Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art Review: Linear Motors and an Aperture Ring Close the Gap to G Master
Sigma’s first mirrorless 24-70mm f/2.8 Art, from 2019, was sharp and good value, but its autofocus lagged behind Sony’s own G Master. The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art, announced in May 2024 at $1,199, fixes that. New HLA linear motors make autofocus more than three times faster, Sigma says, and the lens gains an aperture ring and better close focus.
It’s available for Sony E-mount and L-Mount, the system Sigma shares with Panasonic and Leica.
At about 745 grams with an 82mm filter, it’s not small, but it costs roughly half what Sony charges for the 24-70mm GM II.
Video review: Gordon Laing
Pro-level sharpness
Sigma’s Art line is about optical quality, and this lens delivers. It’s very sharp from f/2.8 across the frame and across the zoom range, with strong contrast and little chromatic aberration. On high-resolution bodies like the A7R V or Lumix S1RII it holds up.
Eleven rounded aperture blades give smooth backgrounds for a zoom.
Close focus is excellent at the wide end: 17 centimeters, for a 1:2.7 reproduction ratio. Detail shots at weddings, food and products are all easy.
The handling upgrades
The new linear motors are fast and quiet and keep up with eye tracking and bursts on current Sony and Lumix bodies. Smooth enough for video too.
There’s an aperture ring with a click on/off switch and a lock, two customizable focus-hold buttons, and a zoom lock that keeps the barrel from creeping when it hangs from a strap. It’s dust and splash resistant, with a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front.
The tradeoffs
Weight. At 745 grams it’s about 50 grams heavier than Sony’s GM II, and noticeably bigger than Tamron’s 28-75mm G2. On a compact body it feels front-heavy.
No optical stabilization, normal for this class on Sony and L-Mount where bodies have IBIS.
The extending zoom design means it changes length as you zoom, which matters for gimbal users.
Third-party lenses on Sony can’t always use every in-camera feature, like the highest burst rates on some bodies. Check your camera’s compatibility before buying.
Who should buy it
Sony and Lumix full-frame shooters who want near-G Master image quality and fast autofocus without the G Master price. Wedding and event photographers. Lumix S5II and S1-series owners who want a pro standard zoom.
If you want lighter and cheaper, Tamron’s 28-75mm G2 or Sigma’s own 28-70mm f/2.8 Contemporary are excellent. If you want the fastest, lightest premium option on Sony, the 24-70mm GM II remains the benchmark. This Sigma sits right between them, and for many people that’s exactly the right spot.