Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN 'C' lens review with samples

It's always exciting to see a new, fast standard zoom lens arriving on the market! This new one from Sigma will be the smallest and lightest in its class...but can it back up that compact size with good image quality?
All pictures shot by me on a Sony a7R II camera.
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[@seanfan1500]

Can we PLEASE also get an IQ comparison with their Art standard zoom at just $200 more?

[@christopherfrost]

I was going to do just this Sigma lens vs the Tamron, but seeing as so many people liked your comment, I'll throw the Sigma 24-70 in there too :-)

[@nathanvrvrt]

@@christopherfrost yess please :)

[@jon4715]

@@christopherfrost Great to hear, looking forward to it.

[@k.o.t.o.n.]

@@christopherfrost this is perfect for a light everyday family portrait lens, 28 is great start for portraits and 105 in aps-c mode is really perfect for high bokah portraits, but don't know how it would work on a higher megapixel full frame a7r3a a7r4a or a1. what do you think?

[@uneatcokr]

@@christopherfrost 0+

[@KevinZJR]

Looking forward to the comparison with the Tamron!

[@leedobson8031]

When I was young and shooting film, a 28-70mm f2.8 was often a part of the standard photog’s kit which included a fast fifty, a 70-200 f2.8, and a 17-35 f2.8 or f3.5 if you were a Minolta shooter. I think Canon made the 24-70 f2.8 popular as a standard pro zoom, but I could be wrong. I used a 28-70 for the longest time. Happy to see Sigma joining the ranks.

[@dfiz1313]

How much dust has already got behind that front element? Asking for my friend "Art" 🤭

[@AlexWPhoto-yx4wg]

Haha, yeah i heard about that issue on the sigma 24-70 art Thats one of the reasons why i dont like to buy the newest stuff ;)

[@artmaltman]

Please compare this lens to the new G2 version of Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. Should be quite a shootout!

[@MichaelSchmidt_UrbnPxl]

looking at your tamron 28-75mm test ... distortion and especially close-up image quality is better with the tamron ;-)

[@marklinked1458]

Great review as always and Sigma needs to refresh their 18-35mm f1.8

[@СергейМогутов-ъ4д]

I wish they'll make 28-50 F2 FF.

[@aditya_gupta]

I they made one for apsc z mount too, i would buy it in a jiffy

[@Just-pu7ks]

This basically is the full frame equivalent of that lens, only a little longer. Size, price and total light gathering more or less the same it seems.

[@Just-pu7ks]

@They Caged Non What is the garage part? I do not understand.

[@Just-pu7ks]

@They Caged Non or do you mean the equivalency statement I made? Please do explain why a 18-35 1.8 aps c is not equivalent to a 28-70 2.8 on full frame. The price, and size are the same. The only difference would be the price of the camera attached, though with affordable new and second hand options the difference is not that big. So why would sigma invest in remaking a 18-35?

[@-_--le3zk]

I was literally watching 24 70 sigma lenses a few hours ago

[@ZachACameraGuy]

Wonder how does this lens compare to their own 24-70 F2.8 🤔 Sacrifice 4mm of wide end for $200 less and way smaller way lighter lens body, seems like a no-brainer to me..

[@Stejer]

It's good when companies releasing new lenses but I want a cheaper 16-35mm f/2.8! I'm talking to you sigma!

[@JohnDennery]

Me too! Cheaper and smaller. Hopefully they make one that pairs perfectly with this lens

[@AliKadem]

Tamron 15-30 f2.8 if you have canon, nikon, and old sony a mount cameras, it has image stabilization (as i remember). -Tamron 17-28 f2.8 if you have sony e mount. -Sigma 14-24 f2.8, it has canon, nikon, sony, and more (as i remember) versions. And good luck buddy.

[@bobisadrummer]

They say dust resistant, but I wonder if it still sucks in dust like a vacuum like the Art version does.

[@PASquared]

Could we please get a comparison to the Tamron 28-75 and the DSLR Sigma 24-70?

[@kamco1410]

Are you planning to review tamron 17-70 f2.8 for sony aps-c ???

[@YTBySIB]

And please install it at A7R II too !

[@thedachmo]

Looks okay, but I'm glad I managed to get a good second hand copy of the ART version.

[@johnmakphotography]

These lenses should cost no more than $500. It's not worth it. Get the 24-70mm f2.8 for $200 more.

[@rayhanraka1853]

Need your opinion on the new Tamron 17-70 for apsc. Thank you!

