Sigma 24-70mm f2.8

squizza · 05-12-2008, 10:33 AM

Hi all

Has anyone used the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8?

I am looking to buy a new piece of glass and seeing as the Canon one is over twice the price, this Sigma one seems too good to be true!

Any advice greatly appreciated

Kind regards

Sarah

Coolhand · 05-12-2008, 10:36 AM

I've always found it to be a great lens, but it's pretty heavy. So heavy that my wife refuses to use the camera when it's on!

Strobe · 05-12-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolhand

So heavy that my wife refuses to use the camera when it's on!

Surely a major bonus?

springtide · 05-12-2008, 12:51 PM

There's a HSM version due soon:

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM: Digital Photography Review

I had heard December, but can't remember where I read that.

Here's a review:

Sigma AF 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG macro (Canon) Lab Test Report / Review

I think Photozone also have reviews of the Canon lens.

I did compare this to the Sony 24-70 f2.8, and the Sony was miles ahead on MTF figures (Sony was sharp at f2.8, Sigma looked a 'little soft' from the 'figures'). It looked better from f4 onwards, but the Sigma is £300 and the Sony £1200 so you would hope that the Sony would be better.

I have read that the Sigma is a little slow focusing, hence my interest in the new Sigma 24-70 HSM.

ryanyboy · 05-12-2008, 1:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strobe

Surely a major bonus?

grantsteve · 05-12-2008, 2:12 PM

This is at f2.8 - although its on a Nikon ... you'll stuggle to get anything near this stunning quality with it strapped to a Canon

45689ajax · 05-12-2008, 2:20 PM

[QUOTE=springtide;8283932]There's a HSM version due soon:

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM: Digital Photography Review

I had heard December, but can't remember where I read that.

I had originally heard December. Now seems to be February at the earliest.

springtide · 05-12-2008, 2:30 PM

[QUOTE=grantsteve;8284657]This is at f2.8 - although its on a Nikon ... you'll stuggle to get anything near this stunning quality with it strapped to a Canon

Thanks for sharing this image! Looks pretty good to me, but I must admit I'd like to see a larger version

Any chance of a 100% crop?

I understand that when attached to a Sony it will probably look worse than the Canon, but it might help if the lens was the correct mount for the camera! [holding it in front of the camera isn't usually as good as attaching it] LOL

springtide · 05-12-2008, 2:32 PM

[QUOTE=45689ajax;8284719]

Quote:

Originally Posted by springtide

There's a HSM version due soon:

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM: Digital Photography Review

I had heard December, but can't remember where I read that.

I had originally heard December. Now seems to be February at the earliest.

Great (or not as the case might be!) So Feb for Canon and Nikon and probably Oct for Sony and Pentax mount!

By that time I could have saved enough for the Sony/CZ

Pirate!! · 05-12-2008, 10:02 PM

I have this lens (Sony mount). It's not overly big physically, but it's darned weighty! OK . . it's big for it's focal length. It's 'in your face', looks great on the camera but IMO, not a pure walkabouter due to it's weight, though more like one you would take with you for a given situation.

Non-rotating zoom. Easy to use a CPL filter, though you'll need arms like Garth to hold body/lens with one hand! (be careful of lens/body mount) when holding one-handed.

Mine is currently with Sigma (UK) being re-calibrated (front focus issue). It's better than any kit lens, but it's not a stellar performer, more like very competent.

28mm is OK, but personally I would like wider, but that's just me. 82mm threads . . . scan EvilBay for cheap UV and CPL filters . . otherwise it'll cost big time for branded variants.

I suppose as a zoom lens it's not going to give IQ of a decent prime. I don't know if Canon have legacy lenses, but if they do, it may be worth making comparisons. Worth buying if you want better than kit lens IQ.

Also, use external flash. On-board will cast a BIG shadow otherwise.

peskywinnets · 05-12-2008, 10:05 PM

Not a great lens in my opinion (I have one)....bulky, noisy & they've quality control issues.

It's been back to Sigma UK...twice. (in my opinion, it had - & still has -focusing issues at the wide end)

I've given up with them.

It's ok from f4 up...

PS By the way, in my opinion the IRN Bru photo isn't a fair representation. That's a bright sunny day, high contrast with a nice sharp edge for the focus to latch onto. Try the same in low light (which is why you'd want f/2.8!) on a persons eyes/face ....eeeugh, Softsville USA.