Sigma 24 70 Vs Tamron 28 75: The Comparison

Hey everyone, today I want to share my experience with two lenses I’ve been using lately: the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2. These are often compared online as Sigma 24 70 Vs Tamron 28 75, and for good reason—they’re both fantastic options for photographers looking for versatile zoom lenses for Sony mirrorless cameras. In this article, I’ll break down my experience with them, comparing everything from build quality to autofocus performance, to help you decide which might be better for your needs.

Now, you might wonder why I’m comparing a 24-70mm with a 28-75mm. They’re not identical, but they cover similar focal lengths, with the Sigma starting wider at 24mm and the Tamron extending slightly longer at 75mm. Both are from third-party brands known for offering great value compared to first-party options. So, let’s dive into the details and see how they stack up.

Sigma 24 70 Vs Tamron 28 75 Comparison

Comparison Table

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick comparison table to give you an overview of the key differences:

Feature	Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art	Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Focal Length	24-70mm	28-75mm
Aperture	f/2.8 – f/22	f/2.8 – f/22
Weight	830g (Sony E-mount)	540g (Sony E-mount)
Dimensions	φ87.8mm × 124.9mm	φ75.8mm × 117.6mm
Build Quality	Metal and plastics, brass mount, weather-sealed	Plastics, metal mount, moisture-resistant
Autofocus	HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor)	VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive)
Image Stabilization	No, relies on IBIS	No, relies on IBIS
Minimum Focus Distance	18cm at wide	18cm at wide
Maximum Magnification	1:2.9 at wide	1:2.7 at wide
Filter Size	82mm	67mm

Build Quality and Durability

As a photographer who often shoots in unpredictable conditions, build quality is always a top priority for me. The Sigma lens feels incredibly robust with its mix of metal and strong plastics, plus a brass mount that gives it a premium feel. It’s also weather-sealed, which means I can confidently use it in light rain or dusty environments without worrying about damage. That peace of mind is invaluable when I’m out on location.

The Tamron, on the other hand, uses durable plastics with a metal mount and is moisture-resistant rather than fully weather-sealed. While it’s not as rugged as the Sigma, it’s still built to last and feels solid in hand. The key difference here is weight—the Tamron is noticeably lighter, which is a big plus for photographers like me who carry gear around all day. If you’re someone who prioritizes portability over absolute durability, the Tamron might be more appealing.

Both lenses come with their own lens hoods to protect from flare and add some protection. The Sigma’s hood is petal-shaped, designed to match the angle of view at different zoom positions, while the Tamron’s is flower-shaped, providing good protection without vignetting. I’ve found both hoods effective, but the Sigma’s feels a bit sturdier.

Ergonomics and Handling

When it comes to handling, both lenses are well-designed but offer slightly different experiences. The Sigma has smooth and precise zoom and focus rings that allow for fine adjustments—perfect for video work or when I need to manually focus quickly. The focus ring, in particular, has just the right amount of resistance, making it easy to control. I’ve used it for precise focusing during macro shots, and it’s been a joy.

The Tamron also has an intuitive layout, with an easy-grip zoom ring that’s slightly larger and more comfortable to use, even with gloves. I found myself appreciating this during long shoots where quick adjustments were needed. Both lenses have customizable focus hold buttons, which I love for locking focus when needed. The Tamron’s focus ring is smooth but might feel a bit loose for some users, though it still allows for full-time manual override, which is great for fine-tuning focus.

Weight and Portability

Weight is a big factor for me, especially when I’m traveling or shooting all day. The Sigma weighs in at 830g and measures φ87.8mm × 124.9mm, which is substantial but manageable. However, compared to the Tamron at just 540g and φ75.8mm × 117.6mm, it feels noticeably heavier. That extra weight can make a difference when you’re carrying your gear around for hours.

The Tamron’s compactness also means it fits more easily into my camera bag, leaving room for other essentials. If you’re someone who values lightweight gear for travel or street photography, the Tamron has a clear advantage here. That said, the Sigma’s weight does give it a more solid feel on the camera, which some photographers might prefer for stability. The heavier Sigma might require a tripod collar for some users, especially when shooting on a tripod, to balance the setup properly.