[@JoATTech]

So without OIS it's not that good for video on Sony cameras because they got very weak IBIS :(. I was hoping for OIS.

[@grzegorzmeder7715]

I have got this lens and I have rather mixed feelings. It is very light and compact and this was the main reason I've bought it but video autofocus is definately not on par with the sony lenses. I have tried it with sony a7siii and a7iii and especially on a7siii continuos af in video behaves quite strange- pretty good when there is a face in the frame but terrible when there are only still objects. In this case it usually "forgets" to acquire focus properly when changing composition, moving frame ets. It is just stuck and I have either to use an af button or change af area from wide to center or zooom in and out a bit to get it to work. It is quite annoying. Every sony branded lens I have (35mm, 85mm, zeiss 16-35, 24-105, 20mm) work flawlessly and move focus seemlessly. Funny thing, with the a7iii the problem is less visible. Af in stills on both cameras works very good.

[@GaryJahman]

Wow I did not expect that this was so soft at the longer range to be honest. The 24-70mm from Sigma was sharp all the way through

[@twentyfifthjt7888]

Strange, I just came from the other side (beardgang side) & Manny Ortiz just said that it was sharper at 70mm than the Sony 24-70GM.

[@GaryJahman]

@@twentyfifthjt7888 yeah I just saw his video as well Well I guess there is just one thing to do and get this lens myself lol

[@jon4715]

@@twentyfifthjt7888 All of these non-professional lenses have major copy variation.

[@jaimebenito620]

Twice the weight, bigger lens, more expensive.

[@robertbirnbach2312]

Looking forward to when they release these lenses as native RF

[@mentosica29]

Just moments after their live stream ended! Great! Now let's see if it lives up to the hype and the price point. Edit after watching: no, not really.

[@nathanvrvrt]

Its a great size but thats it

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

The lens is not weather sealed.

[@johnhazel9986]

Thank you. Would you make a comparison test of this lens vs the Sony FE 28mm-70mm? Dig for situations where they differ. There are thousands of people who have the kit lens and are looking for a nice upgrade. One very intresting comparison would be at the Sony's sweet spot of 35mm f4.0. What trade off do you get when shooting 35mm f2.8 on the Sigma at half the ISO? Sharper and less grainy colors? Does the 2.8 auto fucus faster than the 4.0? Then how do the two lenses compare when the Sigma is set at f4.0?

[@teguhprasetyo850]

Despite being an informative review, I mostly enjoy the pictures presented here. Some are just beautiful. Well done !!!

[@hanspeterboakye]

i really think you may have a bad copy of this lens.. Because at the 70mm end it should be sharper than what you have

[@animaxxx4429]

Man Sigma release some fast zoom or prime for Fuji will ya 😑😔

[@simonbeynon235]

Would like to see a review and comparison on the A7c against the 28-60mm kit lens and 24-70mm f4. Is it worth upgrading to the Sigma if you own either of these Sony zooms for example.

[@fjp2000]

Im so proud that you get it into the official Sigma announcement🤩😍

[@someonereason]

For those of you asking why sigma can't release an RF version, ask why Canon does not give access of their protocols to any 3rd party makers. Enough with your complaints. Switch to sony. Nobody forced you to buy a canon camera.

[@fuji3164]

Why you getting salty sony fanboy ,let people shoot with what they want.

[@kateh714]

vs Tamron RXD pleaseeee !

[@Princeton_James]

You would pretty much be buying this for its size and range. Quality is secondary.

[@maZec31]

Tamron 28-75mm F2,8 III is still King

[@ccudjoe89]

really weird but there was a relection it looked like when you were doing the focus breathing test

[@Pasha4ur]

Too much hope on software corrections.

[@Old_Man_Jay]

I like that quick and subtle “L- Mount alliance“ reference lol

[@JamesClark1991]

Impressive! Even lighter than the almighty Tamron. I mean, it's no 50mm DG DN... but it'll do.

[@sean-tt3er]

christoper where is my 17-70 Tamron review

[@KionPiano]

Very nice. Look better than the tamron

[@Robin_Polarstern]

This lens doesn’t feel cheap it’s the lightest and best price lens ever ! Love it 😍

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

This looks just like the tamron!

[@jodokcello]

will there be a RF version?

[@AlHR23]

Great review. Would love to see a comparison with the Tamron. None on YT so far.

