The second-generation Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN |Art zoom is launched today. It promises improved optical performance and a welcome ten percent weight reduction with a seven percent size bonus. The company claims that the Mark II version of this popular L-Mount lens has improved resolving power throughout the entire zoom range. It also benefits from functional enhancements such as the addition of an aperture ring and high-speed AF with a redesigned motor with HLA (High-response Linear Actuator).
Reimagined classic
The 24–70mm f/2.8 DG DN II zoom is claimed to be a “reimagined classic” which combines a versatile focal range with high optical performance. It offers an expanded feature set, and a wealth of professional features. Available for both L-Mount and Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, it is also eligible for the mount-conversion service.
The lens has been fully redesigned to take advantage of the latest technologies, including the improved AF motor for higher-speed autofocus, as well as the enhanced image quality.
A feature that will be welcomed by many is the addition of an aperture ring. It’s a feature that is rapidly disappearing on L-Mount lenses, but many enthusiasts still prefer verification of the settings at a glance. And the ease of changing aperture, using the scale, is often considered superior to software-controlled scrolling.
Smaller, lighter
Weight and bulk are increasingly important factors in lens choice, and the ten-percent saving —the Mark II weighs only 745g — coupled with the smaller size will appeal to many L-Mount photographers. The impressive close focus distance of just 17cm allows photographers and filmmakers to unlock their creative potential, according to Sigma.
Versatile, high performance
By taking advantage of the latest optical design technologies, the Sigma 24–70mm f/2.8 DG DN |Art offers improved optical performance and increased resolution throughout the zoom range. It is ideal for use on modern high-resolution mirrorless cameras, the company claims.
The constant fixed maximum aperture of f/2.8 increases the opportunity to create better subject separation with a soft bokeh effect.
Sigma 24-70mm construction
The Mark II 24–70 incorporates six FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements and five aspherical lens elements, claimed to suppress various aberrations through the zoom entire zoom range. It also features an 11-blade rounded diaphragm.
Sagittal coma flare and chromatic aberrations are also well controlled across the entire frame so that images and said to be clear and free from colour fringing.
The five spherical lens elements have been optimised to be thin and highly polarised to help reduce the overall size of the lens while maintaining optimal optical quality.
Operational improvements
Sigma claims that the new lens has excellent close-up capability. The minimum focus distance is 17mm at the wide end and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7. This is useful if you want to compose close-up shots of a subject, or shoot in locations where space is limited.
Flare and ghosting have been largely eliminated, says Sigma. This is because of special Nano-Porous and Super Multi-layer Coatings applied to the front optic of the lens. The optics construction provides strong backlight resistance for clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions.
The lens has also been designed to suppress focus breathing. The change in angle-of-view due to focus shift across the zoom range is minimised, creating natural-looking focus pulls when recording video.
De-clickable aperture ring
The Mk II zoom now includes a de-clickable aperture ring, aperture lock switch and two customisable AFL buttons. This brings the Sigma 24–70 f/2.8 DG DN II | Art into line with recent developments on other Sigma lenses. Even with these additional features, the lens is approximately seven percent smaller and ten percent lighter than its predecessor.
In addition to the high-speed AF with HLA, the Sigma 24-70 Mk II has a full range of features, including dust and splash resistance, water and oil repelling coating, as well as a zoom-lock switch.
As with most Sigma lenses, the new zoom is compatible with the company’s mount-conversion service, which provides the opportunity to change camera systems with minimum inconvenience.
Availability
The lens is supplied with a petal-type hood and will be on sale from today at a recommended retail price of £1,179 (including 20% sales tax) in the UK.
More on Sigma L-Mount lenses
The L-Mount Alliance
Leica 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom
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Hi, I owned the previous Leica version. It was an amazing zoom. it is hard to imagine it being even better optically.