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Archive 2020 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

Chuck Coyne
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

I’ve had a chance to test the new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens. The first thing I did was give it a thorough lens centering test using the Fred Maranda methodology and also Roger Cicala’s Zeiss Star Chart methodology. My copy of this lens is well centered at 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 70mm.

Next I took it out and did some photographs in the field to test it under various lighting conditions. I found the autofocus to be very snappy and seemingly as fast as a native Sony lens. No real problems focusing in AF-S or AF-C modes in low light situations.

Here is a 20 second exposure at f/6.3 with a Nisi 10-stop ND filter and ISO 100

Waterfall01__DSC5322 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

I did find that it had some issues with sun flare when the lens had the sun directly in the frame. It varied from minimal to a lot depending on the location of the sun in the frame and the angle of the lens relative to the sun. If you frame it just right there is minimal to no flare artifacts but it can be tricky framing up a shot with the sun in the frame. I would certainly choose one of my prime lenses at these focal lengths if I was taking a sunrise or sunset shot with the sun in the frame.

Here are a couple of examples of a sunrise scene. The first when the sun was not yet above the tree line with no flare and the second was the worst sun flare I could get moving the sun around in the frame and slightly over exposing the scene.

sunrise_01_DSC4960 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

Sun-flare_DSC5091 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

The bokeh at f/2.8 is to my eye pleasing enough. At 24mm the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 7.1" with a maximum magnification of 1:2.9 and works well with close-up subjects like flowers. At 70mm the minimum focusing distance is 1.25' with a maximum magnification of 1:4.5. Here are a few closeup shots of some tulips.

_DSC5216-Red_Tulip-f2.8 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

white_tulip-f2.8_DSC5194 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

White-tulip-70mm-f2.8_DSC5243 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

Red-tulips-70mm-f2.8_DSC5232 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

I next tested it at infinity distance to see how well it resolved my A7R IV’s 62 Megapixels across the frame. The following are the results of the tripod mounted, shutter remote released best of 3 MF shots taken at 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm. I tested it against my very good Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens and my excellent Sony 24-105 f/4 G lens. The pics had minimal adjustments applied in LR. The lighting was fairly level but on a very few I did bump the exposure up or down a bit when the light levels varied between shots. These were all uncompressed RAW shots with some minimal default LR sharpening and with lens correction set “On” for the lenses tested.

The aperture series are all 1.) Center, 2.) Mid-frame, 3.) Extreme corner

First the overall scene at 24mm:

Full scene at 24mm by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

Starting out with just the Sigma 24-70mm at f/2.8 for 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 70mm. Then on to comparisons with the Sigma 14-24 f/2.8 and Sony 24-105mm f/4.

1-2470-24-v-35-f2.8-C by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

3-2470-24-v-35-f2.8-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

5-2470-24-v-35-f2.8-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

2-2470-50-v-70-f2.8-C by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

4-2470-50-v-70-f2.8-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

6-2470-50-v-70-f2.8-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

Next Tests vs Sigma 14-24 f/2.8 DG DN Art and Sony 24-105mm f/4 G lenses:

The aperture series are all 1.) Center, 2.) Mid-frame, 3.) Extreme corner

1-2470-v-1424-f2.8 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

14-2470-v-1424-f2.8-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

23-2470-v-1424-f2.8-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

3-2470-v-1424-f4 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

15-2470-v-1424-f4-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

24-2470-v-1424-f4-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

4-2470-v-24105-f4 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

16-2470-v-24105-f4-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

25-2470-v-24105-f4-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

6-2470-v-1424-f5.6 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

17-2470-v-1424-f5.6-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

26-2470-v1424-f5.6-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

7-2470-v-24105-f5.6 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

18-2470-v-24105-f5.6-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

27-2470-v-24105-f5.6-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

9-2470-v-1424-f8 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

19-2470-v-1424-f8-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

28-2470-v-1424-f8-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

10-2470-v-24105-f8 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

20-2470-v-24105-f8-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

29-2470-v-24105-f8-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

12-2470-v-1424-f11 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

21-2470-v-1424-f11-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

30-2470-v-1424-f11-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

13-2470-v-24105-f11 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

22-2470-v-24105-f11-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

31-2470-v-24105-f11-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

Next: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN Art vs. Sony 24-105 f/4 G at 35mm

1-2470-v-24105-f4 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

5-2470-v-24105-f4-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

9-2470-v-24105-f4-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

2-2470-v-24105-f5.6 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

6-2470-v-24105-f5.6-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

10-2470-v-24105-f5.6-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

3-2470-v-24105-f8 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

7-2470-v-24105-f8-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

11-2470-v-24105-f8-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

4-2470-v-24105-f11 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

8-2470-v-24105-f11-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

12-2470-v-24105-f11-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

Next: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN Art vs. Sony 24-105 f/4 G at 50mm

