As a professional photographer who’s spent countless hours in the field with both these lenses, I’m excited to share my comprehensive comparison between two of the most talked-about 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses on the market today. The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 and the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art represent the pinnacle of third-party lens engineering, but which one deserves a spot in your camera bag?
I’ve put both lenses through their paces in real-world shooting scenarios – from weddings and portraits to landscapes and street photography. After shooting with both extensively, I discovered some surprising differences that might just help you make the right choice for your photography needs.
Why the 24-70mm f/2.8 Matters?
Before diving into the comparison, let me explain why this focal range is so crucial. The 24-70mm f/2.8 is often called the “workhorse” lens for good reason. It covers the most essential focal lengths for professional photography:
- 24mm – Perfect for environmental portraits and wide scenes
- 35mm – The classic documentary and street photography focal length
- 50mm – The “normal” perspective that matches human vision
- 70mm – Excellent for portraits and compression
Having all these focal lengths in one fast f/2.8 lens means you can capture virtually any situation without changing lenses. I’ve found this invaluable during weddings where moments happen in seconds and you need to be ready for anything.
Quick Specifications Comparison
Let me break down the key specs for both lenses:
| Feature | Tamron 24-70 G2 | Sigma 24-70 Art |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 24-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 905g | 1020g |
| Length | 111mm | 108mm |
| Diameter | 88mm | 88mm |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 82mm |
| Image Stabilization | VC (5-stop) | OS (claimed 4-stop) |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 0.38m | 0.37m |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.21x |
| Price (approx.) | $1,199 | $1,299 |
Build Quality and Design
Tamron 24-70 G2 Build Quality
When I first picked up the Tamron G2, I was immediately impressed by the improved build quality over the original version. Tamron has really stepped up their game with this second-generation lens. The barrel is constructed from aluminum alloy, giving it a premium feel that rivals Canon’s L-series lenses.
One thing I absolutely love about the Tamron is the ergonomic design. The zoom ring and focus ring are well-separated, making it easy to adjust either without accidentally touching the other. There’s a nice tapered area between the rings that provides a comfortable grip point – perfect for those long wedding days when you’re holding the camera for 12+ hours.
The Tamron also includes a zoom lock switch, which is something the Sigma lacks. This might seem minor, but I’ve found it incredibly useful when carrying the camera on a shoulder strap to prevent zoom creep.
Sigma 24-70 Art Build Quality
The Sigma Art series is known for its excellent build quality, and this lens is no exception. It feels incredibly solid and well-constructed. However, I discovered that the Sigma is noticeably heavier than the Tamron – we’re talking 115g difference, which might not sound like much but becomes very noticeable during a full day of shooting.
One design choice that frustrated me with the Sigma is the placement of the zoom and focus rings. They’re very close together with only a smooth surface between them, making it too easy to accidentally hit the wrong ring. I found this particularly annoying during fast-paced shooting situations.
The Sigma also lacks a zoom lock switch, which isn’t a deal-breaker but is definitely a missed convenience feature.
Weather Sealing Comparison
Both lenses claim to have weather sealing, but I found the Tamron’s implementation to be more comprehensive. The Tamron has more internal seals and features a fluorine coating on the front element that makes it more resistant to oil and moisture. This coating also makes the lens easier to clean – a feature I’ve come to appreciate after shooting in dusty environments.
Also Read: Sony 85mm 1.8 vs Tamron 28-75
Optical Performance
Sharpness Comparison
Sharpness is where things get really interesting. I tested both lenses extensively on my Canon EOS R5, and here’s what I discovered:
Center Sharpness:
- At f/2.8: Both lenses are impressively sharp wide open, but the Tamron has a slight edge in the center frame
- At f/4: Both lenses improve significantly, with differences becoming minimal
- At f/8: Both lenses reach their peak sharpness, with the Tamron maintaining a very slight advantage
Edge Sharpness:
- At f/2.8: The Tamron shows better corner-to-corner sharpness, especially at 24mm
- At f/4: The Sigma catches up somewhat, but the Tamron still leads in edge performance
- At f/8: Both lenses perform excellently across the frame
What really impressed me about the Tamron is how well it maintains sharpness throughout the zoom range. I discovered that it’s consistently sharp from 24mm to 70mm, whereas the Sigma shows some variation in performance at different focal lengths.
Vignetting and Distortion
Both lenses exhibit similar vignetting characteristics – noticeable at f/2.8 but improving significantly by f/4. The vignetting is actually quite pleasant for portraits, creating a natural vignette effect that draws attention to your subject.
Distortion is also similar between both lenses, with typical barrel distortion at 24mm transitioning to pincushion distortion at 70mm. Neither lens shows distortion severe enough to be problematic for most photography styles, and both are easily corrected in post-processing.
Bokeh Quality
The bokeh quality from both lenses is excellent, as you’d expect from professional f/2.8 zoom lenses. However, I found the Tamron’s bokeh to be slightly creamier and more pleasing, especially in portrait situations. The Sigma produces very good bokeh too, but it can sometimes show a bit of nervousness in busy backgrounds.
One thing I discovered during my testing is that the Tamron has largely eliminated the “onion bokeh” issue that plagued the original version. Those concentric rings in specular highlights are now much less apparent, resulting in more natural-looking bokeh.
Chromatic Aberration
Both lenses handle chromatic aberration very well, but the Tamron has a slight advantage here. I noticed less purple and green fringing in high-contrast situations with the Tamron, particularly at the wider end of the zoom range.
Autofocus Performance
This is where the rubber meets the road for professional photographers. A lens can be the sharpest in the world, but if it can’t focus quickly and accurately, it’s useless for critical work.
Tamron 24-70 G2 Autofocus
I was blown away by the Tamron’s autofocus performance. Tamron has equipped this lens with dual MPU (Micro Processing Units) that dramatically improve autofocus speed and accuracy. In real-world shooting, I found the Tamron’s autofocus to be:
- Lightning fast in good lighting conditions
- Remarkably accurate even in challenging lighting
- Consistent across the entire frame
I tested the autofocus extensively during a wedding shoot, and I was amazed at how well it performed even in the dim lighting of a church reception. The keeper rate was easily on par with Canon’s native lenses.
Sigma 24-70 Art Autofocus
The Sigma’s autofocus is also very good, but I found it to be slightly less consistent than the Tamron, especially when using the outer autofocus points. In good lighting, both lenses perform similarly, but as the light gets dimmer, the Tamron starts to pull ahead.
One advantage the Sigma has is compatibility with the USB dock for fine-tuning autofocus. However, I found that the Tamron required less adjustment out of the box, making it more reliable straight from the get-go.
Low Light Autofocus
This is where the Tamron really shines. I tested both lenses in very low light conditions (think candlelit receptions), and the Tamron consistently locked focus when the Sigma struggled. The difference wasn’t huge, but in critical photography situations, every percentage point of keeper rate matters.
Image Stabilization
Both lenses feature image stabilization, but they approach it differently.
Tamron VC (Vibration Compensation)
The Tamron’s VC system is rated for up to 5 stops of stabilization, and I found this to be accurate in real-world use. I was able to get sharp handheld shots at 1/15 second at 70mm, which is remarkable performance.
What really impressed me about the Tamron’s VC is how smooth it is. There’s none of the jittery movement that some stabilization systems exhibit. The stabilization kicks in smoothly and stays steady, making it perfect for both still photography and video work.
Sigma OS (Optical Stabilization)
The Sigma’s OS system is rated for 4 stops of stabilization, and I found it to be effective but not quite as good as the Tamron’s. In my testing, I could reliably get sharp shots down to about 1/30 second at 70mm, which is still very good but not quite as impressive as the Tamron.
One issue I noticed with the Sigma’s OS is that it can sometimes feel a bit “jumpy” when engaging. It’s not a major problem, but it’s something I observed during extended use.
Real-World Performance
Wedding Photography
As a wedding photographer, I need equipment that I can rely on without question. I’ve shot multiple weddings with both lenses, and here’s my take:
Tamron 24-70 G2 for Weddings:
- Excellent autofocus performance in challenging lighting
- Great image stabilization for those dim reception shots
- Comfortable to hold for long periods
- Reliable weather sealing for outdoor ceremonies
Sigma 24-70 Art for Weddings:
- Good autofocus but slightly less consistent in low light
- Heavier weight becomes noticeable during 12-hour wedding days
- Excellent build quality but less practical ergonomics
For wedding photography, I have to give the edge to the Tamron. The combination of better low-light autofocus, superior image stabilization, and more comfortable ergonomics makes it the better choice for this demanding type of photography.
Portrait Photography
Both lenses excel at portrait photography, but they have slightly different characteristics:
Tamron for Portraits:
- Slightly creamier bokeh
- Better subject separation
- More pleasing skin tones (in my opinion)
- Excellent sharpness at f/2.8
Sigma for Portraits:
- Very good sharpness
- Nice rendering but slightly less creamy bokeh
- Good color reproduction
- Slightly cooler color science
For portrait work, I prefer the Tamron because of its more pleasing rendering and better bokeh quality. The difference isn’t huge, but it’s noticeable when you’re shooting portraits professionally.
