Sigma 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review:
When Sigma created the I Series, its goal was to give photographers a bunch of exceptional lenses without the bulk or weight. Over just a short period of time, they have steadily created more, and more with these characteristics giving photographers a range of optics that extend from mid-tele to wide angle so far. Speaking of wide angle, there is a 24mm f3.5 that I reviewed a while back that is an absolutely lovely lens but for those who need a larger maximum aperture, there is the new 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens. This lens (along with the new 90mm DG DN, which I reviewed here) has just been released today, and thanks to Sigma, I was able to test it out before hand to get a feel of it, and to see its capabilities. Here’s my full review.
Sigma 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Lens Build Quality:
Let’s start off with build quality, which is excellent. Like the rest of the I Series lenses, the new 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens has an all-metal body with high precision internal parts that are also made of metal resulting in an optic that feels rock solid in the hands. There is an aperture ring, which clicks solidly in third stops as you rotate it. It’s something that I’m a huge fan of because I used to shoot with the Leica M system before switching to the SL system. I have no regrets about switching but I do miss the aperture ring on the native lenses, which the SL lenses do not have. There’s also a focus ring that is smooth in operation. Both rings have knurled surfaces for a great tactile feel. There’s also a brass bayonet mount, a newly designed arc-type auto/manual focus switch, and rubber sealing at the mount to give this lens dust and weather resistance.
↑ Here’s the Leica SL2 with the 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens attached.
As for ergonomics, the new 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens is compact and light. As you can see from the specs, it measures just 2.75 x 2.8 inches (70 x 72mm), and weighs just 12.9 oz (365 g). While not as small, and a bit heavier than the 24mm f3.5 DG DN (review here), it does gain more flexibility by having a larger maximum aperture. It’s also still a lens that is the perfect size to take anywhere with you, which is especially important, since a 24mm lens is an extremely versatile focal length. For some, it’s a lens that will be their constant companion because it’s great for travel, street photography to even landscape just to name a few. This is a lens that you can definitely walk around with all day long without feeling fatigue. You can mount it on your camera all the time because it doesn’t make your camera front heavy. It’s also still compact enough where you can be more discreet for street photography, for instance.
↑ Here’s how the 24mm f2 compares to some other lenses in terms of size from left to right: 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens, Summicron-SL 90mm f2 ASPH, 90mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens, and Summilux-M 50mm f1.4 ASPH Black Chrome.
Another note worth mentioning is that the 24mm f2 DG DN doesn’t replace the 24mm f3.5 DG DN Contemporary lens that was released in December 2020. The 24mm f3.5 is still in production. This just gives people more options, which makes sense given that the 24mm focal length is quite popular among photographers. For those who just don’t need the larger maximum aperture, you can go ultra compact, and get the 24mm f3.5, which is currently the smallest I Series lens. You can also save some money in the process. The new 24mm cost $639, while the 24mm f3.5 costs $549. Also, the 24mm f3.5 has less visible focus breathing, which might help for video work.
Another point worth noting is that if you’re looking for an exceptionally compact system, the 24mm f3.5 matches quite well with the 45mm f2.8 DG DN (review here), and the new 90mm f2.8 DG DN (review here). All together, these lenses will cover a wide range, and will be more than enough for many users. In addition to being compact and light lenses to work with, they all share a 55mm filter thread diameter, so you can use the same filters, which can be especially beneficial for video work. They also have a combined weight of just 735 g/25.9 oz.
Getting back to the 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens, in addition to the excellent build and ergonomics, there are also several accessories that are included with the lens. For instance, there is a knurled metal lens hood that is a simple twist on locking type. It matches the lens quite well in terms of size and appearance. There are also two lens caps included. One is a plastic snap on type that typically come with most lenses, while the other is a magnetic metal lens cap. It’s a really cool accessory that is also felt lined on the inside part, so it won’t mark up your lens when it is attached. You can also purchase the Sigma CH-11 Magnetic Cap Holder, which has a carabiner to clip to things like your bag or belt loop.
↑ The 24mm f2 does come with a knurled metal lens hood.
↑ Here’s the back of the magnetic metal lens cap.
↑ As you can see, the magnetic metal lens cap attaches perfectly to the 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens.
