Comparison: Sigma 24-70 hsm/Sony 24-70 zeiss

After some support from my fellow dyxumers. here is a quick comparison between the sigma 24-70mm HSM and the sony 24-70mm zeiss. Dont scroll down right away, try to guess which was taken with which camera. results are at the bottom. all pictures were untouched other than WB in lightroom. all were taken with an a900, fine jpeg, awb, exposure +0.7, aperture priority.

Wide angle IQ Test
Picture#1

DSC02011 by captb, on Flickr
1:1 view

1cropped by captb, on Flickr

Picture #2

DSC02013 by captb, on Flickr
1:1 view

2cropped by captb, on Flickr


Zoom IQ Test
Picture#1

DSC02014 by captb, on Flickr
Picture #2

DSC02012 by captb, on Flickr


Bokeh/wide open test
Picture set #1
f/2.8

DSC02021 by captb, on Flickr
f/3.2

DSC02022 by captb, on Flickr
f/3.5

DSC02023 by captb, on Flickr
f/4

DSC02024 by captb, on Flickr
f/4.5

DSC02025 by captb, on Flickr

Picture set #2
f/2.8

DSC02026 by captb, on Flickr
f/3.2

DSC02027 by captb, on Flickr
f/3.5

DSC02028 by captb, on Flickr
f/4

DSC02029 by captb, on Flickr
f/4.5

DSC02030 by captb, on Flickr


Color Test
Picture #1

DSC02031 by captb, on Flickr

Picture #2

DSC02032 by captb, on Flickr

I have to say, you can see a bit more detail in the zeiss but not much. also, the metering with the sigma was consistently overexposed but of course you can lower that by lowering the exposure one stop. colorwise, i was surprised that the sigma seemed to be closer to reality. but that may just be how i white balanced. im particularly looking at the orange in the box. also, my monitor isnt calibrated so that may be a factor as well.

I know this test wasnt very detailed but I hope the side by side comparison can help some people decide if they want to upgrade.

Although the differences are subtle, i was able to correctly guess each set. In the wide and zoom tests, I could tell from the better contrast and sharpness in the cheeks of the toy, and the bokeh test, I could tell the Zeiss was smoother (less outlined bokeh highlights) and in the color test, the yellow gives the Sigma away every time.

spada wrote: Although the differences are subtle, i was able to correctly guess each set. In the wide and zoom tests, I could tell from the better contrast and sharpness in the cheeks of the toy, and the bokeh test, I could tell the Zeiss was smoother (less outlined bokeh highlights) and in the color test, the yellow gives the Sigma away every time.

Although IQ of both were similar it is still clear that the zeiss is the superior lens. also, I very much prefer the color of the zeiss to the sigma. if i hadnt already bought the zeiss i think i could justify keeping the sigma.

Edited by captb - 23 February 2012 at 22:01

Thanks for the test.

Thanks for the test indeed.

Now, does anyone have a clue how the Sigma 24-70 hsm compares to the slightly older (recently discontinued) Sigma 24-70 Macro (2.8 aswell)? I purchased the latter (original local Sigma shop/importer), as it was delivered by mistake, but I also paid only half the price than for the hsm version.

Jeroon wrote: @Captb: In your Color Test, picture #1 (Zeiss), I see a blue line above the Sony box. In picture 2 (Sigma) the blue is barely visible. Is it chroma, colour fringing or something else?

Appears to be a tiny wedge of blue-screen showing on a monitor, in the background...