SIGMA has announced the launch of its second generation full-frame SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens. The company says the updated lens delivers enhanced optical performance, AF speed and operability, while also being more compact than the original. You can get it in either L-Mount or Sony E-mount options.
Compact design
SIGMA says that the advancement of optical design has shortened the total optical length of the 24-70mm Art lens. The lens barrel is also slimmer because the zoom mechanism has been downsized. This means the new lens measures 3.5 inches (87.8 mm) in diameter with a maximum length of 4.7 inches (120.2 mm). In addition, the 24-70 Art lens is around 10% lighter than the previous version, coming in at 26.3 ounces (754 g).
Optical design
The SIGMA 24-70mm Art lens is designed with 19 lens elements in 15 groups. These include six FLD (“F” low dispersion) elements, two SLD (special low dispersion) elements and six aspherical elements. SIGMA also says that sagittal coma flare and lateral chromatic aberration has been effectively controlled. In addition, the lens features Nano Porous Coating and Super Multi-layer Coating to help suppress flare and ghosting.
Constant aperture
The 24-70mm Art lens has a wide maximum aperture of F2.8. The aperture is also constant, so your image won’t get darker as you change focal length while filming. With an 11-bladed round diaphragm, you should get an attractive circular bokeh in out-of-focus parts of your image. The lens has an aperture ring which you can switch to clickless operation., This is essential for smooth changes in exposure when shooting video.
Autofocus
The 24-70mm Art lens features a high-speed autofocus with a redesigned HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) focus motor. SIGMA says that the high-output HLA delivers a maximum drive speed more than three times faster than the previous model. The lens also has a minimum focus distance of 6.7 inches (17 cm) at 24 mm for great close-ups. In addition, the 24-70mm Art lens has been designed to suppress focus breathing. Focus breathing causes your image to change size slightly as you zoom.
Other features
The SIGMA 24-70mm Art lens has a dust and splash resistance structure to help protect it when you are filming in challenging conditions. In addition, the front element of the lens features a water and oil-repellent coating. The lens also comes with a petal-type lens hood with a lock.
What we think
The SIGMA 24-70mm Art looks to be another high-quality lens from SIGMA. Features such as the constant aperture and clickless aperture ring are essential for video work. It’s also good to see that SIGMA has worked to reduce the effect of focus breathing. In addition, anyone who works handheld will be grateful for the reductions in size and weight of the lens. If you are looking for a new standard zoom for a full-frame Sony or L mount camera, the 24-70mm Art lens should be on your list to check out.
Pricing and availability
The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens will be available from May 30, 2024. It will retail at $1,199.
