The photography community has been buzzing with excitement as detailed specifications for Sigma’s upcoming 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art II lens have surfaced through industry sources. Based on our analysis of leaked technical documents and insider information, this comprehensive review reveals everything you need to know about Sigma’s next-generation professional zoom lens.
The Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art II represents a significant evolution in Sigma’s flagship professional zoom lineup, featuring substantial improvements in optical design, autofocus performance, and overall handling. These leaked specifications suggest Sigma is positioning this lens as a direct competitor to Sony’s premium GM II series while maintaining their reputation for exceptional value in the professional segment.
As someone who has been following Sigma’s Art series evolution since its inception, I can tell you these specifications indicate Sigma has been listening carefully to professional feedback. The improvements address virtually every criticism of the original version while pushing optical performance boundaries even further.
This analysis will dive deep into every aspect of the leaked specifications, from optical construction details to real-world performance implications, helping photographers understand exactly what this lens brings to the table and whether it lives up to the hype.
Complete Technical Specifications (2025)
Based on the leaked specifications, the Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art II showcases impressive engineering that pushes boundaries in the professional zoom lens category. Here’s the complete technical breakdown:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | A024 |
| Focal Length | 24-70mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 (constant) |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Construction | 19 elements in 15 groups |
| Special Elements | 6 FLD, 2 SLD, 5 aspherical elements |
| Aperture Blades | 11 rounded blades |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 17cm (wide) – 34cm (telephoto) |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:2.7 (wide) – 1:4 (telephoto) |
| Filter Size | 82mm |
| Dimensions | 87.8mm × 120.2mm (L-Mount) |
| Weight | 745g (L-Mount), 735g (Sony E-mount) |
| Autofocus Motor | HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) |
| Weather Sealing | Dust and splash resistant |
| Mount Options | Sony E-mount, L-Mount |
| Lens Hood | LH878-05 (petal-type, included) |
| Special Features | Aperture ring, AFL buttons, Zoom lock switch, Focus breathing minimization |
Looking at these specifications, several aspects immediately stand out. The 19-element optical design is notably complex, featuring an impressive array of special glass elements that should deliver exceptional optical performance across the entire frame and zoom range. The weight reduction compared to the original version is significant, making this one of the lightest professional 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses on the market.
The inclusion of HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) technology for autofocus represents a major upgrade from the previous generation’s motor system. This should translate to significantly faster, quieter, and more precise autofocus performance – crucial for both professional photographers and videographers who need reliable focus acquisition.
Optical Construction Analysis: 19 Elements of Excellence
Sigma’s optical engineering team has clearly pulled out all the stops with the Art II’s optical formula. The 19 elements arranged in 15 groups represent one of the most sophisticated optical designs in the professional zoom category. But it’s not just about quantity – the quality and arrangement of these elements tell a story of careful engineering.
The six FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) elements are Sigma’s premier special glass, designed to perform similarly to fluorite in correcting chromatic aberrations. Having six of these elements in a single zoom lens is extraordinary – most competitors use two or three at most. This should result in virtually no color fringing, even in high-contrast situations at f/2.8.
Complementing the FLD elements are two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements, which work in concert with the FLD glass to tackle residual chromatic aberrations across the entire spectrum. This combination should deliver exceptional color fidelity and contrast, particularly important for professional portrait and landscape work where accurate color reproduction is non-negotiable.
The five aspherical elements are equally impressive. These complex elements correct for spherical aberrations and field curvature while helping to maintain a compact lens profile. What’s particularly notable is that Sigma has managed to incorporate this many aspherical elements without introducing the harsh bokeh rendering that sometimes plagues lenses with excessive aspherical correction.
HLA Technology: The High-response Linear Actuator is Sigma’s latest autofocus motor technology, using magnetic drive to deliver near-silent operation with exceptional speed and precision. Unlike traditional ultrasonic motors, HLA provides smoother focusing transitions crucial for video work.
The optical layout also incorporates Sigma’s latest Super Multi-Layer and Nano Porous Coatings. These work together to minimize flare and ghosting – issues that often plague wide-aperture zoom lenses. The Nano Porous Coating, in particular, features nano-scale pores that absorb stray light rather than reflecting it, resulting in cleaner images when shooting toward light sources.
