New impressive zoom approaching. THE Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is none other than the full frame zoom the brightest on the market. This objective for hybrids full frame Sony And L mount (Leica, Sigma, Panasonic) is intended mainly for video productions. Back to its characteristics out of the norm.
Sigma innovates and offers a zoom of one new kindTHE 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art. To date, this is the full frame zoom the brightest on the market, no more no less. A unique lens that outperforms in this register the Canon RF 28-70 mm f/2 L USM, Tamron 35-150 mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD and Samyang AF 35-150 mm f/2-2.8 FE.
However, this 1.6x zoom is not not completely new since it is inspired by the Sigma 18-35 mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art launched for APS-C SLR in… 2013. The newcomer, however, only uses the wide-angle of the lens and shows itself a little shorter at full zoom, 45 mm versus 52.5 mm (in eq. 24×36). On the program, a optical formula unprecedented, advanced ergonomics and autofocus presented as fast.
Here is the list of features of the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art :
- beach focal length : 28-45 mm (42-67.5 mm in APS-C)
- lens for full frame sensor
- max opening : f/1.8
- min opening : f/16
- angle of view : 75.4° – 51.3°
- optical construction : 18 elements divided into 15 groups (including 5 SLD lenses and 3 aspherical lenses)
- diaphragm : circular with 11 slats
- minimum focusing distance : 30cm
- image stabilization : No
- tropicalization : construction resistant to humidity, dust and cold (0 –40 °C)
- max magnification : 0.25x
- focus : autofocus, linear motor
- filter diameter : ø 82 mm
- dimensions : ø 87.8 x 153.4 mm (E mount) – 151.4 mm (L mount) (D x L)
- weight : 950 g (E) – 960 g (L)
- accessories provided : lens hood, lens caps
- compatible mount : Sony E, L mount (Leica, Panasonic, Sigma)
- price at launch : 1499 €
An unusual zoom
The Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is distinguished above all by its aperture f/1.8, the widest for full-frame zoom. The latter is ensured by a 11-blade diaphragm and will give a nice background blur, while facilitating the use of optics in low light.
Who says zoom and constant wide aperture necessarily says a certain overweight. With his diameter of 8.8cm For 6 inches of long, the 28-45 mm f/1.8 is logically more imposing than the recent Sigma 24-70 mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art. In terms of weight, its 950g will be felt, even if there remains lighter than the Canon, Samyang and Tamron illuminated zoom lenses presented above. Note that the 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art for APS-C SLR already weighed 810g.
It will be noted, however, that the zoom is done internally. Sigma specifies that changing the focal length can slightly impact the center of gravity optics.
Sacred optical formula
This bright zoom lens has a complex optical formula of 18 lentils distributed in 15 groupsof which 5 SLD lenses And 3 aspherical lenses. A combination of lenses that would achieve optical performance comparable to the best fixed focal lengthsaccording to Sigma, and this, from full opening and on the entire focal range.
Compared to the APS-C SLR version, the 28-45mm zoom wins some welcome checks. Besides two AFL buttons configurable, we have a diaphragm ring whose notched stroke maybe clickable. Videographers, the main target of this lens, will appreciate it. Furthermore, the zoom is protected from splashing water and of dust thanks to multiple seals. We also find a AF/MF switch.
The autofocus of the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is ensured by the HLA engine (High-response linear actuator), already installed on the Sigma 50 mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, 70-200 mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports or the recent 24-70 mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art. Sigma highlights autofocus very fast, precise and quieteven with the most demanding bodies in the field like the Sony A9 III.
The minimum focusing distance is set at 30cm over the entire focal range, for maximum magnification of 0.25x, which should make the subject stand out quite well from the background. Likewise, Sigma says it has succeeded in considerably limit THE focus breathingwhich should smooth out point transitions, especially in video.
The lens also uses NPC coatings (Nano Porous Coating) and Super Multi Layer, which should give it superior resistance to backlighting and flare.
Illustrative images taken with the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art and provided by the manufacturer:
Price and availability of the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art
THE Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art will be available from June 20, 2024 at a price of €1,499, in Sony E mount, or L mount (Panasonic, Leica, Sigma).
The lens is available at Digit-Photo, Miss Numérique, Digixo, Camara, Photo-Univers, IPLN, at Fnac and in specialized stores.
Our first review of the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art
Sigma hits a big blow with his new ultra-bright zoom for full-frame hybrid. Transposing a diagram that was popular at the time of APS-C SLRs, the Japanese optician takes other court builders and offers us, with its 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Artan extraordinary lens, designed for video.
If it will be very practical to obtain a nice background blur or by low lightits 1.6x zoom range is however quite limited. This will restrict its use for photographers who may prefer a fixed focal length 35 mm wide aperture, or a classic 24-70mm f/2.8. THE videographerson the other hand, should appreciate this 28-45 mm f/1.8, bringing together widely used focal lengths.
This zoom will bring them a certain versatility and, for those using gimbal and other stabilizer, this will allow you to obtain different field angles without changing optics and so without changing the balance too much of their equipment.
We can’t wait to be able to release this Sigma 28-45 mm f/1.8 DG DN Art. Will we soon witness the war of very bright zooms ?
