
If you’ve been shooting with Sony full-frame cameras for a while, you know the 24-70mm f/2.8 is the workhorse lens for pros and enthusiasts alike. Whether you shoot weddings, portraits, events, or landscapes, this focal range is an absolute staple. But while Sony’s 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is an incredible lens, its $2,300 price tag isn’t for everyone.
Enter the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art—a lens that promises top-tier sharpness, pro-level build quality, and a much lower price. I’ve been testing it on my Sony A7 IV, and here’s why this lens might just be the best value standard zoom on the market.
Build Quality & Handling: A Solid Workhorse
The moment I picked up the Sigma 24-70mm Art, I could tell this was a premium lens. It’s built with a metal and composite plastic mix, giving it a rugged yet professional feel. At 830g, it’s not the lightest lens, but it balances well on full-frame Sony bodies like the A7 IV and A7R V.
Key Handling Features:
- Smooth, well-damped zoom ring – precise control for composing shots.
- Customizable AFL button – assign it to Eye AF, focus hold, or another function.
- Weather sealing – designed to handle dust and light rain.
The only downside? The lens extends when zooming (not an internal zoom like some premium lenses), but that’s expected at this price.
Image Quality: Razor Sharp & Beautifully Rendered
Let’s get to the good stuff—how sharp is this lens? Insanely sharp.
At f/2.8, the center sharpness is excellent, and stopping down to f/4-f/5.6 gives you edge-to-edge detail that rivals Sony’s GM lenses. Sigma’s Art series coatings also help produce beautiful contrast and color rendering, making your images pop straight out of the camera.
Optical Performance:
- Sharpness – Fantastic at f/2.8, even better stopped down.
- Contrast & Colors – Sigma’s coatings deliver great punchy colors.
- Distortion & Chromatic Aberration – Well controlled, minimal fringing.
- Bokeh – Smooth and pleasing, though Sony GM lenses have a slight edge.
If you shoot portraits, you’ll love the way this lens renders soft, natural background blur, especially at 70mm. And for landscapes or architecture, the high level of detail makes it an excellent all-rounder.
Autofocus Performance: Fast, But Not Sony GM Level
Sony’s native GM lenses are famous for their snappy autofocus, but Sigma has done an impressive job here. The stepping motor (STM) autofocus system is:
- Fast & quiet – great for both stills and video.
- Works seamlessly with Sony’s Real-Time Eye AF.
- Accurate even in low light.
That said, if you’re shooting fast-moving subjects (sports, wildlife, action), the Sony 24-70mm GM II has a slight edge in focus speed.
For 99% of users, the Sigma’s AF is more than fast enough—but if you’re a professional sports or wildlife photographer, you might prefer Sony’s GM lenses.
Video Performance: Good, But Not Perfect
For hybrid shooters (like myself), the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 is an excellent video lens. The focus is smooth and silent, making it great for interviews, vlogging, and event videography. However, there are two things to be aware of:
- Focus breathing – noticeable when racking focus, not ideal for cinematic pulls.
- Not as light as the Sony GM II, so handheld shooters may feel the weight.
For casual video shooters, this lens is great, but if you’re serious about filmmaking, you might prefer the Sony GM II for its breathing compensation and slightly better stabilization.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN vs. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
Feature | Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art | Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II |
---|---|---|
Sharpness | Excellent | Slightly better at the edges |
Autofocus Speed | Fast | Faster & more precise |
Weight | 830g | 695g (much lighter) |
Bokeh | Smooth | Slightly creamier |
Focus Breathing | Noticeable | Minimal (better for video) |
Weather Sealing | Good | Better |
Price | ~$1,099 | ~$2,300 |
If you want the absolute best performance and don’t mind the price, the Sony 24-70mm GM II is a masterpiece. But if you’re looking for 90% of the performance at half the cost, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art is a no-brainer.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
After using the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, I can confidently say this is one of the best value lenses for Sony full-frame cameras. It delivers exceptional image quality, solid autofocus, and a professional build at a much lower price than Sony’s GM series.
Who is this lens for?
- Photographers – Weddings, portraits, landscapes, events.
- Hybrid shooters – If you do both photo & video, this is a fantastic lens.
- Budget-conscious pros – Want GM-level sharpness without the GM price? This is it.
Who might want to look elsewhere?
- Sports/Wildlife shooters – Need the absolute fastest autofocus? The Sony GM II is better.
- Cinematic filmmakers – If focus breathing is a deal breaker, go with Sony GM II.
Final Verdict: 9/10
For the price, this is the best 24-70mm f/2.8 you can get for Sony mirrorless cameras. It’s sharp, fast, and reliable, and unless you absolutely need the best autofocus and lightest build, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art is an easy recommendation.