Key Improvements Over Previous Generation (2025)
Comparing the leaked specifications with the original Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art reveals substantial improvements across virtually every metric. These aren’t just incremental updates – they represent fundamental improvements that address the most common user feedback from the original version.
The most significant improvement comes in the autofocus system. The original lens used a stepping motor, which was competent but showed its limitations in professional applications. The HLA motor in the Mark II represents a generational leap forward, promising 3x faster focusing speeds with near-silent operation. For wedding photographers and event shooters who can’t miss critical moments, this upgrade alone could justify the cost of upgrading.
Weight reduction is another area where Sigma has made remarkable progress. The Mark II sheds approximately 120 grams compared to its predecessor, bringing it down to 735-745g depending on mount. This 14% reduction makes a noticeable difference in hand-holding comfort and fatigue during long shooting sessions. As someone who regularly shoots 8-hour wedding days, I can attest that every gram counts when you’re carrying gear all day.
The aperture blade count has increased from 9 to 11 rounded blades. While this might seem like a minor spec change, it has significant implications for out-of-focus rendering. The additional blades should produce more circular apertures, resulting in smoother, more pleasing bokeh particularly in the f/2.8-f/5.6 range where portrait photographers often work.
Close focusing capabilities have received a substantial boost as well. The minimum focusing distance at 24mm has been reduced from 18cm to 17cm, while the maximum magnification improves from 1:3.3 to an impressive 1:2.7. This makes the lens considerably more versatile for close-up work, food photography, and detail shots without needing to switch to a dedicated macro lens.
Size and Weight Comparison
| Lens | Weight | Length | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma 24-70mm Art II | 735-745g | 120.2mm | 87.8mm |
| Sigma 24-70mm Art I | 855-865g | 124.9mm | 87.6mm |
| Sony 24-70mm GM II | 680g | 120mm | 87.8mm |
Performance Expectations Based on Specifications
While laboratory testing will be needed to confirm real-world performance, the specifications suggest several key performance characteristics that photographers can expect from the Art II based on Sigma’s engineering track record and similar optical designs.
Sharpness should be exceptional across the frame, even at f/2.8. The combination of 13 special elements (FLD, SLD, and aspherical) indicates Sigma has prioritized optical correction above all else. If the original Art lens is any indication, we can expect corner-to-corner sharpness that rivals or exceeds first-party options, particularly in the 24-50mm range where most professional work occurs.
The HLA autofocus motor should deliver performance that satisfies even the most demanding professional users. Based on similar implementations in Sigma’s latest prime lenses, we can expect focusing speeds of 0.15-0.2 seconds from infinity to close focus, with the ability to track fast-moving subjects with minimal hunting. The quiet operation (rated at under 30dB) makes this lens particularly appealing for video work and event photography where autofocus noise is unacceptable.
Close-up performance appears to be significantly improved over the original. The 1:2.7 magnification at 24mm, combined with the 17cm minimum focusing distance, creates interesting creative possibilities. While not a true macro lens, this capability allows for environmental portraits with subject separation and detail shots that previously required carrying additional equipment.
Video shooters will appreciate the focus breathing minimization mentioned in the leaked specifications. The optical design reportedly limits angle-of-view changes during focusing to under 5%, which is excellent for a zoom lens in this class. Combined with the quiet HLA motor and 11-blade aperture, this makes the Art II a compelling option for hybrid photographers who split time between stills and video.
Leak Timeline and Credibility Assessment
The specifications leak for the Sigma 24-70mm Art II follows a pattern familiar to industry observers, with information gradually emerging from multiple sources over several weeks. Understanding this timeline helps assess the credibility of the leaked information and predict an official announcement timeline.
The first credible specifications appeared on photography forums in late April 2025, posted by users with track records of accurate pre-release information. These initial leaks contained basic optical specifications but lacked detailed measurements and feature lists. As May 2025 progressed, additional details emerged, including weight, dimensions, and information about the HLA autofocus motor.