1-2470-v24105-f4 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

5-2470-v24205-f4-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

9-2470-v-24105-f4-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

2-2470-v24105-f5.6 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

6-2470-v24205-f5.6-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

10-2470-v-24105-f5.6-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

3-2470-v24105-f8 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

7-2470-v24205-f8-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

11-2470-v-24105-f8-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

4-2470-v24105-f11 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

8-2470-v24205-f11-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

12-2470-v-24105-f11-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

Next: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN Art vs. Sony 24-105 f/4 G at 70mm

1-2470-v24105-f4 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

5-2470-v-24105-f4-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

9-2470-v-24105-f4-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

2-2470-v24105-f5.6 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

6-2470-v-24105-f5.6-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

10-2470-v-24105-f5.6-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

3-2470-v24105-f8 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

7-2470-v-24105-f8-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

11-2470-v-24105-f8-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

4-2470-v24105-f11 by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

8-2470-v-24105-f11-M by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

12-2470-v-24105-f11-XC by Chuck Coyne, on Flickr

Edited on May 19, 2020 at 08:12 AM · View previous versions

May 19, 2020 at 07:59 AM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

Thanks Chuck . I’ve been thinking about buying this lens. For me it would be a business lens. It’s the perfect event type lens. That would give me the sigma 14-24, 24-70 and my Sony 135. That’s one option I thought about.

The other was buy this lens sell the 14-24. I know a crazy thought but go back to smaller and manual focus CV 21/50 apo. See I could run my business side with just a 24-70 and 135.

May 19, 2020 at 08:12 AM

Chris_88
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

Very thorough review, Chuck. Two thumbs up

. To my eyes, the 14-24 and 24-70 are very close wide open and the 24-105 and the Sigma are neck to neck at f4. Great performance by this big Sigma zoom. The flare performance is nothing to write home about, as you pointed out, but I guess that can't be helped. The 24-105 G isn't great and the Sony 24-70 GM is probably as mediocre/bad in that category as the Sigma.

Unfortunately, I don't have the time and patience for that kind of stringent testing, but precisely because of that I have a lot of respect for people who are not only willing to take the time to do these tests properly, but also share the knowledge they've gained with everyone here. That's one of the many reasons why these forums are such a great place to visit.

May 19, 2020 at 08:18 AM

Chuck Coyne
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

Guy, it is a solid 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom. My copy performs just as well or better than I remember testing my 24-70 f/2.8 GM lens at just about all focal lengths and apertures. My copy of the Sony was a bit better in the extreme corners at 24mm but the Center and Mid-frames at all focal lengths are fairly equal except for 70mm where the Sigma is significantly better across the entire frame then my copy of the Sony 24-70 GM.

I was very pleased with the performance of my copy of the Sony 24-105 f/4 G lens. It holds its own against the Sigma at most apertures and focal lengths. But I really like having the f/2.8 aperture and I will pair this on the wide angle end with my Sigma 14-24 f/2.8 DG DN Art and on the longer side either with my Sony 100-400mm GM or my Batis 85 and Batis 135. I'm hopeful that Sigma's coming 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN Art will be equally as good and as affordable as the two other Sigma f/2.8 zooms to complete my Holy Trinity of Sigma f/2.8 zooms.

May 19, 2020 at 08:26 AM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

May 19, 2020 at 08:33 AM

Alan Parker
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

I received mine last Friday and it's been a fantastic performer as well. It blows the Tamron out of the water and the bokeh is just breathtaking. I'm really fortunate to have a well centered copy too from the looks of it. It has a lot of character and combines outstanding sharpness with some cinematic looks. It's definitely not as 'clinical' as the Tamron is.
I'm quite happy with the sunstarts too, I didn't expect that to be such a feature but it has been so far. The autofocus is absolutely instant as well, also an improvement compared to the Tamron in my book. And on top of that the MF is actually precise and pleasant to use. It's a straight up improvement on every aspect in my opinion.

May 19, 2020 at 08:38 AM

MikeEvangelist
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

zz wrote:
I'm quite happy with the sunstarts too, I didn't expect that to be such a feature but it has been so far.

I had no expectations for sunstars on this lens, so was surprised by this shot at ƒ4.

May 20, 2020 at 09:29 PM

TORP
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

https://photos.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Webb-Bridge/i-GNWNZqx/0/470cdd97/X3/DSC08913%207-X3.jpg

May 26, 2020 at 05:22 AM

billsnature
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

Chuck Coyne wrote:
Guy, it is a solid 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom. My copy performs just as well or better than I remember testing my 24-70 f/2.8 GM lens at just about all focal lengths and apertures. My copy of the Sony was a bit better in the extreme corners at 24mm but the Center and Mid-frames at all focal lengths are fairly equal except for 70mm where the Sigma is significantly better across the entire frame then my copy of the Sony 24-70 GM.

