Standard zoom lenses are versatile lenses that can cover a wide range of subjects and situations, from landscapes and architecture to portraits and events. They are often the first lens that many photographers buy or use, as they offer a convenient and flexible focal range that can adapt to different scenarios.
In this article, we will compare Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art vs Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary in detail and help you decide which one is better for you.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
Two of the most popular standard zoom lenses for Sony E mount cameras are the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art and the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. Both lenses offer a fast f/2.8 aperture, a high-quality build and performance, and a competitive price.
But how do they compare in terms of features, specifications, image quality, and size? Which one should you buy for your standard zoom needs?
Features and Specifications: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art vs Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
| Feature | Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art | Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Full Frame | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Lens Construction | 19 elements in 15 groups (3 aspherical, 6 FLD, 2 SLD) | 16 elements in 12 groups (3 aspherical, 2 FLD, 2 SLD) |
| Angle of View | 84.1° – 34.3° (full frame), 60.4° – 23.0° (APS-C) | 75.4° – 32.3° (full frame), 54.2° – 21.9° (APS-C) |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 (rounded) | 9 (rounded) |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.18m (wide), 0.38m (tele) | 0.19m (wide), 0.38m (tele) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | Wide: 1:2.9; Tele: 1:4.5 | Wide: 1:3; Tele: 1:4.6 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 67mm |
| Dimensions | Φ87.8 x L122.9mm (E-mount) | Φ72.2 x L101.5mm (E-mount) |
| Weight | E-mount: 830g; L-mount: 835g | E-mount: 470g; L-mount: 475g |
As you can see from the table, the two lenses have similar features and specifications, with some minor differences. Neither lens has image stabilization, so you will need to rely on your camera’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) or use a tripod for sharper images.
The main difference between the two lenses is the focal length range. The Sigma Art lens has a wider focal range of 24-70mm, which can give you more versatility and flexibility for different subjects and situations.
The Sigma Contemporary lens has a narrower focal range of 28-70mm, which can limit your options for wide-angle shots or group photos.
The Sigma Art lens also has more lens elements than the Sigma Contemporary lens (19 vs 16), which can affect the optical performance and quality of the lens. The Sigma Art lens also has more diaphragm blades than the Sigma Contemporary lens (11 vs 9), which can affect the bokeh quality and shape of the lens.
The Sigma Contemporary lens is much cheaper than the Sigma Art lens, which can be a significant factor for beginners or hobbyists who have a limited budget.
It is also much smaller and lighter than the Sigma Art lens (470g vs 830g for E-mount), which can make it more portable and comfortable to carry around or use for long periods of time.
Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
Image Quality
Both lenses deliver excellent image quality in terms of sharpness, contrast, color rendition, distortion, vignetting, flare, and bokeh. They are both very sharp across the frame, even at wide open apertures. They also have minimal chromatic aberrations and field curvature. They also handle diffraction well up to f/16.
The bokeh quality of both lenses is smooth and pleasing, thanks to their fast f/2.8 aperture and rounded diaphragm blades. The out-of-focus areas are rendered softly and naturally, especially at close distances and wide apertures.
The distortion and vignetting of both lenses are very low and can be easily corrected in post-processing or by applying lens profiles. The flare resistance of both lenses is also very good, thanks to their anti-reflective coatings and lens hoods.
The main difference between the two lenses in terms of image quality is the focal length range. The Sigma Art lens has a wider focal range of 24-70mm, which can give you more versatility and flexibility for different subjects and situations.
The Sigma Art lens can also create a slightly wider angle of view and a slightly shallower depth of field for capturing more of the scene or isolating the subject from the background. The Sigma Contemporary lens has a narrower focal range of 28-70mm, which can limit your options for wide-angle shots or group photos.
The Sigma Contemporary lens can also create a slightly narrower angle of view and a slightly deeper depth of field for keeping more of the scene or subject in focus.
Conclusion
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art and the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary are both excellent standard zoom lenses that can cover a wide range of subjects and situations, from landscapes and architecture to portraits and events. They both offer a fast f/2.8 aperture, a high-quality build and performance, and a competitive price.
The Sigma Art lens has some advantages over the Sigma Contemporary lens, such as a wider focal range, more lens elements, more diaphragm blades, and a higher maximum magnification ratio. However, it is also more expensive, larger, and heavier than the Sigma Contemporary lens.
The Sigma Contemporary lens has some advantages over the Sigma Art lens, such as a lower price, a smaller size and weight, and a smaller filter size. However, it does not have a wider focal range, more lens elements, more diaphragm blades, or a higher maximum magnification ratio.
The choice between the two lenses depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. If you want a more versatile lens that can cover a wider range of subjects and situations, especially if you need wide-angle shots or shallow depth of field effects, you may prefer the Sigma Art lens.
If you want a more compact and lightweight lens that can still perform well in most scenarios, especially if you don’t need wide-angle shots or shallow depth of field effects, you may prefer the Sigma Contemporary lens.
Both lenses are highly recommended for standard zoom enthusiasts who use Sony E mount cameras. You can’t go wrong with either of them.