Performance
The Sigma 24-35mm lens performed reasonably well in our test. We received a Nikon mount lens and hence we tested it on a Nikon D750 body. Autofocus was very fast, precise and quiet. The lens did not have any problem focussing in lowlight. The lens controlled darkening of corners very well. Darkening was observed at f/2 and f/2.8, but vanished completely at f/5.6. We did not observe any flare or chromatic aberration at the wide-angle end at 24mm in strong against-thelight shots. Images were sharp out of the box. We observed that f/4 to f/11 produced the sharpest images throughout the zoom range and the sweet spot was f/5.6. The lens produced rather heavy barrel distortion from 24 to 28mm and pin cushion distortion at 35mm.
Value for Money
The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM | A lens retails at an MRP of Rs.78,900. At this price, the lens is reasonably priced. |SP
FINAL SCORE 82%
Design and Build Quality 19/20
Key Features 16/20
Ergonomics 17/20
Performance
Autofocus 4.5/5
Sharpness 4.5/5
Distortion control 3/5
Aberrations 4/5
Darkening of corners 4/5
Extra features 3/5
Sub-Total 23/30
Value for Money 7/10
PLUS
• First f/2 Full Frame zoom
• Excellent sharpness
• Superior build quality
• Brilliant aberration
control
MINUS
• Limited utility of zoom
• Poor distortion control
VERDICT
The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 HSM | A lens has a very narrow zoom range, which, in my opinion, will not appeal to a great majority of photographers especially since the lens is as heavy as the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 (non-VR). We presume that Sigma has been a little over-enthusiastic in producing the fastest full frame zoom lens that they compromised on the utility. However, considering the fast aperture, this lens is unmatched in this category.
Sujith Gopinath