Optical Quality: Sharpness and Color Reproduction

Optical performance is where both lenses truly shine, but there are subtle differences. The Sigma generally edges out the Tamron in sharpness, especially in the corners at wider apertures. However, unless you’re pixel-peeping or printing large images, the difference is minimal. Both lenses are incredibly sharp across their focal ranges, making them suitable for everything from landscapes to portraits.

When it comes to color reproduction, the Sigma tends to deliver more vibrant and accurate colors, which I love for landscapes where I want the scene to pop. The Tamron, on the other hand, renders colors that are more natural with a slight warm tone—perfect for portraits where I want a subtle, flattering look. Both are excellent, but your choice might depend on whether you prefer punchy or subtle tones.

Both lenses are well-corrected for chromatic aberration, thanks to their advanced optical designs. The Sigma uses special low dispersion (SLD) glass elements to minimize color fringing, while the Tamron employs LD (Low Dispersion) elements for the same purpose. In practice, both lenses show very little CA, even in high-contrast situations, which is a testament to their quality.

Autofocus Performance

Autofocus is critical for me, especially when shooting action or wildlife. The Sigma uses a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), which delivers fast and accurate focusing, even in low light. Some users report that it might have a slight edge in low-light accuracy compared to the Tamron. That said, the Tamron’s Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive (RXD) is also very fast and precise, with the added benefit of being nearly silent—ideal for video work where autofocus noise can be distracting.

In my experience, both lenses perform admirably in most situations. If you’re primarily shooting stills, either will work beautifully. But if you’re doing video, the Tamron’s quieter autofocus might give it a slight edge. I’ve used both for event photography, and they’ve kept up with moving subjects without issue.

Image Stabilization

Neither of these lenses has built-in optical stabilization, so they both rely on the camera’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) if available. For Sony users, most recent models like the A7R IV or A7 III have excellent IBIS, so this isn’t a concern. However, if you’re using an older model without IBIS, you’ll need to be more careful with handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds. I’ve found that with modern Sony bodies, IBIS compensates well for both lenses, making handheld shooting in low light quite feasible.

Other Optical Characteristics

Both lenses are designed to minimize common optical issues like distortion and vignetting. The Sigma has very low distortion across its zoom range, making it ideal for architectural photography where straight lines are crucial. The Tamron also has low distortion but might show slightly more at the wide end.

Vignetting is present in both lenses at f/2.8, especially in the corners, but it’s not severe and can be easily corrected in post-processing. As you stop down the aperture, vignetting becomes negligible. Both lenses also handle flare and ghosting well, thanks to their multi-layer coatings, though the Sigma might have a slight advantage due to its more complex optical design.

Real-World Usage

In my real-world testing, I’ve found both lenses to be incredibly versatile. The Sigma is my go-to for situations where I need that extra wide angle—like shooting interiors or group shots where I want to include more of the scene. The 24mm focal length gives me that extra flexibility that the Tamron’s 28mm start doesn’t quite match.

On the other hand, the Tamron has become my favorite for travel and street photography. Its lighter weight means I can carry it all day without fatigue, and the 75mm end is perfect for candid portraits or when I want a slight telephoto compression. Both lenses excel in low light thanks to their fast f/2.8 aperture, allowing me to shoot with shallow depth of field even in challenging conditions.

For video work, I appreciate the Tamron’s quieter autofocus, which doesn’t distract from audio recordings. However, the Sigma’s autofocus is also very quiet, so it’s not a dealbreaker. In terms of bokeh, both lenses produce beautiful out-of-focus areas, with the Sigma having a slight edge due to its 11-blade diaphragm compared to the Tamron’s 9 blades.

Lens Design and Technology

The Sigma features 19 elements in 15 groups, including 4 FLD (F Low Dispersion) glass elements and 3 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements, which help to correct chromatic aberration and ensure high resolution. It also has one aspherical element to control spherical aberration and distortion. This complex design contributes to its excellent sharpness and clarity.

