Your general purpose lens selection short list just got one lens longer. The Sigma 24-105mm f/4.0 DG OS HSM Art Lens, featuring great image quality, excellent build quality and optical stabilization, definitely deserves your consideration.

I bought the Sigma 24-105 Art to use with my 5D Mark II based on many stellar reviews. So, when I got it I immediately did test shots (comparing to my EF 28-135) and discovered that generally the images were not up to the quality of my Canon EF 28-135 with the exception of contrast.

Strong Construction

Blurry Focus; Heavy

Good walkabout lens for daytime shooting. Minimum focal length a little limiting on DX but results are stunningly sharp with good colour gamut. Very happy with this lens!

Durable; Quick Focus; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Heavy

I got this lens for portraits. That might sound daft considering all the rave about primes but when I heard a top portrait photographer say she used the 24-105 when pointing out that you don't need a crazy expensive lens to do beautiful photos, I bought it. And I love it.

"My 6D body is now very happy! I just bought this lens and used it all weekend in a variety of situations. Up close it took great images with a wonderful blurred background and gorgeous bokeh. At 24 mm it captured the huge rock formations at Hopewell Rocks, NB, with ease.

The best versatile zoom range

I was asked to test this lens with some reluctance. I was greatly surprised with the image quality. The lens is so good that I immediately sold my Nikkor 24-70 and purchased the Sigma 24-105.

Consistent Output; Durable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Strong Construction

Solid build and a great looking lens. The SLR Gear review is right on. Though this Sigma is large and on the heavy side, for what its giving, I'll gladly haul it around. I first tried the Tamron 24-70, another great performer optically, more expensive, but also rather heavy and more limited zoom...

Excellent all around performer; sharp; good contrast; very pleasing build

weight; not weather sealed

Great lens, on time, as described

This lens performs as well as the Sony at a third of the price. The images are in sharp focus and the lens is easy to use and works perfectly with my Sony 9ii.