Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 Review: CHEAPER and BETTER?!

Review of the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens and comparison to the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II.

Review of the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens and comparison to the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II.

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Table of Contents:
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0:00 - Intro & Disclosure
0:55 - Build & Ergonomics
2:36 - Manual Focusing
3:04 - Zoom Ring
3:58 - Size & Weight
4:13 - Lens Hood
4:23 - Price Difference
6:25 - Close Focusing
6:58 - Crash Zooms
7:27 - Focus Breathing
7:48 - Parfocalness
8:07 - Focus Noise
8:50 - Autofocus Rant
10:40 - Chromatic Aberration
11:40 - Bokeh
13:05 - Vignetting & Distortion
13:41 - Flare & Sunstars
15:17 - Sample Images
16:22 - Final Thoughts

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#sigma #lensreview #sonyalpha

[WobbleMatic]

I certainly didn't expect to hear the words "doggy nipples" today.

[JaredDoyle]

New firmware from Sigma:
Ver.02 2024.04.18
・The operational noise during video recording has been reduced.
・Compatibility with continuous shooting of up to approximately 120 frames per second has been added for the focus modes (AF-S/DMF/MF) on Sony α9 III cameras.

[dowblab]

Just watched a manufacturing video of the Sigma factiry. I didnt realize how humans sre still greatly involved in making lenses. There was a worker hand painting the marking on the lens barrels. Crazy how they're able to offer these lenses at such a price with so many people and steps involved

[hitthestreetsphoto]

The older you get the more important are things like weight and ergonomics. If you’re shooting for 3-4 hours straight and then back at it again for another 4 hour function it really adds up. Sharpness is definitely nice but having a lens that you truly enjoy using and holding in your hands is what makes a lens a legend. Fortunately I have about 4 of these and I wouldn’t sell them for any replacement.

[juanlash]

I only wished you’d make a comparison between this lens and the Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 since that’s the lens we Sony users have used as a replacement to the G Master for it’s price, I consider this lens a direct competitor to the Tamron

[flochfitness]

Been waiting 5 years for this lens! Can’t wait to hear how it is 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[CaseyHardman]

As someone who owns the GM II, I don't think I could go to the Sigma for several reasons. Close focusing isn't huge for what I do but is nice to have. The manual focusing was surprisingly one of my favorite parts about the GM II. The parfocal performance is great as well (and I didn't realize until just now tbh). I use the GM II on an RS3 Pro for event coverage, so every bit of weight savings is worth it for me. If I hadn't already used the Sony, then I think the Sigma would be great for most people. I'm just glad to finally see Sigma come out with their version. (Also I love Sigma glass and own their 24-70, so no biases here - well, other than FOR Sigma against other brands that aren't Sony lol)

[collectGenX]

Removing the foot is always my first step when getting a lens, especially this size. Non-linear focus is also a head scratcher. You are right about the GMII. It does spoil you especially with weight, how close you can get to the object at 70, and love the pics you get from it. Probably my favorite Sony zoom lens. If I am going to find savings on lenses it won't be here.

[chrisjohnston]

Best. Outro. Ever. Acid trip #247. I love the humour you're working into your videos. The Undone Show rocks!

[VladimirNaumoff]

There is another huge advantage of Sony lens... It works with 2x and 1.4x converters and for me, that's the deal braker.

[pty_foto]

The price is so good and I can only speak wonders of my Sigma 150-600 and the 85mm f1.4 Art. I have 4 GM’s (135f1.8, 50f1.2, 35f1.4 & 14f1.8) I think my 70-180 will finally be upgraded 😊

[bertusbrewing]

Love that in your latest reviews you’ve made a point to show to show how the in-focus and out-of-focus areas transition on these lenses.

Also the quality of the out of focus areas.

[QuietOC]

It seems to be a lens communication protocol speed that causes the 15 FPS limit. Sony lenses since late 2016 use a faster protocol than their older lenses. The later lenses still support the older protocol for the A7 and APS-C bodies. Third-parties either aren't allowed to use the faster speed or choose not use it. Four of the Sony lenses released in 2016 support up to 20 FPS instead of or 15 FPS. The original FE 2.8/70-200 GM supports 30 FPS, but isn't on the list of 120 FPS lenses, so there might be another tier there. The most recent Sony lenses also support Silent Priority Aperture Driver in AF and those lenses also show a AE limitation on the A9III with the aperture getting fixed in busts at 60 FPS or higher.

[KlausKusserow-ClassicalGuitar]

Well, for Panasonic Lumix users the sigma lens is a first Party lens as part of the L-Mount Alliance.

[boristahmasian]

Hi Gerald, thank you for the comparison. Would you be able to add the Tamron 70-180 G2 in this comparison. I shoot stills and I think for the money it offers a viable alternative. I would like to see the Tamron's performance from a video guys perspective. BTW, I own the G1 version of the Tamron and very happy with it for still images.

[Tsyras]

Only thing that matters to me is sharpness and focus speed... so for $1300 in savings you better believe I am buying the Sigma. I have been buying GM primes and Sigma zooms...and been very happy with my choices so far (Sigma 24-70 and 60-600, Sony 35 and 50 GM). After this 70-200 I will probably get the 14-24 and then possibly an 85 GM II if they ever update it.

[gwilliams]

Gerald, no mystery why Sony limits the fps on third-party E-mount lens, it is to protect some sales of their own Sony lenses. Same for no TCs on third-party E-mount lenses. The L version of this lens will take TCs on Leica and Panasonic as well as full fps. Strictly a Sony business decision. Do you really think many would buy the Sony at $1300 USD more if this Sigma was allowed to do 20fps on the A9/A9II, 30 fps on the A1, and 120 fps on the A9III, and with TCs. No way. Cheers and thanks from another Gerald.

[nordfilmcompany]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think your issue with the focus and zoom ergonomic switch has to do with a choice giving an increased focus breathing performance.

[johnnysparkleface]

This guy thinks of every angle, nobody's more thorough in their reviews. 🦖👍

[IanHobday]

Tamron: You can't have a tripod foot.
Sigma: You MUST have a tripod foot!