I was very pleased with the performance of my copy of the Sony 24-105 f/4 G lens. It holds...Show more →

Hi Chuck,

First... Thanks for doing this!!! This was very helpful and the best head to head I have seen comparing to 24-105.

Since the Sony 24-105 held up as well as it did in good light, I would probably just stick with my fairly good copy since I have no need for f2.8 for my mainly landscape work. Is there a big difference in ghosting, flare, or CA that would change my mind on that? Or should I put my GAS to bed and just be happy I have a good copy of the 24-105?

Thanks
Bill

May 26, 2020 at 09:21 AM

Douglas L
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

I never did a head to head comparison between the two before I sold my very very good copy of the 24-105 (the copy Fred used to do his review). My impression is the Sigma is bit wider at 24mm than the Sony, also without the very dark corners the Sony had at 24mm. The Sigma seems to be more contrasty too, to my eyes. I think they are both fine lenses. It's really a matter of what's more important to you, FL, weight, aperture and lens stabilization.

May 26, 2020 at 09:41 AM

pdmphoto
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

Thanks for the detailed comparison Chuck. I have been considering selling my Sony 24-105 for the Sigma 24-70. IQ looks very similar, I prefer the Sony for the more consistent corner color/contrast for most of the comparisons. I find the additional focal range, IS, and somewhat better flare/ghosting better reasons to keep it though.

May 26, 2020 at 12:33 PM

TravelinBriNY
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

Interesting test - the Sigma looks like it did well, but I am surprised it did not do better than the 24-105.

May 27, 2020 at 05:38 AM

Chuck Coyne
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

The good news is that both the Sony and Sigma are excellent in terms of image quality across the frame. It really comes down to the choice of either more focal length or more light. If you don't really need the aperture f/2.8 - f/4 and rather have the extra 70mm to 105mm the Sony is a great choice.

May 27, 2020 at 09:38 AM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

Well I grabbed the Sigma 24-70 this morning. So I'm with Sigma 14-24 , 24-70 and my Sony 135. The 24-70 is the work lens the 14-24 could be sold for a CV 15 and CV 21 I'm thinking about it that would give me travel in 15/21 than maybe a 50

May 29, 2020 at 11:40 AM

Dustin Gent
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

GMPhotography wrote:
Well I grabbed the Sigma 24-70 this morning. So I'm with Sigma 14-24 , 24-70 and my Sony 135. The 24-70 is the work lens the 14-24 could be sold for a CV 15 and CV 21 I'm thinking about it that would give me travel in 15/21 than maybe a 50

If you do sell the 14-24, let me know. You DID after all talk me into that lens

May 29, 2020 at 11:43 AM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

I did talk you into it. Lol

Only reason I would is for travel stuff. But I don't see me traveling. We just cancel our NY in July convention. So I'm not driving across the country. And this pandemic sucks

May 29, 2020 at 12:18 PM

sismailian
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

Man what a good time it is to be on sony and have GAS

Some gorgeous shots with the sigma 24-70 2.8. I am pretty darn happy with the sony 16-35 GM, voigtlander 21/1.4 and 50/2 APO combo for landscapes

Maybe after this BS lockdown has died down I can release some GAS. Been playing with the sony 24-70 2.8 GM lens for a while; have it as a sorta long term loaner from family member

It's pretty nice but not sure I would pay $2k for it. That's where the sigma would make me happier but i am a bit worried about the samples of bad lens flare i've seen....i would use it often for sunrise/sunsets. I know the sony 24-70 GM also isn't very good at flare either from what I've seen so far using it.

May 29, 2020 at 12:37 PM

Douglas L
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

sismailian wrote:
Man what a good time it is to be on sony and have GAS

Some gorgeous shots with the sigma 24-70 2.8. I am pretty darn happy with the sony 16-35 GM, voigtlander 21/1.4 and 50/2 APO combo for landscapes

Maybe after this BS lockdown has died down I can release some GAS. Been playing with the sony 24-70 2.8 GM lens for a while; have it as a sorta long term loaner from family member

It's pretty nice but not sure I would pay $2k for it. That's where the sigma would make me happier but i...Show more →

My go to sunrise sunset lenses are the cv 21 f1.4 , cv 40, and cv 15(if I go that wide). I haven’t used the sigma 24-70 much since I got it. It’s a great lens.

May 29, 2020 at 01:01 PM

sismailian
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Test Shots and Infinity Test

That's pretty much the same for me. The CV 21 1.4 has really surprised me more than I thought it would. Really amazing in almost everything I wanted it to be good at

Jun 06, 2020 at 05:21 PM


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