Sigma 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Lens Autofocus:
As for autofocus, the 24mm f2 DG DN uses an STM motor that I found to be not only essentially silent but fast as well. I’ve been testing this lens with my Leica SL2, and the combo is a perfect match. The lens’ autofocusing capabilities are so efficient that it was something that was never even on my mind when I was using the camera and lens combo. All I did was point and click. It was truly as simple as that. It’s worth noting that the autofocus is very accurate as well.
The autofocus also works great with the face detection turned on in my SL2. It had no problems finding a face, and locking on every time as the camera took pictures and the subject changed poses. The autofocus is just drama free, which is what we all want.
To further add to this lens’ versatility, you can focus at 1:2 magnification just like the 24mm f3.5. So, you can focus very closely with a wide angle lens giving you a unique perspective.
Sigma 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Lens Image Quality:
Let’s discuss image quality now, which is fantastic by the way. As I said earlier, I was using this lens with my SL2, which has 47 megapixels, and no anti-alias filter. Together, they produce images that are phenomenal in terms of image quality.
↑ This was taken in the Oculus with 250 ISO, and the lens set at f5.6.
↑ This was taken using f8 and 160 ISO.
↑ Here’s another photo taken with f8 and 160 ISO.
It begins with sharpness, which is quite impressive. At f2, the 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens is razor sharp in the center with even edges, and corners nearly as sharp. Stopping down sharpens up the image just a bit but overall, I wouldn’t worry about what aperture you use, if you’re after maximum sharpness because this lens performs superbly throughout its aperture range. The images are just so crisp and clear. There’s just so much micro detail.
↑ This photo was taken with f4 and 100 ISO.
↑ Here’s a 100% crop of the photo above.
↑ It was so hot and hazy when I was reviewing this lens. This was taken under the FDR Drive using f8 and 125 ISO.
↑ Here’s a 100% crop of the photo above.
↑ Here’s a photo taken at f2 using 100 ISO.
↑ Here’s a 100% crop of the photo above.
Besides sharpness, other characteristics of the 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens include great three dimensional pop. In other words, images don’t look flat. Color and contrast rendering are excellent as well. There is some vignetting at f2 but that is to be expected. Stopping down by just one stop significantly reduces it. As for flare, it is highly resistant to it overall although there were one or two cases where there was a slight issue. Nothing to be concerned about though. Remember, this is a review, so I try to nitpick more but overall, the optics are just impressive, and you’ll get some superb images out of this lens. It was truly a pleasure to use.
↑ I thought the lighting inside the Oculus was really cool. This was taken using 160 ISO and f5.6.
↑ This was taken around Zuccotti Park. The settings here were f2.8 and 640 ISO.
↑ Here’s a photo taken around the Civic Center using f8 and 320 ISO.
Sigma 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Lens Bokeh:
As for bokeh, with its 9-blade rounded diaphragm (2 more than the 24mm f3.5 has), you can expect a buttery smooth and distinctive look. This is a wide angle lens, so achieving shallow depth of field is still always going to be a bit more difficult than using something like a 50mm, for example, but you’ll definitely have an easier time with this f2 version than with the 24mm f3.5 DG DN. That f2 maximum aperture will make a noticeable difference in this area. What also helps is this lens’ ability to focus closely as well. The result is bokeh that is creamy, and velvety with nothing that is harsh, at least to me. I generally shoot of my wide angles stopped down, so a fast lens is wasted on me haha but it’s still definitely nice to be able to get these kinds of images from this 24mm when the situation calls for it.
↑ Here’s a photo taken at f2 using 100 ISO. This was purposely shot further away to show you how the bokeh looks like from a distance.
↑ Here’s another photo taken with f2 and 100 ISO.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
- Excellent build.
- Metal lens hood.
- Magnetic lens cap (in addition to the snap on lens cap).
- Great ergonomics; compact and light.
- Excellent autofocus.
- 1:2 magnification focusing capabilities.
- Stellar image quality.
- Decent bokeh.
- Great price.
Cons:
- Not much…maybe lack of image stabilization but it’s not needed in my opinion.
Sigma 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Lens Verdict:
Overall, I feel the 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens is one of the best wide angle primes to come out for L mount so far. After using this lens, I found it was just such a well-balanced optic in every aspect. It’s well-made, and while it has a large f2 maximum aperture, it’s ergonomics are still fantastic. This is still a lens that is easy to carry around, and tuck into the little corner in your bag. To top it off, it has excellent autofocus, and of course, the image quality is superb.
