So, guess what just dropped? SIGMA has launched their latest innovation – the world’s first full-frame zoom lens boasting a constant maximum aperture of F1.8. Let’s dive into what this new piece of gear offers.
Meet the SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art lens. This lens isn’t just another option on the market; it’s a game-changer. Maintaining F1.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, it promises the sharpness and clarity that photographers usually expect from prime lenses. SIGMA already has a reputation for introducing unique, large-aperture zoom lenses like the 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art and the 24-35mm F2 DG HSM | Art, and this new lens is yet another feather in its cap.
One standout feature is its constant brightness. The F1.8 aperture, previously a hallmark of prime lenses, now lets full-frame camera users shoot in low light and achieve beautiful bokeh with the flexibility of a zoom. Despite its advanced features, it weighs less than 1kg, which makes it easy to carry around, whether hand-held or on a gimbal.
Practically speaking, the lens incorporates an inner zoom mechanism that keeps its length consistent when you adjust the focal length or focus distance. This means it’s stable for both hand-held shooting and when mounted on a tripod, and it’s also resistant to dust and water. With a constant minimum focusing distance of 30cm throughout the zoom range, it excels in close-up capabilities without compromising on clarity.
The optical performance is nothing short of excellent. Thanks to the effective arrangement of five SLD elements and three aspherical elements, the lens rigorously corrects aberrations, resulting in sharp and clear images with minimal coloring. It also minimizes flare and ghosting, even in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to SIGMA’s advanced coatings.
For videographers, the lens suppresses focus breathing, which means your angle-of-view doesn’t change as you shift focus from near to far. This feature enables smooth and natural focus pulls, enhancing the overall quality of video shoots.
The lens’s AF is powered by an HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), making it not only fast and precise but also near-silent—perfect for videography. The manual focusing mechanism is equally impressive, offering high resolution and adjustable torque settings to give photographers and filmmakers precise control.
Additional thoughtful touches include an aperture ring with a click switch and lock for various shooting conditions, and two customizable AFL buttons on the barrel for easy access. The lens is built to withstand harsh outdoor environments with a dust- and splash-resistant build and a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front element.
With its innovative features, the SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art lens truly expands creative possibilities for both photographers and filmmakers. It will be available starting June 20, 2024, priced at £1299.
All in all, the SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art is a revolutionary lens that offers a blend of portability, durability, and exceptional optical performance. A must-have for anyone looking to elevate their photography or videography game.