[@jon4715]

that distortion is serious at both ends

[@ALWH1314]

Great review, just bought this Sigma 28-70. It is on sale and included a free B+W filter, a deal I couldn’t resist. Based all the reviews I saw, Sigma 24-70 is a better lens and that 4mm difference in wide angle is large. However, I love the small size and light weight of this lens, should go well on an A7C. In reality, unless I do side by side pixel comparison, all these lenses are great. I rarely use zoom, but this is a versatile lens to travel with.

[@jockslifeatliftvideoproduc8528]

I already own the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 for my lumix camera and was originally planning on getting some 1.8 primes to add to my b-cam to fill out a kit for wedding work, particularly a 35mm f1.8 for gimbal work. Now looking at this im wondering if i just pick up the 28-70 as a second lens... the lighter construction will make it easier on gimbal for balance and its a nicer lens for general walk around than the huge and heavy 24-70mm. But then its like I already have that focal range at that aperture. Perhaps I just want the smaller lens, even if its conflicting with a focal length I already have. argh! If only i was rich haha!

[@michaelgondokusumo5336]

Any dust problem going inside the lens?

[@microsofttechsupport3622]

I hope sigma can make a small 24-105 or even 24-70 f4 that’s light for travel. Also super excited about the rumored sigma 14-30f4 !

[@hecjvaldez]

I think for travel it’s better to use an apsc camera. With Sigma 18-50 2.8 it’s the perfect compact combo!

[@AlexWPhoto-yx4wg]

Another 28-70 lens for Sony E-Mount xD My god, how many "standard"-zooms Do exist now !? Sony, tamron, sigma.... And they are nearly all the same except from the Price :) But whats about some interesting lenses maybe a sigma 16-35 ??? But im very fascinated about the sigma 105 f2.8 Macro !!! I need this Lens !!! :D

[@siyangqiu1]

There's like a dozen 35mm primes for e-mount. Same with 85mm. It seems for all of the common focal lengths, e-mount has almost excessive options available. It's fantastic! We just need more telephoto options.

[@SkyGW]

feels like they have an unspoken agreement with sony that they aren't release a 70-200 lol

[@JohnDennery]

I'd be so psyched to see a Sigma 16-35 that's cheaper and smaller than the Sony. Hopefully they release one that's similar in size to this.

[@future62]

This should have been a 24-85 F/4 IMO

[@dontpokethebear3893]

You’ve got the Sony 24-100 f4 though

[@future62]

@@dontpokethebear3893 too heavy, too expensive. I have an old Canon 24-85 that's like 400g and still really good. Would love a modern one

[@christopherfrost]

I'd love to see one of those too, or f/3.5-4.5, like the old Canon one

[@networm64]

@@christopherfrost Exactly! Or even like Minolta kit lens which was only 35-70 F3.5-4.5 but was corner to corner sharp weighting only 220gr in early 90s! IDK why manufacturers stick to constant F numbers while loosing about 2 thirds stop of light is not a big deal if it's going to translate to a more zoom range or less weight while keeping the optical quality so high.

[@future62]

3 years later I'm looking to buy this lens haha.

[@rivaldiandrian6246]

What do you choose sigma 28 70 or samyang 24 70 f2.8 ? Thx

[@starbase218]

I think I like this lens. It’s not perfect but neither am I. You don’t seem to be compensating for any field curvature in the sharpness tests, though. May I ask why not?

[@christopherfrost]

I look out for it when I'm testing, and if it's an issue, I talk about it.

[@starbase218]

@@christopherfrost Thanks for answering. It's appreciated. :)

[@patrickcanullas6384]

great review sir cris. how 'bout using a5100 camera for this lens, is it ok to be replace my kit lens in a5100?.

[@yukonchris]

I am beginning to feel that buying into the Canon RF mount system was a massive mistake. Canon's lenses are so expensive, while the L Mount Alliance can draw on all these reasonably priced, and sized, options. Given your broad experience with lenses and bodies, I can't help but wonder which full-framed (35mm) system you'd consider as offering the best balance of quality, range and value? Thank you for another helpful review.

[@christopherfrost]

I reckon you won't have to wait too long before Sigma and Tamron get onto RF mount (and Nikon Z). They must know what they're missing.

[@yukonchris]

@@christopherfrost Perhaps, and five or ten years ago, I would have thought so too. However, with the "L-Mount Alliance" now a reality, and with these great old camera companies competing for survival in an ever shrinking market, I would not be surprised if Sigma, at least, put all its resources into L and E mounts only. There is little doubt in my mind that unless the market changes significantly, we will in due course wind up with only a couple of serious players left in the traditional camera making industry. My money is still on Canon being one of them, but I am sure that Sony, Panasonic/Leica/Sigma, Fuji, and Nikon would all like to be there too so past practice may not be a good indicator of future events, in this case.

[@EFFTEEZEE]

Lens it self looks like cost-down version of already great 24-70 art lens... In sharpness, LoCA, Close focus IQ, Bokeh, Not weather sealed.. and lens is 899$ without VAT

[@georgestancl2283]

While the whole world (other than GM owners) is waiting 2 years at this point already for their 70-200 DN, here we have sigma having another pointless release...

[@JADanso]

I know right. Looking to replace my Sony 70-200 f4 for better performance

[@georgestancl2283]

@@JADanso fun fact and a little update : i posted very similar comment on Sigma's official page on instagram (just a little less offensive) and i got banned :-D

[@JADanso]

@@georgestancl2283 Haha must have touched a nerve. But I honestly hope they have something in the works

[@TheHotshizzle25]

Almost quiet so.... louder than Sony 16-50 F3.5-5.6 OSS?

[@Layput]

You have very nice photos. Do you edit them in lightroom?

[@ammarimad5178]

can you please review the Tamron 17+70mm f/2.8 for APS-C cameras ?

[@RexxReviews]

WTH is Sigma going to finally put out an RF lens =/

[@campa_t]

i would really appreciate f4 full frame e mount zooms

[@CarthagoMike]

Like the Sony 18-105 f/4?

[@campa_t]

@@CarthagoMike no, that is not for full frame but for apsc

[@CarthagoMike]

@@campa_t Fair enough. For the occasion that you need a large zoom you can put your camera in APS-C mode and use it, but a dedicated full-frame constant f/4 zoom the Sony 28-135mm F/4 is the only real option from Sony with a large zoom-range... but it is way too expensive tbh. I prefer using the 18-105 with the camera in APS-C mode over getting the 28-135, still great image quality and saves a lot of money.

[@campa_t]

@@CarthagoMike I was more interested is a two lens setup like an 17-45 f4 and a 90-300 f4, to pair with something like a 55 1.8 small prime like the zeiss, but at this point I’m just dreaming

[@CarthagoMike]

@@campa_t I have no experience with the 90-300 f/4 myself, but if you go for a two-zoom or three-zoom setup, then the 17-45 is indeed a proper option. For me personally, something with limited zoom (like the 17-45) isn't really worth it compared to using two primes on both ends of the spectrum, since primes often give you a lower aperture, sharper image and less barrel distortion than a zoom.

[@50450720]

So, in short, a limited range which is soft all over, has loads of distortion and suffers from above average vignetting. And looks best at f11 🤣🤣🤣

[@RalfeOrtiz]

Why couldn’t they just kept at 24mm? And make it as a Mark II version. The size and build is desirable being small/compact.

[@tomsquires2926]

4mm difference on the wide end is a massive amount of more image to capture. Your glass elements grow and increase a lot to handle that.

[@MrsCap2]

splash and dust resistant ?! on the keynote they showed N/A vs Art Behind honest will you switch from Tamron to this one or maybe Art ?

[@ITSolutionsNetwork]

Can you control zoom via buttons from the camera as you do on sony lenses? I have never had a Sigma zoom lens yet.

[@OnlyCitrus]

(a year late but) No, this is not a power zoom lens. You need to manually zoom it with your hand.

[@jingzhang5166]

Would you recommend this lens on a6600?

[@rarza87]

Please do a test Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar 65 mm f/2 Aspherical 1:2 Macro

[@raadi5939]

tamron ftw

[@Ad3vodE]

I really enjoy my sigma 24-70 2.8 dg hsm and if i had choice still i would take art version

[@jbeats02]

How big is it compared to the Zeiss 24-70 f4?

[@RickMentore]

I'll still get the Sigma 24-70mm. I have tried the Sony GM, Tamron 28-70mm, currently using the Sony kit 28-70mm and I must say the Sigma 24-70mm seems better that all! I love to see a detail comparison between this lens and the Tamron version.

[@coreytomsrealtor3072]

Going on my A7c as soon as it’s available!

[@F1REBEARD]

have you bought it? I got 7C my self, and the good old tamron 28-75. Don't know if I should change as I also have the 17-28 from tamron.

[@al404]

I would really like to see your review on Sony FE 28-60mm

[@fellowcitizen]

Mostly shoot primes, but very attracted to this lens for APS-C in lieu of the 18-56mm due to the brightness for the size. The i-65mm first, though.

