Sigma 24 70mm F2 8 IF EX DG HSM Review | 54 Data compared

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM as a competitive, pro-spec standard zoom for full-frame DSLRs featuring exceptional center sharpness at f/2.8 and outstanding resolution at f/4-f/5.6. Its robust build quality, fast Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus, and cost-effective price point make it a strong alternative to native lenses, despite requiring large, expensive 82mm filters. While offering great value, the lens shows soft edge performance at 24mm and 35mm wide-open, along with noticeable distortion and a heavy zoom mechanism.

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM lens offers strong, sharp center performance at f/2.8, particularly at 24mm, with fast, quiet autofocus via its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM). Its internal focusing design prevents lens extension and rotation, while supporting full-time manual focus, making it ideal for filters. However, the lens suffers from notable corner and mid-frame softness at wide apertures, particularly between 28-35mm, and displays severe flare at 70mm due to inadequate hood design. Users must often stop down to f/4 or f/5.6 for better, more uniform image quality across the frame.

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM is a pro-spec, full-frame standard zoom lens that stands out for its high build quality and excellent value. It is much lighter, more compact, and considerably less expensive than its premium competitors from Canon, Nikon, and Sony. Physically, the lens features a solid matte-black construction that feels well-balanced and nestles comfortably in the hand. Its internal-focusing drive system ensures the manual-focusing ring stays stationary during autofocusing, though users can still manually adjust focus at any time. Additionally, the manual-focus ring provides a well-calibrated amount of resistance, and the distance window includes helpful depth-of-field markings for the 24mm setting. However, the lens does have notable operational and optical performance drawbacks. On the body, the zoom ring is a shade too heavy to turn, and the depth-of-field markings are entirely missing for all focal lengths other than 24mm. Autocomplete functionality is also limited by hardware compatibility, as the lens will only autofocus when mounted on camera bodies that inherently support HSM-type ultrasonic drive motors. Optically, the lens is rather weak and shows lower MTF...

The LensTip review of the Sigma 24-70 mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM highlights it as a highly competitive, budget-friendly standard zoom lens tailored for modern full-frame digital reflex cameras. Optically, the lens delivers fabulous image resolution in the frame centre across all focal lengths, performing so well when stopped down by 1 EV that it rivals prime lenses. It also boasts excellent astigmatism control, fast and silent HSM autofocus, very good light transmission, and minimal vignetting or aberration issues when paired with smaller APS-C/DX sensors. Mechanically, its premium metal bayonet and solid barrel construction manage to remain lighter and more compact than its direct Nikkor and Sony/Zeiss rivals. Backed by an appealing three-year warranty and a generous accessory package, LensTip concludes that the lens offers an exceptional quality-to-price ratio. However, the lens makes notable performance compromises to achieve its lower price point, particularly on full-frame camera sensors. The most significant optical drawback is the poor image quality in full-frame corners when shooting wide open at the maximum relative aperture. Full-frame users will also have to contend with visible geometric distortion...