Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Mark II Review & Comparison

[@impatrickt]

the way your face lit up when i said "put bananas on the shelf" is a memory i will cherish forever

[@FlyLikeAPenguinUK]

I have to say, I like the return of this set. With a guest, the talk show set makes sense, but this set always feels more like where "the testing gets done" and fits with these reviews

[@markfriday]

So happy to see you build the old setup again!

[@TheNorang]

Original sigma 24-70 is still my work horse on my video workflow.

[@kenkozak]

Same, tack sharp and great Autofocus. But is it worth selling it for even better AF?

[@nelsonngu]

@@kenkozak I am at the edge of that as well. Still works perfectly for portrait shots for me and video work.

[@martinbaumann6256]

Same here. Will not change. Just bought it...

[@sottosopra4769]

what did u decide? I m with the same doubt

[@martinbaumann6256]

@@sottosopra4769 I will keep it.

[@jameelsocorro]

I'm glad the old school vibes of Gerald Undone is back!!

[@Candasul]

Gerald, I really enjoy your reviews. Apart from you, no one has compared this lens with the previous version (sigma 24-70 dg dn mark I). Frankly, I'm very glad you compared it. I am also a Sigma 24-70 dg dn mark 1 user. And I think I don't need to upgrade to this new version. Because mark 1 was already very good. Sony 24-70 was right between GM1 and GM2. This new Sigma also seems to be close to the Sony GM II, slightly ahead of the Sigma mark1 model.

[@SayMikeHawkk]

purchased mk1 dg dn art 3 months ago and got worried that I purchased too early. I feel a lot more comfortable after this review being that the difference isn't enough to worry. Great review

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Nice banana hanger my dude.

[@grainculture]

Oh man, I'm really glad that the oldschool background is back! There was something off with the new "talk show host" studio setup, can't put it into words really.

[@DimplePoji]

Yeah same here.. It doesn't have that organic look. it looks too news broadcast kinda look

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

Yeah, out of focus, dimly LED illuminated background with all that irrelevant stuff on the shelves is what makes or breaks the video 🤪

[@CanditoTrainingHQ]

Yeah the new studio just isn't funny, nor does it look cool. Feels like Gerald was going for a parody of tonight shows and then stopped halfway through. It's like an odd mix of neither. Reminds me of how Marvel movies try to be both funny and epic, but fall flat at both.

[@CanditoTrainingHQ]

​@USGrant21st Theres an irony in downplaying set design, while watching a video on incredibly minor differences between same focal length lenses. Set design makes a far bigger impact than any of this, if you're anti nit picking 😅😂

[@ZeDarkLord]

I absolutely love the audio in this video. It feels so crisp and nice.

[@SuLu_XD]

Just picked up the GM2 a couple weeks ago! The reversed zooming ring on Sigmas always throws me off, but some of their glass is fantastic

[@AmericanAvenue]

I absolutely couldn’t get used to it and bought the Sony 24-70 GM1 a couple months after buying the Sigma version just because of the reversed zoom ring. I still have both and wish I had sold my Sigma before this version dropped because I have zero desire to keep or use it.

[@SuLu_XD]

@@AmericanAvenue I would still try and sell ASAP if you want to upgrade to the new version! A lot of people will be interested in the lower priced, older versions instead of buying the newest and best version. You'll take a loss but the money you get back can be used for other equipment or operating costs. I ended up selling my GM1 a couple years ago to buy the Tamron 35-150, took a loss on that trade but it was worth it in the end for sure.

[@robinprobyn1971]

For those of us coming from Cine zooms , its a great blessing that its the same way round as every single cine zoom / ENG zoom ever made , its the Sony thats the wrong way round :) . But agreed , once its such muscle memory its very hard to change .The Sony PZ you can at least change the zoom direction in the menu

[@sottosopra4769]

you think price in used markt will drop more?

[@MaxWildlifePhotographer]

Next video: “This comment was sent to me by the viewer. But this video does have an actual sponsor, and that’s Storyblocks.”

[@mr_leve]

Best set yet! Light setup is 🔥

[@smepable]

You do the best Lens tests in KZbin I know, with all the comparisons of different Brands, Details Like parfocalness etc. Thanks for taking the time ❤😮

[@ADesignersLife]

Gerald always finds a way to make talking about lenses interesting!

[@mizshellytee]

The workshop set is back! Love to see it.

[@BryceKoebel]

I think biggest issues for me for video on the mark 1 have been focussing issues and weight. So this is definitely a nice upgrade!

