The SIGMA 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary redefines the standard zoom for mirrorless cameras by combining outstanding optical performance, an f/2.8 constant aperture, and a lightweight and compact body. The design of the lens is based on the existing 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, but with a focal range starting at 28mm, making the latest significantly smaller and lighter while maintaining superb optical performance.

In addition to prioritizing portability, SIGMA’s optical engineers introduced a new combination of coatings and structural elements that make this standard zoom well-equipped for use in a wide range of shooting environments. Likewise, the latest production and manufacturing techniques were employed to ensure exceptionally high build quality.

Key features

The optical design of the SIGMA 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is based on the 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, which is renowned for its outstanding optical performance throughout its zoom range. True to the Contemporary line’s core concept, the 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary was developed to offer the right balance of performance and portability, and as such, this large-aperture standard zoom delivers outstanding image quality that rivals Art line lenses in a body light enough for day-to-day use. Building on state-of-the-art technology, the lens has an advanced optical design that includes three aspherical, two FLD, and two SLD elements. Despite using fewer elements in total than the 24-70mm, the design results in a thorough correction of axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma aberration, which cannot be corrected in-camera, allowing users to create images that are uniformly sharp from the center to the edges of the frame. Along with its anti-ghosting design, the use of Super Multi-Layer Coating and Nano Porous Coating means well-controlled flare for high-contrast results in backlit conditions. It also features a water and oil repellant coating on the front side of the lens.

In short, the new SIGMA 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary combines all of the key optical features required of a large-aperture standard zoom lens, which are essential for photographing a wide variety of subjects in a range of shooting conditions.
With the addition of the new 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary, SIGMA now provides two optimal solutions of standard f/2.8 zoom lens for mirrorless cameras ― the new one achieves remarkable portability and offers the same optical performance, as the existing 24-70mm Art which is for pro-use with the highest levels of performance throughout its focal range.

Being slightly less wide-angle than the 24-70mm Art has allowed a significant reduction in the size of the lens body. In order to fit with the design concept of the Contemporary line, which balances performance with portability, the new lens features a simpler dust-and splash-proof structure and smaller switches. This makes it the smallest and lightest lens in its class.
The new lens features just one lightweight focusing element, which keeps the AF unit small. This, along with a quiet and fast stepping motor, makes for responsive and near-silent autofocus performance.

The 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary weighs in at 470g, and when attached to the SIGMA fp, the entire setup is 890g. The supreme portability afforded by a camera system that weighs less than 1kg gives photographers a huge amount of freedom and flexibility to achieve their creative vision. It’s also a perfect combination for filmmakers looking for a high-performance, lightweight, easy-to-handle camera system that works well with a gimbal and other accessories.

With priority given to optimal portability, the body of the SIGMA 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary consists primarily of lightweight parts. While conventional wisdom states that it is more difficult to ensure processing accuracy for plastic parts than metal parts, there has been no compromise whatsoever on build quality for this lens. One reason for this is that it uses a type of polycarbonate called TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), which has a comparable level of thermal shrinkage to aluminum. This helps reduce differences between the thermal shrinkage of the metal and non-metal parts, ensuring stable levels of performance even in an environment with extreme temperature changes. The use of polycarbonates in the construction of zoom and focus rings can make their operation feel less premium, but with careful treatment to the precision of these parts and adjusting the movement with the lubricant appropriately, the rings offer a precise action with an exceptionally high-quality feel.

What allows us to achieve these precisely produced parts and such premium aesthetics is the impressive standard of manufacturing technology and rigorous quality control we have at the SIGMA Aizu Factory.

Additional features

• Lens construction: 16 elements in 12 groups, with 2 FLD elements, 2 SLD elements and 3 aspherical elements
• Internal focusing
• Compatible with high-speed autofocus
• Stepping motor
• Compatible with lens-based optical correction
  * Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections may vary depending on the camera model.
• Nano Porous Coating
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Water and oil repellent coating (front element) Focus Mode Switch
• Support DMF, AF+MF Petal-type lens hood
• Simple dust- and splash-proof design
• Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
• Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
• Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system “A1” 9-blade rounded diaphragm
• High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount

SIGMA will release the 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN for E-Mount and L-Mount and expects the lens to be available on March 12 for $899.

More info on SIGMA’s website.