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Ouch, the Sigma 24-35 F2 ART Lens is so SHARP

The SIGMA 24-35 F2 ART lens is one of the fastest aperture zoom lenses ever made for a full frame body. I had a chance to go to Allen’s Camera to do an unboxing, sniff test and take some sample images with it.

20150721_sigma_24-35_054The main selling point of this lens is the fact that it is a full frame F2 at 24 as well as 35. This lens covers a very particular range that generally takes two or three lenses to cover. A lot of photographers love their 24, 28 and 35mm prime lenses. If this lens is all it’s cracked up to be, it may be possible that this lens replaces three prime lenses. Of course you have to take into consideration that prime lenses are the sharpest tools out their do to the lack of moving elements inside. But, if it is almost as sharp I think it may be a great option for people who are in the market. 20150721_sigma_24-35_050

From my quick tests with it I noticed how well built this ART lens really is. It feels substantial in the hands and is balanced well on the camera. As a comparison it’s close to the same size as a 24-70 2.8.

The real test of a lens always comes when you shoot it. I had the Canon version so I put it on a Canon 5D Mark III and shot everything RAW. Download 4 RAW Files Right Here. Though the zoom range is very short it does give you some distinct and unique framing options. 24mm is ultra wide where 35 just seems like every day life.

I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to hit TACK SHARP focus at F2 when shooting images of Brandon’s eye. Generally speaking when you shoot wide open below 2.8 it becomes much harder to hit your focus. In this case his EYE is beyond sharp.

20150721_sigma_24-35_007The only issue to point out is the amount of vignetting at 24mm F2 when I shot the wall. This is not a deal breaker as many lenses have this type of shadowing. I personally don’t think it’s a major issues when I am out shooting. I sometimes like the way a vignette frames my subjects and draws me into the image. 

20150721_sigma_24-35_012In the end you have to ask yourself is this lens worth $999? Are there tradeoffs between shooting this F2 zoom vs a prime 1.4 or 1.8. You can download sample RAW files above as well as check out all the FULL RES exported files right here.

24MM F2

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35MM F2
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24MM F2 20150721_sigma_24-35_004

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