In this review, we explore the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras.
With its compact size and lightweight design, this lens offers versatility and convenience for photographers seeking a constant f/2.8 zoom lens.
While it presents compromises in certain aspects, let’s delve into its features and performance to determine if it’s the right choice for your photography needs.
Compactness and Build Quality
The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens boasts a compact size and is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
However, this compactness comes with a compromise on build quality, as the lens is primarily constructed of polycarbonate material.
It is worth noting that the lens mount is weather-sealed, but the lens body itself lacks weather-sealing.
It also has a well-dampened zoom ring and manual focus ring, but noticed some ghosting when shooting against the sun.
Autofocus and Manual Focus
While testing, I found the autofocus speed quick, minimal focus breathing, and smooth manual focus dampening.
I think it’s great for video work and of course photography.
Image Quality
However, a few things to consider.
The bokeh displayed some cat-eye effect and a football shape when shooting wide open.
Overall, the out-of-focus transitions are mostly smooth, and the lens was found to perform well with a thin depth of field.
Chromatic aberration was not a major problem, but some longitudinal chromatic aberration was present.
Distortion was noticeable at both ends of the zoom range, requiring correction in post-processing.
Sharpness and Performance
The lens performed acceptably in terms of sharpness at 70mm wide open and 28mm stopped down to f5.6, but the corner sharpness at 70mm could be better.
Suitability for Portraits and Travel Photography
The lens would be especially suitable for portraits and travel photography due to its small size, lightweight, and decent out-of-focus rendition.
The quick and silent autofocus could be beneficial for family portraits and travel photography.
The lens’ lack of weather sealing could be a disadvantage for photographers who often shoot outdoors under various weather conditions.
Conclusion
The Sigma 28-70 2.8 DG DN lens was deemed a good option for those seeking a compact, lightweight constant f2.8 zoom lens, but it does have some compromises in image quality.
Competing lenses, like the Tamron 28-75 G2, may offer better bokeh and overall performance, albeit without the compact size of the Sigma lens.
Check out my other blog posts about Sigma lenses.
- Exploring the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E
- Riding the Wave of Imaging Excellence with the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E
- Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Lens: Captivating Perspectives on Sony E
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