Lecture Notes: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 vs Sony G Master Lens Comparison

Overview

• Discussion of Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens vs Sony G Master Lens
• Sigma offers a $1,300 savings for Sony shooters
• Focus on sharpness, bokeh, stabilization, and general performance testing

Sponsorship

• Thanks to KH for supporting the review
• KH offers used gear with warranties and return periods
• Discount code available for purchases and bonuses for selling gear

Design Features

• Sigma lens includes an aperture ring
• Similar buttons and dials to the Sony
  • Declick aperture for video shooters
  • Focus limiter settings
  • Stabilization control
• Weight:
  • Sigma is heavier by about 6 oz compared to Sony
• Internal zoom mechanism to prevent dust
• Available for Sony E-mount and L-mount (Panasonic full frame)

Portrait Testing

• First tests conducted using strobe lighting
• Comparison of sharpness and autofocus between lenses
  • Both lenses performed well across various focal lengths
  • No noticeable difference in sharpness, bokeh, or chromatic aberration
• Backlighting test to assess contrast
• No significant difference in performance observed
  • High-quality lenses should handle contrast well

Focal Shrinking Issue

• Focal shrinking observed with both lenses
  • At close distances, images appear wider (using extension tube)
  • Both lenses closer to 150mm rather than 200mm when zoomed in close
• This effect is common across other 70-200mm lenses in the market

Sports Testing

• Performance comparison in fast-paced environments
• Sigma lagged in frame rate compared to the Sony lens when tested at 30 fps
  • Sigma produced far fewer in-focus shots
• Sigma doesn’t work well with teleconverters compared to Sony lenses
  • Teleconverters failed to set aperture and autofocus with third-party lenses

Conclusion

• Sigma lens is a strong option for portrait and event shooting
• For sports shooters, the Sony lens may be superior due to better autofocus and frame rate performance
• If using a teleconverter, Sony lens is recommended
• Optical quality and handling of Sigma is commendable

Reference

• KH for purchasing/selling used gear
  • 21-day return and 180-day warranty policy
• Thank you for watching and engaging with content.
• Reminder to like, share, and subscribe!