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

The focus breathing is VERY strange, you can see it actually changes the spherical distortion quite remarkably, meaning that'll be difficult if not impossible to fix with normal tools (such as Resolve stabiliser). There must be something quite odd going on with the elements. It's less visible at 70mm, though it is there.

This is something that makes Panasonic's 24-70 2.8 excellent, it's physically corrected for breathing, as well as having a clutch-based linear manual focus.

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.

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?

PetaPixel said the Sigma had "complete lack of breathing". Insulting question maybe, who are right? 😉

Awww. Got previous gen , three months ago. Is it's worthing to sell it and get the second gen?!

price pls

The sigma 24-70 mark I for 899$ or the mark ii for 1199$ ?

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.

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

Doesn't JerryRigEverything say "glass is glass, and glass breaks"?

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.

Question for videographers, which one would you choose, Sony 24-105 f4 OSS vs new sigma 24-70 art mark 2 f2.8? btw I’m using a Sony zv-e1, thanks!! 🙌

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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

Best set, i really dont like the talk show one. This brings old to new and gives it the better feel of old with new tones. I really like it. I feel weird for caring but it was a thing.

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.

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.

Sigma mk 1 now (07/14/2024) at $879 at B&H. Is it worth to buy the mk2 at $1,200? That's a $320 difference

Do yall think this would be a great all around lens for the S5II?

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.

“SONY WILL WIN ULTIMATELY” thanks for this vids mate! Will go for GMii❤

Can we get a review of the new Sigma 28-45 1.8?

you're the best Gerald i love your videos!

Used prices for GM II lens are down to 1600$ USD which makes the decision a no-brainer for me. Go with the Sony.

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,

Got the Sigma Mark 2 for $1100 here in Sri Lanka. The Sony Mark 2 is $1950. Definitely not worth the twice the price tag cause most of these minor negatives can be overlooked, easily.

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

own the mark I and love it to bits

both of them have a terrible distortion, dont regret to buy new one

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

$350 difference between the mark 1 and mark 2….which do you get? (When you don’t have ANY)

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 👍

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

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

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?

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?

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

I'm going to buy sigma dg dn ii or sony gm2 but this was my final decision. Get the Sigma! Because I can buy other gear like nd filter and flash or even a cheap tripod for the price of gm2

with the prices and quality sigma has been releasing it really makes Sony look like a company that overprices lens just to trick people into believing they're better.

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

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.

imagine if there exists a 16-70 2.8 ...oh man....the end of all my struggles....

I'm really trying to find an ACTUAL parfocal zoom lens in this range for video (that can do autofocus too). Does anybody know of one that is under $2000?

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