[@bennyboy0773]

Very intrigued how it stacks up against the Tamron 28-75 G2, which seems to compete in all the same areas, just lacks the width on the 24mm end, but saved 200g of weight and a much smaller profile.

[@ChaseJamison]

I'd love to know this as well

[@JessDemant]

I bought this Sigma lens for my Sony A7cII as I thought that Sony's equivalent GM lens way too expensive, and I have not regretted it at all as my Sigma lens has now really opened my eyes 👀to Sigma's fantastic Art series lenses 👍

[@tqlla]

The dust issue on the G1 Sigma is avoidable. There is a seam on the front lens element holder. Just need some 3m tape, and run across the entire seam. If you do it right, it will not be noticeable.

[@TheTinker_]

i love this new background

[@Folly_Inds]

I do like how the existence of the mk2 has pushed the original one down in cost a bit. I was able to get an optically lovely lens for a better price, with a few less features admittedly,

[@patrickk908]

Im using the first gen sigma and was really impressed by the autofocus. Can’t imagine how fast the new one is 😮

[@robinprobyn1971]

Thats really more a stills function , it's pretty rare you ever want that in video mode . Usually you are trying to slow it down ,nothing looks AF more than these rapid changes during a shot.

[@patrickk908]

@@robinprobyn1971 that’s right. That’s when the build in af speed control menu is really nice

[@hawkboy000]

@@patrickk908bingo

[@elvisphilips]

I was about to buy the mark 1 today only for me to search and I'm seeing mark 2 is about to be released. Thanks for the review, mark 2 pre-ordered!

[@DangAlvinFilms]

Thew new lighting for the studio setup looks AMAZING

[@atanassimeonovski3548]

The lighting in this set is really good. Love the OG set with a new touch.

[@TylerSchwartzDance]

Awesome lens! Originally had the mk1 version, and sold it for the Tamron 35-150. And I’ll still be keeping the 35-150. Outside of weight, that lens still trumps this one for my use case!

[@YariJaluff]

I would love that sharpness tests adds closer F stops to comparison. Like F5.6 and F8.0. Because some lens performs equal while open but once you close a bit, the sharpness difference starts to appear.

[@dannygmedia]

Is this still recorded on the a7iv? or did you upgrade to fx6 or fx9? Also what color profile settings? Would LOVE a video breaking down your camera & color workflow for this look because the colors and lighting are PERFECT here.

[@dinoschachten]

As an owner of the Sigma 24-70 Mark I (and I would even say: Someone who has used this lens as a real workhorse for three years), I am a bit "shocked" KZbin only recommends this video now, I feel like I must have watched nearly every review you have released in the last few years... Some thoughts: 1. Focusing: I honestly think the Mark I has pretty darn fast AF 2. To me it looks like the loca is actually slightly worse on the Mark II, with the coloured fringes being slightly softer/less defined on the Mark I (look at the first white grid line above the 90) 3. In terms of distortion I would clearly say the Mark II is "better". Looking at individual planks (like the fourth from the left) they seem clearly more "bent" to me on the Mark I (this should actually be measurable 🤔). 4. Flares: Is anyone else noticing there is a bit of a sun star effect on the Mark II in the flare test? I like that look, but have never seen this with an open aperture... was this in fact taken at 2.8? 😮 Other than that I can confirm that the Mark I's flaring has all the harsh smaller artefacts without the charming big halo that the Sony has... I am realising I don't fully understand distortion correction: The edges of a plane (like this fence) are always further away from the lens than the center. Hence barrel distortion must occur on even planes, and is dependent on the distance between lens and subject. This might explain why I always found my images to look unnatural after applying distortion correction: A lens profile can't properly fix something in 2D that is dependent on the 3D properties of a scene. Or many lens profiles simply overcorrect...

[@rolandszadai1522]

Sigma 28-70 is the best lens I've ever had. I love how lightweight it is, and I really got used to the 28mm wide angle. It's all about composition. I'm done carrying heavy stuff after 10 years of business, and it's really great. Heavily underrated lens, not even mentioned anywhere. I mean except the 70-200 2.8, you can't really get away with that thing lightweight :)

[@MoniaMargaret]

Hi Gerald - lovely review very very helpful, touched on everything until you price compared the Sigma’s. I don’t own the mark 1 yet, but am starting out with my attempt to see what I could do beyond photography as a hobby. I do have the opportunity to buy it mark 1 new for a strong price, effectively with a 500€ difference. To me it sounds like a good price, so much that I find it hard to decide to add the 500. Then again I don’t want to lose out on the auto focus speed luxury. Tricky. Any recommendations to help in this dilemma? FYI - For Better SEO you could consider adding Sony GM and mark 1 into the title, as I was looking for exactly that comparison but thought you are just reviewing the 2.

