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Would I recommend the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art II for Lumix?

If you’re an L-mount shooter like myself, you probably have found yourself considering a nice zoom lens that covers most of the bases. We aren’t as spoiled for choice as other makes, but we do have some key competitors for the every-day zoom lens, which are the Lumix 24-60, Lumix 20-60, Lumix S Pro 24-70, Sigma 28-70, and the Sigma 24-70. 

I have the Sigma 24-70 (Art II version) and I see it in forums all the time – people asking about this lens versus similar zoom lenses for Lumix L mount. I really like this lens, but would I recommend it to others? I’m going to throw my two cents in and maybe it will help you on your decision if you’re looking to buy one. 

So what do I like about the Sigma 24-70?

  1. Beautiful Image Quality
    I have absolutley zero complaints about the image quality end-to-end with this lens. I fully trust it across the entire zoom range to deliver a sharp image with beautiful colour rendering and contrast. Confidence in your gear is vital, and this lens gives me full confidence for both photo and video.
  2. Fast Autofocus
    I know people say the Lumix native lenses have better auto focus, and that may be true, however, I have never at all desired for better autofocus performance from this lens. I have used this lens to shoot fast moving cars and motorcycles, and have also managed the dynamic nature of weddings with it. Not once have I thought it needed better autofocus capabilities. I feel like nowadays, people talk so much about having industry leading autofocus, but I think we’re at a point where most* modern cameras (even the “non industry-leading” ones) and lenses are good enough for 90% of situations. I do say most because there are exceptions. My little point and shoot Ricoh GR III has awful autofocus, but that’s ok I love it so much that I forgive it.
  3. Close Focusing Distance
    You can get nice and close to a subject and find subject focus. This helps when you need to get those detail shots.
  4. Superb Build Quality
    The lens certainly feels premium in hand. The zoom is smooth, the option for a “clicking” or “smooth” aperture ring is nice to have, and there is a zoom-lock that comes in handy every now and then. It is also weather sealed with dust and splash resistance, and even has a water/oil-repellant front element. 

Now what I don't like

  1. The Size
    I find it so large. When we compare it with the competitors, it is the second heaviest lens behind the Panasonic S Pro 24-70. It is a big lens and it certainly feels it. For some (video) shooters, this may actually come as a pro; adding a bit of weight to the camera can help can steadier hand-held footage. I do prefer hand-held shooting over using a gimbal which is part of the reason I bought the S5IIX in the first place, so it feels wrong to complain about something that complements that style of shooting. However, I don’t shoot a whole lot of video nowadays, and the size of this lens puts me off and makes me want to leave the camera at home. I tend to reach for a smaller, lighter, less-obtrusive prime lens. 
  2. The Price vs Competitors
    Again, second only to the Lumix S Pro 24-70, this lens is the second most expensive lens among this handful of comparable lenses. 
 
Thats it. 

So would I recommend it?

If there are only two gripes I have about the lens, it must be a pretty good lens, right? Yes, and maybe no…

I really do like the lens. Like I said, I trust it and have confidence it will deliver. For that reason, maybe yes, it is worth it. However, this point of confidence is somewhat invalid as I’ve seen many reviews of the other lenses stating that they perform superb, especially the native Lumix lenses. 

My main issue is that the lens is large, so large that I find it unappealing to take with me on casual outings and end up leaving it at home. This isn’t the worst thing, I still am ok with taking the lens with me on paid shoots, but if I wanted to travel or take it out on casual outings, it is much too large. I am getting more curious to try the Lumix 24-60mm as I hardly ever shoot at 70mm, and the smaller size and weight is very appealing. I’m also playing with the idea of the Sigma 28-70, which is even smaller weighing in at only 470g! 

So would I recommend this to others? Yes, somebody should buy it off me so I can buy the Lumix 24-60mm or the Sigma 28-70mm… 

No seriously, it is a great lens and I think it outperforms the Lumix and Sigma optically, but only marginally. There are pixel peepers out there that will stand by me on this one, but to be honest, I myself am not sure the extra weight and price is worth it over the alternatives. 

Thanks for reading! If you have any specific questions about the lens do reach out and let me know.

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