Sigma Contemporary 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN
Weighing just 470g with a constant f/2.8 aperture, this full-frame zoom for L-Mount packs 16 elements including 3 aspherical and 4 ED glass in a weather-sealed, compact body. Its stepping motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus, while Super Multi-Layer and Nano Porous Coatings effectively cut flare and ghosting. Best for macro and portrait photographers who need a lightweight, durable default zoom with strong close-up capability (1:3.3 magnification) in one portable package.
About This Lens
About Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DNFEATURED REVIEWSGreat Lens!!!By KAIPO B.I?m new to this video and photography scene, but I think I made the right choice with this as my first lens. I borrowed a friends 24-70mm sigma lens and liked it, but this 28-70mm came out just as I was about to buy one for myself. Although it may not go as wide as the 24-70mm, it is lighter and smaller in size, not to mention less in price, and does the job for me! I use this with my Sony a7s iiiLightweight PowerhouseBy OLIVER L.Small, compact, effective. Excellent lense. The perfect travel buddy. I took it to Iceland in the rain, snow, and extreme cold. The lens never faltered. Quick precise auto focus. Never missed a hit, but YMMV. I godd a great copy of a wonderful lens. Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens | Full Frame Mirrorless Zoom Overview.Photographer/DP Cooper Naitove tests the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens. Due to its compactness and weight, this is the standard zoom "everyday lens" that full-frame mirrorless shooters have been waiting for.
Smart & Nimble. The New Standard Mirrorless Zoom.The SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary redefines the standard zoom for mirrorless cameras by combining outstanding optical performance, an F2.8 constant aperture, and a lightweight and compact body. The design of the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is based on the existing 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, but with a focal range starting at 28mm, making the lens body significantly smaller and lighter while maintaining superb optical performance. It is the smallest and lightest lens in its class. Remaining true to the Contemporary line's core concept of maintaining an optimal balance between optical performance and lens size, this new optic delivers professional quality results in a body small enough to take on a casual outing. Design Based On SIGMA’s Art Line, With The Same Uncompromising Optical Performance.The optical design of the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is based on the 24-70mm F2.8 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 F2.8 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 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary has an advanced optical design that includes three aspherical, two FLD, and two SLD elements. A Lightweight & Compact Body ― Ideal For Day-To-Day Use.Being slightly less wide-angle than the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art has allowed a significant reduction in the size of the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary 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. Superb Build Quality With Exceptional Attention To Detail That Provides An Exceptional User Experience.With priority given to optimal portability, the body of the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 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 the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary. Features. ● Lens construction: 16 elements in12 groups, with 2 FLD elements, 2 SLD elements and 3 aspherical elements ● Internal focusing ● Compatible with high-speed autofocus ● Stepping motor ● 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 Warranty InformationThis product has a limited warranty of 48 months.https://www.sigmaphoto.com/register800-896-6858Join VIP PROEarn 2X Points + Exclusive Perks!Request a CallbackChat one-on-one with an expertSell or Trade your GearGet started in 3 easy stepsKey FeaturesCapture stunning detail with this Sigma lens' exceptional image quality and clarity.The versatile 28-70mm focal length is perfect for portraits, landscapes, and everyday snapshots.Enjoy bright, beautiful images even in low light with the wide f/2.8 maximum aperture.Compact and lightweight build makes this Sigma lens ideal for travel and on-the-go shooting.Achieve fast, accurate focus with the advanced autofocus system, ensuring sharp results.Weather-resistant design protects your lens from dust and splashes for worry-free shooting.What's in the box:Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary LensSigma Front Lens Cap 67mmLCR II Rear Lens CapSigma Petal-Type Lens Hood with Lock for 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary LensSigma 4 Year Limited WarrantyArticles & VideosThe New Sigma 28-70mm F/2.8 Contemporary Lens Pairs Versatility and Portability
- Lens construction: 16 elements in12 groups, with 2 FLD elements, 2 SLD elements and 3 aspherical elements
- Internal focusing
- Compatible with high-speed autofocus
- Stepping motor
The 30-Second Version
The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN is the lightest full-frame constant-aperture zoom you can buy for Sony E, and it delivers surprising macro chops and snappy autofocus. Its weak spot is landscape work at the wide end, with noticeable distortion and soft corners. Prices range from $815 to $980, making it a killer value when you find a good bundle. If portability and price matter more than weather sealing and ultimate sharpness, grab one.
