Available in Sony E and Leica L mounts, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens competes against the Tamron 28-75mm FE. The US price of the zoom lens is $899. Check availability at B&H Photo / Amazon.
The company says that its design is based on that of the 24-70mm F2.8 Art, and makes the bold claim that image quality will be comparable. Normal-length zoom lens is designed for Sony Full Frame E-Mount cameras, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides an 42mm – 105 equivalent focal length.
The L-mount version of the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN has 16 elements in 12 groups (2 FLD glass, 2 SLD glass, 3 aspherical lenses), and the shortest is 0.19m (wide-angle end) /0.38m ( (Telephoto end). The 28-70 has ‘simple’ weather sealing, and a water and oil-resistant coating on the front element. The Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN will be released in mid-March.
Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens Key Features
- Lens construction: 16 elements in 12 groups, with 2 FLD elements, 2 SLD elements 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 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 minimize 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
Design based on SIGMA’s Art line, 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 | Contemporary 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 | Contemporary 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 | Art, 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 center 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 repellant 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.
Comparison of the two optimal solutions to standard zoom lenses with F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range
With the addition of the new 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary, SIGMA now provides two optimal solutions of standard F2.8 zoom lens for mirrorless cameras – the new 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary achieves remarkable portability and offers the same optical performance, as the existing 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art which is for pro-use with the highest levels of performance throughout its focal range.
A lightweight and compact body – ideal 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 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary lens body. 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 new 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 | Contemporary 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 filmmakers looking for a high-performance, lightweight, easy-to-handle camera system that works well with a gimbal and other accessories. A large-aperture, standard zoom lens that is light and small enough for casual outings, the 28-70mm F2.8 DN | Contemporary will open up new photographic possibilities for better and more creative results.
Superb build quality with exceptional attention to detail that provides an exceptional user experience
With priority given to optimal portability, the body of the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary 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 on build quality for the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary. One reason for this is that it uses a type of polycarbonate called TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), which has a comparable level of thermal shrinkage to aluminum. 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 adjusting the movement with the lubricant appropriately, 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 who require 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.
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