Sigma announces world's first F1.8 zoom for full-frame 35mm cameras: SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art -

Lens maker Sigma has announced the SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art, the world’s first F1.8 high-speed zoom lens for full-frame 35mm mirrorless cameras (narrowly beating the much more expensive Canon RF 28-70mm F2.0L USM for the EOS R series). The new top-of-the-range Art series lens will be available in two versions to fit Sony E-mount and Leica SL-mount cameras.

The new lens weighs 960g and features 18 elements in 15 groups (5 SLD, 3 aspherical elements). It adopts both inner zooming and internal focusing. There are many benefits to this, but one that’s not often mentioned in marketing material is that the design makes it more durable than lenses with extending barrels and less susceptible to damage when using filters (stacked or square with filter holders) and matte boxes. Filter thread size is the standard 82mm for pro-level zoom lenses.

Had this lens been a tilt-shift, Sigma would own the architecture market. Admittedly, the lens would have to be more expensive but even if it were £2.9K there would be a market for it. Detractors might say the zoom range is a bit narrow, but you can always think of it as an ‘adjustable’ 35mm.

The SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art will be on sale from the 20th of June with an RRP of £1,299 inc VAT.

Pre-order:

WEX UK | Amazon | Park Cameras UK

B&H Photo US | Adorama | Amazon

Key features

Lens construction: 18 elements in 15 groups (5 SLD, 3 aspherical elements)
Inner zoom
Inner focus system
High-speed AF
HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction*. Only cameras that are compatible with the function are allowed to use this function. Also, the items that can be corrected may vary depending on the camera, or automatic correction may be performed.* On a camera that allows selecting ON/OFF for lens aberration correction, set the various aberration corrections to ON (AUTO) from the camera menu.
Supports DMF and AF+MF
Compatible with AF assist (for Sony E-mount only)
Nano Porous Coating
Super Multi-Layer Coating
Water-and Oil-Repellent Coating (front element)
Aperture ring
Aperture ring click switch
Aperture ring lock switch
AFL button (2 locations)* Assignment of functions is limited to supported cameras and assignable functions vary depending on the camera.
Focus Mode switch
Support for switching between linear and non-linear focus ring settings (for L-mount only)* Only cameras that are compatible with the system are allowed to use the system.
Dust-and Splash-Resistant Structure* The product is designed to be dust-and splash-resistant but is not waterproof. When using the lens near water, etc., take care not to allow large amounts of water to splash on it. If water gets inside the lens, it may cause a major malfunction and render the lens unrepairable.
Petal-type hood with lock LH878-06
Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
Designed to minimise flare and ghosting
Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system
11-blade rounded diaphragm
High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
Mount Conversion Service available
‘Made in Aizu, Japan’ craftsmanship

Press Release:

The SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art is the world’s first full-frame zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture of F1.8, delivering sharpness and clarity comparable to that of a prime lens.
Already the pioneer of unique, large-aperture zoom lenses including the SIGMA 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art and the SIGMA 24-35mm F2 DG HSM | Art, SIGMA introduces another fast, portable and versatile tool to its Art lineup.

In addition to its unprecedented brightness, the SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art delivers sharpness and clarity comparable to that of a prime lens throughout its entire zoom range. Also equipped with fast and precise AF and superior operability, this innovative optic turns a new page in the history of zoom lenses and their creative possibilities. It is a lens that will inspire full-frame film-makers, while bringing unparalleled versatility to stills photographers.
* As of June 2024 by SIGMA

[Key features]
1. The world’s first* full-frame, F1.8 maximum aperture zoom lens

SIGMA has successfully developed the world’s first full-frame zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F1.8. The SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art incorporates an inner zoom mechanism, a minimum focusing distance of 30cm across the entire zoom range, and a filter size of φ82mm. Despite its advanced feature-set, the lens weighs less than 1kg, making it a portable and versatile option for either hand-held shooting or a gimbal setup.

Constant maximum aperture of F1.8
Once a privilege reserved only for prime lenses, the maximum F1.8 aperture allows full-frame camera users to expose hand-held in low light and produce beautiful bokeh, while enjoying the flexibility of a zoom. This unique optical achievement has been created through SIGMA’s accumulated optical design experience and advanced production technology at the company’s sole production base in Aizu, Japan.