Overview
Sigma's Contemporary line is all about balancing performance and portability, and the 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN nails that brief better than almost anything else on the market. At just 470 grams, it's barely heavier than some kit lenses, yet it gives you a constant f/2.8 aperture across the whole zoom range. That makes it incredibly tempting for Sony full-frame shooters who want a do-everything lens that won't weigh down a bag or break the bank. It's the kind of lens that makes you want to grab your camera on the way out the door, even when you're not sure what you'll be shooting.
The optical formula borrows heavily from Sigma's high-end 24-70mm Art lens, but trimmed down to a 28mm starting point to save size and weight. You get a host of special glass elements and two types of fancy coatings to fight flare and ghosting. A fast, quiet stepping motor handles autofocus, and the 9-blade diaphragm promises smooth bokeh. Noticeably absent are weather sealing and optical stabilization, which is the price you pay for that compact body. Still, for a street, travel, or everyday lens, this thing checks a lot of boxes.
Who's it for? Honestly, anyone with a Sony full-frame body who wants an f/2.8 zoom that doesn't feel like a brick. Portrait shooters will love the subject separation at 70mm, event photographers will appreciate the wide-to-short-tele range, and even macro enthusiasts get a pleasant surprise (more on that later). It's not the ultimate landscape tool, but for almost everything else, it's a joy to use.
Performance
In our lab testing, the 28-70mm lands in the top tier for macro performance, which is a bit of a hidden superpower. We record magnification and close-focusing ability for every lens, and this one sits in the 94th percentile, meaning it can focus close enough to fill the frame with a flower or a ring without needing a dedicated macro lens. Autofocus is also a standout, placing well above average in our database thanks to that snappy stepping motor. It's quiet and confident, making it a solid pick for street photography or casual video work.
Optical quality is solid but not class-leading, which is perfectly fine given the price and size. Sharpness is very good in the center, especially at f/4 and up, though corners at 28mm can look a little soft. That's tied to visible barrel distortion at the wide end, which is easily corrected in software but eats into the frame a bit. The build quality feels about average for a modern lens, and the lack of stabilization is the biggest technical shortcoming, but if your camera body has IBIS, you'll manage fine.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Phenomenally light and compact for a constant f/2.8 zoom (470g) 95th
- Constant f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range 94th
- Outstanding macro capability for a standard zoom (94th percentile) 86th
- Fast, near-silent autofocus with a stepping motor 81th
- Excellent value, often bundled with useful accessories
Cons
- No optical stabilization (body IBIS required for steadier shots) 35th
- Lacks weather sealing for outdoor durability
- Weak landscape performance due to distortion and corner softness at 28mm
- Barrel distortion is noticeable before software correction
- Build quality is average, not as robust as the Art series
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 28 |
| Focal Length Max | 70 |
| Elements | 16 |
| Groups | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 |
| ED Elements | 4 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating and Nano Porous Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.0 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Stepping motor |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 190 |
| Max Magnification | 3.3 to 4.6 x |
Value & Pricing
Pricing on this lens bounces around a bit depending on where you shop. We've seen it as low as $815 and as high as $980, so it pays to hunt for a deal. At the lower end, the value is exceptional. You're getting a fast, full-frame standard zoom that can often match lenses costing hundreds more, and many bundles throw in a filter kit, software, and a cleaning kit that sweeten the pot.
Compared to Sony's 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II (well over two grand) or even Sigma's own 24-70mm f/2.8 Art (around $1,100), the Contemporary lens undercuts both while saving significant weight. For photographers who don't need the extra 4mm on the wide end or absolute top-tier corner sharpness, this is the clear budget champ.
vs Competition
If you're strictly comparing lenses that fit Sony E-mount and offer f/2.8, two interesting alternatives pop up from our database. The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is designed for APS-C sensors, meaning you'll lose full-frame coverage but gain vibration compensation and extra zoom range on both ends. It's heavier but weather-sealed, so it could be a better fit for video work or dusty hikes if you're okay with the crop factor. The Sony 16-55mm f/2.8 G is another APS-C option with even better build quality and optical stabilization, but it's pricier and also won't cover a full-frame sensor.
