Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Sony E-Mount)

The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a lightweight and compact standard zoom lens designed for mirrorless cameras. Positioned as a more affordable and portable alternative to the Art-series lenses or other premium f/2.8 zooms, this lens targets photographers who value portability without compromising on image quality. Perfect for travel, portraits, and everyday use, the 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN balances performance and affordability with impressive results.

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Features / Specifications

The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary boasts a versatile design suitable for various applications:

Focal Length: 28-70mm – a versatile zoom range for portraits, landscapes, and events.
Maximum Aperture: Constant f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, offering excellent low-light performance and creative control over depth of field.
Lens Construction: 16 elements in 12 groups, including:
- 2 FLD (F Low Dispersion) elements.
- 2 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements.
- 3 aspherical elements for reducing chromatic aberrations and optical distortions.
Minimum Focus Distance: 19cm (7.5 inches) at 28mm and 38cm (15 inches) at 70mm.
Maximum Magnification: 0.3x (at 70mm).
Aperture Blades: 9 rounded blades for smooth bokeh.
Filter Thread: 67mm.
Weather Sealing: Dust- and splash-resistant mount with coatings for moisture resistance.
Weight: 470g (16.6 oz).
Dimensions: 72mm x 101.5mm.

Build Quality

The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary features a robust yet lightweight design that prioritizes portability:

Materials: The lens barrel is constructed with high-quality polycarbonate, making it durable yet lightweight. Despite the cost savings compared to the Art series, the build feels solid and reliable.
Weather Sealing: While not fully weather-sealed, the mount is dust- and splash-resistant, allowing for moderate outdoor use.
Controls:
- A zoom ring and focus ring that operate smoothly, with just the right amount of resistance.
- Focus mode switch for toggling between AF and MF.

Size, Weight, and Dimensions

One of the key selling points of the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 is its compact size and lightweight design:

Portability: At just 470g and 101.5mm in length, it’s one of the lightest standard zoom lenses with a constant f/2.8 aperture.
Balance: Pairs beautifully with compact mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7C or A7 III, making it an excellent choice for photographers on the go.
Filter Thread: The 67mm thread size is common and affordable for ND and polarizing filters.

Image Quality

Despite being part of the Contemporary line, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 delivers image quality that competes with higher-end lenses.

Sharpness

Center Sharpness:
- At f/2.8, sharpness in the center is excellent throughout the zoom range, delivering professional-grade detail.
- Stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 improves performance slightly, especially for landscapes and architecture.
Edge Sharpness:
- Wide open at f/2.8, edges show slight softness, particularly at 28mm, but improve considerably by f/4 and are consistent throughout the zoom range.
Consistency:
- The lens offers strong sharpness across the frame at mid-apertures, making it suitable for detailed subjects like landscapes and group shots.

Color Rendering and Contrast

Color Accuracy: Vibrant and natural color reproduction, ideal for portraits and landscapes.
Contrast: Excellent contrast performance, even in challenging lighting situations, thanks to Sigma’s advanced coatings.

Bokeh

Background Blur:
- While not as creamy as prime lenses, the bokeh is smooth and pleasing, particularly at 70mm and f/2.8.
- Highlights are rounded and free from distracting edges.
Subject Separation: Good at longer focal lengths, enabling decent isolation of subjects from backgrounds.

Optical Aberrations

Chromatic Aberration:
- Both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations are well-controlled, with minor fringing visible only in extreme high-contrast scenes.
Distortion:
- Barrel distortion at 28mm and pincushion distortion at 70mm are present but minimal. Both are easily correctable in post-processing or via in-camera profiles.
Flare and Ghosting:
- The lens handles strong light sources well, with minimal flare or ghosting due to Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating.
Vignetting:
- Visible at f/2.8, particularly at 28mm, but improves by f/4. Easily corrected in-camera or during editing.

Autofocus

Autofocus performance is reliable and efficient:

Speed: Quick and accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting.
Precision: Works seamlessly with Sony’s advanced AF features like Eye AF and subject tracking.
Noise: Virtually silent focusing, making it unobtrusive for video work.

Performance in Photography and Videography

Photography

Versatility: The 28-70mm range covers a variety of scenarios, from landscapes and street photography to portraits and events.
Low-Light Shooting: The f/2.8 aperture and excellent optical quality make it a reliable choice for dimly lit environments.
Close-Up Performance: The lens handles semi-close-up shots well, with a maximum magnification of 0.3x at 70mm.

Videography

Silent Focusing: The stepping motor ensures near-silent autofocus, crucial for video recording.
Focus Breathing: Minimal focus breathing enhances its usability for video, making transitions smooth and professional.
Lightweight Design: Its compact size makes it easy to balance on gimbals and handheld setups.

Use Cases

The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 is versatile enough to suit various photography and videography needs:

Travel Photography: Its lightweight and compact design make it an ideal travel companion.
Portraiture: At 70mm, the wide aperture enables beautiful subject separation.
Street Photography: The 28-70mm range is excellent for capturing dynamic scenes.
Weddings and Events: The fast aperture and zoom versatility handle diverse shooting conditions effectively.
Videography: Smooth focus transitions and minimal breathing make it suitable for video creators.

Price

The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is priced around $899 USD, making it an affordable alternative to premium standard zooms like the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM. It offers excellent value for photographers seeking performance and portability without the high cost of flagship lenses.

The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a standout lens for photographers and videographers who prioritize portability and affordability. While it doesn’t reach the absolute optical perfection of Sigma’s Art line or the Sony G Master alternatives, it offers excellent performance in a lightweight and compact package. This lens is a fantastic choice for travel, portraits, and general use, catering to both enthusiasts and professionals looking for value without compromise.

Conclusion

Rating

Our overall rating: 9.0/10

The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a highly capable and versatile lens that delivers excellent results, proving that professional performance can come in a compact and affordable package.