Practical and stable inner zoom
Employing an inner zoom mechanism, the overall length of the lens remains constant when the focal length or focus distance changes. This means the lens is easy to use when shooting hand-held, highly stable when mounted on a tripod or gimbal, and more resistant to dust and water contamination.

Consistent close focus
The minimum focusing distance is a constant 30cm across the entire zoom range, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4 at the telephoto end, providing excellent close-up shooting capabilities. As well as offering precise focus in confined spaces, the lens can therefore be used close to a subject without affecting sharpness when using the zoom.

Premium build at a lighter weight
By rights, such a fast zoom should be big and heavy, but while the lens’s rigidity and durability protect its sophisticated optical design, this is achieved at a weight of less than 1kg. What’s more, this reliable photographic tool uses a versatile filter size of φ82mm, meaning no compromise in portability or convenience.

2. Excellent optical performance comparable to that of a prime lens

With each optical aberration meticulously corrected throughout the zoom range, the SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art rivals prime lenses for clarity and definition. Thanks to its advanced coatings, the lens produces clear images, even in backlit environments, while focus breathing is thoroughly suppressed, bringing expressive power to film-makers and photographers.

The pinnacle of optical quality in a zoom
Through the effective arrangement of 5 SLD elements and 3 aspherical elements, aberrations are rigorously corrected. Axial chromatic aberration, which is particularly noticeable with large-aperture lenses, has been thoroughly suppressed, and the lens delivers clear images with minimal colouration, from sharply focused details to large, smooth bokeh.

Suppression of focus breathing
When using regular lenses, the angle-of-view can change as focus moves from near to far, affecting precise composition. With the SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art this focus breathing is suppressed, enabling natural focus pulls when shooting video.

Minimal flare and ghosting
Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, have been largely eliminated using advanced simulation technology, ensuring the lens renders rich, high-contrast results in all conditions. In addition, in order to keep flare and ghosting to a minimum, the lens uses SIGMA’s Nano
Porous Coating and Super Multi-LayerCoating, producing superior resistance to backlighting and enabling clear, saturated images in all lighting conditions.

3. High-speed AF speed and innovative features
The SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art delivers a range of professional features as impressive as its outstanding optical performance. With high-speed and adaptable AF, a durable weather resistant structure, a de-clickable aperture ring, smooth manual focusing and on-barrel AFL buttons, all features combine to create a versatile photographic tool capable of responding to any situation.

Faster focus with a linear motor
The lens’s AF mechanism uses an HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) to combine accelerated focusing speed with exquisite precision. And because the motor is near-silent it allows video recording without noise.

Precise and comfortable manual focusing
To deliver delicate and accurate manual focus, the lens employs a bi-wire driven focus ring with optimum torque setting, high resolution and an adjustable rotation angle between 90° and 720°*. This allows film-makers to pull focus with organic smoothness, and photographers to focus manually with outstanding accuracy.
* Only for L-Mount, and with compatible cameras.

Aperture ring refinements
The lens is equipped with an aperture ring as well as an aperture ring click switch and an aperture ring lock switch, allowing for aperture operation suitable for various shooting situations.

Equipped with two AFL buttons
Located on the side and on top of the barrel, two customizable* AFL buttons can be easily reached in either horizontal or vertical shooting positions.
* Assignment of functions is limited to supported cameras and assignable functions vary depending on the camera.

Built to withstand the elements
In addition to a dust- and splash-resistant body*, the frontmost surface of the lens is coated with a water- and oil-repellent coating so that it can be used safely even in harsh outdoor environments.
* The product is designed to be dust-and splash-resistant but is not waterproof. When using the lens near water, etc., take care not to allow large amounts of water to splash on it. If water gets inside the lens, it may cause a major malfunction and render the lens unrepairable.

Includes locking petal-type hood
A petal-type hood is included to shield the lens from light. It has a locking mechanism for secure attachment and can be reversed for easier storage.

Technical Data

Manufacturer	Sigma
Model	SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN \| Art
Web	www.sigmauk.com
Elements/construction	18 elements in 15 groups (5x SLD, 3x Asph)
Angle of view	75.4°-51.3° (diagonal)
Max aperture	F1.8
Min aperture	F16
Min focus distance	0.3 m (11.9 in)
Mount	SL & FE mount
Filter size	82mm
Length	151.4/153.4 mm (6.0 in.) SL/FE
Diameter	87.8 mm (3.5 in.)
Weight	960/950 g (33.9/33.5 oz)
Price	£1299 inc VAT ($1,349)