Hands On: Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG DN OS S-Line for L-Mount and Sony FE

The world of cameras is constantly changing, and while attention is often focused on new cameras, the choice of lens plays a crucial role. However, with this lens Sigma completes their own trinity and now offers focal length coverage from 14mm to 200mm continuously at f2.8, which is sure to please many photographers and videographers! The Sigma 70-200mm offers serious competition not only for the Sony FE mount, but also offers a real alternative in the L system.

The versatility of a 70-200 lens

A 70-200 lens, such as the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG DN OS, is considered by many photographers to be an "always-on lens". Whether nature, wedding or sports photography, this focal length enables flexible use in a variety of situations. The aperture of f2.8 over the entire focal length range is the feature that many photographers long for. However, the photo bag can also be filled with the rest of the Trinity, with the wide-angle 14-24mm f2.8 and the 24-70mm f2.8 supporting you in your job.

Size and weight: compact and light

The size and weight of a lens play a particularly important role with Sony. At 20 cm long, the Sigma 70-200 is just as long as its predecessor, but slimmer. However, Sigma has saved almost half a kilo here and the weight is now just under 1.3 kg. This reduction makes the lens handier and more versatile, there is even a small difference in weight between the Sony FE mount and the L mount version, but this is not significant.

Features and abbreviations of the Sigma sports telephoto lens

But what do all the buttons and co. on this lens actually do? Let's take a closer look below and explain what all these abbreviations stand for.

Zooming without compromise: Operation and practical features for videographers

The zoom ring, located at the front of the lens, is smooth and enables a gentle zoom, ideal for videographers. The lens is parfocal optimized, the focus point remains constant when zooming. This is particularly important for videography. In addition, Sigma minimizes focus-breathing and offers an effective image stabilizer for stable video recordings, even hand-held.

Intuitive operation: AFL buttons and aperture ring

There are three programmable AFL buttons under the zoom ring, which make operation flexible. The manual aperture ring is both clickable and unclickable and can be set to automatic and locked. If the aperture ring is set to "A", it can still be controlled via the camera.

Autofocus and close focusing distance of the 70-200

The closest focusing distance varies between 65 and 100 cm, depending on the focal length. The focus ring runs smoothly and can be switched between linear and non-linear on compatible cameras. These functions make the lens flexible and user-friendly. The built-in HLA (High-Response Linear Actuator) autofocus motors offer very fast autofocus performance.

Image stabilization and custom settings

The image stabilization also gives its all and can be set in 2 different modes, which can be used depending on the situation; the latest OS2 algorithm is also on board the 70-200mm. The autofocus speed, for example, can be configured in the custom settings.

What do the abbreviations mean?

Sigma uses a lot of abbreviations in its lens designations, which are not always immediately obvious.

1. For example, the abbreviation DG stands for lenses that are optimized for full-frame format
2. In contrast, DC-marked lenses are optimized for APS-C cameras
3. The DN stands for optimization for the mirrorless system, as these have a lower flange focal distance than SLR cameras had
4. HSM stands for the built-in Hyper Sonic Motor, the ring-shaped ultrasonic motor that focuses quickly and silently
5. OS stands for the built-in image stabilization

Image quality, coating and bokeh of the Sigma 70-200mm

Thanks to its high-quality coating and 11 aperture blades, the Sigma 70-200 produces a soft, natural bokeh. Chromatic aberrations are barely visible and the sharpness is impressive, even with high-resolution cameras.

Conclusion: Strong competition

Sigma's 70-200 f/2.8 is a strong competitor to lenses from Sony and Panasonic. The attractive price of €1,699 RRP makes the Sigma a worthwhile alternative, especially in comparison to the 70-200 2.8 from Panasonic and Sony's new G-Master, which is significantly more expensive.

Overall, Sigma presents a successful combination of versatility, user-friendliness and outstanding image quality with the 70-200 f/2.8, and at an extremely attractive price. However, we don't quite like the way the lens hood is mounted, as it can't simply be clicked into place like on other lenses.

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