Stepping up to full-frame competitors, you're really looking at the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art or the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2. Both add weather sealing and generally better optics (the Tamron in particular is a direct rival), but they cost more and weigh about 150 to 200 grams extra. For many, the trade-off is simple: if you need the best image quality and don't mind the bulk, spend up. If you prize portability above all else, this Sigma Contemporary is nearly impossible to beat.
| Spec | Sigma Contemporary 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | Tamron Di III 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 | Meike Neo Series MK-5514STM-Z | Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 | Viltrox AF 35mm f1.7 Z |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 28-70mm | 28-75mm | 55mm | 14-24mm | 28-200mm | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | L-Mount | Nikon Z |
| Stabilization | false | false | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | false | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 470 | 550 | 280 | 649 | 413 | 180 |
| AF Type | Stepping motor | VXD linear motor | STM | stepping motor | Autofocus | STM |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | prime | wide-angle | macro | prime |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma Contemporary 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | 85.5 | 81.2 | 69 | 94.4 | 94.5 | 79.1 | 77.6 | 72.5 | 34.5 |
| Tamron Di III 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Compare | 98 | 81.2 | 63.1 | 83.9 | 87.9 | 79.1 | 78.6 | 89.9 | 34.5 |
| Meike Neo Series MK-5514STM-Z Compare | 85.5 | 94.9 | 72.8 | 94.6 | 49.7 | 94.8 | 34 | 89.9 | 79.7 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Compare | 85.5 | 81.2 | 55.5 | 97.6 | 82.5 | 79.1 | 69.2 | 89.9 | 79.7 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 Compare | 53.3 | 71.9 | 73.7 | 87.8 | 91.2 | 65.6 | 95.9 | 89.9 | 99.5 |
| Viltrox AF 35mm f1.7 Z Compare | 85.5 | 92.7 | 92.8 | 72 | 63.1 | 91.8 | 34 | 89.9 | 79.7 |
Common Questions
Q: Does this lens have image stabilization?
No, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN does not include optical stabilization. It relies on your camera body's in-body image stabilization (IBIS) if available, so if you're using an older Sony body without IBIS or shooting video without a gimbal, you may notice more shake compared to a stabilized lens.
Q: How does it compare to Sigma's own 24-70mm f/2.8 Art?
The Art version is larger, heavier (about 835g), and offers marginally better optical performance with less distortion at the wide end. However, this Contemporary lens is nearly half the weight and still delivers very good image quality, making it a better fit if portability is your main priority and you can live without the extra 4mm of wide-angle coverage.
Q: Is it good for video work?
The stepping motor focuses quietly and smoothly, which is great for video, but the lack of optical stabilization means you'll want to use a gimbal or a camera with strong IBIS for handheld footage. The focus breathing is well-controlled for a zoom, but if you rely heavily on stabilization, a lens like the Tamron 28-75mm G2 with VXD and VC might be a better video partner.
Q: Will it work on an APS-C Sony camera?
Yes, it will mount and function perfectly on Sony APS-C bodies, but the effective focal length becomes 42-105mm due to the crop factor. That's still a useful portrait and short telephoto range, but you'll lose the wide-angle capabilities that make this lens so versatile on a full-frame sensor.
Who Should Skip This
If you're primarily a landscape photographer, this lens will frustrate you. The 28mm end shows significant distortion and corner softness that make it tough to get critically sharp, edge-to-edge scenic shots, even stopped down. You'd be better served by something like the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2, which is sharper across the frame and weather-sealed, or even a high-quality f/4 zoom with stabilization for tripod-free scenes.
Video shooters who don't have a body with excellent IBIS should also think twice. No stabilization and no weather sealing mean it's less suited to run-and-gun documentary work or shooting in light rain. Instead, look at stabilized Sony zooms or the aforementioned Tamron which packs VC. If you need the absolute best optical performance and don't mind heavy gear, step up to the Sigma Art or Sony's GM lenses.
Verdict
For the traveling photographer, the weekend event shooter, or anyone who's just tired of hauling a bag full of bricks, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN is an easy recommendation. It combines genuinely good image quality with a size and weight that make you want to bring your camera everywhere. The constant aperture gives you creative control, and the close-focusing ability is a delightful bonus that lets you flirt with macro without swapping lenses.
On the flip side, if you're chasing dramatic landscapes with sharpness right into the corners, this isn't your lens. The 28mm end is its weakest point, and no amount of post-processing can fully fix the distortion-corrected resolution loss. Video shooters who need rock-steady handheld footage without a gimbal should also look elsewhere, unless their camera's IBIS is top-notch. But for portraits, travel, and everyday stuff, it's a little gem.
