dealing with showery weather.) Seems like with more surface area, the more the risk droplets get on the front, but I guess it's manageable.

I always use a CPL, so having it sort of dedicated is nice. But I often need NDs as well, so I think I will just sit pat until Fred and Bobu test out the Aurora solution when it comes out. Then I'll reconsider. If the rear ND filter solution impacts image quality, then it undermines the reason to switch to this lens.

-Tim

Holger wrote:
Another thing is strong wind. I often experienced flow induced vibrations of the tripod+camera in windy regions. Required me to shield the camera and use a studier tripod. A large 150-180mm front filter system is not mitigating this.
As good as the Sigma is, it likely is the best available right now, I would need to carry 1.2kg (lens + filter system) vs. 750g for a GM for example or even less for a Tamron. I prefer screw filters, too.
For indoor stuff and solid state photography not an issue. Here I prefer tilt shift lenses, however.

Feb 11, 2020 at 06:31 AM

Holger
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p.52 #2 · p.52 #2 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

tsdevine wrote:
Thanks, my lenses in the 15-24 range have filter sizes between 52 and 77. I have dedicated sized CPLs and 3 to 6 stop dark CPLs. As light changes I may need to swap out the filter and go with another strength, but otherwise they stay on the lens. I do have other lenses above 25 that share these filter sizes, so I may need to swap across lenses. I need to keep an eye on the filter to make sure I didn't get any spray or rain droplets (I'm often dealing with showery weather.) Seems like with more surface...Show more →
I like those combined Polarizer/ND combinations from PolarPro.
https://www.polarprofilters.com/products/quartzline-filters?variant=30876237103188

Or those variable NDs
https://www.polarprofilters.com/products/variable-nd-mckinnon?variant=22069519646804

Feb 11, 2020 at 06:43 AM

tsdevine
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p.52 #3 · p.52 #3 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

I have Breakthrough CPL, 3 and 6 stop dark CPLs. I did pick up a PolarPro 4 stop dark CPL as well, although I haven't used it yet.

-Tim

Feb 11, 2020 at 06:59 AM

dbehrens
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p.52 #4 · p.52 #4 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

Fred Miranda wrote:
It's possible to use a rear polarizer filter.

We can't rotate it though which makes this solution a deal breaker for many shooters. However, it's possible to rotate the camera (and crop the image in post) to achieve the desired polarizing effect. It's not ideal as this could drastically reduce image resolution depending on how severe the crop is.

We can also bring a few polarizer rear filter cut-outs at different angles but that means a lot of lens swapping in the field...

I don't shoot waterfalls much but if I did, I would probably invest in 150mm filters for the...Show more →

Fred - for me 3 or 4 polarizer precuts would go a long way and I don't care if they linear. Have you done this? Are there any precuts out there? I have not found any. If not have you tried any particular brand of gel sheets that you prefer? Dave

Feb 11, 2020 at 09:12 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.52 #5 · p.52 #5 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

dbehrens wrote:
Fred - for me 3 or 4 polarizer precuts would go a long way and I don't care if they linear. Have you done this? Are there any precuts out there? I have not found any. If not have you tried any particular brand of gel sheets that you prefer? Dave

You can buy the Lee Polarizing Gel 239F and cut it yourself at different angles. I made 2 using opposite angles and always carry them with me. It does not matter it's linear since we are using it in mirrorless cameras.

Feb 11, 2020 at 10:30 AM

jeetsukumaran
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p.52 #6 · p.52 #6 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

stjepan wrote:
In the images below, that large yellow-lined object is the Nisi filter mount with the CPL already mounted. I have a kasemann cap as the rear cap and the Nisi cap as the front cap. So, to mount the CPL I just have to remove the caps and mount the filter mount. I could get away with actually leaving the whole thing mounted permanently on the 14-24 if I invested time to reconfigure the dividers in my bag ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the visual on the whole set up. I'm about to purchase the NiSi S5 kit too. Can you share the...Show more →

On looking at my orders, it seems that it was actually Kaiser Slip-On Lens Cap for Lenses with an Outside Diameter of 100mm:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015KFILK

Feb 11, 2020 at 10:51 AM

alexands
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p.52 #7 · p.52 #7 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

How well does it work if you use the Lee Polarizing Gel at the same time as the Lee ND gel filter? Any idea if it could be used in combination with one of the other rear filter solutions?

