SIGMA has unveiled the Sigma 28-45mm f1.8 DG DN Art, the best standard zoom lens for Sony E and Leica L mounts. The full-frame zoom lens is equipped with an internal focusing and zoom mechanism, the body is protected from atmospheric influences, and the HLA autofocus system works. The diameter for the filter is 82 mm, the minimum focusing distance is 30 cm, and the aperture ring can work without clicks.
Key Features
Certainly, the lens features a maximum aperture of f/1.8, available consistently at both 28mm and 45mm zoom levels. Typically, fixed focal lenses have apertures brighter than f/2.8, making this specification particularly advantageous for a zoom lens. The Canon RF 28-70mm f2 L USM was previously released, but f/1.8 at full frame is the first time.
The lens has an 11-blade circular aperture, providing values from f/1.8 to f/16. The optical design consists of 3 aspherical elements and 5 SLD glass elements, for a total of 18 elements in 15 groups. SIGMA says that in terms of aberration suppression, the lens is similar to the SIGMA f/1.4 DG DN primes with similar focal lengths. The SIGMA nanoporous coating and super-multi-layer coating fight against flare and ghosting. This feature is particularly useful for shooting with backlight or against the light.
The lens is equipped with an HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) autofocus system, which the company says is fast and quiet. The lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 30 cm across both 28mm and 45mm focal lengths. At 45mm, it achieves a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.
Construction and Usability
The lens design supports both photography and video, featuring internal zoom and focus mechanisms that maintain balance during operation and prevent sharp changes when zooming, benefiting operators using a Steadicam. In addition, the absence of parts leaving the body will have a great effect on protection from splashes and dust. The effect of “focus breathing” is minimal.
User Interface and Adaptability
The aperture ring can lock and switch between click and non-click modes. The focus ring on the lens is electronic, transmitting signals electronically via wires instead of through mechanical rotation. For compatible L-mount cameras, the lens provides linear operation, allowing an adjustable rotation angle ranging from 90° to 720°.
The lens has a weight of 960g and dimensions that include a length of 151.4mm and a diameter of 87.8mm. The lens features a filter diameter of 82mm and includes two user-assignable AFL buttons on its body.
Sigma 28-45mm f1.8 DG DN Art price and release date
The Sigma 28-45mm f1.8 DG DN Art full-frame zoom lens is already available for pre-order on Bhphotovideo and Adorama at $1,349.
Last month, Sigma introduced the 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN II Art zoom lens, featuring an aperture ring and additional controls. This new model is 7% more compact and 10% lighter than its predecessor. It is also available on both Bhphotovideo and Adorama at $1,199.
