Sigma Sigma Art Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens (Nikon F) Review
The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 Art is optically brilliant but feels like a relic. It's a sharp choice for Nikon DSLR die-hards, but most should look at modern mirrorless lenses instead.
The 30-Second Version
A sharp but dated DSLR zoom. The optics are fantastic (96th percentile), but it's heavy, has slow AF, and locks you into an old system. Only worth it for dedicated Nikon DSLR users who need the absolute best image quality from a standard zoom.
Overview
The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art is a classic full-frame workhorse zoom for Nikon DSLRs. It's built for photographers who need a reliable, sharp lens that covers a wide to short-telephoto range, from landscapes to portraits.
Sigma's Art series is known for optical quality, and this lens delivers. With a constant f/4 aperture and built-in stabilization, it's designed to be a versatile all-day lens. But it's heavy, and it's built for an older camera system that's slowly fading.
Performance
Optically, this lens is a star. It lands in the 96th percentile for sharpness, meaning it's incredibly crisp across the frame. The image stabilization is also top-notch, sitting in the 88th percentile, which helps you shoot handheld in lower light. The autofocus is where it shows its age, ranking in the lower half of our database. It's accurate but not the fastest or quietest, especially compared to modern mirrorless systems.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Optical sharpness is exceptional for a zoom. 96th
- Image stabilization is very effective. 87th
- Constant f/4 aperture is useful for video.
- Solid zoom range for everyday shooting.
Cons
- It's heavy at 885 grams. 5th
- Autofocus is dated and can be noisy. 20th
- No weather sealing is a big miss. 30th
- F/4 aperture limits low-light and background blur.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 105 |
| Focal Length Max | 105 |
| Elements | 19 |
| Groups | 14 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weight | 0.9 kg / 2.0 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 82 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 450 |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.55 |
Value & Pricing
At around $989, this is a tough sell. You're paying for fantastic optics, but you're locking yourself into the aging Nikon F-mount DSLR system. If you're deeply invested in a Nikon DSLR and need a sharp, stabilized standard zoom, it's a quality option. But for anyone else, that money could go towards a native mirrorless lens that's faster, lighter, and focuses better.
vs Competition
Compared to the native Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, the Sigma is sharper but slower, heavier, and lacks the seamless integration of a mirrorless lens. Against the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 for Sony, the Tamron is faster (f/2.8), lighter, and designed for modern AF systems, though it's for APS-C cameras. The Sigma's main advantage is its optical performance, but you trade a lot of modern convenience for it.
| Spec | Sigma Sigma Art Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens (Nikon F) | Meike Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro Full Frame AF STM Lens High | Viltrox VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 105mm | 55mm | 25mm | 24mm | 17-70mm | 24-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Sony E Mount | Nikon Z |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 885 | 201 | 400 | 269 | 544 | 676 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | - | - | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
Common Questions
Q: Is this lens good for low-light photography?
The f/4 aperture isn't great for low light, but the effective image stabilization helps you use slower shutter speeds handheld.
Q: Can I use this on a Nikon Z mirrorless camera?
Yes, but you'll need an FTZ adapter, and you'll lose some autofocus speed and performance compared to a native Z-mount lens.
Q: How does the bokeh (background blur) look?
With an f/4 max aperture and 9-blade diaphragm, it's decent but not exceptional. It ranks in the 41st percentile for bokeh in our tests.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you shoot mirrorless, need weather sealing, or prioritize lightweight gear for travel. Its 23rd percentile travel score tells you everything. Also, if fast, silent autofocus for video is critical, look elsewhere.
Verdict
Buy this only if you're a Nikon DSLR shooter who prioritizes optical perfection above all else and doesn't mind the weight or older AF. It's a specialist's tool for a fading platform. For everyone else, especially those looking to future-proof, look at native mirrorless options.