I've read that pre-focusing at 70mm and then zooming to 24mm yields a true par-focal result without software correction, but not vice versa oddly enough.
Another great comparison and I think many people will be considering both of these models as both offer a significant cost savings compared to the Sony GM model (which is getting rather long in the tooth these days if we're being honest). One piece of feedback I'll offer - maybe it was just my display, but in the test chart images, the Sigma seemed to have better contrast (although not by much) across all focal lengths. It wasn't an earth shattering difference, but it was noticeable for my eyes. With that said, the Samyang definitely edges it out on corner sharpness, so as you mentioned, it's very much a pick your poison game here. Supposedly Sony has a new 24-70 GM II in the works, would love to see you review/compare that when it comes out!
My Samyang 24-70 arrived today and here are my first impressions. Tested it on my A7iii and I have to say, it is an absolute joy to use. I normally use Prime lenses and this lens is almost as sharp as some of the prime lenses I used especially at the wide end. The Chromatic Abberation is not as bad as the video for me, maybe its just my copy of the lens being better. There is some CA though, which is understandable, no lens has 0 CA. And although the weight is on the heavier side, it's not uncomfortable to use at all. It's definitely manageable. I actually kinda like it being a bit beefier (I never really liked heavy lenses, since most of my lenses are light) but I don't mind it being heavier. The size is actually not that much different to the Sigma and other 24-70mm lenses. The autofocus is fast and accurate. The minimum focusing distance isn't as good as the Tamron or even the Sigma but I hardly shoot things so upclose anyways. The only thing I wish was better was the zoom ring being so hard to turn sometimes but even that I think will loosen up a bit as I use the lens more. I picked it up Brand new on Ebay for 769 Euros. Absolute bargain! Definitely recommend it if you don't mind the little extra weight.
Hello Paiman, how was the build quality after using it ? I read some forums that the lens mount just went off from the camera, can you share your experience?
@@i.am.purfume2854 been using this lens for half a year and it feel and looks as if it's a new lens. though 24-70 is not my most used focal length so the lens wasn't abused as hard as my tamron 70-180, but so far it seems good
@@PhatsoJuggalo806 I shoot street photography (where I subconsciously let the lens down with my camera in one hand to walk around) and I haven't had any issues so far. I am very conscious of it sometimes though so I try to hold the camera by the lens whenever possible or use both hands. I'm thinking of trading it in for the Tamron 28-75mm G2 lens because of the size & weight but at the same time, that 24mm is something that will leave a dent. I don't know. We'll see but the lens itself is fantastic. The zoom ring has loosened up and does "creep" when lowered down but overall, everything on the lens is good. I hope Samyang can follow Sony with a smaller & lighter 24-70.
@Paiman · same, I was thinking Tamron as well But that extra 4mm with car photography at car shows, i need the widest i can get with the ability to zoom as well. Decision, Decisions lol
Hi Tom, I see the Samyang this morning on sale for £428, discounted by £400 and you can claim free lens dock. At this bargain price is it worth considering? 🤔
As always another great video!! 😍 Something you could "test"/keep an eye on as well: when it comes to zooms which one is wider or longer. On L-mount for example the Sigma 24-70 seems 2mm wider than the Panasonic 24-70 on a normal focus distance from 2-10 meters.
Bought the samyang because i got a good deal on it. In germany you can buy it slightly used for 650€ today, so it‘s a lot cheaper than the sigma. The sigma used costs around the price of a new samyang at the moment
Nice timing. I am currently looking for a standard zoom for my a7RIV. I am suprised you didn't do a three-way comparison by including the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2. I think these are the three options most people will be looking at.
Eventually I will make that video, though zoom reviews are super time consuming to make! It's essentially double the work of a regular review as I need to test all the lenses at both ends of the zoom. 😅
@@hirschkuh1982 Fortunately I was able to obtain a Tamron and SIgma for testing. The Tamron was softer at every focal length. It wins on size and price, but for image quality the Sigma was superior. I tried two different Tamron lenses, so it wasn't a bad copy.
Into germany, it's very easy - Samyang - 764 EUR, Sigma - 1159 EUR - that much more more hereby isn't worth that little, subtle IQ upgrade, since you can do so much in post, and the bokeh of the Sammy is great. It's also comes with weathersealing. So into the end of the day, it's choice between a 28-70(5)/2.8 or 24-70/2.8 (Tamron, Sigma), and the Samyang 24-70/2.8, if you need 24mm Wideangle, which is a plus. Mind you, Sony would release this month a 20-70/F4 G lens, but 1) F4 only and 2) albeit comes at a price - 1599 EUR !
