Sony’s decision to open up the market for its full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras to third-party lens manufacturers has resulted in a thriving market with a variety of options. Among these, three standard zoom lenses stand out: the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art II, and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2. These lenses are popular because they have a versatile zoom range and bright maximum aperture, making them ideal for a variety of shooting situations, including low-light situations and achieving bokeh smooth.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this in-depth video examines three standard zoom lenses from Sony. The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, priced at $2,300, is the most expensive but promises top performance. The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 is the most affordable at $900, offering great value without compromising on quality. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art II is around 1,200 USD, balancing performance and cost.
Frost emphasizes the importance of the build quality and functionality of these lenses. All three have excellent build quality and weather resistance, but the Sigma lens stands out with its premium feel and metallic construction. Sony and Sigma lenses have aperture rings that can be locked in automatic mode and adjusted smoothly or with clicks, serving both stills and video cameras. The Tamron lens, while simpler and without an aperture ring, is lighter and more compact, making it a convenient choice for on-the-go photography.
The video also discusses focus performance and image stabilization. All three lenses rely on the camera’s stabilization system. Autofocus performance is strong, with the Sony lens being slightly faster and more accurate, closely followed by the Sigma lens. The Tamron lens is a bit slow but still provides reliable autofocus. Frost’s focus breathing analysis shows that Sony lenses are best tuned, making them ideal for video work, followed by Sigma and Tamron lenses.
Image quality is another important aspect mentioned in the video. Tested on a demanding high-resolution sensor, all three lenses delivered sharp and contrast-rich images, but the Sony lens came out on top, especially in sharpness at angles and chromatic aberration control. The Sigma lens performed well but was a bit slow in sharpness in the corners, while the Tamron lens showed more chromatic aberration, especially at longer focal lengths. Despite these differences, all three lenses deliver excellent image quality, making them suitable for professional use. Watch the video above for the full rundown on Frost.
