Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Lens is a large aperture standard zoom lens that covers a range from wide angle to short telephoto. It is ideal for general photography such as snapshots, portraiture and landscapes. When used on digital SLR cameras which use the APS-C (Nikon DX) sensor, this lens will provide a focal length equivalent to 36-105mm in 35mm terms.
DG is a designation that Sigma uses on lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, and the use of ELD and SLD glass provides excellent correction of all types of aberrations. The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a silent, high-speed AF function as well as full-time manual focusing capability.
Note! HSM lenses, while able to manually focus with all Nikon F-mount cameras, will not autofocus with certain older film AF cameras. This is the same limitation as with Nikon's own AF-S lenses. Incompatible models are: N60, N55, N8008/s, N6006, N5005, N4004 & N2020.
- DG Lens Design
- The DG lens design corrects for various aberrations. The lens is specially coated to achieve the best color balance, while also cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor.
- HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor)
- Hyper Sonic Motor provides smooth, silent AF with fulltime manual focus override
- ELD & SLD Elements
- This lens uses 1 ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) element, 2 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements, and 3 aspherical elements for excellent correction of all types of aberrations
- EX Series
- The EX series denotes excellence of engineering and technology
- 9-Blade Aperture
- The rounded 9-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24 - 70 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View | 84.1° - 34.3° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.25' (38 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.18x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:5.3 |
| Groups/Elements | 12/14 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 82 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.5 x 3.7" (8.89 x 9.40 cm) |
| Weight | 1.74 lb (790 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 55 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
85%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (61)
- Consistent output (30)
- Strong construction (29)
- Durable (25)
- Easily interchangeable (23)
Cons
- Heavy (19)
- Blurry focus (5)
- Slow focus (5)
Best Uses
- General purpose (19)
- Night photography (19)
- Landscape/scenery (18)
- Sports/action (17)
- Weddings (17)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (14), Semi-professional (11), Photo enthusiast (10), Pro photographer (8), Enthusiast (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (18)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Value Alternative
I recently upgraded to a D700, and was in the market for a replacement for my loved (but DX only) Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 that I had used on my D90. After ...Read complete review
I recently upgraded to a D700, and was in the market for a replacement for my loved (but DX only) Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 that I had used on my D90. After doing research, and also because the Nikon offering is not availible currently, I decided to give Sigma's 24-70mm a try. I am glad I did.Starting with the good:1) This lens is very sharp. At normal settings, you'd have to get a magnifying glass out at 100% and count pixels to find fault in it. I don't personally own Nikon's 24-70mm, but I've read that the only real difference is that the Nikon is sharper in the corners when shot wide open, which, if you shoot wide open and frame your subject in the corner might actually matter to you. While I can't direct compare to the Nikon, I can say that the lens is super sharp in the center in all cases, and by f/4 it's very sharp across the whole frame.2) The Sigma lens is much smaller than Nikon's. As the 24-70mm focal range is a typical "default" walk around range, the lighter and smaller Sigma wins some big style points here. Don't get me wrong, this lens has a solid heavy build, as do most f/2.8 lenses, but compared to it's "pro" peers it is smaller and lighter.3) The Sigma is HALF of the cost of the Nikon. At [$], the Sigma is not cheap, but compared to its peers in the high end f/2.8 constant zoom family, where Nikon's offering is [$] if you can find it, the Sigma is a value.4) I've personally found the focus to be fast and accurate. This is not really a "good", but I've seen reviews complaining of back focus problems, and my copy seems to not have any such problems.I really have no complaints about the lens that qualify as "bad", but there are a couple of "uglies":1) The zoom ring turns counter-clockwise to zoom in, contrary to every other zoon I have. This is not really a problem, but it is kind of weird.2) the lens has an 82mm filter size, which means filters cost more -- but see #3 above under "good".In summary, there is a lot to like about this lens. It is in the same league as the big boys, at half the cost. Indeed, unless you shoot wide open and then obsess over the pixels in the corners, the lens produces results that rival Nikon's 24-70mm, and does so in a smaller, lighter package. If you have (or plan to buy) an FX camera, I highly recommend this lens. While the lens works well on a DX camera, I would tend to prefer the focal range of Nikon's 17-55mm on a DX camera to get more out of the wide end.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Better than average but that's all...
I used this lens in illuminated and low-light conditions. As someone who comes from a cinema background with experience with quality cinema-grade glass, I'm fairly picky. That said, for a zoom of this ...Read complete review
I used this lens in illuminated and low-light conditions. As someone who comes from a cinema background with experience with quality cinema-grade glass, I'm fairly picky. That said, for a zoom of this range, the lens offers good versatility for your average use. I would not use this lens at 2.8 at all... it's just too soft. There can be a considerable amount of AF searching in low-light conditions, and even when the lens seemed to "lock-on" its focus without hesitation, I found that it had a great tendency of AF focusing (with flash AF assist) to close to infinity in those conditions (backgrounds were more in-focus than subjects). I compared this to an inexpensive prime (Nikkor 50mm 1.8) as I didn't have access to another zoom. At the same settings and an f/4.5, the Sigma seemed so much darker (almost too much, even for a zoom)with an apparent 1/3 stop difference in mid/sub-gray tone brightness. Contrast is nothing to be excited about as I felt the images lack as much "pop" and gray and dark-gray tones looked more "muddied-up," even with the brightness compensation... Another interesting thing I found is that when set to 50mm (actually 52mm as I couldn't get it to 50...) this lens had much more depth of field (object @ 3 ft.) than the 50mm Nikon. Also, Sigma claims the 9-blade aperture's benefits, but the bokeh is nowhere near as smooth and creamy as the 50mm prime (again, I am not sure if the nikkor zoom handles this much better). Sharpness is OK, but nothing to write home about. I'm considering the Nikon at this time as I'm pretty demanding from my images. For a good point and shoot, non-money making lens on the budget, it's a good deal.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 55 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Great Lense for the avid photgrapher
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Portrait
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
What I like:
1- compact
2- very sharp
3- quiet motor compared to Tamron lenses
4- fast focus
5- well constructed and feels sturdy, looks cool also.