[@SamWelker]

That ending is a complete gem. Love the duck swirl.

[@grumblekin]

The Sigma is not as GM as the Sony GM, but it might save a good chunk of money in the US or Canada. In Japan, it is cheaper as well (by about 100,000 yen), but you will often find shortages driving up the prices since most production is sent overseas.

[@mike]

For someone primarily shooting video, also a first-time buyer of this particular lens, do you think the autofocus improvements are worth getting this newer version? Or does that strictly apply to stills / will it not make a difference while filming?

[@ApolloDigitalCA]

It’s overall just better from the looks of it, so probably just better to get the Mark II over the Mark I

[@AlexSTR]

On the focus breathing test 10:18 Sigma not only "zooms in", it make some trippy distortion effect. Anybody else see this?

[@background0001]

what happen to the background?

[@AMomentInTimeProductions]

I Already have the Gmaster but i'm thinking of selling it and get the Mark II because of the focus system, i do video mostly and i rely on accurate focus when i want it..

[@kostasrestas]

what about the dust resistance ???? At Sigma 24 70 no1 was very easy to dust dots to came inside the glass, like ridiculous easy. Like , one walk at the park was enough..

[@adrianvasian]

the gold standard for reviews 🤩

[@AryanSehgal]

Loving the new look Gerald. Great review as always man!

[@ChadSchrandt]

As someone that has to get their original 24-70 serviced once a year for dust, I'm very much so interested in upgrading just so I don't have to deal with that every 10-12 months.

[@jasonspencer9706]

Would love to have seen a video autofocus comparison between the sigma V2 and Sony V2. One of the biggest reasons one would spend $2200 on the Sony is to gain more accurate auto focus, and higher frame rates in photo. It’s clearly not the optics as they are both so close it’s not really an issue. I own the sigma V1, and I will say that the Sony70-200gm II has a slightly different cast in skin tones and occasionally they don’t precisely match in an indoor lighting scenario with two cameras. That said they’re pretty darn close and most people wouldn’t see it. I would consider buying the Sony 24-70 V2 mostly for the auto focus, and the slightly more neutral skin tone rendering only because I have other Sony GM lenses. But if it doesn’t matter to you, then save the money because most clients will never see it.😉

[@cdavey7654]

Other reviews as well as the MTF charts show the new version slightly better optically. Though, guessing it's not a huge difference depending on what focal length, aperture, etc., and obviously there is going to be slight variances from copy to copy. But to say that there is essentially no difference between the old and new doesn't seem quite right. Big enough difference to run out and get a new one if you have the old one already, probably not for most.

[@noelbenjaminfernandez3289]

Im contemplating between this and the 24-70 2.8 GM ii. My idea is that if i'm gonna buy, might as well go for the best and get the GM.

[@rubenramirez8241]

Compared to the original Sony 24-70 GM how much better is this one? I’m looking to buy a 24-70 and found the original 24-70 GM at the same price as the New Sigma 24-70. Which one would you recommend?

[@mattmaddox9367]

Any weather sealing on the MII or is the Leica version still the way to go?

[@evenhandedcommentor6102]

Two of your youtube competitors (FroKnows and Toneh) noticed that the Sigma apparently doesn't nail focus as well as the Sony GM. As I have just acquired the A9III, I'll be passing on Sigma glass anyway...at least for any lens that might be expected to see action.

[@martinruiz398]

Finally someone compared the new Sigma to the old Sigma, thanks Gerald.

[@classic.cameras]

Sounds like its mostly just a update with three things over the previous one. Aperture dial (I never use), Focusing Speed Motor and some lens coatings. Otherwise basically the same thing. Probably even the same glass elements. I have the first version and also had the DSLR version. Doesn't seem like there would be any reason to buy the new one at all. But thanks for comparing them. This is the best review.

[@robinprobyn1971]

But for video the Iris ring is a big deal , in camera is ⅓ stop jumps I think , anyway not useable in shot for video . Plus it's a bit smaller and a fair bit lighter in weight . I'll be getting it , but yeah the v1 is good too .

[@Mohika881]

Thanks. A really interesting comparison video. Regarding distortion on the sigma and in-camera correction; would you know if the camera corrects the RAW file or an only JPEG? Thanks again.

