p.1 #1 · Should I upgrade from Sigma 24-70 I to the Mark II or just get a 24-105 f4 for faster autofocus?
I currently have the Sigma 24-70 DG DN Art f2.8 mark I for Sony and while I love it, it’s too slow of autofocus for in-water surf photography. I think I’d like to sell it and get the mark II since it has the new autofocus drive. However, given resale values, etc., I’m wondering whether the Sony 24-105 f4 would make just as much sense? The extra range would be nice though I’d rather not accumulate lenses.
Interested to hear any thoughts from sports photogs.
p.1 #3 · Should I upgrade from Sigma 24-70 I to the Mark II or just get a 24-105 f4 for faster autofocus?
I moved from Sigma 24-70 DG DN Art f2.8 to Sony 24-70mm GM ii. Without doing any side by side comparison, I can't say this was the better move than going to Sigma mark ii. In fact, my sigma appeared quite sharp too me. I had sold it before getting the GM ii lens so a side by side comparison was out of question. I can't say much per auto focus speed as my camera was A7r iii when I had my Sigma and now, I have A7r v. I can also say that the weight difference is very noticeable based on my muscle memory.
I wasn't particularity fixated on the GM lens but I got a very good deal on a used one in the local market. I could have very well ended up with the Sigma mark II if I had found a good deal on that one.
p.1 #4 · Should I upgrade from Sigma 24-70 I to the Mark II or just get a 24-105 f4 for faster autofocus?
I owned and sold the first version of the Sigma 24-70. The AF was indeed not very fast. I tried 3x copies of the Sony 24-70 GM II at different times and eventually gave up. Each had a softness issue on the right side from 50mm, and one of them was also not great at 70mm f/2.8. If you decide to buy one, make sure you can test properly and have the option to return it.
I then got the Sigma 24-70 II. AF is significantly improved compared to the Mark I, but I haven't used it for sport photography. Sharpness is great wide open at f/2.8 at all focal lengths.