What I don't like:
1- heavy but you should expect it from this type of lens
2- not as quiet as a Nikon focus mechanism
3- 82mm diameter, you need to buy more filters
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Quality control issues
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I purchased this lens earlier this year along with the 70-200mm. Primary usage was for portraits (people and pets) and for event photography like wedding receptions and parties. Compared to the more expensive Nikon, the 24-70 is not as sharp although to the average viewer, it is not barely noticeable. For the $$$, I was satisfied with its performance.
More concerning was what happened this past Saturday while shooting an event. The zoom ring stuck between 24 and 35mm. I removed the lens from the camera, reattached it, and regained the full zoom range. When I got home, I held the lens to my ear, gave it a little shake, and heard what sounded like a small piece of metal rattling around. I don't know if the zoom mechanism has teeth or not but it sounds like one broke off. I hadn't dropped it or did anything out of the ordinary.
I just ordered the Nikon 24-70mm as a replacement. I should have just bit the bullet and did that from the start instead of trying to save some money. This was an expensive lesson.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I am just starting my journey on photography. I take pictures of literally everything. I found my Nikon 18-55mm to be very limited. As recommended by a friend, he suggested this lens. It captures subject fast. But heavy duty. I won't use it for Macro since it is not meant for a macro lens. The range is a little more than my 55mm. As I am not a professional, but I found this lens another exciting adventure for me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
This lens was a bit tight when focusing at first, but it loosened up with use. It is fast and sharp. It is a great addition to my D80 and D300s.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Perfect Range
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I was reading a lot on this lens as it has some negative review. I foud it to be perfect. It has a very fast focus, however it also has a very sensitive focus. I have not used it a whole lot yet, but for my use as an all rounder it seems great value for money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
- Very Sharp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I am an architect and professional architectural photographer and I used this lens for the first time and I was amazed by its performance. Very sharp and barrel distortion is minimal and easily corrected. Verticals are fine and distortions are on the horizontals but very little. The picutes are very sharp too.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Much better than the Tamron and half the price of the Nikon-
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I just received my new lens almost two weeks ago, and it hasn't came off of my camera yet! I have used it for a wedding already, and it worked out great, the range on it worked well for both the ceremony and the activities surrounding it. The only down fall I had with it was when it was on autofocus. It didn't have trouble focusing all the time, but there were a few instances where it had some difficulties. It is heavy...but that's bound to happen!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- 82mm Filter Size
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Very nice and sturdy. Doesn't feel like a cheap toy and feels well constructed. Takes very nice photos and is fairly quiet. Great for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Replaced a Nikkor 24-85mm Macro.
Most recently used this lens to shoot a wedding, I found it to be fast focusing and provided an excelent bokeh (in comparison to the lens it replaced).
IQ was really good, with only minor loss when wide open at the furthest ends of its range.
The one thing I found odd that will overcome with more use is the throw of the zoom ring is in the same direction as a Canon lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
good for outdoor shoots
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Was very happy with this lens for 4 months until.... had the lens mounted on a Nikon body in my Domke bag. The bag was sitting on top of a 12" tall tool box and it fell forward. Set it back upright not thinking anything of it. Finished setting up my lightning then reached in to take the camera out - the Sigma snapped in half! Two bodies, 4 other lenses, filters, etc, that was the only damage in the bag. This broke too easily, 25 years in business this is the only lens I've damaged.
Bottom line: Very good glass supported with very weak plastic!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Good low light pics
- Picture quality
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I recently purchased the lens. So far I am really pleased with it's picture quality. I have used the lens for some studio portraits and some other Random shots. Only thing I haven't got used to is the manual to auto focus switch is easy to change while shooting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I used this for the first time last week and found the zoom ring to stick slightly going from 24 mm to about the 50 mm range. It did not seem to stick when going beyond that range, or when reversing the zoom process.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I've been using this for portraits and it's been great!
It's heavy, but I expected that, and it does not bother me one bit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Great lense for weddings and family shoots. Also got some adorable close-ups for Christmas of my grandson in the park.... I love this lense.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
A lens I would highly recommend! The images come out very sharp and clear, even using slow shutter speeds. It has fast, quiet auto focus, and easy to use manual. I wasn't sure at first about using Sigma, but it works as well as the Nikon equivalent would, so for the price I thought I'd try it. It was worth it!
It is a little heavier lens, but while I'm using it, I don't even notice. It's good and sturdy, and it looks like it will last me awhile.
I have used/plan on using it in portraits, weddings, landscapes, and macro photography.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I use this lens at night when I am at events and parties. Low light situations. I rarely use a flash. I like that it is a 2.8 lens but it is slow and clunky and not as sharp as I would like it to be.
It is affordable compared to the Nikon Lens but spending the extra money would be worth it I think. Renting the lens would be a good idea before purchasing it.
Wish they would come down on the prices of these lenses.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Works great. Fast enough and the price is right.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $16.95
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Hood
- Soft Case
- 1-Year Worldwide Warranty + 3-Year Extended USA Warranty
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