Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM AF Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Sigma introduces the 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM. A compact, large aperture, Standard Zoom Lens equipped with HSM. As a member of the EX series of lenses this 3rd generation Sigma lens is designed with the highest level of optical technology and augments its predecessor with the addition of the Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) ensuring a quiet, high speed AF as well as full-time manual focusing capability. Housed in compact construction, the Sigma 24-70mm is a large aperture standard zoom lens ideal for all general photography including portraiture and landscapes. Physically, the shortest lens in the category, its overall length is 3.7 inches/94.7mm. With excellent optics, this could be the foremost performing lens in the category with stunning speed, clarity and color. Intricate lens construction includes Super Multi Layer Coating reducing flare and ghosting; the combination of ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) and two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and three Aspherical lenses provide excellent correction of all types of aberrations. Superior optical performance is ensured throughout the entire zoom range with the minimum focusing distance being 15in/38cm and maximum magnification ratio being 1:5.3. The rounded 9-blade diaphragm gives a natural look to backgrounds and foregrounds. Mark Amir, Sigma's General Manager, says, "This new 24-70mm lens demonstrates Sigma's commitment to producing lenses that offer the elusive combination of exceptional quality and high value and adds to the already wide range of critical lens selection." Options - Will coexist with 24-70mm EX DG Macro Includes - Case, Petal-type Hood Number of Diaphragm Blades - 9 Blades Minimum Aperture - F22 Filter Size - 82mm Lens Hood - Petal-type hood Dimensions - Diameter 88.6mm X Length 94.7mm / 3.5 in. x 3.7 in. Weight - 27.9 oz. / 790g
Customer Review: Best value high-end lens, a great value for Nikon shooters
I bought this lens several months ago because I need a wide zoom lens for my full frame DSLr camera, Nikon D700. Previously I use Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 and Nikkor 35mm f/2.8, but I feel I switching lenses all the time is quite cumbersome for type of photography I like to do, event photography. This lens is regarded as high-end lens, the one usually used by serious photographers such as professionals and advanced amateur photographers. Nikon does not have many lens optimized for full frame camera. Nikon does offers Nikon 24-70mm AF-S f/2.8, but it is simply too expensive considering I am not full time photographer. Fortunately, last year, Sigma launched 24-70mm f/2.8 HSM. This lens attracts my attention especially because I can use it in full frame camera or crop frame camera (Nikon D90. D300, D60, etc). Here is the list why this lens is attractive: * Price: More than half the price compare to Nikon AF-S 24-70mm * Size: It is compact, but the diameter is big. It takes 82mm filter. * Built Quality: Great built quality, typical of Sigma EX (high-end lens) * Image Quality: Sharp, good contrast, consistent result across focal length and aperture. Smooth bokeh but not as good as prime lens such as 85mm f/1.4 * Focal Length: 24mm is quite wide for many purpose although if you primarily take ultra-wide angle, consider Nikon 17-35mm or 14-24mm. 70mm is decent range, not too long and not too short. * Auto Focus: Quiet and fast, tracks well thanks to HSM (hypersonic motor). Despite all of above, there are couple things that I personally do not like: Sometimes, the auto focus switch automatically switch to manual focus. Until now, I don't know what trigger it. Although I like the compact size (short), but I feel the lens is not as comfortable to hold as the thinner, 77mm lens. Conclusion I highly recommend this lens for anybody who love "affordable" high quality lens. The lens works very well in full frame DSLR cameras, but it also works great in crop sensor camera. You can get a lot of value out of this lens even though you have crop sensor camera. The only difference of mounting the lens on crop sensor camera will be the focal length. In crop sensor camera, it is equivalent to around 35-105mm. It might not wide enough in tight space, but looking at the positive side, you gain 35mm of extra focal length, which is great for head and shoulder portrait. I posts some photos in my blog and also some related post/site that relate to this lens. Please check them out.
Customer Review: surpisingly good
This lens exceeded our expectations on our D-300, and is almost as good as both the Canon 24-70f2.8L and nikkor 24-70f2.8. It is lighter (1/2 the weight) of the nikkor 24-70 f2.8 and less than half the cost. Having used both the canon 24-70L on a canon and nikkor 24-70 lens on our D-300, the Sigma compares very favorably. For a non-professional photographer, it is as good as the two other lenses. It also does not "reverse" zoom (ie shorter = 24mm, longer lens= 70mm), unlike the canon L series. We are very impressed and pleased with the results. We would definitely buy this lens again. This lens is superior to other Nikkor consumer-grade zooms.


Canon HF10 Sale
Buy HF100
Buy SD1100