The ultra-wide angle zoom lens is a staple for many photographers in several genres, but it is normally neither a cheap nor simple lens, making it an investment any photographer should think carefully about. Sigma's entry, the 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, comes in both E mount and L mount flavors, making it an attractive option for mirrorless shooters. Is it the right choice for you? Check out this great review to find out.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this helpful video review takes a look at the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens. At $1,399, this is definitely closer to the upper end as far as Sigma lenses go, and yet, it is still competitively priced and even a bargain when compared to its closest competitors. Of course, with that wide maximum aperture, this lens should appeal to many photographers, especially astrophotographers (good news: the coma is well controlled), events shooters, and more. On the other hand, with the bulbous front element, you are limited in filter options and will have to resort to more expensive solutions, but if that is not a concern for you, it certainly looks to be a rugged, well made lens with optical quality to spare at a very competitive price, just as we have come to expect from Sigma. Check out the video above for Abbott's full thoughts.
I just want to caution any professional photographers who may be considering Sigma’s art lens line. I recently purchased the 35 1.4 and 50 1.4 and both failed me miserably on jobs. I thoroughly tested each prior to using them and the 35 developed “a bad focus motor” in the middle of a shoot in Japan and the 50 “slipped out of fine tuning” during a shoot in Pennsylvania. The quoted content is from the local repair shop at the store where I bought the lenses. I mention the places to illustrate how much a client trusted me not only to send me there but to trust in my judgment of gear.
I really wanted to love these lenses because when they shined, they were amazing. I was ready to jump ship and get the whole arsenal of 1.4 primes. However, any lost shot to due equipment failure (I’ve missed plenty on my own, thank you) is unacceptable when the gear is brand new.
Fortunately, the shop took the lenses back even though it was a couple weeks after the return period and I replaced them with native lenses that have proved to be extremely capable.
This isn’t meant to bash Sigma, just to serve as a PSA so that hopefully this doesn’t happen to anyone else...
Carry on,
Ian
I have heard them being slighty soft until calibrated, but not outright failing.
As you got both from the same place, perhaps their crate with Sigma lenses got dropped a few times.