The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art ($999) is the first full-frame zoom lens with a fixed f/2 aperture throughout its range. That means it captures a lot of light-twice as much when shot wide open compared with an f/2.8 zoom-and can shoot images with a very shallow depth of field.

Very sharp; Maximum f/2 aperture throughout zoom range; 11-inch close focus; Full-frame coverage; Solid build quality

On the heavy side; Distortion throughout range; Fall off at wide apertures; Very small zoom ratio; Omits stabilization

The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art ($999) is the first full-frame zoom lens with a fixed f/2 aperture throughout its range. That means it captures a lot of light—twice as much when shot wide open compared with an f/2.8 zoom—and can shoot images with a very shallow depth of field. Photographers who often switch between 24mm and 35mm primes, or who simply want the versatility of a wide-angle zoom to cover events, are certainly going to be intrigued. But its limited zoom range may turn some shooters off, and while the lens is a strong performer in terms of sharpness, it does exhibit distortion throughout the zoom range and it vignettes at wide apertures. Still, if you don't mind the limited zoom range—and really love shooting with a shallow depth of field—it's a very good choice for a full-frame camera.  DesignLike other lenses in Sigma's Global Vision line, which categorizes glass as Art, Contemporary, or Sports, the 24-35mm ($869.95 at Amazon)  is well-built. Its barrel is covered in ...

The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art is the first f/2 zoom lens for full-frame cameras, and a very sharp one at that, but its range is limited.

Very sharp; Maximum f/2 aperture throughout zoom range; 11-inch close focus; Full-frame coverage; Solid build quality

On the heavy side; Distortion throughout range; Fall off at wide apertures; Very small zoom ratio; Omits stabilization

Jack of all trades: master of none. We're saying it again. It isn't the absolute sharpest lens, but it's close. It doesn't have the absolute best colors, but it's close. Bokeh? Yeah, it's close there too. See where we're going with this?

Handling and Features Performance Verdict Specification Sigma has garnered a solid reputation for excellent optical performance with their Art series of fast aperture prime lenses, and created quite a stir with their 18-35mm f/1.8 zoom lens for APS-C sensor cameras.

Excellent sharpness; Very good build quality; Low CA and distortion; Fast; silent focusing; Very reasonable priced when compared to similar alternatives

Quite large and heavy; No weather sealing

The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens is an intriguing concept, effectively offering three prime focal lengths (24mm, 28mm and 35mm) in one lens at only a slightly higher price than either the existing Sigma 24mm or 35mm Art lenses on their own.

Sigma's latest optic claims the title of being the first full-frame zoom lens with an f/2 aperture, but is it a viable alternative to the manufacturer's wideangle primes? Michael Topham finds out.

Three years ago, Sigma released three new product lines (Contemporary, Art and Sport) with the intention of streamlining its lens range while simultaneously bringing its products up to date.

Ever since Sigma announced their new direction with reorganizing new lenses into three different "Contemporary", "Art" and "Sports" product lines, the company has been successfully rolling out a number of truly groundbreaking lenses.

I am a wedding photographer and more general events. I have used this lens on a minimum of 20 events so much. There is a high quality to the way that this lens captures photos that I have actually never seen prior to in a zoom lens.

low light; fast focusing

plastic

This is an amazing Lens! I'm having fun with it! I am shooting on a cropped sense at the moment (waiting for canons new flagship 5D to be released). The imagines are extremely sharp, as you can expect from Sigmas Art series line up...