Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 for Nikon Review
This is my second Sigma lens (the other one I own is 10-20mm), and I am pleased with the quality of image it helps produce, enough that I'd buy it again if I have to.
I wanted a lens that I can use for all kinds of situations when I'm outdoors shooting nature, shooting portraits on assignment or capturing our family life. After three months of use, I am very satisfied with the results and here is why.
- The lens is very sharp at just about any aperture. I'm pleased with all the details I see in my images when I'm shooting buildings or other objects, as well as when I'm shooting people. In fact, I am sometimes amazed at the sharpness I get.
- I love the fact that being f/2.8 lens, I can use it in dark situations. Now I am not forced to pull out my 50mm f/1.8 every time and this lens gives me another option for low light photography, with more of a range of zoom.
- It's not too bulky and well built.
- AF works very well and faster than my Nikon 50mm f/1.8
- It handles color very well.
- The images are somewhat soft when you're shooting at f/2.8. However, I knew that was the case from other reviews, and it's fine by me. If I'm after sharpness, I can always apply little extra of it in post processing. I didn't want to pay few more hundred bucks for Nikon's version of this lens just to get a bit more of sharpness at f/2.8.
- It uses 82 diameter, which forced me to buy new filter adopter ring and expensive polarizer.
- It's probably not the sexiest looking lens out there, but hey, once again, you get what you pay for with Sigma
- Sigma really needs to work on the design of their caps and screw caps on the back of the lens. It takes longer for me to put these on when compared with Nikon lenses and sometimes it's a pain when you're outdoors in the dark.
7 comments:
Ivan,
the first thing I always do when buying a Sigma lens, is to replace the front lens cap with a Nikon. Yes, they're expensive, but it is simply not worth the hassle. So far I have not replaced the back caps, but I am not far from it :)
Happy holidays and a good new year from Austria
Andreas -
Thank you for your comment. It's a brilliant idea - not sure why I never thought of that before. It appears Nikon doesn't make 82mm lens caps (I'm not seeing any Nikon branded caps on ebay, Amazon or B&H), but I can get rear caps for cheap on ebay, and I'm going to get Nikon's 77mm cap for my 10-20mm.
Well, I got an 82mm front cap for my Sigma 20/1.8 from ebay. It's not branded Nikon, but otherwise it looks exactly the same. It cost me something around $15 which is obscene for a bit of plastic, but otoh it gives such peace of mind :)
Search for "82mm center pinch snap lens cap" (without the quotes).
You are mostly right reflecting my personal experience of this zoom.
However, it has a poor contrast issue even stopping down.
The sharpness is all that impressive at f5.6 and above. Given the recent spike of sigma pricing, I am distancing myself from this zoom.
Thanks for such a good review :)
Andreas -
Thanks for the follow up. I see the cap now. I wish it didn't had the rope attached, but with my last cap, I just cut it off, so that's no big deal. Just ordered it!
roentarre
Thanks for your comment. I guess that's the price we pay for saving about a $1000 when compared with Nikon's version. I guess I'm alright with that!
I bought the 24-70 2.8 and am ed for a $400 lens. Much sharper than my nikkor 18-135 on a d200. It's now my everyday walkaround lens.
www.flickr.com/silver_image
Yes, I also use it more than any other lens now.
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