Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A

£1149/$1199 Top-level pro performance at a bargain price

Sigma’s 24-70mm Art lens was launched as a direct competitor not only to Nikon’s older 24-70mm f/2.8 VR, but also to Tamron’s G2 lens, which hit the market at the same time. Although the Sigma isn’t a fully weather-sealed lens, it has a rubber seal on its mounting plate and a fully pro-grade feel, based on a sturdy metal barrel and brass mounting plate.

The zoom and focus rings are silky smooth in operation, and the ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system is superfast and highly accurate. Better still, it comes with switchable options for regular or manual-priority override. With the latter, manual override is enabled without waiting for autofocus to lock onto a subject, as well as being available in Continuous AF mode.

Performance

Image quality is stunning, combining superb sharpness and contrast with beautiful bokeh. Colour fringing and distortions are minimal, and vignetting is low. As with other Sigma Global Vision lenses, performance tweaks and firmware upgrades can be applied via the company’s optional USB Dock.