Sigma Art 24-70mm 2.8 DG DN II

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN ART II improves upon its predecessor across several aspects. The resolution is superior at all focal lengths, with very high marks at the wide and tele ends. There's still a slight weakness in the middle range, but the results are still good for a zoom lens. The native image distortions, CAs and vignetting have all been improved as well, and autocorrection does a good job taming these issues further. The quality of the bokeh is difficult to judge. Our test sample probably had a slight manufacturing defect on one element. However, we'd give the benefit of the doubt, and this is likely not typical for this lens. The blur in the transition zone is quite smooth for a lens in this class. Axial CAs can be visible at large aperture settings, but that's not unusual as well. Typical for all Sigma ART & Sport lenses, the build quality is excellent. The lens body feels reassuringly sturdy, and Sigma didn't forget to incorporate weather sealing. It uses an extending zoom mechanism, but this is the same for most lenses in this class. The addition of an aperture ring is certainly also welcome news for users who prefer to set the aperture on the lens rather than on the camera. Another improvement is the increased AF speed, which is now almost on Sony GM level. Overall, we can see why this lens is so popular. However, it's still not the best in class.

John Riley reviews the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art lens, calling it an excellent general purpose and travel lens. See what else makes this lens an Editor’s Choice.

The Sigma 24-70 2.8 DG DN II is impressive for the money, becoming one of the best general-purpose event lenses at this price-point. Compared to its predecessor, it’s sharper across the frame and throughout the range, enjoys faster focusing, and features more controls including a de-clickable aperture ring, all packed into a weather-sealed barrel that’s 10% lighter than before. Indeed it comes close to Sony’s own 24-70 G Master II which is the best 24-70 2.8 I’ve tested to date. The Sony still enjoys a mild edge in sharpness, particularly at 70mm f2.8, but I was struck how close they were overall. As a third-party lens, remember the Sigma won’t support the fastest burst speeds with AFC on the top Sony bodies, and won’t support focus breathing correction either, but is well-behaved in that regard. I also find Sony’s Active Stabilisation for video works best with their own lenses, but few will be handheld vlogging at 24mm. So while the Sony 24-70 GM II remains the best overall 24-70 I’ve tested, I’d say Sigma’s DG DN II is easily good enough for most of us, especially those using the more affordable bodies. And the best part is it costs just over half of the Sony lens, making it a relative bargain. So if you’re looking for the classic 24-70 range with an f2.8 aperture, the Sigma DG DN II becomes the best option under 1500.