SIGMA 24-105mm F4 DG HSM

SIGMA has released the highly rated 24-105mm F4 Art Line standard zoom lens for SONY A mount. Because the focal range wasn't covered with the genuine lineup, this lens will be much appreciated by SONY users. When shooting the 24-70mm, I often wish if it could zoom in a little further particularly in the location where I can't get step closer to the subject or I want to use the compressing effect. So, I really welcome the range up to 105mm. The max aperture is F4 throughout the zoom range from wide 24mm to short-telephoto 105mm. Plus, it's an Art Line lens proudly produced by SIGMA. Once you take a look at the following images, you can't help getting it.

( Photography & Text : T.Nakanishi )

Wide-end. Like all other recent SIGMA lenses, this lens is very sharp. The drawing line is thin, delicate, and sharp. The color reproduction is extremely deep, even when considering the performance of the body.

The color reproduction got even deeper due to underexposure. The rich shadow tone worked to deepen the image as well. This is Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure. Only a lens that can reproduce the rich tone can capture the very presence of this historical architecture. And, a lens like this reproduces memories of travel destinations.

Shooting waterfowls using backlight. The texture of the water looks so realistic and the reproduction of tones from highlight to shadow is amazing.

This SONY A mount version doesn't have a built-in image stabilizer. But, who cares when the body features it and the max F4 constant aperture works to realize the rich tone without raising sensitivity too much even when shooting indoors.

The minimum focus distance is 45cm throughout the zoom range and it realizes semi-macro photography at the tele-end. The rendition is so sharp that every little letter is resolved faithfully./p>

Looking at the nostalgic desks, I felt like I had just returned to the classroom after school to pick up what I left. So, I took this shot, which now reminds me of my sweet-and-sour experiences back then.

A certain amount of vignetting is noticeable at the 24mm wide-end, but I welcome it because it adds to the depth of the image. And, I'm sure that SIGMA had chosen to leave it this way.

YODOBASHI TEST

The "A" sign looks proud on a large barrel and the performance lives up to its name. While most 24-105mm zoom lenses are made to be convenient, SIGMA has been trying to realize both convenience and image quality. Even though I use prime lenses regularly, sometimes I want to use a zoom lens and I don't want to compromise image quality. This lens realizes the long-held dream and you had better try it more than once.

( 16.12.2015 )