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Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR — Prime/zoom
Nikon

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Prime/zoom

90
/ 100
From $2,399
VS
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art wins by 2
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — Prime/Zoom
Sigma

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Prime/Zoom

92
/ 100
From $1,199
Specdex verdict

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lands at 90 and Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art at 92. That puts Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Compared on the build sub-score

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art leads on build (94 vs 90).

Sharpness

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art leads on sharpness (92 vs 90).

Autofocus

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art leads on af (91 vs 86).

Value for money

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art more score per dollar ($1,199 vs $2,399).

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR 90
vs
92 Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Score breakdown

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
90
sharpness 90
af 86
build 90
value 86
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
92
sharpness 92
af 91
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR versus Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR vs Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Which is better, Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR worth the price? +

At $2,399, Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art worth the price? +

At $1,199, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in build.

Does Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — leads on sharpness (92 vs 90). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.