By mid-May 2025, multiple independent sources had confirmed identical specifications, lending credibility to the leak. The consistency across different leakers suggests these specifications are likely accurate rather than speculation. Industry insiders note that this timeline aligns with Sigma’s typical product announcement cycle, with official releases usually following credible leaks by 4-6 weeks.
⚠️ Important: While these specifications appear credible based on multiple independent confirmations, they remain unofficial until Sigma makes an official announcement. Specifications may change between leaks and final production.
The credibility of these leaks is enhanced by their technical consistency. The specifications align with current optical engineering capabilities and Sigma’s established design philosophy. Unlike some leaks that contain impossible or contradictory specifications, the Art II leaks show a coherent engineering approach that builds on Sigma’s existing technologies while introducing logical improvements.
Industry sources suggest an official announcement is likely in late June or early July 2025, with availability beginning in August 2025. This timeline would allow Sigma to coordinate with both Sony and L-Mount partners for simultaneous releases, consistent with their strategy for previous DG DN lenses.
Market Impact and Competitive Positioning
The leaked specifications position the Sigma 24-70mm Art II as potentially the most compelling value proposition in the professional zoom lens market. With optical specifications that match or exceed first-party options at a significantly lower price point, Sigma appears poised to disrupt the established market hierarchy.
Based on typical Sigma pricing strategies and the enhanced feature set, we expect the Art II to retail around $1,319-$1,419, representing a 30-40% savings compared to Sony’s 24-70mm GM II at $1,999. This pricing gap creates a difficult decision for professional photographers who need top-tier performance but must budget carefully for their equipment.
The weight reduction brings the Art II within 55-65 grams of Sony’s GM II while offering similar weather sealing and potentially superior optical correction. For professionals who value weight savings but can’t justify Sony’s premium pricing, the Art II could become the default choice in this focal length range.
Perhaps most significantly, the Art II’s specifications suggest it will outperform Sony’s GM II in several key areas, particularly close focusing capability and maximum magnification. This represents a rare instance where a third-party lens might not just match but exceed first-party performance while maintaining a substantial price advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many elements does the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art have?
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art features 19 elements arranged in 15 groups, including 6 FLD elements, 2 SLD elements, and 5 aspherical elements for superior optical performance.
How much does a Sigma 24-70 2.8 Art II weight?
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art II weighs 745g for the L-Mount version and 735g for the Sony E-mount version, representing a significant weight reduction of approximately 120g compared to the previous generation.
What does DG and DN mean in Sigma?
DG indicates the lens is designed for full-frame cameras, while DN means it’s specifically engineered for mirrorless camera systems. Together, DG DN signifies a full-frame lens optimized for mirrorless cameras.
What is the sharpest aperture for Sigma 24-70 DG DN?
Based on the specifications and similar Sigma Art lenses, the sharpest aperture is likely f/5.6-f/8, though the lens should deliver excellent sharpness even wide open at f/2.8 due to the advanced optical correction.
Final Recommendations: What These Specifications Mean for Photographers
The leaked specifications for the Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG DN Art II paint a picture of a lens that could redefine expectations for professional zoom optics. Based on my experience testing dozens of professional lenses, these specifications suggest Sigma has created something special that addresses virtually every limitation of competing products.
For professional photographers currently using first-party 24-70mm lenses, the Art II presents a compelling upgrade path. The combination of reduced weight, enhanced optical performance, and significant cost savings creates a value proposition that’s difficult to ignore. Wedding, event, and portrait photographers in particular will appreciate the improved autofocus performance and close-focusing capabilities.
Advanced amateurs considering their first professional zoom lens should strongly consider waiting for the Art II’s official release. The specifications suggest it will deliver professional-level performance without the professional-level price tag, making it an excellent investment for photographers looking to take their work to the next level.
Perhaps most importantly, these specifications demonstrate Sigma’s commitment to pushing optical engineering boundaries while maintaining accessibility. The Art II isn’t just an incremental improvement – it represents a fundamental rethinking of what a professional zoom lens can be in the mirrorless era. As we await official confirmation and testing results, the photography world has reason to be excited about what Sigma has accomplished.