@@TomCalton nice... Here is a tip for that video when reviewing.. Drop the camera into crop mode and compare the cropped 135 f1.8 image vs a full frame 200 f2.8 image. Hehehe that's is of course if you got a 70-200 on hand
Another great video Tom, I bought the Sigma soon after it was announced and have been very pleased with it. Rumour is that the GM will see a MKII version of the 24-70mm this month.
I’m on a slight budget, but I’m also planning to use this on my video setup, meaning weights also a slight issue. So for me I have to decide if an extra 250 grams of weight worth a couple hundred dollars cheaper
It's funny isn't it - having two good options is almost worse than only have one! Although it's great to have good options to pick from, it makes it so hard to choose!
Thanks for this excellent product review and comparison. The Samyang overall seems impressive though not perfect. The lens station might address some of the shortcomings but nothing mentioned here turns me off. Ciao
I might be a massive plank for saying this.... but.... I wish the Sigma had the same aperture ring they've got on their Art primes. I'm guessing it's a lil bit more pushed for space with the zooms because of the zoom rings. I'm a prime shooter and only ever use the aperture ring to change that setting (I'd highly recommend anyone with this on a lens to try shooting like this for a few weeks and see how ya get on). I'm only in the hunt for a telephoto as I might be in a few dusty locations over summer. I'm probably gonna go for the Sigma... but likewise, my instinct is gonna be reaching for the aperture change that just ain't there. It'll be interesting to see if this changes effects my prime shooting.
Fine Review. I'd like to add, that Samyang just released FW 2.0 for their 24-70/2.8, with the following enhancements, some days ago: Version 2 Date 2022-03-28 Details - Added custom mode function optimized for Cine Kit (Linear MF Control) - Improved autofocus performance on video mode on Sony α7SⅡ Into the End, both lenses are excellent for their price point.
Sigma dust problem is not fixed. Even with the updated version numbers the problem persists. Read the comments on online forums. Therefore, contrary to what you suggest, this should absolutely affect one's purchasing decision.
the Samyang was a really good lens for the short time that I had it- was a bit heavy though- but I liked it a lot. image quality and lens performance were excellent... however, there are two really huge problems with it: first, is that the mounting plate is screwed into four small plastic posts- this is all that is holding your lens onto your camera. so let's say you trip and fall and you bang your lens on the ground (which I've done with my sony 28-70mm kit lens- but it still works perfectly), or if your tripod with your camera falls, as mine did, the plastic posts will simply break on impact and your lens will just snap straight off your camera. the second problem is trying to get that repaired. it will not go well because repair shops cannot get any parts for your lens, and Samyang has only one location in the US to fix the things covered by their warranty... so ultimately you'll learn that you've bought a $1000 disposable lens... a real shame because I would have easily replaced it with another. Instead, though I'm gonna miss the 4mm on the wide end, I got the Tamron.
look at the bad reviews on this lense on different websites. people are experiencing the mount on the lens ripping out bc the screws are attached to plastic. personally i believe samyang should right the wrongs for those owners and update the lense before it continues to be sold. the weight of the lens is pulling the mount apart and people are having their lense fall off simply by picking up the camera after a few months. i am a big fan of samyang i own 8mm 2.8, 35mm 2.8, 35mm 1.4, 135mm 1.8 all lenses are very high quality optically and are lighter than the metal sigma counterparts. however samyang needs to address this issue critically. the lens is compromised at $1000 and any other price. i would love to test it but seeing people are having this issue is a real turn off for me.
the 35mm 1.4 i have is the first version and there has been several firmware updates for that and 35mm 2.8 & 135mm 1.8 so its nice to be able to update the firmware if anyone is wondering. the lenses are very responsive on a7iii. The newer bodies cant imagine how advanced they are now
sorry but what a nonsense ‚comparison‘. The Samyang is worse in almost every regard plus 200g heavier (thats a lot!) and yet you always give scores to both 🤦♂️ Dislike!
You are trying to promote samyang, please do not distract the buyers, I have returned 2 samyang lenses, yet they are to go a long ways to be perfect and precise about the quality. So please do not distract your audience.
🤣 Classic "I had a bad experience with a Samyang lens once so therefore this UA-camr MUST be on the payroll" BS. My suggestion - don't sling baseless accusations around like this, it just makes you sound dumb.
@@TomCalton Either way I can think you are on the payroll of SAMYANG/Rokinon to promote these cheap lenses, sharp focusing doesn't mean the precisions, You won't believe one of my trip's videos was totally screwed up because of a focusing issue. I tried 2 of the lenses...both of the lenses disappointed me. Thanks for your judging comment.
