SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art Lens: The Latest Addition to SIGMA’s Full-Frame Mirrorless Lenses Art Line

Written by Peter Dam
|
Published on September 5, 2024
Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art
Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art
Peter Dam
Adorama ALC

Fans of full-frame mirrorless zoom lenses can now enjoy the outstanding SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art that provides the widest focal length range of SIGMA’s Art line at a fast and generous maximum aperture of f2.8. The model offers new opportunities for artistic photography, lifting any focal length limitations and living up to the optical performances the Art line has accustomed us to.

Read along to find out what SIGMA’s new lens brings to the table and how it will benefit your photography regardless of your preferred photographic genre.

Key Features of the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art Lens

  • 28-105mm focal length
  • Maximum aperture of f2.8
  • Rounded twelve-blade diaphragm
  • Minimum focusing distance 40cm (15.8in)
  • Maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1
  • HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) autofocus
  • 18 elements (5 aspherical lens elements) in 13 groups
  • Lockable aperture ring
  • Two AFL buttons
  • Zoom lock switch
  • Sony E and Leica L mounts
  • Weights approx. 992 grams (35 ounces)

What’s New About the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art Lens?

The main novelty is the ultra-wide focal length range. Which is wide-angle to telephoto. You can focus as close as 40cm (15.8in) at all focal lengths and achieve a maximum magnification of 1:3.1 at the telephoto end. The versatility this lens provides is exquisite and gives you the artistic freedom you expect from a zoom lens. In addition, the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | dnortonArt maintains the same astonishing wide maximum aperture (f2.8) throughout the entire focal length range, which means bright photos even in low light conditions. Here are the main features of the new SIGMA zoom lens:

Focal Length and Aperture Freedom

The focal length range covers the favorite options of any photographer. Landscape photographers will stay at the wide-angle end of the range. In contrast, street and portrait photographers will appreciate the natural-looking 50mm and the portraiture-favorite 85mm. For close-ups and details, the telephoto end of the range is a comfortable 105mm and provides a 1:3.1 magnification. The zoom lock switch ensures you don’t accidentally change the focal length.

In addition, thanks to the generous f2.8 maximum aperture, photos look bright in any lighting conditions, noise is not a problem, and the bokeh effect is smoother and more beautiful than ever. The rounded twelve-blade diaphragm improves the look of the bokeh effect, too.

Fast and Accurate Autofocus

This latest SIGMA zoom lens features the HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) autofocus system that provides fast and accurate focusing. Like previous models in the Art line, the 28-105mm includes two AFL (autofocus lock) buttons located on the barrel. These two buttons allow you to keep the focusing distance of the previous shots while changing the camera’s angle, for example. The buttons are customizable; thus, you can assign them other functions, but chances are you will like them as they are.

Advanced Optical Performance

SIGMA ensures you get the same optical performance throughout the zoom range and in any focusing position. The lens features 18 elements in 13 groups, five of which are aspherical lens elements. The first group includes a difficult-to-process large-diameter FLD glass that suppresses aberrations. Add the rounded diaphragm with 12 blades with apertures between f22 and f2.8. What you get is a lens that is able to provide edge-to-edge clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy in any light conditions.

Compact and Lightweight Body

Although versatile and highly performant, the new lens remains compact, ergonomic, and lightweight. It weighs 995g (35.1oz) in the L-Mount version and 990g (34.9oz) in the Sony E-mount version. Smart design decisions made this possible. For example, the lens barrel near the mount is made of magnesium instead of aluminum, reducing its weight by two-thirds without compromising the required rigidity. The use of 5 aspherical lens elements also reduced the overall weight. SIGMA has ensured this zoom lens accompanies the photographer everywhere.

Solid Build for Long-Term Use

Speaking of a good companion, the lens is a good match for any photographic workflow thanks to its dust and splash-resistant design. Don’t worry when shooting close to the ground or near water. Furthermore, the water and oil-repellent coating on the front element allows you to take great shots in any weather conditions. Plus, the included lens hood will protect the lens from the sun and your photos from glare and unwanted reflections.

The lens is 82mm in diameter, which is a common filter diameter. For long-term use in an outdoor environment, keep a UV filter on at all times.

See Our Overview on AdoramaTV

SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 | Getting the Most Out of One Lens

Who Should Buy This Lens?

Due to its versatile focal length range, this lens suits any photographic genre. However, it excels in portraiture, fine art, and candid street snapshots. It is compact and lightweight to carry around but delivers impressive image quality even in less-than-perfect lighting conditions. Travel photographers will appreciate its focal length versatility and robustness, too.

In addition, thanks to its customizable, user-friendly features, the new addition to SIGMA’s full-frame mirrorless lenses line is ideal for beginners who haven’t yet settled on a style and are experimenting with various composition and framing techniques. The lens will support their learning process, allowing them to try everything in the photography manual without compromising on quality.

Comparable SIGMA Lenses

The new SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art completes the DG DN line, SIGMA’s line for full-frame mirrorless lenses, but also the Art line, the producer’s lenses line for expressive power and artful results. Until now, the only SIGMA zoom lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras with the optical performance of the Art line were the 14-24mm, 28-45mm, and 24-70mm ones, which barely touch the telephoto focal length range.

The closest comparable lens is the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM | Art, which is made for older DSLR camera mounts. So the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art is an exciting addition with a wider aperture than previously available in the lens line-up.

The maximum focal length of 105mm of the new lens opens the door for artistic portraiture, close-ups, and fine Art. The photographer gets the full spectrum of focal lengths and can be more experimental with the composition. Furthermore, the f2.8 aperture remains constant throughout the focal length range.

Final Thoughts

Another impressive full-frame mirrorless lens for Sony E and Leica L mounts from SIGMA, the 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art lens, focuses on image quality and versatility. It’s designed to support the photographer in any shooting situation and adapt to their workflow. At the same time, the solid, high-quality build and SIGMA’s attention to detail ensure this lens is a long-term companion that breaks the barrier between studio and outdoor photography. You will simply love to have it around for commissioned work, personal artistic projects, and leisure activities, such as hiking, traveling, or spending a day at the beach with your family.

Peter Dam Photographer and author
Peter Dam is a professional nature photographer with over 10 years of experience within nature photography, corporate photography, and videography. He shares a wide range of nature photography tips and stories on his website and on his YouTube Channel.