[@frankfeng2701]

Great review except for the AF test done on the same old A7rii.

[@Rasmus98]

Now bring this mount to Fujifilm and we’re talking

[@webdaddy]

Did you mean to say the Tamron is a bit sharper?

[@TIB1106EProductions]

Its not that common to see a zoom lens released

[@trinest]

Do I want this, or just find something I like in the i Series?

[@PingwinKwadrokwant]

Great reviews. I really love this channel. Good job Christopher!

[@EsenbekAliev_]

what UV filter you recommend ?

[@noxious_hamster]

I really hope this lowers the tamrons price

[@Robin_Polarstern]

This lens is in my top 3 👍🏻

[@antonoat]

Fab quality review as always, thank you Christopher.

[@MrYamazaky]

Hi Christopher, nice video! I recently sold my A7II to get a A6400 (mostly because of 4K). I've the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 you talked in the video, but due the crop factor is more of a 42-115mm f/4, hand that's not wide enough for me. What lens would you recommend me to trade the Tamron for? Thanks!

[@saifaldin_]

Not many standard zooms with wide apertures for aps-c sony. You have either the sony 16-55mm f2.8 (for ridiculous money) or the tamron 17-70mm f2.8. The tamron is slightly longer and heavier than the sony; but is cheaper, has stabilisation & longer reach.

[@webdaddy]

Sony 18-135 is quite sharp if you're ok with f3.5-5.6

[@jgharding2]

The Sigma 18-50 f2.8 DC DN is designed for APSC, is tiny and high quality

[@andoniolabarri2005]

Genial review. Me ha servido de gran ayuda. Gracias!!!

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

First!

[@EFFTEEZEE]

Nice to see another exellent review.. and lens

[@lomarvgc1580]

So I assume this lens is made for mirrorless cameras, they didn’t basically add a mc11 adapter into a lens which is made for dslr like they have with their older lenses. Since this is a new lens

[@derekdinh5632]

yes, it is DG DN so its only for mirrorless

[@keystonebrotherb]

This lens is a winner.

[@louisliu5440]

how about this compare to Tamron 28-75?

[@coltoncyr2283]

He reviewed that lens, seems the Sigma has better corner sharpness but Tamron center is better.

[@Lockiel]

This is a cute lens

[@maorvaknin769]

Sony Need to give you the Sony A1 for free 🤚😫

[@hb5318]

Shut it Fake state

[@bjure8111]

As always super pro. Any planes of making a review for the new Viltrox 85mm with Nikon Z mount?

[@RealRaynedance]

For what it's worth, front elements are so strong that any impact that could damage one outside of what'll cause the _tiny_ scratches that unnecessarily hurt resale value would almost certainly destroy the internals even if the front element survives. That said, if it's really dusty or _really_ wet where you live, then it might do you some good if your lens doesn't have the kind of coatings this one does.

[@davidmpoliveira1]

Wow. That was fast!

[@saintmovies7735]

Not very impressive @ 70mm - Really bad actually

[@prince2thethrone]

i hope they make an APS-C version

[@angelosal85]

Tamron 17-70 2.8. Just released in January 2021

[@prince2thethrone]

@@angelosal85 hey, i seen that one, im just getting greedy. i wanted more options at different price points.

[@jehualguno1646]

This or tamron 28-75mm???

[@coltoncyr2283]

Seems Tamron has a better center sharpness but the Sigma corner seems better, I'd think I'd lean Tamron because at 2.8 you're not trying to get corners perfect, and you get extra range.

[@WarriorVideographer]

@@coltoncyr2283 Doing research between Tamron 28-75mm & Sigma 28-70 mm for filmmaking the Sigma lens wins for photoshooting Tamron because the Sigma lens has better qualities and no focus breathing i have a Tamron 17-28mm and I wanted a Portrait lens yes prime lenses are hell of a beasts of lenses BUT to expensive for my budget so Tamron 17-28 + Sigma 28-70= great Companions.

[@maorvaknin769]

Sigma needs to make this for Z and RF

[@ВалерияАлтарева]

No new lenses from Sigma for RF :( so sad

[@dipankarsanyal1594]

So sad

[@helloworldstein]

I was hoping they would release this for EF-M mount as well but seems unlikely at this point :( Chatting with some guys at B&H, they told me the 3 Sigma primes for the EF-M has been some of the best selling lenses they carry in the entire store, so I really hope Sigma takes the hint.