↑ This was taken near the WTC. The settings were f5.6 and 160 ISO.
↑ This was taken somewhere around Wall Street. The settings were f5.6 and 250 ISO.
↑ Here’s a photo taken with the lens set at f8 and the camera set at 125 ISO.
What I feel is like the icing on the cake is the price, which is $639. That’s pretty decent when you consider all that you’re getting here, which is something that will perform up there with some of the best lenses in this class and range. It’s also not a huge increase over the 24mm f3.5 DG DN Contemporary lens in terms of price, so for those that really need the larger maximum aperture, and don’t mind getting a lens that is a bit bulkier, the 24mm f2 is something that is more easily attainable. Just a reminder, the 24mm f3.5 retails for $549.
↑ This was taken using f11 and 640 ISO.
↑ Here’s a photo taken in Bay Ridge using f8 and 100 ISO.
↑ Here’s one last photo of the Leica SL2 with the 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens attached.
One last note: there aren’t many native wide angle primes for L mount yet that I can think of off the top of my head, and in my opinion, the 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens really helps fill this void. I think Sigma deserves a big thumbs up here. For those that think they have to settle for say a lens that is not only manual focus but will also need an adapter, you don’t need to now. This lens has autofocus, and will attach to the SL2 (or whatever L mount camera you have) with no issues. You might even save some money buying this lens versus going the adapter route.
Bottom line is if you’re looking for a 24mm lens for your L mount camera, this is definitely an option that you should consider. It’s really well put together, and one of my favorites to come from Sigma.
Thanks for taking the time to read my review! If you’re considering purchasing the Sigma 24mm f2, and my review helped you decide, please help support this site by purchasing from the links below or any mentioned in this review. It will not cost you anything extra. Thank you for your support!
Nice reviews of this and the 90. It is amazing how many useful compact lenses that Sigma and Panasonic have put out over the past two years. Originally, I was wanting the Leica SL 24mm which was announced in 2018 with availability in 2020 and then it and the 21 and 28 were delayed until 2021. We finally got the 28. There is a dearth of Leica SL glass. I originally had the Sl and the 24-90 beast and then sold it for the Hasselblad X1D system. I then sold the X1D system to buy a SL2 system when there was a useful selection of Panasonic and Sigma glass. I do not foresee any new Leica SL glass as they have not updated their 2018 announcements 😅.
Anyway, I am seriously considering the 104/1.4 but would like to see a competent comparison review of it and the more compact SL 90/2. You are competent and your style of photography suits the comparison. Hence, part of my reason for monetary incentive to get on
with temptation. The other reason for monetary incentive, is I do not want to be a freeloader. You deserve compensation for your blog efforts but I live in Canada and do most of my shopping with a local camera store so cannot do B& H support. So the $ are really intended to support your blog efforts in general. Cheers, Brian
Hi Brian,
Thanks for taking the time to read them!
As for the Leica L lenses, I agree. As you know, I am a huge Leica fan, so I definitely would like to see more L mount glass. I say put the M designs down for a bit, and start producing some L glass lol. I’m lucky because I don’t need anymore lenses but I definitely want the system to do good.
But at least Panasonic and Sigma are kicking it into high gear. These new I series designs are just killer. I’m really impressed with what they’ve come out with overall. We need more compact lenses that also perform well.
The 90mm SL is really a superb lens. I bought it when it was first released, and the optics are just on another level. I’m not just saying this as a Leica fan; it’s really just so good. I think the 105mm f1.4 is just a completely different beast though. You just won’t get images like the 105mm at f1.4. Those images just look so unique. I’ve been thinking about buying that lens as well.
I also greatly appreciate the support but I definitely do not a freeloader :). I’m more than happy to converse with you about any of this stuff. I genuinely enjoy our conversations, and no monetary support is ever needed but I thank you for even thinking about it.
I’ll get to the 105mm. It’s on my list but lenses keep popping up to review haha. I have a few shoots I have to do before November, so I’m hoping to get them done this month or the first part of October. If that happens, I can then review the 105mm. I can definitely get one anytime, so the review will happen.
Again, I really do appreciate the support, and it is great to always talk gear with you. I really mean it.
