Are Sigma art lenses better than Sony?

Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

Nov 27, 2021

I have an opportunity to buy the Sigma for $950 vs a Sony for $1490–both new plus tax. I’ve heard Sigma is a great lens but a bit slower with autofocus va the Sony, and not quite as robust. Also there are a lot of stories of dust accumulating in Sigma bodies. Does anyone know of dust is just cosmetic or if it would actually show up on photos? Also, I’ve heard rumors of a new g master 24-70 version is to be released soon. Anyone know when or what upgrades/changes planned? Struggling wi to decision. Especially with the Sony version closer to the Sigma than it usually ever would be.

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Malling • Senior Member • Posts: 1,311

Re: Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

The dust is easily avoided by blowing the extension part before pulling it in, if there happens to be dust on it, that is. My guess it’s the main culprit for dust inside the Sigma that people experience.
Sigma has frankly never been great at sealing their lenses, so if that is important to you, I would probably avoid the brand altogether. Sony GM are just far better sealed.

If 20-30fps AF-C is important GM are the only lenses that work. Also GM is also faster and has an edge in hit rate.

If your not dependent on either the Sigma is overall the better lens, it’s sharper across the range and it renders better.

Just be aware a new GM is on the horizon and probably due early next year. But it’s not gonna be cheap probably around $2800-3000. It will definitely be noticeable lighter, sharper and renders better then both that is almost a given. But it’s allot of money.

Jeff2013 • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,485

Re: Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

In reply to Malling • Nov 27, 2021

1

I had the GM lens and now have the Sigma lens.

The Sigma is, overall, a better performer in terms of IQ. It is much sharper at 70mm, while the Sony lens is a bit better across the field at 24mm. I really like the contrast of the Sigma lens.

Since internal dust, at least in the amounts we are talking about, will have an imperceptible negative impact on IQ, I really do not pay much attention to it, so I cannot help you there. If you are going to use the lens in a super dusty environment, such as an African safari, that might become somewhat of a concerning issue for any lens that pumps air through lens extension.

Sony a7R IV Sony a1 Sony 1.4x Teleconverter (2016) Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM +11 more

AZheaven • Senior Member • Posts: 2,316

Re: Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

In reply to Malling • Nov 27, 2021

The Sigma is less expensive and sharper than the Sony. As for dust? I've read that Sigma has resolved that issue and the dust issue was only certain serial numbers (?).

And use this chart which is fairly up to date for lens comparisons.

https://sonyalpha.blog/2019/11/10/which-lenses-to-maximise-the-potential-of-the-sony-a7riv/

JensGDK • New Member • Posts: 14

Re: Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

I have the Sigma, and it's a great lens. Fast AF, sharp, great image quality.
I love the close focus at 24mm.
But I have problems getting used to the zoom ring turning opposit of other lenses I have.
And then there is the dust. The specifications says it's Dust and Splash resistant, but with the amount of dust inside my copy, I don't think it lives up to the specifications.
I got it in december 2019, and have just sent it in for cleaning, and possibly repair of sealing, before the two year rights of complaint runs out.

Sony a6300 Sony a7R III Sony FE 90mm F2.8 macro Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 Sigma 24-70 F2.8 DG DN +1 more

Steve W • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,792

Re: Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

In reply to Malling • Nov 27, 2021

Malling wrote:

The dust is easily avoided by blowing the extension part before pulling it in, if there happens to be dust on it, that is. My guess it’s the main culprit for dust inside the Sigma that people experience.
Sigma has frankly never been great at sealing their lenses, so if that is important to you, I would probably avoid the brand altogether. Sony GM are just far better sealed.

If 20-30fps AF-C is important GM are the only lenses that work. Also GM is also faster and has an edge in hit rate.

If your not dependent on either the Sigma is overall the better lens, it’s sharper across the range and it renders better.

Just be aware a new GM is on the horizon and probably due early next year. But it’s not gonna be cheap probably around $2800-3000. It will definitely be noticeable lighter, sharper and renders better then both that is almost a given. But it’s allot of money.

