Sigma 24-70 Vs Canon 24-70: A Comprehensive Comparison

Introduction

When it comes to professional photography, a high-quality standard zoom lens is a must-have in your kit. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art and Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM are two of the most popular and highly-regarded options in the market. In this article, we will compare these two lenses on various parameters to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Build and Design

The Sigma 24-70mm is a relatively new lens, released in 2019, and features a sleek and modern design. It has a metal lens mount and a dust- and splash-resistant construction, making it suitable for outdoor use. On the other hand, the Canon 24-70mm has been around for a while and has a more traditional design. It also has a metal lens mount but lacks weather sealing.

Image Quality

Both lenses produce sharp and high-quality images, but there are some differences to note. The Sigma 24-70mm has a 19-element, 15-group optical design with five SLD and one aspherical element, which results in excellent image quality, even at wide apertures. The Canon 24-70mm, on the other hand, has a 18-element, 13-group optical design with two UD and one Super UD element, which also produces stunning results.

Autofocus Performance

The Sigma 24-70mm features a stepping motor (STM) that provides quick and quiet autofocus, making it ideal for both photography and videography. The Canon 24-70mm, however, has a ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) that is also fast and silent, but not as smooth as the STM.

Low-Light Performance

Both lenses have a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which makes them great for low-light photography. However, the Sigma 24-70mm has a slightly wider aperture at the telephoto end (f/2.8 vs f/4.0), giving it a slight edge over the Canon 24-70mm in low-light conditions.

Versatility

The Sigma 24-70mm has a wider zoom range, going from 24mm to 70mm, compared to the Canon 24-70mm, which goes from 24mm to 105mm. This makes the Sigma more versatile for a variety of shooting situations, from landscapes to portraits. However, the Canon 24-70mm has a longer reach, making it better suited for wildlife and sports photography.

Price

The Sigma 24-70mm is priced slightly lower than the Canon 24-70mm, making it a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. However, the Canon 24-70mm is a more established lens and may hold its value better in the long run.

Conclusion

Both the Sigma 24-70mm and Canon 24-70mm are excellent lenses, and the choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. The Sigma 24-70mm is a newer lens with a modern design, wider aperture, wider zoom range, and a lower price point. The Canon 24-70mm, on the other hand, is a more established lens with a longer reach, excellent image quality, and proven autofocus performance. Consider your shooting needs and budget, and you can’t go wrong with either of these options.