Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary First Look

Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary First Look:

One popular zoom focal length is a 28-70mm, and it makes sense, since the coverage makes a lens like this extremely versatile.  One could potentially carry just this one lens during a photographic outing, and be completely content.  So, it makes sense for manufacturers to spend the time researching, and developing lenses around this focal length range, and one that I have for you today is the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens.  It’s a lens that I’ve been looking forward to reviewing, and here are my first impressions of it

So, let’s take a closer look at the 28-70mm right now starting with the overall build.  First off, if you’re in the L mount system like I am but have been waiting for more compact autofocus lenses, Sigma has really been coming out with true gems lately.  In addition to the compact I series lenses, which I reviewed a while back, they are coming out with great lenses like this zoom.  In fact, the first thing I notice right away is how compact this lens is considering it has a fix maximum aperture of f2.8.  Pictures really don’t tell the whole story here.  I own the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm ASPH, which I love.  The focal length range is a little longer than the Sigma’s but it has a variable maximum aperture.  It is quite large compared to the Sigma’s.  As for weight, the Sigma also come in at a respectable 16.6 oz/470 g.

↑ The Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 with the Sigma fp L.

↑ Here’s the Panasonic S1 with the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens.

I’ve been walking around a lot with this lens, and it’s been a pleasure to use.  The size and weight are just about perfect; it’s been great on a larger camera like Panasonic S1, and also a more compact one like the Sigma fp L, which are both cameras I’m currently reviewing.  I may also give it a try on my CL when I get a chance.  On the CL, the equivalent focal length would be 42-105mm due to the crop factor.

↑ I used the Panasonic S1 and the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 at the 31mm focal length.  This was taken at f8 and 160 ISO around the WTC area in Manhattan.

↑ Here’s a photo of the Woolworth building taken with the S1 and the 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens.  The focal length used here was 70mm with the settings being f6.3 and 100 ISO.

Build wise, the lens is rock solid.  It feels like a quality product, and so far, I haven’t had any issues with it at all.  There’s a brass bayonet for mounting accuracy, and there is also rubber sealing for dust- and splash-resistance.  In addition, there’s a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front optic that’s designed to help keep the lens free from smudges and droplets.  The zoom ring, and focus ring are also very smooth.

↑ In this photo, I used the Sigma fp L and the 28-70mm f2.8.  The focal length used was 33.5mm.  The settings were f2.8 and 100 ISO.

↑ I used the S1 here.  The settings were 400 ISO and f5.6 with the focal length being 70mm.

Autofocus is also quick and drama free thanks in part to its stepping motor. As I mentioned before, I’ve been using the 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens on the S1 and the fp L, and have been very satisfied with the performance overall.  The focus is always immediate, and accurate.  I haven’t used this lens for one of my model shoots yet but I am hoping to get the opportunity to do so soon, so I can better test how this lens operates with face detection.

↑ Here’s a photo of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge taken with the S1 as well.  The focal length was 43mm with the settings being f8 and 100 ISO.

↑ This was taken in Chinatown with the 30mm focal length.  The settings were f5.6 and 400 ISO.  This was taken with the S1.

As for image quality, the 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens has been giving me phenomenal results so far.  The lens is great on the S1 and fp L.  Speaking of, it can definitely handle a 61 MP sensor like the the one in the fp L.  The results have just been superb in every way.  Color and contrast rendering are great.  The lens is tack sharp, and I haven’t really had any issues with things like flare.  The performance is really just up there with what you would expect from a professional lens.  What’s also great is how close the lens can focus.  At the 28mm focal length, the minimum focus distance is just 7.5″ (1:3:3 magnification), while at 70mm, the minimum focus distance is just 15″ (1:4:6 magnification).  Combined with its rounded nine-blade diaphragm, you can get some great bokeh shots, especially at closer range.

↑ Here’s a close up shot of a flower taken with the S1.  The focal length was 70mm with the settings being f2.8 and 100 ISO.  As you can see, great bokeh.

↑ This was taken around the Civic Center with the S1.  The focal length used was 31mm with the settings being f7.1 and 100 ISO.

So, stay tuned for my full review.  I’ll try my best to get it posted as soon as possible.  I also have the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8, and the Sigma 35mm f1.4 along with the fp L I mentioned.  Plus, I have the Voigtlander APO 35mm f2 review that will be posted soon.  Thanks for stopping by!

For those interested in purchasing the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens, you can check out the link below:

28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens at B&H Photo

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