Smaller, lighter and potentially better value full frame standard zoom
Another interesting new product we were shown by the folks at Sigma during our trawl of Photokina last week was a hand-built prototype of the forthcoming revised 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM extra wide standard zoom, with a constant aperture throughout the zoom range.
A complete redesign of the current model, the new design is smaller and incorporates HSM sonic autofocus for quicker and more quiet focusing. Optically, there is more ambitious glass used, with both an ELD and two SLD elements, plus three aspheric elements, in an arrangement that uses one less element overall than the older version's 14.
The new 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM is a faster simpler, smaller and optically better
upgrade from Sigma's previous 24-70.
Although the new lens can focus a couple of centimetres closer than its predecessor, it's not listed as a 'macro' lens and the maximum magnification is 1:5.3 compared to the old version at 1:3.8. The old version's dual focus system is not carried over either. Being a 'DG' lens in Sigma's nomenclature, the new 24-70 is compatible with both small sensor DSLRs and full frame DSLRs and film SLRs.
Sigma's HSM sonic motor technology promises swift AF and precise manual focus action
While the optical quality of the new Sigma 24-70 promises to be improved, an obvious feature of the new lens is its relatively small size. It is 2cm shorter than the previous model - almost an inch. You still need to fork out for 82mm filters though. A petal lens hood can be added to protect the front of the lens and keep flare-inducing light out of the way. Sigma's latest Super Multi-Layer Coating is used with the new 24-70.
The 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM is nearly an inch shorter than the previous
version, but the filter size remains 82mm
Pricing has not yet been fixed for the 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM, but availability is expected before the end of this year.
Reader feedback:
Discuss this story:
