Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

Sony E

Review

The Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary for the Sony E mount is an impressive addition to the line of standard zoom lenses. Praised for its compact size and versatile focal range, this lens caters beautifully to both professional and enthusiast photographers seeking a high-quality yet lightweight option for various shooting scenarios.

Build Quality and Design

The first thing you notice when you pick up the Sigma 28-70mm is its well-constructed body. The lens features a solid, weather-sealed design, which provides a comfortable grip and robust feel, ensuring it can withstand outdoor shooting conditions. The smooth zoom operation is also commendable, with the focus ring providing precise adjustments that cater well to manual focusing. At just 470 grams (approximately 1.04 lbs), it’s notably lighter than many other standard zooms in the same category, making it an excellent choice for travel or day-long shoots.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, Sigma has hit the mark with this lens. The F2.8 constant aperture throughout the zoom range allows for great low-light capabilities and beautiful subject isolation. Sharpness is impressive across the entire focal range, especially in the center, and even the corners hold up well. Chromatic aberration is controlled effectively, resulting in crisp images with minimal fringing, while the bokeh, although not the softest, is still aesthetically pleasing, making it suitable for portraiture.

Auto-Focus Capabilities

The integrated autofocus system is another highlight of the Sigma 28-70mm. It is fast, accurate, and relatively quiet, which is crucial for video recording or when shooting in quieter environments. However, in challenging lighting conditions, it may experience slight hesitation, which is something to keep in mind for fast-paced situations. Overall, it performs very well in most scenarios, making it a reliable choice for diverse photography needs.

Versatility

The 28-70mm range is incredibly versatile. Whether you're shooting landscapes, street photography, or portraits, this lens can handle it all with ease. The relatively wide aperture combined with the zoom range makes it a fantastic all-in-one solution for those looking to reduce the weight of their camera bag without sacrificing image quality.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design, perfect for travel.
• Solid build quality with weather sealing.
• Constant F2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range.
• Excellent optical performance with sharp images and minimal distortion.
• Fast and reliable autofocus capabilities.

Cons

• Slight autofocus hesitation in low-light conditions.
• Bokeh quality might not satisfy those needing creamy backgrounds for portraits.

Verdict

Overall, the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary lens offers remarkable value for its performance, portability, and build quality. It’s an ideal lens for photographers who want a reliable and versatile zoom option for their Sony E mount camera. While there are minor drawbacks, such as some autofocus behavior in low light and bokeh nuances, these do not detract significantly from its strengths. This lens is a worthy contender in the standard zoom category, and many photographers will find it to be an essential part of their kit.