Sigma 24mm F2 DG | Contemporary

Reviewers find it sharp in the centre from f/2, with corners that catch up by f/2.8 to f/4. Colour fringing is well controlled. Like most compact mirrorless wides it relies on in-camera profiles for distortion and vignetting, and uncorrected files show visible barrel distortion and dark corners wide open.

The all-metal build and handling impress at this price. The criticisms are that f/2 gives only modest subject separation at 24mm, that the aperture ring cannot be de-clicked for video, and that the f/1.4 primes are a better choice for astro work.

Owners like how well it suits small bodies such as the A7C series and how good the metal hood and magnetic cap feel. Many use it as a walk-around or vlogging lens and say AF is quiet and reliable with eye detection.

Common quirks: the magnetic cap can be knocked off in a bag, the aperture ring clicks are audible on video, and the lens gets cold in winter because of the metal shell. Some owners wish the price were closer to plastic-bodied rivals.