Also Read: Canon 1D Vs 5D
Landscape Photography
For landscape photography, both lenses perform very well, but there are some differences:
Tamron for Landscapes:
- Excellent edge-to-edge sharpness at f/8
- Low distortion makes it great for architectural shots
- Good flare control
- Lighter weight for hiking
Sigma for Landscapes:
- Very good sharpness across the frame
- Good color saturation
- Solid build quality
- Slightly heavier for long hikes
For landscape photography, I’d give a slight edge to the Tamron because of its better edge sharpness and lighter weight, which makes a difference when you’re hiking to remote locations.
Value for Money
This is where the Tamron really pulls ahead. At approximately $1,199, the Tamron is not only $100 cheaper than the Sigma but also offers better performance in most areas.
When you consider that Canon’s native 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM costs over $2,000 and doesn’t even have image stabilization, the value proposition of the Tamron becomes even more compelling.
Who Should Buy Which Lens?
Buy the Tamron 24-70 G2 if:
- You’re a professional wedding or event photographer
- You shoot frequently in low light conditions
- You value image stabilization highly
- You want the best autofocus performance
- You prefer lighter weight for all-day shooting
- You want the best value for your money
Buy the Sigma 24-70 Art if:
- You primarily shoot in good lighting conditions
- You prefer Sigma’s color science
- You already own other Sigma Art lenses
- You plan to use the USB dock for fine-tuning
- You don’t mind the extra weight
- You can find it at a significantly lower price than the Tamron
Final Verdict
After extensive testing with both lenses in real-world shooting conditions, I can confidently say that the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is the better choice for most photographers.
The Tamron outperforms the Sigma in almost every meaningful category:
- Better autofocus performance, especially in low light
- Superior image stabilization
- More comfortable ergonomics
- Lighter weight
- Better value for money
While the Sigma 24-70 Art is still a very good lens, it doesn’t quite match the Tamron’s performance level, especially when you consider the price difference.
For professional photographers who need reliability and performance, the Tamron 24-70 G2 is the clear winner. It’s the lens I’ll be keeping in my camera bag for the foreseeable future.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your 24-70mm Lens
- Use the Image Stabilization Wisely: Turn off IS when using a tripod, but keep it on for handheld shots. The Tamron’s 5-stop stabilization is incredible when used properly.
- Fine-Tune Your Autofocus: Even though both lenses perform well out of the box, taking the time to fine-tune autofocus for your specific camera body will improve your keeper rate.
- Shoot at f/4 for Maximum Sharpness: While both lenses are sharp at f/2.8, stopping down to f/4 gives you the best balance of sharpness and background separation.
- Use a Lens Hood: Both lenses come with excellent lens hoods. Always use them to protect your front element and reduce flare.
- Clean Your Front Element Regularly: The Tamron’s fluorine coating makes cleaning easier, but regular maintenance will ensure optimal performance.
FAQ
Which lens is better for low light photography?
The Tamron 24-70 G2 is significantly better for low light photography. Its autofocus performs more reliably in dim conditions, and its 5-stop image stabilization allows for slower shutter speeds while maintaining sharpness.
Is the weight difference between these lenses significant?
Yes, the 115g weight difference (Tamron 905g vs Sigma 1020g) becomes very noticeable during extended shooting sessions. If you shoot weddings or events that last all day, the lighter Tamron will reduce fatigue.
Do these lenses work well for video?
Both lenses can be used for video, but the Tamron’s smoother image stabilization makes it the better choice. The Tamron’s VC system is less jittery and more suitable for video work.
Which lens has better weather sealing?
The Tamron has more comprehensive weather sealing with additional internal seals and a fluorine coating on the front element that repels water and oil.
Can I use these lenses on mirrorless cameras?
Yes, both lenses can be used on Canon RF mount mirrorless cameras using the official EF-RF adapter. They perform very well with the adapter, though native RF lenses may have a slight autofocus advantage.
Which lens holds its value better?
Historically, Sigma Art lenses have held their value slightly better than Tamron lenses, but the gap is narrowing as Tamron’s reputation for quality continues to improve.
Do I need the USB dock/TAP-in Console?
For most users, these lenses perform well enough out of the box that the calibration tools aren’t necessary. However, professional photographers who demand perfect autofocus may benefit from the fine-tuning capabilities.
Save This Article for Later
Photography gear decisions are important, and you’ll want to refer back to this detailed comparison as you make your choice. Bookmark this article or save it to your photography resources folder so you can easily access all this information when you’re ready to invest in a new 24-70mm lens.
I’ll be updating this article as new firmware updates become available and as I continue to shoot with both lenses in various conditions. Photography technology evolves quickly, and I want to make sure you always have the most current and accurate information to help you make the best decisions for your photography journey.
This article was last updated in November 2025 to ensure you’re getting the most current and accurate information about these excellent lenses.