Sigma EX 24-70mm F2.8 DG Macro Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2005.
The lens belongs to the category
standard zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
The lens has macro-properties but is unable to reproduce things in their real size (otherwise called '1:1'). You should therefor consider taking the term 'macro' with a pinch of salt and if the macro-possibilities you are looking for you should perhaps look at other options.
Product description from Sigma
At launch 2005 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 24-70mm F2.8 DG Macro :
"Sigma’s 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is a large aperture zoom lens boasting a fast aperture value of F2.8 which make it ideal for shooting indoor or in low light. Three Aspherical glass elements offer correction for distortion & to maintain its compact design, two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide optimum color correction & sharpness throughout the entire zoom range. The outstanding optical formulations make it a great performer when used for close-up photography as well as snapshots, portraits, scenic and landscape photography.
Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 35 to 105mm with most cameras
Minimum focusing distance of 15.7 inches & allows macro photography with a maximum magnification of 1 to 3.8.
Front Focus System eliminates front lens rotation
Extremely compact design weighing only 28 ounces & measures only 4 inches in length.
A lens hood, front & rear lens caps and carrying case are included with the lens."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
Here it is the only Canon version of the lens that has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. The possibility to use autofocus (AF) is available for Nikon cameras but only if the camera itself has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. Some cheaper and budget camera models from Nikon lacks a built-in autofocus motor, and we at Lensora appreciate autofocus, so in the list of compatible cameras we have chosen to display only the cameras that you can get autofocus with.
The lens has a focal length of 24-70 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Sigma EX 24-70mm F2.8 DG Macro
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
- Read more about the autofocus motor and the importance of this part
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.
This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.
A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 24 mm or at 70 mm the aperture value can be f/2,8.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 82 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH875-02 548".
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The lens brightness, f/2,8
- Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included
- No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
- The lens is called 'Macro' but can not reproduce at a scale of 1:1
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
- Heavy (715 gr)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Sigma EX 24-70mm F2.8 DG Macro .
| Build Quality |
 
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| Image Quality |
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| Autofocus |
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| Sharpness |
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| Versatility |
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| Value |
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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