I think your projected upgraded price for the rumored FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is high if we are talking in US $. The new and excellent upgrade on the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 OSS II GM was only $200 more than its version 1. So my expectation is that it will be announced at $2399 at most.

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Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe! - Words to live by. Albert Einstein

Fujifilm X-E3 Canon EOS R5 Sony a7C Sony a1 Nikon Z9 +56 more

SonyX • Senior Member • Posts: 1,207

Re: Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

Frankeramma wrote:

I have an opportunity to buy the Sigma for $950 vs a Sony for $1490–both new plus tax. I’ve heard Sigma is a great lens but a bit slower with autofocus va the Sony, and not quite as robust. Also there are a lot of stories of dust accumulating in Sigma bodies. Does anyone know of dust is just cosmetic or if it would actually show up on photos? Also, I’ve heard rumors of a new g master 24-70 version is to be released soon. Anyone know when or what upgrades/changes planned? Struggling wi to decision. Especially with the Sony version closer to the Sigma than it usually ever would be.

the main issues with the sigma
- dust under front element (I bought mine 04/2021), so, probably, it also has bad weather sealing
- strong vignetting and moustache distortion , lens correction profile in LR is not working properly
- AF is a bit slower, but I have no complains about speed in AF-C mode

Nikon D4 Sony a7R II Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 Sony a7 III Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED +10 more

SonyX • Senior Member • Posts: 1,207

Re: Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

In reply to Jeff2013 • Nov 28, 2021

Jeff2013 wrote:

while the Sony lens is a bit better across the field at 24mm.

hi-res

Nikon D4 Sony a7R II Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 Sony a7 III Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED +10 more

Malling • Senior Member • Posts: 1,311

Re: Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

In reply to Steve W • Nov 28, 2021

Steve W wrote:

Malling wrote:

The dust is easily avoided by blowing the extension part before pulling it in, if there happens to be dust on it, that is. My guess it’s the main culprit for dust inside the Sigma that people experience.
Sigma has frankly never been great at sealing their lenses, so if that is important to you, I would probably avoid the brand altogether. Sony GM are just far better sealed.

If 20-30fps AF-C is important GM are the only lenses that work. Also GM is also faster and has an edge in hit rate.

If your not dependent on either the Sigma is overall the better lens, it’s sharper across the range and it renders better.

Just be aware a new GM is on the horizon and probably due early next year. But it’s not gonna be cheap probably around $2800-3000. It will definitely be noticeable lighter, sharper and renders better then both that is almost a given. But it’s allot of money.

I think your projected upgraded price for the rumored FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is high if we are talking in US $. The new and excellent upgrade on the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 OSS II GM was only $200 more than its version 1. So my expectation is that it will be announced at $2399 at most.

People said the same with the other, I from beginning said where the 70-200 where going to land and it did. Sony always price their new GM lenses within a category within a very strict margin, typically $/€300. It’s not going to be $2399 that is just unrealistic. The 70-200 is $2798/€3000 and 12-24 is $2999/€3299.

If we are very lucky It might be $2699 and €2899 but that is absolutely the lowest introduction price. But just be prepared for them to blast a $2999 sign on it.

All € prices are for Germany.

Euell • Veteran Member • Posts: 5,646

Re: Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

In reply to SonyX • Nov 29, 2021

SonyX wrote:

Jeff2013 wrote:

while the Sony lens is a bit better across the field at 24mm.

hi-res

Excellent center sharpness and less impressive at the edges.  What F-stop?

Sony RX100 Canon EOS 7D Sony a6500 Sony a7R III Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM +18 more

SonyX • Senior Member • Posts: 1,207

Re: Sigma vs G Master 24-70 f/2.8

In reply to Euell • Nov 29, 2021

Euell wrote:

SonyX wrote:

Jeff2013 wrote:

while the Sony lens is a bit better across the field at 24mm.

hi-res

Excellent center sharpness and less impressive at the edges. What F-stop?

f/2.8

Nikon D4 Sony a7R II Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 Sony a7 III Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED +10 more

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