It's not a lens that (currently) fits into my needs or wants, but today I got to spend some time using a Sigma Art series 24-35mm F2 (2, not 2.8) DG HSM lens with my D800. Set to full size and raw, of course, I played around with it inside the store and stepped outside for some photos as well.
Without boring you (or exciting you) with the details, here's my impression:
WOW.
It's razor sharp from corner to corner, geometry is very well controlled, and there is a definite crispness to the image that I think anybody who's looking for a lens in this range would appreciate.
For a lens that lists for 999 dollars, I'd say that if you're looking for prime quality images but want a short zoom range around 24 to 35mm, this one is well worth looking into. Why get a 24mm prime and a 35mm prime when you could get this and get the same image quality (and, maybe, better) with some zoom range in between, and only spend a thousand bucks or less to get it?
I'd prefer that my glass should say Nikon on it. But to buy the three best Nikon primes in the same range, at 24, 28, and 35mm, you're looking at spending at least 2000 dollars for the "closest match" F/1.8 lenses, and to get the best Nikon primes (F/1.4, except the 28 which only goes down to 1.8 at best) then you end up with three lenses, none of which have VR. And not all of these even have the silent wave motor focusing system.
The build quality of the Art lens is really something, too. Metal construction, fine machining and workmanship, I'm half tempted to buy the lens just because it's so well made and does its job so well.
If you're looking to buy some prime lenses in the 24-35mm range, I suggest you check out this lens, too, before you make your final decision.
Without boring you (or exciting you) with the details, here's my impression:
WOW.
It's razor sharp from corner to corner, geometry is very well controlled, and there is a definite crispness to the image that I think anybody who's looking for a lens in this range would appreciate.
For a lens that lists for 999 dollars, I'd say that if you're looking for prime quality images but want a short zoom range around 24 to 35mm, this one is well worth looking into. Why get a 24mm prime and a 35mm prime when you could get this and get the same image quality (and, maybe, better) with some zoom range in between, and only spend a thousand bucks or less to get it?
I'd prefer that my glass should say Nikon on it. But to buy the three best Nikon primes in the same range, at 24, 28, and 35mm, you're looking at spending at least 2000 dollars for the "closest match" F/1.8 lenses, and to get the best Nikon primes (F/1.4, except the 28 which only goes down to 1.8 at best) then you end up with three lenses, none of which have VR. And not all of these even have the silent wave motor focusing system.
The build quality of the Art lens is really something, too. Metal construction, fine machining and workmanship, I'm half tempted to buy the lens just because it's so well made and does its job so well.
If you're looking to buy some prime lenses in the 24-35mm range, I suggest you check out this lens, too, before you make your final decision.