Feb 12, 2020 at 10:23 AM

jeetsukumaran
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p.52 #8 · p.52 #8 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

jeetsukumaran wrote:
Yes, I did. He could not get it to work. But I figured out a way. Basically, while with Sony lenses, simply pressing "+" or "-" advances/reverses focus, with this lens you have to press "+" and then press "AF-ON" (on the remote). This steps forward or back the focus one level. So, it really is kind of annoying --- you have to press twice the number of keys. But at least it works.

But please DO submit a bug report! The lens is capable of doing it, and I suspect a software update may allow it to work better with...Show more →

OK, so, here is an update.

Focus adjustment through the remote now works!

I have NO idea what changed. I have not had a software/firmware update in either camera or lens in the mean time. But absolutely crazily, what I could get to to work after hours of fiddling in controlled conditions, suddenly started working in the field. I was out shooting and pulled out the remote and started to track focus forward, completely having forgotten that it did not work with the Sigma 14-24 ... and then realized that it was doing what it was supposed to! The only thing is that it seems that the focus indicator only advances after I press the shutter release, so maybe that was the confusion??

Feb 17, 2020 at 08:17 PM

Jman13
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p.52 #9 · p.52 #9 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

So I rented a 14-24mm from Lensrentals and I think it was a mistake.

Because this lens, at least this copy, is so ridiculously good it's making me think impure (to my wallet) thoughts.

Absolutely tack sharp to the corners throughout the range on the A7R IV at all focal lengths when stopped down a bit. I've never seen a wide zoom do that. And the contrast profile for the lens is simply wonderful. Rich full contrast, yet still with subtle tonality. Excellent flare resistance, low vignetting (though some distortion for sure) Excellent color, wonderful build and handling (zoom and focus rings are butter).

If this think could take front filters I'd be selling my Tamron 17-28mm and Voigtlander 15mm immediately and buying this.

But ugh....I use (and need) a polarizer a LOT for my landscape work. I shoot a lot of gorges, waterfalls, etc, and a polarizer is needed to cut the glare. I don't fancy dealing with giant external filter holders and filters that also weigh a ton and cost $500 on top of the lens, and while rear filters are fine for ND use, it's awkward at best for a polarizer, and downright awful at worst. My brain is trying desperately to justify getting this in addition to my filter-taking lenses, but I just can't see carrying two UWA zooms on a regular basis...it just doesn't make sense.

But man is this a good optic.

Feb 19, 2020 at 10:35 AM

tsdevine
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p.52 #10 · p.52 #10 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

That's my dilemma, more than 50% of the use of this lens for me would be using NDs and polarizers.

Although if I had a perfect copy in my hands, with the option to buy from LR....it would be very tough to let it go.

-Tim

Jman13 wrote:
So I rented a 14-24mm from Lensrentals and I think it was a mistake.

Because this lens, at least this copy, is so ridiculously good it's making me think impure (to my wallet) thoughts.

Absolutely tack sharp to the corners throughout the range on the A7R IV at all focal lengths when stopped down a bit. I've never seen a wide zoom do that. And the contrast profile for the lens is simply wonderful. Rich full contrast, yet still with subtle tonality. Excellent flare resistance, low vignetting (though some distortion for sure) Excellent color, wonderful build and handling (zoom and...Show more →

Feb 19, 2020 at 10:37 AM

Jman13
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p.52 #11 · p.52 #11 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

Yeah, I keep telling myself that while certainly better than my 17-28 and CV15, that the improvement will really only be seen when pixel peeping the edges of huge prints, which I don't make that often, and is it really worth the extra hassle and cost of a 150mm filter set for that overall tiny improvement. Probably not, but it's tempting.

Feb 19, 2020 at 10:42 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.52 #12 · p.52 #12 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

Jman13 wrote:
Yeah, I keep telling myself that while certainly better than my 17-28 and CV15, that the improvement will really only be seen when pixel peeping the edges of huge prints, which I don't make that often, and is it really worth the extra hassle and cost of a 150mm filter set for that overall tiny improvement. Probably not, but it's tempting.

You would appreciate this lens Jordan. It's a must have imo.

Feb 19, 2020 at 11:33 AM

Jman13
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p.52 #13 · p.52 #13 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

Yeah, the fact that I can basically get it for $150 off if I do the LensRentals keeper is really tempting given I know how good this copy is.

I keep going back and forth, seeing what I can sell to justify it.

Fred Miranda wrote:
You would appreciate this lens Jordan. It's a must have imo.

Feb 19, 2020 at 12:02 PM

naturephoto1
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p.52 #14 · p.52 #14 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

Fred Miranda wrote:
You would appreciate this lens Jordan. It's a must have imo.

Hi Fred,

Glad you are enjoying the lens while others like the Sony 12-24.