I've used about 8 lenses from samyang and had only one with focusing issues (funnily, their newest). I've also used quite a few from Sigma over the years and have had a similar issue with their 35mm - accusing someone of being a shill because their experiences are not like your own is pretty dumb mate. Every company produces duds every now and again, though some more so than others. Sorry you've had 2 dud lenses, doesn't mean everyone else does.
Tom, I presently own the Samyang and I would like to call Bull$h!t on the non-racking...ness of the Samyang when not in use...after some use...it does. It doesn't rack out completely, but it does somewhat. They should have included a "lock". I think they will add one to any future version as I am sure I'm not the only one having this issue.
I've read that pre-focusing at 70mm and then zooming to 24mm yields a true par-focal result without software correction, but not vice versa oddly enough.
Another great comparison and I think many people will be considering both of these models as both offer a significant cost savings compared to the Sony GM model (which is getting rather long in the tooth these days if we're being honest). One piece of feedback I'll offer - maybe it was just my display, but in the test chart images, the Sigma seemed to have better contrast (although not by much) across all focal lengths. It wasn't an earth shattering difference, but it was noticeable for my eyes. With that said, the Samyang definitely edges it out on corner sharpness, so as you mentioned, it's very much a pick your poison game here.
Supposedly Sony has a new 24-70 GM II in the works, would love to see you review/compare that when it comes out!
Thanks! Yeah, I'm excited to see the new GM. Hopefully I can get hold of a test sample when it arrives 🤞🏻
My Samyang 24-70 arrived today and here are my first impressions.
Tested it on my A7iii and I have to say, it is an absolute joy to use.
I normally use Prime lenses and this lens is almost as sharp as some of the prime lenses I used especially at the wide end.
The Chromatic Abberation is not as bad as the video for me, maybe its just my copy of the lens being better. There is some CA though, which is understandable, no lens has 0 CA.
And although the weight is on the heavier side, it's not uncomfortable to use at all. It's definitely manageable.
I actually kinda like it being a bit beefier (I never really liked heavy lenses, since most of my lenses are light) but I don't mind it being heavier.
The size is actually not that much different to the Sigma and other 24-70mm lenses.
The autofocus is fast and accurate. The minimum focusing distance isn't as good as the Tamron or even the Sigma but I hardly shoot things so upclose anyways.
The only thing I wish was better was the zoom ring being so hard to turn sometimes but even that I think will loosen up a bit as I use the lens more.
I picked it up Brand new on Ebay for 769 Euros. Absolute bargain! Definitely recommend it if you don't mind the little extra weight.
Hello Paiman, how was the build quality after using it ? I read some forums that the lens mount just went off from the camera, can you share your experience?
@@i.am.purfume2854 been using this lens for half a year and it feel and looks as if it's a new lens. though 24-70 is not my most used focal length so the lens wasn't abused as hard as my tamron 70-180, but so far it seems good
I want this lens but on the fence because of the claim breakage at the base...hows your going after 10 months?
@@PhatsoJuggalo806 I shoot street photography (where I subconsciously let the lens down with my camera in one hand to walk around) and I haven't had any issues so far.
I am very conscious of it sometimes though so I try to hold the camera by the lens whenever possible or use both hands.
I'm thinking of trading it in for the Tamron 28-75mm G2 lens because of the size & weight but at the same time, that 24mm is something that will leave a dent.
I don't know. We'll see but the lens itself is fantastic.
The zoom ring has loosened up and does "creep" when lowered down but overall, everything on the lens is good.
I hope Samyang can follow Sony with a smaller & lighter 24-70.
@Paiman · same, I was thinking Tamron as well
But that extra 4mm with car photography at car shows, i need the widest i can get with the ability to zoom as well.
Decision, Decisions lol
Well done! Excellent comparison!
Thank you Tom for the informative and helpful comparative video! Learnt a lot! God bless and good luck!
Hi Tom, I see the Samyang this morning on sale for £428, discounted by £400 and you can claim free lens dock. At this bargain price is it worth considering? 🤔
As always another great video!! 😍
Something you could "test"/keep an eye on as well: when it comes to zooms which one is wider or longer. On L-mount for example the Sigma 24-70 seems 2mm wider than the Panasonic 24-70 on a normal focus distance from 2-10 meters.
Bought the samyang because i got a good deal on it.