Best,
Patrick
I flushed most of my camera systems due to distracted driver related health issues. I own the amazing Panasonic S Pro 16-35/4 lens. I am going to buy a Leica SL 50/2.
I sold my sensational Leica SL 35/2 because 50mm is my core lens. I purchased the 35/2 because the 50 was not available and I owned the m 50/1.4. i never did warm up to a 35/2 and it was redundant to my amazing 16-35/4. It was glorious but it was gathering dust. But it did clarify my needs.
So now I need to decide between a SL 90 and a Sigma 105/1.4. I think I know the answer but I do not want to flush another lens without a competent review. I think the 105 will deliver unique images which is my priority. I live in a relatively remote area so I do not even get to fondle equipment before buying. Hence, your perspective is invaluable to me. I have being following you since you did the Leica m 18/3.5 review. I sold it once I got the panny zoom but it was incredible.
I’ll try to make it my best review, Brian :). Trust me, I’ve been dying to shoot with it haha. I’ve just been swamped with edits, shoots, and other reviews. I’ll definitely get it though :).
I am delighted if you are busy. It is tough to be a successful photographer these days.
Haha thanks Brian. Means a lot. Just dreaming of the day I can retire, and move down to Barbados with my fishing rod haha :).
I have the 24mm F3.5, and I’m not sure if I should sell it to buy the F2. I love the size and weight of the F3.5 version. I would love a faster lens.
Hi,
That’s a tough choice; the 24mm f3.5 is a great travel lens, and the optics are excellent but if you do need the speed, know that the f2 version isn’t that much larger. It’s still manageable, and a lens that you can shoot with all day long.
Best,
Patrick
This off topic, but what are your thoughts on the Sl 50/1.4 versus Sl 50/2 APO wide open? I keep bouncing between them as my next purchase.
After a bit of research today, I am strongly leaning toward the rendering of the 50/1.4.
It’s huge and heavy but they wanted a perfect 50mm f1.4, and this is just about as good as it gets.
Have you been on my Insta? The SL 50mm f1.4 is my most used lens. Almost all my Leica photos have been taken with just that one lens. It is by far my favorite lens ever. In my opinion, this lens is not just hyped by Leica, it truly does set a new standard for f1.4 50s. So, if you’re asking which is better, I think you know what I would choose haha.
Hi Patrick, I am going to go for the Sl 50/1.4. I strongly prefer the rendering from it over the SL 50/2. My highest priority is capturing unique images. I would rather carry a fast prime over a zoom. I used to own the 24-90 which was an amazing zoom but sold it as a fast prime offers me more creative options and with the SL2 I can crop the image for longer focal lengths. I have also discovered that Topaz Gigapixel software allows me to upsize high quality images. I am having to rethink my whole photography paradigm with high pixel cameras (crop) and gigapixel artificial intelligence on increasing image size. In the end, I think I will end up with Panasonic S Pro 16-35/4, Leica Sl 50/1.4, and Sigma 105/1.4 (crop to 200mm). I have an M 9 which I will never sell. I have the Leica m 28/5.6 which is minuscule and a gorgeous lens for street. I have the voigtlander 50/3.5 which is sensational and tiny. I plan to buy the Voigtlander 21/1.4 which has sensational rendering based on reviews I have seen. I also use the m mount glass on the SL2 for a light kit along with the M9.
i strongly recommend the voigtlander m 50/3.5 to you. It seems like an APO lens and is fabulous when you do not need F/1.4.
Hi Brian,
The 50 SL is unique and also technically brilliant. It’s literally the lens I use 99 percent of the time for all my own fashion and boudoir work. Plus, I need at least one SL lens that is faster than f2. I need the flexibility.
As for upsizing, I haven’t tried Topaz Gigapixel but I hear good things about it. Have you tried Photoshop CC’s RAW upsizing abilities? It is quite amazing. You can turn any RAW, jpeg or TIFF file into an “enhance” version. The quality is excellent; I’ve even tried it on lower resolution jpegs and I was impressed with what I saw.
Your kit sounds perfect. You’ll cover a big range, and it’s funny because you’re not the only person that has recommended that Voigtlander lens to me. I was actually suppose to review it a while back but it just got lost in the mix. Maybe I’ll request a copy in the coming months.