Nikon 24-120mm f/4 vs Sigma Art 24-105 f/4: I have recently received my Nikon D850 and am looking for a midrange zoom. I have been reading quite a bit about both the Nikon 24-120mm f/4...

Opusx300

I have recently received my Nikon D850 and am looking for a midrange zoom. I have been reading quite a bit about both the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 vs Sigma Art 24-105 f/4 lenses. There seems to be pluses and minuses on both. I have been leaning towards the Sigma but sometimes I read about focus issues. I would like to hear thoughts from those of you who use either lens. Not looking to get links to comparisons as I have seen plenty of those. Just want honest feedback from users.

Thank you.

Horatio

Like you, I have a Nikon D850. I rented the Sigma Art 24-105 F/4. It was a disappointment. So, I purchased the Nikon 24-120 F/4, and this is turning out to be one of my favourite lenses. Most often the Nikon 24-120, will be the lens I grab, as it is so very versatile. My camera equipment is used hard and often, and this lens has not given me any problems, whatsoever. I am thrilled by the performance and quality of images.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have both. I like both of them.

gwilliams6

i have the Sigma 24-105mm and love it. I use it on my high-megapixel SonyA7R3 with the Sigma MC-11 adapter and it works brilliantly. I has scored tops for resolution and image quality in many tests of similar lenses. I have not used it on Nikon, so I can't really speak to its use there.

I am a longtime pro shooter and could have bought any lens in this range, but chose the Sigma after thoroughly going over the reviews and speaking to other pros who have this lens and recommended it to me. I have nine different lens from 17mm to 600mm, both Sony and Sigma, but this lens gets used more than any other of my top quality lenses. It really is a perfect focal range for many subjects.

It even tested better than Sony's new 24-105mm lens.

Steamboat

DavidPine wrote:

I have both. I like both of them.

Curious ...Why do you have both?

Opusx300

Horatio wrote:

Like you, I have a Nikon D850. I rented the Sigma Art 24-105 F/4. It was a disappointment. So, I purchased the Nikon 24-120 F/4, and this is turning out to be one of my favourite lenses. Most often the Nikon 24-120, will be the lens I grab, as it is so very versatile. My camera equipment is used hard and often, and this lens has not given me any problems, whatsoever. I am thrilled by the performance and quality of images.

Thank you for your feedback. May I ask what, specifically, was such a disappointment about the Sigma?

Horatio

The problems I had were with the focus and sharpness. I took photographs of a list of twenty items, on both the D-5 and the D-850, with the Sigma, and then with the Nikon, and the Nikon exhibited a much better sharpness, in all images. There is a big difference between the megapixels in the D-5 and the D-850, but in both instances, Nikon was the better of the two lenses.

Mostly, when I add a lens or camera body to my bag, I run a series of comparison tests. Before I make a purchase, I rent the lens from Lens Giant to see if I like it. Next, I speak with Brian of Stewart's Photo in Anchorage, Alaska, prior to making my purchase. Brian, would much rather be truthful with you, regarding what photographers from his area and the reviews say, then sell you something you are unhappy with. Sure, he would like to make a sale, but not at the expense of a customer. Overall, I do quite a bit of homework before I make my purchase, and then afterward, I closely compare what I have purchased with what I own, in a series of tests.

Opusx300

Horatio wrote:

The problems I had were with the focus and sharpne... (show quote)

Thank you Horatio. The focus issue is exactly what I am concerned about. I have heard focus issues can pop up quite a bit with the Sigma art lenses and while I know there is a capability to allow for adjusting for focus, I really don’t love the thought of spending a few hours having to fiddle around after having already paid almost $1000 for a lens. I think I will just buy a refurbished Nikon 24-120.

gwilliams6

Absolutely no focus issues using Sigma lenses on Sony cameras. No reviewer has found that. If it is a problem on Nikon, then yes you should stick with the Nikon lens. Canon and Sony uses don't report these issues, but they have slightly different focus systems than Nikon (Canon -dual pixel; and Sony -the widest combo of phase detection and contrast detection points. Both reviewed as much better in video than Nikon.

Horatio

That must be the answer, regarding the fact that Sigma might have some capability problems with the Nikon body. I will say that I am extremely pleased with the Nikon 24-120, even for night photography.

gwilliams6

As long as you are happy with your Nikon 24-120 results, stick with that. Cheers !

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Opusx300 wrote:

I have recently received my Nikon D850 and am looking for a midrange zoom. I have been reading quite a bit about both the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 vs Sigma Art 24-105 f/4 lenses. There seems to be pluses and minuses on both. I have been leaning towards the Sigma but sometimes I read about focus issues. I would like to hear thoughts from those of you who use either lens. Not looking to get links to comparisons as I have seen plenty of those. Just want honest feedback from users.

Thank you.

Both will give you great results. I prefer sticking with the brand, hence my moniker. I do own the 24-120 and it is one of the sharpest Nikon lenses I own. Used it on my son's weddings and was very pleased, and I'm a retired professional wedding photographer and hard to please.

jcwall396 Loc: Roswell, GA

I have the Nikon 24-120 and it's been my "go to" lens for traveling. The IQ is great, no problems with lighting, and it doesn't weigh a ton.

sigpaw

Love my Nikon 24-120 f4.

Got it with the 750 but also swap it to the new 850. Sharp lens and focus is so quick! I've lost count the number of times I've popped it to my eye and shot candids. It never ceases to amaze how sharp and focused, most of those photos turn out.

Have taken it to Alaska and Disney. Light, small and easy to use. It's my "go to" for sure!

Sorry, can't comment on the Tamron since I haven't used it.

romanmel7 Loc: New Hartford, NY

Opusx300 wrote:

I have recently received my Nikon D850 and am looking for a midrange zoom. I have been reading quite a bit about both the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 vs Sigma Art 24-105 f/4 lenses. There seems to be pluses and minuses on both. I have been leaning towards the Sigma but sometimes I read about focus issues. I would like to hear thoughts from those of you who use either lens. Not looking to get links to comparisons as I have seen plenty of those. Just want honest feedback from users.

Thank you.

I have the Nikon d750 and Nikon 24-120mm f/4 combination and posted a few months ago. While I agree that it is sharp, focuses fast enough and is decent in low light with VR, my copy has a distortion in wider angles that bothered me. I took Hoggers' advice and I purchased a refurbished Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, without VR, directly from Nikon. I couldn't be happier. I am about to pull the trigger on the latest Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8. If the reviews are anywhere close, I expect my GAS to be satisfied for some time. No experience with the Sigma, but the next time I am in NYC, I plan to trade in my 24-120mm for a different toy. At this point, I can't say I have missed the extra 50mm reach with the photos I have been taking.