DPRTV: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Hands-on Review

DPRTV gives their hands-on impression o f the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. Below are the key points:

One of the first 3rd party lenses at this focal length
Pro series lens with pro series build
Weather sealed
Rugged construction
Large lens compared to Tamron 28-75mm, but not compared to Sony 24-70mm GM
Feels balanced
82mm filter thread
Custom function button on the side is nice
If you want a compact lightweight package get a Tamron, but the Sigma feels good too
Totally silent fast AF
70mm clean maybe a little pincushion distortion
24mm barrel distortion, but easy to correct with software
Great Macro capabilities can close focus 24mm at 18cm and 70mm at 38cm
There are soft corners with this lens wide open, but they get better stopped down
There is a lot of field curvature, so do not focus and recompose with this lens
Compelling lens for video
For E-mount, this lens is great for video thanks to the AF system, but for L-Mount you might want to get the Panasonic 24-70mm lens
Not a lot of focus breathing
Some chromatic aberration, but nothing that can’t be fixed
Cats eye bokeh effect in the corners with extra vignetting at f/2.8
Great bokeh as you stop down the lens thanks to the 11 blade aperture
Very comparable to a lot of the high-end glass out there
Center sharpness is fantastic
Great even on high-end bodies
For Sony E-mount the Tamron might be a better pick if you do not need 24mm, but if you do the Sigma is smaller and lighter than the Sony G Master and much cheaper
For L-Mount the Sigma is great value for the money, but there are a lot of fantastic lenses that cover this focal length already

SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama