The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H) is primarily a photography lens, though it will be used for video.
In this article let’s take a comprehensive look at the important features and specifications of the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM and see how good it will perform specifically for video, cinematography and filmmaking.
I think it is important to mention that Sigma is a third party lens manufacturer and its performance cannot be justly compared to the native lenses.
The aim of this article is to provide you with enough information and perspective so you can decide for yourself whether this lens is right for your film or video.
Important: This article is a comprehensive overview of the lens with available information; and an analysis based on our experience shooting for almost two decades. It is not a hands-on review. If and when we get hold of the lens we’ll be sure to publish a detailed review. If this is not your cup of tea you can stop reading.
Click to what you want quickly:
- TLDR;
- What does DG HSM mean?
- Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art vs Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II IS USM
- Features:
- Control:
- Basics:
- Alternatives to the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM
TLDR;
What you need to know for video work about the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H):
- The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM is a great general purpose lens.
- This could be the most preferred all rounder lens.
- The f/4 aperture is good enough for low light work.
- 9 circular blade aperture for smoother, better bokeh.
- The lens does have image stabilization with Optical Stabilization. With cameras that have IBIS you can expect even better Image stabilization.
- It is much cheaper than the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.
- It exhibits breathing.
Can be great for the following types of filmmaking:
- Wildlife filmmaking
- Sports Filmmaking
- Wedding filmmaking
- Travel filmmaking
- Documentary filmmaking
- Corporate videos and low budget commercials
What does DG HSM mean?
According to Sigma, DG refers to the lenses that are designed specifically for full frame DSLR cameras. Sigma claims that their DG DN lenses are designed specifically and exclusively for full frame mirrorless cameras.
So while the DG HSM will work with a full frame mirrorless camera, but, according to Sigma, a DG DN lens will communicate better with the camera than the DG HSM lens.
If you observe the mounts available for the DG HSM zoom lenses, you will realize that Sigma has not made a DG HSM zoom lens for Sony’s E-mount but has made many DG HSM prime lens for the same mount. This is an odd choice by Sigma.
HSM refers to their ring-type hypersonic autofocus motor in that lens.
Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art vs Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II IS USM
| Lens | Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art | Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II IS USM |
| Filter Thread | 82mm | 77mm |
| Size | 88.6mm × 109.4mm | 83.5mm x 118mm |
| Weight | 885g | 795g |
| Image stabilization | Present | Present, 4 stops |
| Max. Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Min. Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 blades | 10 blades |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 84°10’– 23°30′ | 84°- 23°20’ |
Sigma is a third party lens manufacturer, so this is not an apples to apples comparison. Native lenses will always have an edge over third party lens manufacturers, when it comes to the communication with the camera system. While being a third party lens manufacturer, Sigma has become a tough competitor to many major lens manufacturers.
The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II USM (Amazon, B&H) is slightly lighter and shorter than the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H). I believe that the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 will have better stabilization than the Sigma variant.
Here is a resolution comparison:
Both the lenses deliver comparable performances. We suggest you test out both to get an understanding of the look that you want.
Features
Coverage
The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H) is a full frame lens. It is designed to completely cover a sensor the size of 36mm x 24mm.
If you are considering this lens for an APS-C sensor or other cinema camera, check out this article:
Focal Length
The minimum focal length is 24mm. This is considered wide on a full frame 35mm sensor.
The maximum focal length is 105mm. This is considered medium telephoto on a full frame 35mm sensor.
This focal range is very useful. It means you can cover an event in a room with the wide end. If you’re standing in a large hall at the other end, the 105mm end will be very useful. This is why this focal range is popular.
It does come with its set of compromises. When you try to get that much zoom, you compromise on the aperture (which is why it’s only an f/4) as well as the consistency in optical characteristics – fall off is different due to differences in the image circle, sharpness will not be entirely matched, etc.
This versatility in focal range is very useful for telephoto work, interviews, close ups as well as long and wide shots.
Aperture
The constant maximum aperture is f/4 and the constant minimum aperture is f/22.
Having f/4 is enough for low light. You won’t be getting those smooth, extremely blurry background shots with an aperture this small.
