Sigma updates popular 24-70mm lens

The new 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II | Art lens, shown on Sony E and Panasonic L-mount cameras. (Source: Sigma.)

The new lens benefits from evolutionary changes that deliver improved optical performance, AF speed and operability in a more compact size than the original. The lens barrel has been downsized by placing buttons and switches directly on the lens barrel, which is also shorter than the original lens. The barrel is also slimmer and the overall weight has been reduced by approximately 10%. A new high-thrust HLA, which moves the lightweight focus group, makes focusing three times faster than before. The optical design consists of 19 elements in 15 groups and includes six FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements and five double-sided aspherical lenses, which combine to provide high levels of correction for common aberrations, including flare. This is also made possible by advanced basic technologies in both design and manufacturing, including the use of new glass materials and aspherical lenses with thin walls and high degrees of distortion control.

This diaphragm shows the extensive weather-resistant sealing in the new lens. (Source: Sigma.)

The new lens is also weather-resistant and has a water and oil-repellent coating on the front element. It boasts a close focusing distance of 17 cm at the 24mm position, where it provides a 1:2.7 magnification ratio. Other features include a de-clickable and lockable aperture ring, along with an additional AF-L button for vertical orientation still or video capture. The zoom lock switch, which disengages when zooming is retained from the previous model. Manual focus can be switched between Linear and Non-linear response (L-Mount only.)

The new lens is due to begin shipping in late May and is available to pre-order at authorised dealers at an RRP of AU$2440. It is not yet listed on Sigma’s Australian website but you can find details of the previous model here.