The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG 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 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM and see how good it will perform specifically for video, cinematography and filmmaking.
This article aims 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?
- Features:
- Control:
- Basics:
- Alternatives to the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM
TLDR;
What you need to know for video work about the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H)
- The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM is a great ultra wide to wide focal length lens.
- f/2.8 aperture is amazing for low light filmmaking. It can prove to be useful for capturing timelapses of the night sky.
- 9 blade aperture for softer, better bokeh.
- Superior Optical performance, unmatched sharpness.
- The lens doesn’t have OS, but you will get some stabilization with a camera that has IBIS.
- It exhibits breathing.
Can be great for the following types of filmmaking:
- Wedding filmmaking
- Documentary filmmaking
- Gimbal use
- Drone use
- Architectural work and landscapes
- Astro filmmaking
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 Sigma claims that 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 lenses for the same mount. This is an odd choice by Sigma.
HSM refers to their ring-type hypersonic autofocus motor in that lens.
Features
Coverage
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG 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 any other cinema camera, check out this article:
Focal Length
The minimum focal length is 14mm. This is considered ultra-wide on a full-frame 35mm sensor.
The maximum focal length is 24mm. This is considered wide on a full-frame 35mm sensor.
This focal range is very useful for long shots and wide shots.
Aperture
The maximum aperture is f/2.8 and the minimum aperture is f/22.
Having f/2.8 is great for low light. Most people will use it at f/2.8 for the purpose of getting optimum sharpness, and to get soft out of focus backgrounds. Coupling this wide of an aperture with an ultra-wide focal length is a feat of modern technology.
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H) has 9 circular diaphragm blades. One expects a smooth bokeh but it’s not always a given. To know more about bokeh:
Resolution
From Sigma’s official MTF charts:
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H) is sharp enough in the center and manages to keep it fairly consistent towards the edges.
This is a fantastic performance for a 14-24mm. It’s groundbreaking in many ways. An ultra-wide lens with such an amazing optical performance at a relatively affordable cost is practically unheard of.
With the variance in the Sagittal and Tangential lines, you can infer (somewhat) that the bokeh won’t be as smooth as the best prime lenses on the planet.
If you really want this lens at its sharpest you’re better off stopping down to f/2.8 or even f/3.5 for best results.
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 is 0.26 meters or 0.80 feet. That’s nice for this focal length because you can use it for close-ups as well as wide shots. Getting up close with an ultra-wide focal length can make up for some great shots.
Image Stabilization
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H) lens doesn’t have OSS. Using it with the Sony Alpha 1 or the a7S III with an adapter can provide it with some image stabilization.
Is it Parfocal?
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H) is not a parfocal lens. To know what a parfocal lens is, check this out:
Control
Manual focus system
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H) has an infinite turn ring for its focus ring and can turn infinitely one way or the other. Unfortunately, the 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art does not have Linear Manual focus or fly by wire focus set by default.
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 Linear MF in this lens by Sigma does not make it a preferred lens for videographers and cinematographers.
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. Remember 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 manually change the focal length from 14mm to 24mm and anywhere in between.
There is no zoom lock, unfortunately. The lens extends by over two inches when zoomed in.
Basics
Filter Thread
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H) is not compatible with any filters due to its protruding front lens element.
Build Quality
The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, though the lens doesn’t feel cheap.
The optical design consists of 17 elements in 11 groups, including SLD glasses, FLD glasses and aspherical lenses.
Size and Weight
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H) has a diameter of 96.4mm and a length of 135.1mm. It weighs around 1,150 grams. It is pretty hefty but it is okay considering the class and lens construction.
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):
- Cover lens cap (LC964-01)
- Case
The hood is integrated into the lens to protect the protruding frontal element. It might be useful for photography, but the shape and design makes it mostly vestigial for video work. It does take the impact and shatters when dropped, and protects the lens, but you’ll need a matte box for serious video work to avoid flare.
Alternatives to the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Lens
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H) is a great wide-angle lens. Their only alternatives are:
- Recommended: Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 GM (Amazon, B&H) – Expensive, heavier, bigger aperture with more blades, wider field of view.
- Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H)- Wider field of view, smaller aperture.
- Canon EF 11-24mm f/2.8L USM – Expensive, a bit wider field of view.
I hope you found this overview of the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM (Amazon, B&H) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.
