Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£450
  • Avg. price in US: ~$550
  • Lens mount: Canon EF, Sony E, L-Mount, Sigma SA
  • Maximum focal length: 70 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 34.3 °

Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.6

Technical Score

20.0%

9.4

User score

Very good
7.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.4

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.2

Build & Handling

20.0%

4.9

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

8.2

Mount & Format

Very good
9.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(371)
amazon
4.5
(120)
amazon
4.7
(14)
amazon
3.9
(6)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(373)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(121)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(14)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(6)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Exceptional
  • 7.2
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.8

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 7.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.4

    Lens length

    25.0%

    8.1

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    10

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art is a high-performance prime lens designed for full-frame cameras, featuring a true 1:1 life-size magnification ratio and a minimum focusing distance of 25.8cm. Built with 13 elements in 10 groups—including two FLD, two SLD, and two aspherical elements—it delivers exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness and a rounded nine-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. Its main pros include outstanding optical resolution, a dust- and splash-proof design with a weather-sealed mount, and compatibility with Sigma teleconverters. However, common cons include a relatively slow and audible autofocus motor, a lack of built-in image stabilisation, and a lens barrel that extends significantly during close-up focusing.

Technical Specifications of Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.4

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.2

Build & Handling

20.0%

4.9

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

8.2

Mount & Format

7.6
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a technical score of 7.59 points, which is higher than 68.6% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(371)
amazon
4.5
(120)
amazon
4.7
(14)
amazon
3.9
(6)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(373)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(121)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(14)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(6)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

9.4
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a user score of 9.37 points, which is higher than 83.8% of camera lenses.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
10
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 69.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.9

Overall score

40.0%

8.1

Price

8.0
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a quality-to-price ratio of 8 points, which is higher than 90.8% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

macro
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF, Sony E, L-Mount, Sigma SA
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

49 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

70 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

70 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

34.3 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

34.3 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

DC motor
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.258 m
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art focuses as close as 0.258 m, which is closer than 64.6% of camera lenses and equal to 0.8% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

1x
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art reaches a reproduction ratio of 1x, which is higher than 94.6% of camera lenses and equal to 4.5% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Override via DMF mode.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art does not support internal focusing. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends during focusing.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

105.8 mm
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art is 105.8 mm long, which is longer than 63.9% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

70.8 mm
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a diameter of 70.8 mm, which is slimmer than 69.4% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

?
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art vs the average camera lens

  • Teleconverter compatible
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
    When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
    When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
    What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
    When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.

    Importance: LOW

    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 2 more low-dispersion elements
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.4 vs 2
  • 0.81 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
    What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
    When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.1 x vs 0.192 x
  • 6.2 mm narrower lens barrel
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art is slimmer than the average camera lens (70.8 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art is slimmer than the average camera lens (70.8 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.70.8 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.04 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.258 m vs 0.3 m
  • 9% better value for money
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (8.01 vs 7.346).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (8.01 vs 7.346).8.01 vs 7.35
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 2 more low-dispersion elements
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 0.81 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • 0.04 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 6.2 mm narrower lens barrel
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art is slimmer than the average camera lens (70.8 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • Newer release date
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art was released more recently than the average camera lens.
  • No internal focusing
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Barrel extends during focusing.
  • 13.8 mm longer lens
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art is longer than the average camera lens (105.8 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • No internal focusing
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Barrel extends during focusing.
    What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
    When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
  • 13.8 mm longer lens
    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art is longer than the average camera lens (105.8 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art is longer than the average camera lens (105.8 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.105.8 mm vs 92 mm

Graphic comparison of Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art?

  • Exceptional sharpness and resolution, even wide open at f/2.8
  • High-quality build with dust and moisture resistance at the mount
  • Excellent chromatic aberration control and low distortion
  • Affordable price point compared to first-party equivalents
  • Smooth and pleasing bokeh quality for portraits and macro
  • Compact and relatively lightweight design for a macro lens
  • Includes a focus limiter switch and is compatible with teleconverters

What customers dislike about Sigma 70mm F 2 8 DG Macro Art?

  • Slow autofocus performance, especially at close macro distances
  • Lacks internal optical image stabilization (OS)
  • External barrel extends significantly during focusing, which can block light
  • Focus-by-wire system can feel less intuitive than traditional mechanical focus
  • Short 70mm focal length requires getting very close to subjects for 1:1 magnification
  • Autofocus motor can be noisy during operation
  • No physical distance scale on the lens barrel

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