Sigma’s recent release of the 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports lens has stirred excitement among photographers and videographers. This lens, a successor to the well-received 70-200mm f2.8 Sport, challenges Sony’s GM OSS II 70-200 2.8 with a more budget-friendly price. Let’s dive into the details and see what this lens brings to the table and if it’s worth saving the cash.
A Closer Look at Design and Build
The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 is robust and a bit heavier than its Sony counterpart, which speaks volumes about its build quality coming in at a comparable 1335g for the Sigma and 1045g for the Sony. The extra weight and size, likely due to more glass and other elements, might be noticeable for those who often shoot handheld or use gimbals. However the difference in weight and size creates a lens that feels substantial and durable.
In terms of design, both Sigma and Sony have opted for a high-quality build with internal focusing and zooming mechanisms. This ensures the lenses are not only solid, but also capable of enduring frequent use. The placement of the zoom and focus rings differ between the two, the Sigma opts for a layout that places the zoom ring in front which may be more intuitive for some users.
Both the Sigma and Sony are weather-sealed, ensuring they’re capable of performing in various outdoor conditions. Those who love to shoot outdoors or in less-than-ideal weather will find this feature reassuring -especially in the UK.
Performance Across the Board
When it comes to aperture mechanics, both lenses come equipped with de-clicked aperture rings, a feature that video shooters will appreciate for its smooth operation. However, a slight lag due to the electronic adjustment mechanism is something to consider with the Sigma.
One strange choice made by Sigma is its screw-down lens hood design, which contrasts with the traditional twist-on bayonet type used by Sony. While this design choice by Sigma might seem minor, it impacts the ease and speed of attaching or detaching the lens hood – a consideration for those who need to adapt quickly in changing shooting environments.
Visual Finesse Unveiled: Bokeh, Flare, and Color Rendering
The quality of bokeh is an essential aspect for many photographers, and here the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN lens produces more defined out-of-focus highlights with a subtle glow, giving images a distinctive character. The Sony lens, although similar in some respects, offers a softer rendition of out-of-focus areas.
In terms of flare, both lenses show a tendency towards greenish hues, but the Sigma lens seems to manage a softer, less harsh look overall. This characteristic might appeal to those who prefer a gentler flare effect in their images.
Colour reproduction is remarkably similar between the two lenses, both exhibiting a neutral colour balance. However, when it comes to handling chromatic aberration, the Sigma lens shows a slight advantage with more controlled colour shifts, leading to cleaner images especially in high-contrast scenarios.
Sharpness is a crucial factor, and both lenses deliver impressively. The Sigma lens demonstrates a bit more contrast, especially noticeable in the corners of the frame. Distortion is present in both lenses when uncorrected, but once corrected in-camera this isn’t an issue.
Stabilisation and Focus
Stabilisation is a standout feature of the Sigma lens, providing up to 7.5 stops at 70mm. This makes it a reliable option for handheld shooting, even in less stable conditions. The manual focusing experience is also smoother with the Sigma lens, offering more resistance and a longer focus throw, which can be crucial for precise focus adjustments.
In contrast, the Sony lens offers a better close focusing range, adding versatility for those who often shoot at shorter distances. This feature might be a deciding factor for some photographers, especially those who frequently work in tight spaces or need that extra bit of closeness to their subjects.
Making the Choice: Sigma or Sony?
Deciding between Sigma’s 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports lens and the Sony GM OSS II is about weighing the features against personal preferences and shooting requirements. The Sigma lens, with its sturdy build, excellent stabilisation, and impressive optical performance, presents an attractive option, especially considering its price point. The Sony lens may just be the go-to for those who value a lighter build and superior close focusing capabilities.
Will you be using the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS? For more insights and news into the latest gear, consider following CVP on social media and keep up to date on our blog!