The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H) has 9 circular diaphragm blades. One expects a smooth bokeh, considering the number of blades, but it’s not always a given.
To know more about bokeh:
Resolution
From Sigma’s official MTF charts:
At 24mm, the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H) is sharp enough in the center and has a steep falloff towards the end.
Whereas, at 105mm, the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM is sharp enough in the center and has better than the performance at 24mm.
With the variance in the Sagittal and Tangential lines, you can infer (somewhat) that the bokeh won’t be proportionally smooth as the best prime lenses on the planet.
If you are curious and want to read the MTF chart for yourself. Here’s a guide on how to read them easily.
Close Focus
The closest focusing distance of the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM is at 0.45 meters or 1.47 feet.
This promotes versatility of the lens which can do close ups, macros and as well as telephoto shots.
Image Stabilization
The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H) lens does have Optical Stabilization. Using it with a camera that has IBIS (like the Sony Alpha 1 or the a7S III or the Canon R6 with adapters) you get even better stabilization.
You cannot expect it to be as good as the industry’s leading manufacturers but it will still come in handy on the field.
Control
Manual focus system
The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H) has an infinite turn ring for its focus ring and can turn infinitely one way or the other. Sadly, it does not have the option to switch from focus by wire to fly by wire.
What is the meaning of focus by wire and fly by wire?
Focus by wire: Let’s say you turn the focus ring to change focus from point A to B. You’d expect the focus to shift accordingly. When you stop point B will be in focus. Now bring the focus point back to A and try again, but at a different speed. Slower or faster, doesn’t matter. Now, even if you precisely rotate to the exact same degree, the focus will not be on point B! The speed of rotation determines which point it is focused on. That’s just completely useless for follow focus work. If an actor or person moves at a different speed, evens lightly, you’ll never get the same focus. Avoid focus by wire lenses like the plague (for video work).
Fly by wire: The distance of focus shifted is directly proportional to the speed at which the ring is turned. This is how a manual focus ring is supposed to operate for video and cinematography.
This decision to exclude fly by wire or linear MF by Sigma could lead to cinematographers and videographers thinking twice before choosing this lens for their next shoot.
Autofocus system
Sigma’s autofocus is improving day by day, but it is nowhere near the precision and reliability of Canon or Sony’s autofocus system. Keep in mind, that Sigma is a third party lens manufacturer, i.e. they do not make native lenses. Native lenses, such as Sony’s FE series and Canon’s EF and RF series, have always been better than third party lenses at communicating with their respective cameras.
I do not think anyone will purchase a Sigma lens for its autofocus performance.
Zoom Ring
The zoom ring allows you to shift the focal range from 24mm to 105mm and anywhere in between. Unfortunately, it does not have a lens lock. The lens has a zoom extension of about a couple of inches.
Is it Parfocal?
Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM does not seem to be a parfocal lens. To learn more about what is a parfocal lens, click on the link below.
Basics
Filter Thread
The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H) has a filter thread diameter of 77mm. This is a common filter diameter.
Build Quality
The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, though the lens doesn’t feel cheap.
The optical design consists of 19 elements in 14 groups, including SLD glass, aspherical lenses and FLD glass elements.
Size and Weight
The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H) has a diameter of 83.4mm and a length of 113.3mm. It weighs around 663 grams. It is perfect for run and gun shoots.
Weather resistance
Sigma claims that all their Art lenses are weather resistant. But again this only holds true if the camera body you will be using is also weather sealed. No camera is truly and officially weather sealed, so the best you can hope for is reliable weather resistance. Sigma claims to coat their lenses with dust and moisture repellent.
This is an Art series lens and we can expect it to perform as such.
What’s in the box
This is what you get in the box (other than the lens):
- Petal Hood (LH876-02)
- Case
The hood might be useful for photography, but the shape and design makes it mostly vestigial for video work. Some people like to put it on to protect the front element in case of a fall. The hood takes the impact and shatters, but saves the lens. I’d keep it on unless you have good reason not to.
Alternatives to the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Lens
The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H) is a great wide to telephoto general purpose lens. The only alternative is Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II USM (Amazon, B&H).
I hope you found this overview of the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM (Amazon, B&H) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.