In germany you can buy it slightly used for 650€ today, so it‘s a lot cheaper than the sigma. The sigma used costs around the price of a new samyang at the moment
Nice timing. I am currently looking for a standard zoom for my a7RIV. I am suprised you didn't do a three-way comparison by including the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2. I think these are the three options most people will be looking at.
Eventually I will make that video, though zoom reviews are super time consuming to make! It's essentially double the work of a regular review as I need to test all the lenses at both ends of the zoom. 😅
@@TomCalton And ideally in the Middle 😛😁
@@TomCalton I always enjoy the videos. Thanks for all the hard work.
The Tamron G2 beats both lenses by a mile. If 28mm is okay, buy the Tamron
@@hirschkuh1982 Fortunately I was able to obtain a Tamron and SIgma for testing. The Tamron was softer at every focal length. It wins on size and price, but for image quality the Sigma was superior. I tried two different Tamron lenses, so it wasn't a bad copy.
Into germany, it's very easy - Samyang - 764 EUR, Sigma - 1159 EUR - that much more more hereby isn't worth that little, subtle IQ upgrade, since you can do so much in post, and the bokeh of the Sammy is great. It's also comes with weathersealing. So into the end of the day, it's choice between a 28-70(5)/2.8 or 24-70/2.8 (Tamron, Sigma), and the Samyang 24-70/2.8, if you need 24mm Wideangle, which is a plus. Mind you, Sony would release this month a 20-70/F4 G lens, but 1) F4 only and 2) albeit comes at a price - 1599 EUR !
My preference is the Sigma, by what I saw in comparing pic’s
Thanks as always Tom. When you think the Samyang 135 1.8 will be available for you to test.?
My pleasure! Thanks for the comment. The 135mm is confirmed for the end of April. The review will likely be released in early May 👌🏻
@@TomCalton nice... Here is a tip for that video when reviewing.. Drop the camera into crop mode and compare the cropped 135 f1.8 image vs a full frame 200 f2.8 image. Hehehe that's is of course if you got a 70-200 on hand
Another great video Tom, I bought the Sigma soon after it was announced and have been very pleased with it.
Rumour is that the GM will see a MKII version of the 24-70mm this month.
I’m on a slight budget, but I’m also planning to use this on my video setup, meaning weights also a slight issue. So for me I have to decide if an extra 250 grams of weight worth a couple hundred dollars cheaper
I already bought a SAMYANG a long time ago... The bad thing is that the zoom ring has come loose and is causing me some inconvenience...
Great comparison as always. Do you have quick thoughts on this Sigma model vs the new Sony GM 24-70 II ? Thank you!
Thanks! Nothing to say yet - I prefer to let the test results do the talking 😊
Mate! Which one should I choose? :D Will check again on the Sony 24-70 comparison.
It's funny isn't it - having two good options is almost worse than only have one! Although it's great to have good options to pick from, it makes it so hard to choose!
Wait for the Sony 24-70 2.8 ii
@@YanFries Will do! 👍
Where I'm from the price is definitely not the same, the Samyang cost about 930$ while the sigma cost 1350$
I really feel the Samyang has more pop, better separation from subject to background.
Thanks for this excellent product review and comparison. The Samyang overall seems impressive though not perfect. The lens station might address some of the shortcomings but nothing mentioned here turns me off. Ciao
How about price being the deciding factor?
I might be a massive plank for saying this.... but.... I wish the Sigma had the same aperture ring they've got on their Art primes. I'm guessing it's a lil bit more pushed for space with the zooms because of the zoom rings. I'm a prime shooter and only ever use the aperture ring to change that setting (I'd highly recommend anyone with this on a lens to try shooting like this for a few weeks and see how ya get on). I'm only in the hunt for a telephoto as I might be in a few dusty locations over summer. I'm probably gonna go for the Sigma... but likewise, my instinct is gonna be reaching for the aperture change that just ain't there. It'll be interesting to see if this changes effects my prime shooting.
Thank you sir. Going for Samyang as love the metal tank. You speech is awesome. Love from New Zealand.
which one is better for Lumix S5 ?
Tom: ask, and you shall receive.
Me: one million dollars, please.
Coming right up... right after I've made my first billion 😅
Great review, I must admit there are quite a few good reviews but Tom Colton is probably in class of its own when it comes to quality of his work...
Your best model is back
I'll pass on the compliment 😁
I think that Samyang has more elegant design & a little cheaper in price 😁♥️
Yeah, I love the look of the Samyang 🤌🏻
1kg is not light though ! I know I’m getting old 😂 but weight matters to me and that’s why the Tamron is even more tempting than those 2 options……
Great Video! Thx
Thanks Christoph!
