Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary

Announced February 24, 2021

PetaPixel may earn a commission if you buy through one of our links.

84

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

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is an exceptionally compact and lightweight standard zoom that offers a constant f/2.8 aperture at an accessible price. Although it lacks the wider 24mm reach and full weather sealing found in more expensive alternatives, it remains a highly portable and versatile tool for everyday photography.

Weighted from 24 reviewer scores

Pros

  • Highly portable, lightweight, and compact form factor
  • Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus performance
  • Excellent image sharpness and contrast
  • Affordable price point
  • High-quality build with smooth control rings

Cons

  • Softness in corners and at close-focus distances
  • Heavy vignetting especially at wide apertures
  • Limited weather sealing restricted to the mount
  • Significant barrel and pincushion distortion
  • Lacks the 24mm wide-angle focal length
  • Launch price $899 (USD)
  • Focal length & aperture 28-70mm f/2.8
  • Mount & coverage Sony E, L-Mount Full-Frame
  • Stabilization None
  • Close focus 19 cm (0.21x)
  • Filter thread 67mm
  • Autofocus motor Autofocus
  • Weight & size 470g · 72.2 x 101.5 mm (2.84 x 4.00 in)


What the Reviewers Say

All 24 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.

  • PetaPixel 8/10

    If you’re on a tight budget, this lens is a winner and if you want to have a lens for carrying around all day that’s comfortable and lightweight I think this is the obvious choice.

    Read full review

  • OpticalLimits 6/10

    If you are looking for a fast, reasonably priced and very compact standard zoom for street photography or family events, the Sigma will tick a lot of boxes.

    Read full review

  • