Review Sigma 24-105 f/4 OS Lens

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The new Sigma 24-105 f/4 OS lens from Sigma is exceptionally sharp and offers awesome image stabilization. Are those two features worth the drawbacks to shooting with a lens like this?Watch the Video Review of the Sigma 24-105: 

Sigma 24-105 Pros

  • Exceptionally Sharp across the range from 24-105. You will not find a lens that is as sharp that covers this range.
  • A very useful walk around range for full frame cameras. Useful for crop sensors too but there are other options that make more sense.
  • Excellent Image Stabilization (OS as Sigma calls it) for video or lower light photography

Sigma 24-105 Cons

  • Heavy (about 2 lbs)
  • No weather sealing
  • Image Stabilization (OS) cannot be left on when on a tripod*

*It generally is a good idea to turn Image Stabilization OFF when the camera is on a tripod or stable surface - some IS systems are intelligent enough to detect when on a tripod or stable surface and turn off. Systems like the Sigma 24-105 do not and longer shutter speed images will be ruined if you leave IS on.

Sigma 24-105 vs Canon 24-105

The Sigma is sharper and cheaper* than the Canon.Strengths of the Canon

  • Large focus ring is good for video
  • Weather sealed
  • Cheaper if bought whitebox or used

Strengths of the Sigma

  • SHARP, noticeably sharper than the Canon at most focal lengths
  • Better build quality (except no weather sealing)
  • Better resale value (at this time the Sigma is selling used for almost as much as it sells new - this is due to the build quality but mostly from the scarcity of the lens)

Sigma retails for $899, *Canon retails new for $1149 but can often be found as a whitebox (originally part of a kit now sold separately - legit and full warranty) for $700-800. Used the Canon sells for $600Support my work - Rent from Lumoid.com  or Buy from B&H Photo/Video or AmazonJeffrey Friedl's Lightroom Plugin mentioned in this video: http://regex.info/blog/lightroom-goodies/data-plot [He has a ton more so spend some time looking at all of the options.] Walk around options for owners of Crop sensor cameras - Canon T5i, 70D, Nikon D5300, D7100 etcAs sharp as the Sigma 24-105 is the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 Click to see my review and sample images. No IS and significantly less range.The Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4  offers a similar range, very good OS and good image quality/sharpness.[green_message]Source: http://ift.tt/1uFToXZ [/green_message] Follow me on Facebook at http://ift.tt/1uV7XXi