[@Daniel_Zalman]

How does the Sigma 28-70 compare optically and autofocus wise to this new 24-70? I'm sure the 24-70 is better and it has the additional 4mm at the wide end, but if those 4mm aren't a huge issue, what are your thoughts?

[@sandboxaperture7013]

If youre ok with the exchange of 24mm for 28mm, Id still prefer the Tamron 28-75mm G2. The best performance to cost ratio.

[@ApolloDigitalCA]

I just got the A7IV with the 28-70 kit lens. Been debating on getting the Sigma 24-70 Mark II as my first lens purchase for this camera. Wondering if I should just say screw it and buy it or just wait and buy some other cheaper lens first

[@may0wa]

what did you do in the end?

[@ApolloDigitalCA]

@@may0wa bought it. Haven’t regretted it ever since. Definitely the best all-rounder lens!!

[@raph.cinema]

The fact that it’s even slightly sharper than the g-master is insane. This lens is HALF the price of the sigma, and you’re not really losing anything.

[@bulgariastan]

I have an original Sony G Master and I’m strongly considering the new Sigma based on the price, size, image quality combination.

[@malz]

I love Sigma Art lenses since their DSLR lineup, but the accelerated manual focus in their new lenses is killing me... I bought 35mm and 50mm DG DNs and the second one, with "new great focusing motor" is nearly impossible to pull focus manually. Instead of good linear manual focus performance, I get the iris ring that I never (literally: never) use. Sigma, that's not the way to go for me.

[@DrWasim]

Great review, boring lens. Do we really need more standard zoom options?

[@mdnt_astro]

This is such a tempting lens, but the one thing that keeps me from buying Sigma zooms is the reversed zoom ring in comparison to the Sony lenses. I do a lot of documentary style work where that gets super frustrating because I'm constantly going the wrong direction since I'm so used to Sony. Sucks that the GMII is so expensive. I have the OG Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 but I want a focus switch and custom button. I like the G2 and would go with it if it had a focus switch since it now has a button, but I have almost the entire line of GM lenses so I'd prefer to go that route. Such a tough choice, especially since I don't need any new lenses lol.

[@davidpoo66]

Curious I didn't hear you mention stabilization is better with a Sony lense; do you feel that's true? Thank you!😊

[@rga66]

I actually have the Sigma Mk1 and I agree with you... Unless I would need it for action photography paired with an A1 (which I don't have), I really don't see the necessity of upgrading to either the Sigma Mk2 or the GM ! The only real issue I have with Sigma zooms is that I also use some Tamron zooms and the Sigma's zoom ring is inverted... Sometimes I get confused and turn it the wrong way and miss the shot because I zoom out instead of in ! LOL

[@wotiluv]

You’ll need the GM II if you care about focus breathing and faster focus I’m seeing the sigma is not able to focus quick (on phone outs) when others do the test. However if those things don’t matter and you want sharpness sigma is it. Considering the Sony GM II.

[@bobc.6419]

I like the no-nonsense background, and if you replaced the purple pegboard with a different color, it would be just right (at least for me, as a guy who hasn't liked purple lights or walls since hippie days).

[@shanecrowe1309]

Im trying to decide between the new Sigma 24-70 and the Tamron 28-75. I also need a wide angle, so Im trying to figure out which focal lengths worth getting the more expensive lens for. Either cut cost with a Sony 20mm 1.8 prime to put the extra money towards the new Sigma 24-70mm, or spend more on wide end and get the Sony 16-25 2.8, and save money getting the Tamron 28-75.

[@J.o.h.n.G.u.z.m.a.n]

I’m confused, another person reviewed the Sigmas and the pixel peeping difference whilst showing side by side at areound 200% on PS between the i and ii was abysmal?

[@LarsZu]

If you control the Iris via the menu, is it "digitally" de-clicked too?

[@DanielAx]

So which one of these will feel the best when focussing manually?

[@christiannikodemus]

Do you know if it works automatically with Sony Steady shot or do you need to enter the focal length in manually?

[@AllThingsFilm1]

YES! The vortex outro is back! Great review, too!

[@whyFINAL]

If you're shooting close-ups and close-ups of knife watches, etc., then sigma has catastrophic CA visible even at larger F stops. The Sony 20-70 f4 is excellent at this.

[@martin_wood]

I was very happy with the image of the first Sigma 24-70mm. I did upgrade to the Sony GMII for gimbal weight reasons, but image wise the first Sigma was a great value. NGL I kind of miss the warmth of the sigma haha. Super happy with the Sony, but the new Sigma looks like another value pick

[@ricomolden]

What price would you suggest selling the Sigma first gen lens? I’m the or owner got it just a few months ago, excellent condition. I hear good lenses retain their value. I do video and improved autofocus sounds like it would be a good reason to get the new one but I’d have to sell the other one first.

