Sigma 24-105mm f/4 Art vs 24-70mm f/2.8 for Nikon
By Borge's Imaging — Shop Photography, Printing and Studio Gear in Melbourne Borge's Imaging | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 Art and 24-70mm f/2.8 Art for Nikon. Which standard zoom fits your shooting style? We break down the trade-offs.
Quick answer
Choose the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 Art for Nikon if you value extra reach and lighter weight; pick the 24-70mm f/2.8 Art when you need a faster aperture for low light or shallower depth of field.
Reach vs speed: the core trade-off
The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 Art covers a longer telephoto range, letting you frame tighter shots without swapping lenses. Its constant f/4 aperture is one stop slower than the f/2.8 on the 24-70mm Art, which matters in dim conditions or when you want stronger background separation.
Both lenses share Sigma's Art-series optical quality, but the 24-105mm includes optical stabilization — a real advantage for handheld video or low-light shooting at longer focal lengths. The 24-70mm f/2.8 Art relies on your camera's stabilization or a tripod.
Build and handling differences
The 24-105mm f/4 Art uses a thermally stable composite barrel that resists expansion from temperature changes, helping maintain focus accuracy. It's noticeably lighter than the 24-70mm f/2.8 Art, making it a better travel companion for all-day shoots.
The 24-70mm f/2.8 Art is built like a tank with a metal barrel and weather sealing, but that heft adds up. If you shoot events or weddings where you're on your feet for hours, the weight difference can influence your choice.
Trade-offs between the two Sigma Art zooms
- Focal length range: 24-105mm f/4 Art gives you 24mm wide to 105mm telephoto — about 30mm more reach than the 24-70mm f/2.8 Art. That extra range can replace a separate portrait or short tele lens.
- Maximum aperture: f/2.8 on the 24-70mm Art lets in twice as much light as f/4. This means faster shutter speeds in dim venues and smoother background blur at equivalent focal lengths.
- Image stabilization: The 24-105mm f/4 Art includes optical stabilization (OS), which the 24-70mm f/2.8 Art lacks. If you shoot handheld video or work in low light without a tripod, OS is a clear advantage. Check your Nikon body: some newer bodies have in-body stabilization that can offset the lack of OS in the 24-70mm f/2.8 Art.
- Weight and portability: The 24-105mm f/4 Art is lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry for long walks or travel. The 24-70mm f/2.8 Art is heavier but built with a full metal barrel for extra durability.
Lens specifications at a glance
- Sigma AF 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Series Lens for NIKON: Sigma AF 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Series Lens for Nikon — for Full Frame and Crop Sensor Cameras, 3 Aspherical, 2 SLD, and 2 FLD Elements, Optical Stabilizer, Thermally Stable Composite. The optical stabilizer helps you shoot sharper handheld at slower shutter speeds, and the thermally stable composite keeps the lens reliable in changing weather.
Sigma AF 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Series Lens for NIKON
Which lens fits your style?
Best for
- Travel and event photographers who want one lens that covers wide to short telephoto without changing glass
- Handheld video shooters who benefit from optical stabilization
- Photographers who prioritize lighter carry weight for all-day shooting
Not ideal for
- Low-light event or indoor sports shooters who need f/2.8 for faster shutter speeds
- Portrait photographers who want maximum background separation at moderate focal lengths
