Another week, another L-Mount lens: We are verily spoiled for choice when it comes to equipping our Leicas and Panasonics, not to mention our little Sigma fps. This new Sigma 28-70mm F.2.8 DG DN has the makings of a fast, convenient and light carry-around lens and should complement the compact Panasonic S5 especially.
The focal length range of Sigma Contemporary 28-70mm isn’t my favourite these days; I tend to prefer having a wider angle at my disposal, even if it means sacrificing longer reach. As Chris Nichols points out in his video below, the Sigma 24-70 F2.8 Art lens could make better sense provided you can cope with the extra weight and bulk.
That said, the 28-70 packs a lot into its svelte body and weighs a mere 470g, which is commendable in a fixed-aperture f/2.8. The price, too, is attractive at £760 in the UK, including VAT.
As I said earlier, we are now spoiled for choice. The L-Mount range is on a roll.
PRESS RELEASE
SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN
Designed exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras
28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | C
Smart and nimble. The new standard mirrorless zoom.
SRP: £759.99 ($899 w/o VAT, €849 (w/VAT)
- Design based on SIGMA’s Art line lenses, with the same uncompromising optical performance
- A lightweight and compact body perfect for day-to-day use
- Superb build quality and attention to detail for an exceptional user experience
- Supplied accessories: Petal Type Lens Hood (LH706-01)
- Available mount: L-Mount, Sony E-mount
SIGMA sets a new gold standard in wide-aperture mirrorless zoom lenses
The new SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary redefines the standard zoom for mirrorless cameras by combining outstanding optical performance, an F2.8 constant aperture and a lightweight and compact body. The optical design of the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | C is based on the existing 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | A, but with a focal range starting at 28mm, allowing for a significantly smaller and lighter lens body while maintaining superb optical performance. It is the smallest and lightest lens in its class. Remaining true to the Contemporary line’s core concept of maintaining an optimal balance between optical performance and lens size, this new optic delivers professional quality results in a body small and light enough to take on a casual outing.
In addition to prioritising portability, SIGMA’s optical engineers have introduced a new combination of coatings and structural elements that make this standard zoom well-equipped for use in a wide range of shooting environments. Likewise, the latest production and manufacturing techniques were employed to ensure exceptionally high build quality.
The 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary introduces another fast, high-performance, large-aperture zoom lens to SIGMA’s mirrorless line-up, offering a more compact alternative to the existing 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art.
- As a standard zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras with F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range (Source: SIGMA, as of February 2021)
Key features
1.Design based on SIGMA’s Art line lenses, with the same uncompromising optical performance
The optical design of the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is based on the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, which is renowned for its outstanding optical performance throughout its zoom range. True to the Contemporary line’s core concept, the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN was developed to offer the right balance of performance and portability, and as such, this large-aperture standard zoom delivers outstanding image quality that rivals Art line lenses in a body light enough for day-to-day use.
Building on state-of-the-art technology, the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | C has an advanced optical design that includes three aspherical, two FLD, and two SLD elements. Despite using fewer elements in total than the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | A, the design results in a thorough correction of axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma aberration, which cannot be corrected in-camera, allowing users to create images that are uniformly sharp from the centre to the edges of the frame. Along with its anti-ghosting design, the use of Super Multi-Layer Coating and Nano Porous Coating means well-controlled flare for high-contrast results in backlit conditions. It also features a water and oil-repellent coating on the front side of the lens.
In short, the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary combines all of the key optical features required of a large-aperture standard zoom lens, which are essential for photographing a wide variety of subjects in a range of shooting conditions.
With the addition of the new 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | C, SIGMA now offers two high-performance, F2.8, standard zoom options for mirrorless cameras. This new lens offers the same professional optical performance as the existing 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | A, but it comes in at 365g lighter (figures for L-Mount version) so has the added benefit of being exceptionally portable. The following table shows a comparison between the two lenses:
2. A lightweight and compact body perfect for day-to-day use
Being slightly less wide-angle than the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art has allowed a significant reduction in the size of the body of the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary. In order to fit with the design concept of the Contemporary line, which balances performance with portability, the new lens features a simpler dust- and splash-proof structure and smaller switches. This makes it the smallest and lightest lens in its class. The lens features just one lightweight focusing element, which keeps the AF unit small. This, along with a quiet and fast stepping motor, makes for responsive and near-silent autofocus performance.
