Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary Sony E
Review
The Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary lens for Sony E mount is an intriguing addition to the lens lineup, providing photographers with a versatile and compact option for both portrait and macro photography. With its 90mm focal length, it strikes a perfect balance for capturing stunning details and bringing subjects into sharp focus while maintaining a beautiful background blur.
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN presents a sleek and modern design, typical of Sigma’s Contemporary line. It features a solid metal construction that offers durability and a high-quality feel. The lens is surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to carry around, perfect for long shooting sessions. It is also dust- and splash-resistant, which is a significant advantage for outdoor photographers who may encounter less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Optical Performance
When it comes to optical performance, the Sigma 90mm F2.8 delivers exceptionally sharp images across the entire frame, even at its maximum aperture. The lens employs high-quality glass elements, including Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and aspherical elements, which effectively reduce chromatic aberrations and enhance contrast. This makes it an excellent choice for capturing fine details, whether it be in portraits or macro shots.
Color rendition is also noteworthy, with vibrant and accurate colors that make photographs pop. The smooth bokeh is another standout feature; it creates a lovely out-of-focus area that enhances the subject's presence without distracting elements. This lens really excels in portrait photography, where separation from the background is crucial.
Autofocus and Handling
The autofocus system in the Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN is fast and nearly silent, thanks to the stepping motor technology employed. It performs well in various lighting conditions, maintaining accuracy even in low light. The manual focus option is also smooth, enabling precise control when you're fine-tuning your focus for macro subjects.
One of the downsides, however, is that the lens lacks an aperture ring, which may disappoint some traditionalists looking for more manual control over their shooting settings. Additionally, the relatively long minimal focus distance might not satisfy ultra-close-up photographers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and contrast throughout the frame
- Compact, lightweight design
- Durable build quality with weather-sealing
- Smooth bokeh for pleasing background separation
- Fast and silent autofocus performance
Cons
- No aperture ring, limiting manual control
- Longer minimum focus distance may not appeal to macro enthusiasts
Verdict
In conclusion, the Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary lens for Sony E mount is an impressive piece of equipment that combines excellent optical performance with a user-friendly design. Its sharpness, build quality, and overall handling make it a great choice for portrait and general photography. While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as the lack of an aperture ring and a longer minimum focus distance, the advantages far outweigh them for many photographers. If you're in the market for a solid 90mm lens, this one should undoubtedly be on your short list.