The Tamron has 17 elements in 15 groups, with 2 XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and 2 LD (Low Dispersion) elements to minimize color fringing. It also includes 3 GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements and 1 hybrid aspherical element for sharp imaging. Both lenses use advanced glass materials to achieve their high optical performance, but the Sigma’s design might give it a slight edge in terms of sharpness.

Compatibility and Future-Proofing

Both lenses are designed for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, but it’s worth noting that the Sigma is also available for L-mount, which might be a consideration if you’re thinking about switching systems in the future. For Sony users, both lenses are fully compatible with all Sony E-mount bodies.

In terms of future-proofing, both lenses support the latest technologies like fast autofocus and are built to high standards, so they should remain relevant for years to come. I’ve used both with newer Sony bodies, and they integrate seamlessly with features like Eye AF and real-time tracking.

User Feedback and Reviews

From various online reviews and user feedback, both lenses have received high praise. The Sigma is often commended for its sharpness and build quality, with many users noting that it’s on par with first-party lenses from Sony. However, some users mention that it’s heavy for long shooting sessions.

The Tamron, on the other hand, is praised for its portability and excellent performance. Some users report that the autofocus can be a bit slow in certain situations, but this seems to be the minority opinion. Overall, both lenses have strong reputations in the photography community, and choosing between them might come down to specific features that matter most to you.

Which One to Choose Based on Your Photography Style

Your choice between these two lenses really depends on your photography style. If you’re a landscape photographer who needs that extra wide angle at 24mm, the Sigma is the better choice. Its sharpness and low distortion make it ideal for capturing vast scenes or architectural details.

For portrait photographers, both lenses are excellent, but the Tamron’s 75mm end might be slightly more flattering for close-up shots compared to the Sigma’s 70mm. The Tamron’s warm color tones also add a nice touch to skin tones.

Event photographers might lean toward the Sigma for its build quality and weather-sealing, as events can be unpredictable and might involve outdoor shooting. Travel photographers, on the other hand, will likely prefer the Tamron for its portability and ease of carrying.

Videographers might find the Tamron’s lighter weight and quieter autofocus more appealing, especially for handheld or gimbal use. But if you’re shooting stills primarily, either lens will serve you well.

Decision-Making: Which One Should You Pick?

So, in the Sigma 24 70 Vs Tamron 28 75 comparison, which one should you choose? It really depends on your priorities. If you often need that extra wide angle at 24mm or value premium build quality and weather-sealing, go for the Sigma. It’s a workhorse lens that can handle tough conditions and deliver stunning results.

But if portability is key for you, or you don’t mind starting at 28mm and appreciate a slightly longer telephoto reach at 75mm, the Tamron is an excellent choice. It’s lighter, more compact, and still delivers outstanding performance.

Ultimately, both lenses are top-notch and will serve you well depending on your specific needs. If I had to pick one for my own kit, I’d lean toward the Tamron for its portability and versatility in travel and street photography. But if I were shooting more landscapes or architecture, I’d definitely opt for the Sigma.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 comes down to your specific needs as a photographer. If you prioritize a wider focal range and premium build quality, the Sigma is the way to go. However, if portability and a slightly longer telephoto reach are more important to you, the Tamron is an excellent choice.

Both lenses offer outstanding optical performance, fast and accurate autofocus, and are built to last. Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a high-quality lens that will enhance your photography. I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed decision. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it’s about what works best for your photography style and needs.

FAQ Section

Q: Is the 24mm vs. 28mm difference a big deal?
A: It depends. For landscapes or tight spaces, 24mm is noticeably wider. For portraits or street, 28mm is usually fine.

Q: Which lens is better for video?
A: Sigma’s smoother focus and minimal breathing make it ideal for video. Tamron’s lighter weight suits handheld shooting.

Q: Are both lenses weather-sealed?
A: Yes, both have weather sealing. Sigma’s feels more robust, but Tamron holds up in light conditions.

Q: Can I use these on APS-C cameras?
A: Absolutely. On APS-C, Sigma’s 24-70mm becomes 36-105mm, and Tamron’s 28-75mm becomes 42-112mm.

Q: Which lens is sharper?
A: Sigma’s slightly sharper across the frame, especially at 24mm. Tamron’s very close, softening a bit at 75mm.