Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art review

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.