Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
Announced June 1, 2022
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary provides a portable, budget-friendly alternative to premium wide-angle zooms without sacrificing optical performance. Despite relying on software corrections to manage distortion and lacking some advanced physical controls, it remains a highly capable tool for travel, vlogging, and gimbal-based video work.
Weighted from 29 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent sharpness and optical quality
- Gimbal-friendly internal zoom and focus
- Compact and lightweight build
- Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Lack of weather sealing and premium physical controls
- Significant barrel and pincushion distortion
- Limited zoom range compared to 16-35mm lenses
- Susceptibility to flare and chromatic aberration
- Inconsistent autofocus and focus breathing
- Launch price $899 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 16-28mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, L-Mount Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 25 cm (0.18x)
- Filter thread 72mm
- Autofocus motor Stepping motor
- Weight & size 450g · 77.2 x 100.6 mm (3.04 x 3.96 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 29 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9/10
The Sigma 16-28mm DG DN Contemporary handles the stresses of any lighting condition, is sharp, has excellent handling, isn’t too big, and doesn’t cost thousands of dollars.
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So I think Sigma's got a real winner here.
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[T]he Sigma 16-28 f2.8 DG DN is a highly compelling lens for anyone desiring a bright aperture wide zoom without breaking the bank.
- OpticalLimits 8/10
[...] Sigma has created a winner that combines high optical and mechanical qualities with an attractive price.
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[T]he 16-28mm DG DN C is highly recommended.
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The Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a high-quality lens that adds just the right amount of ultra-wide-angle focal length range to the kit without adding significant weight or taking much space.
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Outside of the high distortion and vignette, this is a solid lens. Nice build, relatively compact, great focal range, great autofocus, and a solid optical performance.
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[T]he Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a solid choice of ultra wide-angle zoom lens.
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Spoiler alert: The Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 is about as sharp as any flagship option, but at just under $900, (and just under 1 lb!) it’s an incredible value for photographers who are serious about creating stunning wide-angle photos or videos.
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Taking the lens in isolation, it is terrific value for money, performs well, is compact and light and also delivers very attractive images, never mind the technical figures, good as they may be.
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Depending on your particular priorities, it's definitely a viable alternative to the bigger, more expensive Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art and Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lenses.
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Following in the footsteps of the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD, this Sigma lens shoehorns an expansive field of view into a relatively compact and lightweight build, yet delivers excellent image quality and all-round performance.
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The affordable, bright, and wide Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary zoom has no equivalent in the L-mount system and outperforms the Sony E-mount competition.
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So there are some benefits for going for the name brand, but for most people, the massive amount of money you save by getting the Sigma makes this totally worth it. It's also just a more practical lens.
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Because again that one millimeter goes a long way, especially if you want to film yourself or you're shooting in tight spaces.
- Phototrend 8.4/10
Vendu à 899 €, cet objectif ne présente aucun défaut rédhibitoire, et offre un rapport qualité-prix particulièrement séduisant. Et à ce titre, nous le recommandons sans hésiter.
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I think the new Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is going to be the go-to ultrawide lens for Leica L-mount shooters who are also wedding photographers.
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[T]his is categorized as a Contemporary lens, like it's it's pretty close to being an Art lens, but for anyone looking for a high quality budget friendly wide-angle zoom lens, it's hard to beat the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens.
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It isn't lovely to hold or look at in hand, no particular thrill in ownership, but that sucker just works, and for what we do that is precisely what we need.
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About time Sigma, happy we finally have it.
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If you are looking for a lightweight and compact ultra-wide lens with an F2.8 aperture, you can't go wrong with the Sigma 16-28mm DG DN lens.
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I think it's a great bang for the buck to be honest with you.
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[T]his is the new lens that I'm probably going to be recommending to almost everybody when they're looking for something in this category.
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The quality it delivers is just outstanding and it is a lens very easy to shoot with, perfect for video either for handheld shooting, vlogging, or for enhancing that sense of motion when shooting from the gimbal [...] versatile lens that is pretty much perfect [...]
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If you want a super sharp, compact and well priced F2.8 lens - then Sigma is your choice.
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I think this lens is going to be very popular, particularly among the content creator crowd, people making vlogs, because it's perfect for that sort of thing.
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It's got great build quality, it's got that internal zoom, so if you want to fly it on a gimbal you are fine to do so. The image quality is absolutely spectacular, sharp as a tack.
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So my point is this image quality is not less than its price, but also it's not more than its price, but this size, weight, focal length is something you want to have in your life.
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I think Sigma knocked it out of the park with this lens.
