Lens Reviews / Sigma Lenses i Not yet tested

16-28mm

(From Sigma lens literature)

Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary

Effortless freedom. A high performance compact ultra-wide zoom with a constant F2.8 aperture.

1. Uncompromising optical performance within a compact body
2. Convenient form-factor allowing more freedom and usability
3. Exceptional build quality with intuitive ergonomics

The full-frame SIGMA 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary combines exceptional optical quality, a bright F2.8 constant aperture and a robust and lightweight body, opening up new possibilities for L-Mount and Sony E-mount shooters who need professional results in a compact package.

With its excellent field curvature correction, the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is able to achieve exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, which is essential for most wide-angle applications. It boasts five FLD elements and four aspherical lens elements to ensure optimal image quality with minimal aberrations. The lens has an inner zoom mechanism that keeps overall length consistent throughout the entire zoom range, helping it feel balanced in the hand. The inner zoom also means the lens' center of gravity stays fairly constant, so it's perfect for gimbal use. A front filter thread allows filters to be attached more easily.

The lens boasts an exceptionally compact form-factor, weighing in at just 450g and measuring just 100.6mm in length*, which makes it a highly practical optic that is portable enough for everyday shooting. It's especially appealing for landscape, wedding and travel photographers who need to carry their kit for long periods. *size and weight measurements given for L-Mount version

Lightweight, versatile and extremely capable, SIGMA's 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary offers photographers effortless freedom at the ultra-wide end.

Key Features

Uncompromising optical performance within a compact body

Optimized with the latest optical design technology, the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is a high-performance optic that delivers exceptional image quality despite its compact size. The two large-diameter aspherical lens elements and five ideally arranged FLD glass elements (whose characteristics mirror that of fluorite) keep the lens light and compact while effectively suppressing the lateral and vertical chromatic aberrations that often diminish the image quality of other ultra-wide lens designs. The lens also utilizes the advanced digital correction capabilities of modern cameras to enable it to achieve such impressive image quality from such a small body.

An F2.8 constant aperture gives a shallow depth-of-field for blurry out-of-focus areas, which is especially useful when shooting close-ups. The bokeh is smooth and circular thanks to the nine rounded diaphragm blades, which means the background never distracts from the in-focus subject.

SIGMA has also taken extensive measures to counter ghosting and lens flare, which are caused by reflections inside the lens barrel. The Super Multi-Layer Coating ensures that the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary delivers punchy, high contrast results even in the most difficult of backlit conditions.

Convenient form-factor allowing more freedom and usability

The new 16-28mm has a front filter thread built in, which allows neutral density and polarizing filters to be attached more easily. This is especially useful for landscape photographers and film-makers.

By using a stepping motor to control the AF actuator, the autofocus of the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is both fast and silent, making it ideal for shooting photography and video in quiet environments.

The inner zoom mechanism allows the lens to maintain the same length throughout the entire zoom range and with almost no shift to its balance point. The resulting stability will be appreciated by anyone looking to use the lens with a gimbal, or for hand-held or vlog-style video shoots. The inner zoom mechanism also greatly contributes to the lens' favorable physical dimensions: at a length of 100.6mm, a diameter of 77.2mm and a weight of only 450g*, its compactness rivals wide-angle zooms with slower maximum F4 apertures. *size and weight measurements given for L-Mount version

Paired with the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary, photographers are able to cover ultra-wide to medium telephoto focal lengths with only two lenses. Their combined weight of only 920g makes for an extremely versatile, compact lens system with uniform F2.8 brightness.

Exceptional build quality with intuitive ergonomics

The lens is constructed using specially selected lightweight materials including Thermally Stable Composite (TSC), a polycarbonate with a thermal contraction rate similar to that of aluminum. This enables the lens to function at peak performance even in environments with harsh temperature differences, as the metal and plastic parts contract and expand at similar rates.

The precision of each individual component and the simple beauty of the finished product are made possible thanks to the craftsmanship and expertise of SIGMA's staff, the company's unparalleled manufacturing technology and the rigorous quality control at SIGMA's only production base in Aizu, Japan.

Compact and lightweight, the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary lens is a sophisticated but versatile photographic tool that offers photographers and film-makers the perfect blend of portability and performance.

Additional Features

• Lens construction: 16 elements in 11 groups, with 5 FLD and 4 aspherical lens elements
• Inner zoom
• Inner focus system
• Compatible with high-speed autofocus
• Stepping Motor
• Compatible with front filter (72mm)
• Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction
• Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections and auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.
• On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with "ON" or "OFF" in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to "ON" (AUTO).
• Support for DMF and AF+MF
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Focus Mode switch
• Petal-type lens hood (LH756-01)
• Mount with dust and splash-resistant structure
• Support for switching between linear and non-linear focus ring settings (L-Mount only)
• Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately; L-Mount only)
• Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
• 9-blade rounded diaphragm
• High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
• "Made in Japan" craftsmanship
• Every single lens is evaluated with SIGMA's proprietary MTF measuring system

Pricing & Availability

The SIGMA 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens will be available in the U.S. at SIGMA Authorized Dealers for a retail price of $899 in late June 2022.

*size and weight measurements given for L-Mount version