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The Reality of Zoom Lens Performance

For those buying the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art as I did, but speaking to all zooms of all brands.

It is highly unlikely to find a zoom that is good at all zoom settings and focus distances. Not impossible, but I’d bet at most 1 in 20 samples could be called “near perfect”, meaning performing to optical design claims. That is, fantasy MTF versus the reality of actual as-built physical lenses.

Optical symmetry and full performance over 2/3 of the zoom range is about as good as you’re going to get in a zoom lens.

That’s not to say that one end (or the middle) will be bad (though some zooms are awful in places), just that most zooms are weaker performers somewhere even if a perfect sample and that very very few samples will perform to spec across the zoom range and across the focus distance range too. It is a combinatorial performance mess in reality.

For example, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art that I tested on my recent trip (2nd sample, first one was notably worse) is world class at 14mm, very strong through 18mm, then declines and with less good symmetry at 24mm. Still, at 24mm at f/8 I am quite happy with it, though I still must use focus stacking to get full sharpness left/right (at or near the 24mm setting).

The Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 sample I have is more symmetric and overall better at f/2.8 and f/4. But around f/5.6 the zoom and prime converge, and at f/8 deliver similar results, though the Loxia wins on things like distortion.

Fabulous Performing Lenses for Sony Mirrorless
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$1129 SAVE $220 = 16.0% ZEISS 25mm f/2.4 Loxia IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless

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Nikon Z7 II Mirrorless Camera
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