The 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | C weighs in at 470g, and when attached to the SIGMA fp, the entire setup is 890g. The supreme portability afforded by a camera system that weighs less than 1kg gives photographers a huge amount of freedom and flexibility to achieve their creative vision. It’s also a perfect combination for film-makers looking for a high-performance, lightweight, easy-to-handle camera system that works well with a gimbal and other accessories. This large-aperture, standard zoom that is light and small enough for casual outings will open up new photographic possibilities for better and more creative results.
As a standard zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras with F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range (Source: SIGMA, as of February 2021)
3.Superb build quality and attention to detail for an exceptional user experience
With priority given to optimal portability, the body of the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | C consists primarily of lightweight parts. While conventional wisdom states that it is more difficult to ensure processing accuracy for plastic parts than metal parts, there has been no compromise whatsoever with the build quality of this lens. One reason for this is that it uses a type of polycarbonate called TSC (Thermal Stable Composite), which has a comparable level of thermal shrinkage to aluminium. This helps reduce differences between the thermal shrinkage of the metal and non-metal parts, ensuring stable levels of performance even in an environment with extreme temperature changes. The use of polycarbonates in the construction of zoom and focus rings can make their operation feel less premium, but with careful treatment to the precision of these parts and in the lubricant technology that has been employed, the rings offer a precise action with an exceptionally high-quality feel.
What allows us to achieve these precisely produced parts and such premium aesthetics is the impressive standard of manufacturing technology and rigorous quality control we have at the SIGMA Aizu Factory.
The SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary offers a new and improved photographic experience for mirrorless users needing a fast-aperture, standard zoom lens. Its premium, intuitive build makes it as exciting to use the lens as it is to see the incredible images it can produce, inspiring you to start achieving your creative potential.
Additional features
- Lens construction: 16 elements in 12 groups, with 2 FLD, 2 SLD and 3 aspherical elements
- Internal focusing
- Compatible with high-speed autofocus
- Stepping motor
- Compatible with lens-based optical correction
Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections may vary depending on the camera model.
- Nano Porous Coating
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Water and oil repellent coating (front element)
- Focus Mode Switch
- Support DMF, AF+MF
- Minimum shooting distance 19 cm at wide end with a working distance 6.9cm
- Petal-type lens hood
- Simple dust- and splash-proof design
- Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
- Designed to minimise flare and ghosting
- Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system ‘A1’
- 9-blade rounded diaphragm
- High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
- ‘Made in Japan’ craftsmanship
To learn more about SIGMA’s craftsmanship, please visit sigma-global.com/en/lenses
Key specifications for the L-Mount version
- Lens construction: 12 groups, 16 elements (2 FLD, 2 SLD and 3 aspherical elements)
- Angle of view: 75.4° – 34.3°
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Minimum focusing distance: 19 (W) – 38 (T)cm
- Maximum magnification ratio: 1:3.3 (W) – 1:4.6 (T)
- Filter size:φ67mm
- Maximum dimension x length: φ72.2mm×101.5mm
- Weight: 470g
Supplied accessories
- Lens Hood LH706-01:0085126 939021
Optional accessories
- SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (for L-Mount only):0085126 878696
- SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR 67mm:0085126 931803
- SIGMA WR PROTECTOR 67mm:0085126 930943
- SIGMA PROTECTOR 67mm:0085126 931070
- SIGMA WR UV FILTER 67mm:0085126 930684
- SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER 67mm:0085126 930813
Signing up for the Macfilos newsletter
The SUBSCRIBE button (below) is now working again. If you have recently been unable to register for the Macfilos newsletter, please try again now. We apologise for the error which crept in during the recent site redesign. If you have any other queries or wish to contact us, use the CONTACT button.
Hi, it should be 28-70 instead of 24-70 in the first line after the first picture.
Thanks Brian. I will change.