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lightrules | profile | all galleries >> Lens Tests by LightRules >> Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG Macro v. Canon 24-70 f2.8 L USM tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG Macro v. Canon 24-70 f2.8 L USM

June 23, 2005: Note regarding this particular copy of the Canon 24-70L --- This is my 3rd copy in the past 2 years. It basically performs consistent with my previous 2 copies. I've always liked its more refined build and ring USM with FTM, which is where it separates itself from the EX. This particular copy was made in October 2004 (based on its date code), so it's fairly new.

April 14, 2006: After several years of "hands-on" experience with various copies of both lenses, viewing countless crops, and after many correspondences with people from all over the world on which to get, here is my very simple answer: If you can afford the $1150 Canon L, then get it. While optically they are VERY close (with center resolution in favor of the EX), you get the benefits of guaranteed future compatibility on Canon DSLRs, ring USM with FTM, weathersealing, and more refined build quality. However, if money is a little tight, the $375 Sigma EX is the closest lens to the L in terms of overall specs (e.g., optical performance, specifications, tank-like build, AF speed, etc.) and at a fraction of the cost. The Tamron 28-75 Di is also another excellent standard zoom, so long as starting at 28mm is to your liking, although it does lack the build-feel of both the L and EX.

Sep 22, 2007: Photozone has tested the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG Macro http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_2470_28/index.htm . The copy in the PZ test used to be mine, the one tested here against the 24-70 f2.8 L. I don't cite PZ often, but I do here because that particular copy of the EX is the same copy here in this test.

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Top-Down
Top-Down
Non-Extended
Non-Extended
Focus on L
Focus on L
Focus on EX
Focus on EX
Both at 70mm
Both at 70mm
Both at 24mm
Both at 24mm
SC-ext(24mm)
SC-ext(24mm)
SC-ext-hoods
SC-ext-hoods
SC-non-ext(70mm)
SC-non-ext(70mm)
SC-non-ext-hoods
SC-non-ext-hoods
SC-tight
SC-tight
SC-rear-elem
SC-rear-elem
SC-top-down
SC-top-down
20D L BG-E2
20D L BG-E2
20D EX BG-E2
20D EX BG-E2
L Up Close
L Up Close
EX Up Close
EX Up Close
L Again
L Again
EX Again
EX Again
All4a
All4a
All4b
All4b
Main Test
Main Test
4Tested
4Tested
Compare01
Compare01
Canon-Resized
Canon-Resized
Sigma-Resized
Sigma-Resized
Canon-Resized
Canon-Resized
Sigma-Resized
Sigma-Resized