Traditionally, manufacturers have settled on the f/2.8 aperture as the fastest reasonable value for constant-aperture zoom lenses, balancing size, cost, and performance. Although some attempts have been made to push this barrier, such as Angenieux’s f/2.6 aperture lenses and Canon’s RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM lens, these remain exceptions. SIGMA has previously ventured below the f/2.8 mark with its APS-C lenses, including the 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art (2013) and the 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art (2016). However, these were designed for APS-C sensors, not full-frame. In 2015, SIGMA introduced the 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens for full-frame cameras.

Specifications of the New SIGMA 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art Lens

SIGMA’s new 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art lens features an 11-bladed round diaphragm, offering aperture values between f/1.8 and f/16. The optical structure includes 3 aspherical elements and 5 SLD glass elements, totaling 18 elements in 15 groups. SIGMA claims the lens effectively suppresses aberrations, focusing particularly on axial chromatic aberration, and offers similar characteristics to their f/1.4 DG DN prime lenses. The lens employs SIGMA’s Nano Porous Coating and Super Multi-Layer Coating to minimize flare and ghosting, enhancing image clarity in backlit scenes. The minimum focusing distance is 30cm (11.8”) across the zoom range, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4 at 45mm.

Suitability for Video Work

The SIGMA 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art lens is designed to be suitable for video work as well as photography. It features internal zoom and focusing mechanisms, which help maintain balance on gimbals and contribute to the lens’s dust- and splash-resistance. The lens minimizes focus breathing, has a physical aperture ring with a click/de-click switch, and offers linear focusing with an adjustable rotation angle (90° to 720°) when used with compatible L-mount cameras.

Autofocus and Physical Specifications

The lens includes an HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) autofocus system, designed to be fast and silent, making it ideal for video shooting. Weighing 960g (33.9oz), the lens measures 151.4mm (6”) in length and 87.8mm (3.5”) in diameter. Despite not being the most compact lens, it is relatively light for its specifications. For comparison, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 weighs nearly 500g more. The lens has an 82mm front filter thread and two user-assignable AFL buttons on the barrel.

Price and Availability

The SIGMA 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art lens will be available for Leica L-mount and Sony E-mount starting in late June 2024, priced at $1,349. Each lens will include lens caps, a lens hood (LH878-06), and a carrying case.