[@jbello9398]

When is it available for purchase

[@shem44]

Great video. Will be getting GM used instead of Sigma ii new. No linear focus and focus breathing issue is the deal breaker. Not forgetting GM2 is still lighter and has higher resale value.

[@TheLAexplorer]

Sorry but I got the Mark 1 and there was a ton of dust entering the lens. A terrible design flaw from Sigma on a lens that was supposedly weather-sealed 🤣. Anyway, after that, I vowed to never purchase a Sigma lens again.

[@robinprobyn1971]

You must haver got an older one ? Mine is 2019 and not one spec of dust . There was a design change of the seals ,and for a while, in some countries anyway , they would change the seals for free. All these ext zoom lenses are prone to drawing in dust , same with the Sony , it was the seals that was a problem , they were too "tight" a seal and drawing in air too much .

[@briandoyal7338]

As has been pointed out, the defect was corrected. Every manufacturer has had some kind of issue in the past, so if that’s your standard, you’re never going to be able to get anything.

Does the hood lens lock on the lens like the GM lenses do?

[@michaelbrampton1406]

Love the new (old) set , kt just fits the content perfectly.

[@PeterVlutters]

Great Video 👍well and for 1199 thatblens is a No Brainer for Lumix owners and maybe as well as Sony users... But about breathing... In the Petapixeltest the Sigma Mk2 outperformed the Sony by farcif I saw it correctly

[@rogerregor2489]

What would you suggest is a good parfocal 24-70mm lens for sony e mount?

[@omarayoub9242]

I was just waiting for this notification to drop!! I’m a simple man, I see Gerald Undone, I click

[@codythep]

I want to know how it pairs with stabilization! The OG Sigma fights my Canon IBIS and I rarely use it compared to other lenses for that reason. It lives on tripods and has a pretty flat looking image.

[@TechSid-hn6eg]

Hey Gerald, was wondering the update for lumix s5iix has better human eye focus now or its just same old wave hand and loose focus thingy?

[@prestonurvina]

Just had to clean the dust out of my 1st gen. Not hard to do, good to know it's not a worry in the next purchase

[@DCreationwoodworking]

how is the dust preventative perspective I have a lot every month or so in there`1

[@Skaratak]

All batches since 56xxxxxx on the Mk1 should have NO issues anymore. Maybe you have an older one. I am super happy with my Sig 24-70.

[@AlphaMomentz-gv4ib]

Any difference between old & new version in result

[@jmzfilm]

I have the option to buy the sigma mark 1 for 600 used. Should I go for it or wait to get a brand new mark 2?

[@PizzlesTechTime]

I ended up getting a super 35 sensor camera and I need a good lens for shooting indoor wide-angle. I had no idea how tough that was going to be coming from a full frame

[@ArjunSingh-qt5jn]

This will mark 2 sigma will be my first lens to buy, can’t wait to use it with a7c2 ❤, great video!

[@rhinman]

For gimbal work for video, it's a no brainer to upgrade. I just sold my Mark I for this reason alone.

[@tptrsn]

Thanks for breaking this down into such a concise, perfectly useable summary! I'll keep my Mark I for now.

[@vergesslich82]

Question is, how many in-focus pics do you really get in a real life situation like events, weddings, ... in comparison to the GM m2.

[@FEcluk]

Any Chance they release a EF version?? I was planing to buy the OG 24-70 this year for my zcam, but it would be great to buy the new version

[@takeone22]

thank you! quick question please.. how is the Weight distribution in the lens, is it feel balanced mounted on the camera ?

[@25klatek25]

What about distortion and vignette? Its pretty big and badly fixed in LR

[@flochfitness]

Tell me you are filming this on the Venice or something like that? The image looks much softer and more filmic.

[@AWAShowme]

Thank you. I've finally decided based on this video.

[@TimO-fx5hf]

can i just say that i am impressed with how well the outro holds up in image quality after youtube alg compression... (also looks like a solid lense, which is nice)

[@jsflm]

better set than the talk show. not because its the old one but it just makes sense

[@nikilragav]

you changed your set back from the talk show?? TBH it kind of looks nice without the crazy light splashes from the last iteration, even if slightly more pedestrian

[@ChrisWilmshurst]

I know it's been said, but I just want to echo that the updated classic set is a welcome return!