Can it do macro ??? , Taking pics of people simply doesn't appeal to me
No, neither are technically macro lenses, but the Sigma can focus really close up
Fine Review. I'd like to add, that Samyang just released FW 2.0 for their 24-70/2.8, with the following enhancements, some days ago:
Version 2
Date 2022-03-28
Details - Added custom mode function optimized for Cine Kit (Linear MF Control)
- Improved autofocus performance on video mode on Sony α7SⅡ
Into the End, both lenses are excellent for their price point.
Thanks for the additional info 👍🏻
@@TomCalton You're welcome.
Version 3
Date 2022-06-28
Details - Improved video mode performance on Sony α7MⅡ
Gotta give it to Sigma because of the 200g weight saving and the discounted price due to much earlier release.
i choose samyang coz in my country new samyang lens with warranty cheaper than used sigma lens
I dont get why he didnt even mention the 200g difference. It is massive! Sigma all the way.
Sigma dust problem is not fixed. Even with the updated version numbers the problem persists. Read the comments on online forums. Therefore, contrary to what you suggest, this should absolutely affect one's purchasing decision.
the Samyang was a really good lens for the short time that I had it- was a bit
heavy though- but I liked it a lot. image quality and lens performance
were excellent... however, there are two really huge problems with it:
first, is that the mounting plate is screwed into four small plastic
posts- this is all that is holding your lens onto your camera. so let's
say you trip and fall and you bang your lens on the ground (which I've
done with my sony 28-70mm kit lens- but it still works perfectly), or if
your tripod with your camera falls, as mine did, the plastic posts will
simply break on impact and your lens will just snap straight off your
camera. the second problem is trying to get that repaired. it will not
go well because repair shops cannot get any parts for your lens, and
Samyang has only one location in the US to fix the things covered by
their warranty... so ultimately you'll learn that you've bought a $1000
disposable lens... a real shame because I would have easily replaced it
with another. Instead, though I'm gonna miss the 4mm on the wide end, I
got the Tamron.
look at the bad reviews on this lense on different websites. people are experiencing the mount on the lens ripping out bc the screws are attached to plastic. personally i believe samyang should right the wrongs for those owners and update the lense before it continues to be sold. the weight of the lens is pulling the mount apart and people are having their lense fall off simply by picking up the camera after a few months. i am a big fan of samyang i own 8mm 2.8, 35mm 2.8, 35mm 1.4, 135mm 1.8 all lenses are very high quality optically and are lighter than the metal sigma counterparts. however samyang needs to address this issue critically. the lens is compromised at $1000 and any other price. i would love to test it but seeing people are having this issue is a real turn off for me.
the 35mm 1.4 i have is the first version and there has been several firmware updates for that and 35mm 2.8 & 135mm 1.8 so its nice to be able to update the firmware if anyone is wondering. the lenses are very responsive on a7iii. The newer bodies cant imagine how advanced they are now
Sigma !!!
💪🏻
I went for the Sigma.
AT LAST! ♥
THANKS FOR A GREAT COMPARISON!!!
i pick the samyang because of its red ring lol
Finally
sorry but what a nonsense ‚comparison‘. The Samyang is worse in almost every regard plus 200g heavier (thats a lot!) and yet you always give scores to both 🤦♂️ Dislike!
You are trying to promote samyang, please do not distract the buyers, I have returned 2 samyang lenses, yet they are to go a long ways to be perfect and precise about the quality. So please do not distract your audience.
🤣 Classic "I had a bad experience with a Samyang lens once so therefore this UA-camr MUST be on the payroll" BS. My suggestion - don't sling baseless accusations around like this, it just makes you sound dumb.
@@TomCalton Either way I can think you are on the payroll of SAMYANG/Rokinon to promote these cheap lenses, sharp focusing doesn't mean the precisions, You won't believe one of my trip's videos was totally screwed up because of a focusing issue. I tried 2 of the lenses...both of the lenses disappointed me. Thanks for your judging comment.
I've used about 8 lenses from samyang and had only one with focusing issues (funnily, their newest). I've also used quite a few from Sigma over the years and have had a similar issue with their 35mm - accusing someone of being a shill because their experiences are not like your own is pretty dumb mate. Every company produces duds every now and again, though some more so than others. Sorry you've had 2 dud lenses, doesn't mean everyone else does.
Tom, I presently own the Samyang and I would like to call Bull$h!t on the non-racking...ness of the Samyang when not in use...after some use...it does. It doesn't rack out completely, but it does somewhat. They should have included a "lock". I think they will add one to any future version as I am sure I'm not the only one having this issue.