Verdict

Overall the Sigma 24-70 2.8 DG DN II is a very impressive lens for the money, delivering worthy upgrades over the original model to become one of the best general-purpose event lenses at this price-point.

Compared to its predecessor, it’s sharper across the frame and throughout the range, enjoys faster focusing, and features more controls including a de-clickable aperture ring, all packed into a weather-sealed barrel that’s 10% lighter than before.

Indeed it comes very close to Sony’s own 24-70 G Master II version which is the best 24-70 2.8 I’ve tested to date. The Sony still enjoys a mild edge in sharpness, particularly at 70mm f2.8, but I was struck how close they were in overall performance, quality and rendering.

As a third-party lens, remember the Sigma won’t support the fastest burst speeds with continuous AF on the top Sony bodies, but if you’ve invested in an A1 or A9 series, you’ll almost certainly go for Sony’s own lenses anyway. 

It also won’t support Sony’s focus breathing correction, but in my tests was pretty well-behaved in this regard, and while Active Stabilisation also works best with Sony’s own lenses, few will be handheld vlogging at 24mm as it’s not wide enough.

So while the Sony 24-70 GM II remains the best overall 24-70 I’ve tested, I’d say Sigma’s DG DN II is easily good enough for most of us, especially those using the more affordable bodies. And the best part is it costs just over half of the Sony lens, making it a relative bargain.

As I said at the start, there’s loads of other options, including Mark I versions and slightly different ranges at lower prices, but if you’re looking for the classic 24-70 range with an f2.8 aperture, the Sigma DG DN II becomes the best option under 1500.