A calm look at the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art for Sony E-mount and L-Mount: optics, autofocus, video features, build and what changed from the original. Specs below are taken from the manufacturer and independent reviews.
Optics
The optical design
- 19 elements in 15 groups, f/2.8 to f/22
- Five aspherical elements, two more than the original
- Angle of view runs from 84.1° to 34.3°
At a glance: 19/15 – Elements / groups; 6 FLD – Fluorite-grade low dispersion; 2 SLD – Special low-dispersion; 5 asph. – Aspherical elements
Sharpness in testing
- Reviewers report excellent centre sharpness at f/2.8
- Corners at 24mm f/2.8 are softer, improving by f/5.6
- Amateur Photographer saw its best results from f/4 to f/8
- Edge detail is improved over the original, per reviews
Close focus
- Minimum focus is 17cm at 24mm, down from 18cm
- At 70mm it focuses to 34cm for 1:4 magnification
At a glance: 17cm – Minimum focus at 24mm; 34cm – Minimum focus at 70mm; 1:2.7 – Max. magnification at 24mm; 1:4 – Max. magnification at 70mm
Bokeh and flare
- 11 rounded aperture blades
- Reviewers describe smooth transitions into blur
- Flare and ghosting were hard to provoke into the sun
- Chromatic aberration was low in testing
AF & video
A new focus motor
- The stepping motor is replaced by an HLA linear motor
- Sigma's 3x figure is maximum drive speed, not focus time
- Supports DMF and AF+MF manual override
At a glance: HLA – High-response Linear Actuator; 3x+ – Max. drive speed vs original; 2 – AFL buttons, up from one; DMF – Direct manual focus
Autofocus in use
- Reviewers found AF fast, accurate and near-silent
- Eye detection and subject tracking worked well in tests
- The second AFL button sits on top for upright shooting
Built with video in mind
- Designed to minimise focus breathing across the range
- PetaPixel saw no visible breathing in a focus-pull test
- De-click the aperture ring for silent, stepless changes
At a glance: De-click – Aperture ring click switch; Lock – Aperture ring lock switch; Minimal – Focus breathing by design; No OIS – Relies on in-body IS
Build
Size and weight
- About 10% lighter and 7% smaller than the original
- Barrel diameter is 87.8mm on both mounts
- L-Mount version is 120.2mm long
At a glance: 735g – Weight, Sony E-mount; 745g – Weight, L-Mount; 122.2mm – Length, Sony E-mount; 82mm – Filter thread
What changed from the original
- 735g versus 830g on Sony E-mount
- Stepping motor swapped for an HLA linear motor
- Five aspherical elements instead of three
- New aperture ring with lock switch, plus a second AFL button
Sealing and handling
- Dust- and splash-resistant, though not waterproof
- Water- and oil-repellent coating on the front element
- Brass bayonet mount
- Zoom lock switch and a locking petal hood
Who it suits
Who it suits
- Hybrid shooters who want low breathing and a de-click ring
- Event and travel work needing one f/2.8 zoom
- Detail shots, with 1:2.7 magnification at 24mm
- Owners of the original who want faster AF and less weight
Worth knowing first
- No optical stabilisation, so in-body IS does the work
- The inner barrel extends as you zoom towards 70mm
- Made for Sony E-mount and L-Mount only
Where to buy
Brand new, with UK import duty and VAT already included in the price, so there is nothing extra to pay on delivery. See today’s price and stock:
Specs checked on 11 October 2026. Questions? Our team is on live chat 11am–6pm UK time, every day.
