Review by Klaus Schroiff, published August 2015

Introduction

Despite having improved the overall quality of their Art series lenses, Sigma managed to keep the price tags on a really fair level which is surely a relieve for many potential customers since the original manufactures are keep on driving their products to insane levels here. The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | Art sells for roughly 850US$ (800EUR) vs 1550US$ (1400EUR) for the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 USM L II which is food for thought. Neither lenses did really impress us on the full format so let's see whether things improve for the Sigma on the EOS 7D II.

Sigma's "Art" series tend to have a superb build quality and the 24mm f/1.4 is no exception to this rule. Besides some metal parts, Sigma uses a new material called TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) which contributes to the high quality perception. The broad focus ring is nicely rubberized and operated smoothly. The physical length of the lens remains constant thanks to internal focusing. One aspect is a bummer though ... there is no weather sealing which may shy off some customers. A petal-shaped (plastic) lens hood is part of the package.

The lens features HSM, which is Sigma's version of an ultrasonic drive. Typical for many HSM lenses, the AF is virtually silent and very fast - at least in conventional phase-detection AF mode. Contrast AF in Live-View mode is usable and has improved quite a bit in the latest DSLR generation. The lens is also compatible with Sigma USB dock so you can tune the AF calibration at will if you see the need and are willing to invest a little extra.