FIRST LOOK: SIGMA 24-70MM F2.8 DG DN II ART LENS FOR L-MOUNT

You won’t find a big red sticker with the words “New and Improved” on the new SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens when you first unbox it. There is just a subtle “II” inscribed on the box and lens barrel. But when you take it out of the box it feels a little bit lighter, it looks a little bit smaller, and it has the new distinctive, sophisticated look of the latest SIGMA lenses.

There is now the familiar manual aperture ring that is present on SIGMA DG DN prime lenses, plus a switch to click or de-click the movement, and a switch to lock the aperture mode (auto or manual). There are two focus hold buttons. And of course, there is the dust and splash-resistant build employed by the latest SIGMA Art line lenses.

But what about the changes you can’t see? What hidden advantages make this already fantastic redesign truly “new and improved”?

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Features beyond the lens barrel

Inside the new SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens you’ll find:

• Improved optical performance with new glass materials and aspherical elements (6 FLD glass elements; 2 SLD glass elements, and 5 double-sided aspheric lenses)
• High speed autofocus drive speed because of a high-response linear actuator (HLA). Maximum drive speed is up to 3x faster than the previous version!
• Minimum focus distance of 17cm (at 24mm) and a magnification of 1:2.7 for excellent close focus capability
• MTF characteristics (sharpness, contrast, edge-to-edge performance) surpass the previous, highly acclaimed 24-70mm DG DN lens
• Improved sagittal flare reduction in the corners
• Weight reduced by 10%
• 11-blade rounded diaphragm for nice, smooth bokeh

But while the specs sound nice, the real difference is when you mount the lens to your camera. It’s when you take your first shots with it that you notice it does focus quicker. It’s when you download and zoom in on your computer screen that you notice the images do look sharper.

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The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art in the field

While this lens can be a workhorse in the hands of a professional, it can also be a wonderful, artistic tool in any photographer’s hands.

I put the L-Mount version of the new lens through its paces on the SIGMA fp L camera as well as the Leica SL3. Both are 60 megapixels and the high resolution makes a good test for performance.

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Should you upgrade to the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art?

So if you’re happy with your current SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN original version lens, why would you upgrade? Aside from the lighter, smaller, faster and sharper? 😊

Here’s my thought on that – I make a lot of my living with my SIGMA 24-70mm lens. I did with the original 24-70mm F2.8 DG HSM | Art lens on my Nikon a few years ago. I still do with my DG DN version on my Sony cameras. This lens carries the weight of most of the work assignments I photograph. It’s the lens I rely on to not just deliver to a client, but to make them happy. It’s a dependable lens that pays the bills. It has to be dependable and it has to do the job.

And now it will do the job even better. Remember… lighter, smaller, faster and sharper.

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Conclusion

If I had to recommend just one lens to almost any photographer, a SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 lens would be the best choice. You can use it for landscape. For portraits. For travel. The versatile focal length range is perfect for so many uses.

In fact, if I could just take one lens on a trip, it would be my SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art lens. And now, add the “II” to that lens, because I definitely want “lighter, smaller, faster and sharper” and this new lens absolutely delivers.