But, I am going to resist. I am going another way that few on FM have been willing to go. I purchased a mint condition A7rII in October and have paid for and am finally sending the camera into Kolari Vision on Friday for the UT sensor modification. For me, I am happy and will be even happier with the performance of my Leica M WATE, Leica M 24mm f3.8 Asph, Zeiss 35mm f1.4 ZM Distagon, and my Minolta CLE MC 28mm f2.8 and CLE MC 40mm f2 M-Rokkor lenses. All of these lenses have easy usage with my 77mm filters and my Lee 100mm filter system.

My already modded A7r V3 Kolari Thin sensor camera will be used as my second camera for usage with the WATE, 2 Minolta M-Rokkor lenses, and my Leica R lenses.

When the A7rII UT camera is not used with the Zeiss 35mm Distagon or the Leica 24mm lens I may well use it with the WATE, one of the Minolta lenses, Leica R lenses and even my long Sony zooms (as my 2nd camera for these zooms when needed).

My stock A7r camera will normally be used with my Leica R lenses and possibly with my Minolta 40mm.

My A7rIII will be used as my first body with my long Sony zooms naked or with the Sony TCs and quite possibly with my Leica R glass.

Rich

Feb 19, 2020 at 12:02 PM

pdmphoto
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p.52 #15 · p.52 #15 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

Fred Miranda wrote:
You would appreciate this lens Jordan. It's a must have imo.

Not so musty for users who don't want the hassle/cost of the special use filters, the added weight, or want the 12-14mm focal lengths. But... a nice copy in hand would surely be hard to resist

Feb 19, 2020 at 02:33 PM

Jman13
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p.52 #16 · p.52 #16 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

pdmphoto wrote:
Not so musty for users who don't want the hassle/cost of the special use filters, the added weight, or want the 12-14mm focal lengths. But... a nice copy in hand would surely be hard to resist

I will tell you....I literally wrote a post a day or two ago talking about how I was perfectly happy with my 17-28 + CV 15 combo to cover this range and also have filters.

And then I used the 14-24 that I'm renting for review and, well, I'm now like 99% sure I'm going to sell my Tamron for it. It's a remarkable lens. Not only is it sharper throughout the range (and truly sharp to the corners at 14mm, a rarity in itself), the contrast is wonderful...rich macro contrast with subtle rolloff in the midtones that is just outstanding. Wonderful resistance to flare, very low CA. Only some barrel distortion at the wide end is even anything to complain about, but given how sharp it is, correcting it doesn't do much to hamper the image. It's by far the best UWA zoom I've used and it may be the best wide angle lens overall I've ever used....IQ from what I've seen so far is easily as good as the very best wide primes I've ever used.

I'm going to keep my CV 15 as a small, versatile little UWA that takes screw in filters, but since I use filters on my UWAs when shooting deliberately with a tripod, dealing with the big filter holder is something I think I'm ready to deal with for this kind of performance, and when I don't want to deal with it I'll toss the CV 15 in my bag.

Feb 19, 2020 at 03:07 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.52 #17 · p.52 #17 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

I feel that the 14-24/2.8 Art somewhat addresses the filter issue with its rear filter slot....at least for ND filters.
Using filters is even more challenging with the ultra wide zoom alternatives we have.

I really like the 12-24/4 G as well but the weaker flare resistance and color rendering were big negatives to me. Both Sony and Sigma are capable of high resolution and contrast but the latter still wins. I'd say the Sigma is currently unbeatable in the 14-17mm range even including primes.

I think the main difference between the two for most shooters is speed vs the 12mm FL. It's either one or the other...Perhaps the rumored Sony 12-24/2.8 will give us the best of both worlds but I'm sure it will be much heavier and expensive.

Feb 19, 2020 at 03:43 PM

yas887
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p.52 #18 · p.52 #18 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

What are the choices for front filter other than NiSi S5?

Feb 20, 2020 at 07:12 PM

Berkrathes
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p.52 #19 · p.52 #19 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

yas887 wrote:
What are the choices for front filter other than NiSi S5?

There is the Haida M15 magnetic filter holder kit.

Maybe someone here has an opinion on both of these sets.

Feb 21, 2020 at 06:13 AM

Jman13
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p.52 #20 · p.52 #20 · Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN first impressions

Is this even available yet? I see it listed on Haida's site, but neither B&H nor Adorama have it...just the one for the DSLR version.

Berkrathes wrote:
There is the Haida M15 magnetic filter holder kit.

Maybe someone here has an opinion on both of these sets.

Feb 21, 2020 at 07:17 AM

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