Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Lens for Sony E

Key Features

• 24-70mm standard zoom with constant f/2.8 aperture
• HLA linear motor with over 3x faster maximum AF drive speed
• 17cm minimum focusing distance and up to 1:2.7 magnification
• 11-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth out-of-focus rendering
• Aperture ring with click/de-click and lock controls
• Minimised focus breathing for more natural focus transitions
• Two customisable AFL buttons and zoom lock switch
• Dust and splash resistant 735g construction with 82mm filter thread

Summary

This second-generation professional standard zoom refines an already popular formula, with higher resolving power, quicker focusing and improved handling in a noticeably lighter package. Its constant f/2.8 aperture and versatile range make it equally comfortable with portraits, landscapes, events and everyday photography, while excellent close-up capability extends its usefulness for smaller subjects and details.

Filmmakers gain quieter linear focusing, reduced focus breathing and a de-clickable aperture ring, while photographers benefit from improved optical performance and more direct controls. At 735g for Sony E-mount, it is also 95g lighter than its predecessor, making a meaningful difference for a lens intended to spend much of its life on the camera.

In More Detail

Flagship performance

The flagship workhorse standard zoom replaces the highly respected first generation Art-Series model, with upgrades which include improved resolution throughout the range. It has high sharpness throughout the entire image from its maximum f/2.8 aperture, even on high-resolution Sony E bodies.

An 11-blade rounded diaphragm with wide maximum f/2.8 aperture contributes to beautifully circular bokeh with smooth defocus areas and lovely falloff from in to out-of-focus areas. This delivers superb subject separation as well as strong low light performance for a standard range zoom of this kind.

Sample beach huts 02 @28mm. Settings: 1/640 sec. f/5.6. ISO 100

Updated optical design

The updated optical design adds additional aspherical elements. Optics now include 6 FLD glass elements, 2 SLD glass elements, and 5 aspherical lens elements to suppress aberrations throughout the entire zoom range.

Sagittal coma flare is in particular well controlled, helping the lens to achieve consistently high resolution all the way to the edges of the image. By also effectively correcting lateral chromatic aberration, beautifully rendered high resolution images can be achieved, which are free from colour fringing even in higher-contrast scenes.

5 aspherical lenses

Sigma’s Aizu factory’s ultra-high-precision aspherical moulding technology makes it possible to produce thin, highly polarised aspherical lenses that are essential for the construction of this lens. It employs 5 high-precision aspherical lenses, which allow for a more compact optical design, with both high performance and minimal aberrations.

Sample dog jumping at beach @33mm. Settings: 1/2000 sec. f/2.8. ISO 125

Versatile close-up performance

With a minimum focusing distance of 17cm at the wide end of the zoom range, and 34cm at the telephoto end, creators gain a versatile lens, which is capable of creating dramatic close-up images and videos. This is complemented by a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7 for shooting in tight spaces where it may be difficult to get a good distance from the subject, and for general purpose close-up shots. 

Minimised flare and ghosting

Flare and ghosting are common detractors from image quality, and Sigma has reduced both significantly through advanced simulation technology, ensuring the lens delivers rich, high-contrast images under various conditions.

Additionally, the application of Nano Porous Coating and Super Multi-layer Coating helps to suppress flare and ghosting, providing a high resistance to backlighting with clear and sharp images in virtually any lighting situation.

Sample river harbour @35mm. Settings: 1/1000 sec. f/2.8. ISO 100

Minimised focus breathing

The new 24-70mm lens from Sigma is designed to suppress focus breathing. The change in angle-of-view due to focus shift across the zoom range is minimised, creating more natural-looking focus pulls when recording video.

Lighter design with more portability

This model boasts a body that is approximately 7% more compact and 10% lighter than its predecessor. It also enhances usability with the addition of an aperture ring and two AFL buttons.

Despite its smaller size and new features, the lens continues to uphold Sigma’s acclaimed build quality, featuring the precise and robust construction that is characteristic of a professional tool. While the number of lens elements is the same as that of the previous model, the optical design has enabled the overall length to be shortened from 122.9mm to 122.2mm, contributing to the reduced weight and improved balance.

Sample horse riding at beach @70mm. Settings: 1/1250 sec. f/2.8. ISO 100

Reliable build quality

While prioritising size and weight, Sigma ensured build quality remains high through the use of metal parts for the zoom extension unit and other parts. A robust internal structure provides rigidity during use, such as when operating the ring, pressing buttons, and carrying the lens. The design emphasises the lens’ durability and reliability as a professional tool, which cannot be achieved by solely pursuing a compact and lightweight body.

Newly added aperture ring

An aperture ring with an aperture ring click switch and an aperture ring lock switch are all available, allowing for more versatile aperture adjustment for stills and video recording.

Two AFL buttons

Thanks to two AFL buttons users can assign a range of custom functions via the menu on selected cameras. In addition to the one on the side, an additional button has been positioned on the top to facilitate operation when the camera is held in vertical orientation, making for an ergonomic improvement over the previous model.

Sample landscape photography @70mm. Settings: 1/40 sec. f/9. ISO 100 (tripod mounted)

Updated high-speed autofocus and functionality

In addition to high-speed AF with HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens has a full range of features. These include weather resistance from a dust and splash resistant structure, a water and oil repellent coating, and a zoom lock switch, delivering the best results in any shooting situation.

Dust and splash resistant with a water and oil repellent coating

On top of the dust and splash resistant design, the front element features a water and oil repellent coating, allowing users to shoot with less concern, even in harsh outdoor environments. The oil repellant coating enables easier cleaning of the front element, with reduced smears and fingerprints.

Sample wild garlic landscape photography @31mm. Settings: 1/4 sec. f/9. ISO 100 (tripod mounted)

New zoom lock switch

A zoom lock switch that locks at the wide end prevents the barrel from extending unintentionally under its own weight. The lock can be released by both the switch and also by simply operating the  zoom, allowing for flexible handling and instantaneous shooting.

Linear HLA motor with 3x quicker drive speed

Alinear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) for the AF actuator is incorporated into the second generation model. This high output HLA increases drive speed by around 3x compared to the previous model, ensuring extremely responsive autofocus in a variety of situations. A petal-type Lens Hood LH878-05 with lock is included to protect the front of the lens from accidental knocks and to reduce the amount of incidental light.

Sample wild garlic II landscape photography @31mm. Settings: 1.6 sec. f/11. ISO 100 (tripod mounted)

Additional features

• Inner focus system
• Compatible with high-speed autofocus and Lens Aberration Correction with compatible cameras
• Supports DMF and AF+MF
• Compatible with AF assist for Sony E-mount
• Nano Porous Coating and a Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Water and oil repellent coating
• Focus Mode switch
• Undergoes Sigma’s proprietary MTF measuring system
• High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
• Made in Aizu, Japan craftsmanship

Read our Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art Lens Review for our hands-on experience, sample images and detailed buying advice.

Specifications

What's in the Box

• Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Lens for Sony E Mount
• Case
• Lens Hood LH878-05
• Front Cap LCF-82 III
• Rear Cap LCR II