The Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art: A Technical Marvel in Zoom Lens Design

By: Dan Wells/Jon Swindall

A New Chapter in Lens Design: Sigma’s Constant f/1.8 Zoom

In the ever-evolving world of photography, certain lenses emerge that challenge our preconceptions and push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is one such lens, defying the notion that zoom lenses can’t achieve an f/1.8 aperture. As photography enthusiasts and professionals at Luminous Landscape, we’re excited about the potential this groundbreaking piece of glass offers, especially for those working in documentary, low-light situations, and modern portraiture.

Technical Specifications

The Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art holds the distinction of being the fastest full-frame zoom lens in full production, outpacing Canon’s 28-70mm f/2.0 by a third of a stop. Here are the key specifications:

• Aperture: Constant f/1.8 aperture throughout the zoom range
• Zoom Range: 28-45mm
• Weight: 950g (2.09 lbs)
• Construction: 18 elements in 15 groups, including 5 SLD elements and 3 aspherics
• Coating: Sigma’s Nano Porous Coating and Super Multi-Layer Coating for minimized flare and ghosting
• Minimum Focusing Distance: Constant 30cm (11.81inches) across the entire zoom range
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:4 at the telephoto end
• Filter Size: 82mm
• Mount Options: L-mount and Sony FE
• Weather Sealing: Dust- and splash-resistant structure, with water- and oil-repellent coating on the front element
• Aperture Blades: 11 rounded diaphragm blades for smooth bokeh

The lens promises to deliver sharpness and clarity comparable to prime lenses throughout its zoom range, potentially setting a new benchmark in optical performance for zoom lenses.

Anticipated Practical Applications

Documentary and Photojournalism

For documentary photographers and photojournalists, this lens could be a game-changer. The combination of a wide aperture and flexible zoom range should allow for quick adaptation to rapidly changing environments—a crucial ability in the field. We’re particularly excited about its potential for capturing intimate moments in dimly lit interiors or wider scenes of unfolding events.

Low-Light Photography

The constant f/1.8 aperture throughout the zoom range opens up intriguing possibilities for low-light photography. From twilight cityscapes to poorly lit indoor venues, this lens could potentially excel in challenging lighting conditions.

Modern Aesthetic in Portrait Photography

While not reaching the traditional 50mm focal length, the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art lens promises a fresh perspective for portrait photography:

• Wide-Angle Perspective with Bokeh: The 28-45mm range, combined with the f/1.8 aperture, offers a unique wide-angle view with the potential for beautiful background blur.
• Dynamic Composition: The wide-angle capability, especially at 28mm, could enable dynamic, storytelling compositions in portraiture.
• Enhanced Subject Isolation: Despite its wider focal lengths, the f/1.8 aperture should provide significant subject isolation.

Landscape Photography

While not a traditional choice for landscapes, this lens offers some interesting technical features for the genre:

• Low-Light Capabilities: The f/1.8 aperture could enable landscape shooting in challenging light conditions, such as during blue hour or for astrophotography.
• Weather Resistance: The lens’s dust- and splash-resistant structure, along with its water- and oil-repellent front element coating, make it potentially suitable for various weather conditions.
• Close Focusing: With a minimum focusing distance of 30cm across the entire zoom range, the lens allows for close-up shots of foreground elements.

Video Capabilities

The Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art isn’t just designed for still photography; it includes several features aimed at videographers:

• Focus Breathing Control: The change in angle-of-view as focus moves from near to far is suppressed, which should enable natural focus pulls when shooting video.
• Constant Length: An internal zoom mechanism ensures the overall length of the lens remains constant when the focal length or focus distance changes, which is wonderful for gimbal work.
• Intuitive Controls: The lens is equipped with an aperture ring, an aperture ring lock switch, an aperture ring click switch, and two AFL buttons, which should make shooting easier.

Lens Comparisons

To appreciate the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art, it’s helpful to compare its specifications to its closest competitors:

1. Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0 L USM • Pros: Wider zoom range, reaching to 70mm • Cons: 1/3 stop slower, significantly more expensive ($2999 vs $1349)
2. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II • Pros: Wider zoom range, lighter weight • Cons: 1 1/3 stops slower, less suited for extreme low-light situations
3. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art • Pros: Wider zoom range, lighter, less expensive • Cons: 1 1/3 stops slower, less low-light capability
4. Prime Lens Set (e.g., 28mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.4) • Pros: Potentially sharper, often lighter individually • Cons: Need to switch lenses, can be more expensive as a set

The Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 stands out for its unique combination of zoom flexibility and wide aperture, which could be particularly valuable for documentary, low-light work, and modern portraiture where both adaptability and light-gathering capability are crucial.  

Potential Users

Based on its specifications, the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art could be particularly well-suited for:

• Documentary photographers and photojournalists who need flexibility and low-light performance
• Event and concert photographers working in challenging lighting conditions
• Street photographers who embrace night photography
• Portrait photographers looking to create modern, environmental portraits with a unique aesthetic
• Videographers seeking a versatile lens for atmospheric shooting
• Landscape photographers who value its low-light capabilities and weather resistance
• Advanced enthusiasts looking to push their low-light and portrait photography to new levels

Pricing and Value Proposition

At $1,349, the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art presents an intriguing value proposition. It’s significantly less expensive than the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0 L, its closest competitor in the ultra-fast full-frame zoom category. It also comes with a 4-year USA warranty from an authorized dealer. For photographers who need this specific combination of focal range and aperture, particularly those working in documentary, low-light situations, or pursuing modern portrait aesthetics, the lens offers unique capabilities at a relatively accessible price point.

The Future is Bright (and Fast)

The Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art represents more than just a technical achievement—it’s a lens that promises to open new creative possibilities, especially for documentary, low-light, and contemporary portrait photography. It also offers potential advantages for landscape photographers who value its low-light capabilities and weather resistance.

  As photography enthusiasts, we’re excited to see how this innovative piece of glass might push the boundaries of the craft. If it performs as promised, it could indeed be a game-changer for full-frame photographers and videographers on a budget. 

Please check out SIGMA’s website for more info. (LuLa is not affiliated with SIGMA.)

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