Sigma Sigma Art Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art Lens (Sony E) Review
Sigma's 28-45mm f/1.8 is a unique fast-aperture zoom, but its high cost and lack of stabilization make it a niche choice. Here's who should buy it.
Overview
Sigma's 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN is a weird one, and I mean that in the best way. It's the first full-frame zoom lens that manages a constant f/1.8 aperture across the entire range. That's a big deal if you love shallow depth of field but hate swapping primes.
It's built like a Sigma Art lens, which means it's solid and has a smooth focus ring. The inner zoom design is nice because the lens doesn't extend when you're framing your shot. Just know it's not weather-sealed, so keep it out of the rain.
Performance
The f/1.8 aperture is the star here. It gives you prime-like background blur and light gathering in a zoom package, landing in the 76th percentile for aperture. The autofocus is fine, sitting around average, but it's not the fastest or quietest system out there. Optical performance is decent but not class-leading, and the lack of stabilization means you'll need steady hands or a gimbal for video. It's weakest at close-up macro work, which is no surprise.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong aperture (76th percentile) 95th
- Strong versatility (75th percentile) 89th
- Strong bokeh (67th percentile) 77th
Cons
- Below average macro (18th percentile) 20th
- Below average optical (33th percentile)
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 28 |
| Focal Length Max | 45 |
| Elements | 18 |
| Groups | 15 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weight | 1.0 kg / 2.1 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 82 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 302 |
| Max Magnification | 1:4 |
Value & Pricing
At $1,414, this lens is expensive. You're paying a premium for that unique f/1.8 zoom capability. If you absolutely need a zoom that can match prime lens bokeh, it might be worth it. But if you can live with swapping between a 28mm and a 45mm prime, you'll save a lot of cash and probably get sharper optics.
Price History
vs Competition
It's in a weird spot. Compared to a prime like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, you get more flexibility but pay way more and give up some optical quality. Against a standard zoom like the Sony 24-240mm, you gain over two stops of light but lose a huge amount of range. It really only makes sense if you're a portrait or event shooter who needs that specific fast-aperture zoom and can't be bothered with prime lenses.
| Spec | Sigma Sigma Art Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art Lens (Sony E) | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens (Nikon Z) | Viltrox VILTROX 23mm F1.4 Auto Focus APS-C Frame Lens for | Canon Canon L Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens (Canon RF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 28-45mm | 17-70mm | 55mm | 16-50mm | 23mm | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Canon RF |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 953 | 544 | 281 | 329 | 499 | 544 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom | — | Zoom | — | Zoom |
Verdict
Buy this if you're a portrait or available-light shooter who craves the bokeh of a prime but needs the framing flexibility of a zoom, and you have the budget. Skip it if you're on a tight budget, need stabilization for video, or want the absolute best optical sharpness. It's a niche tool for a specific need.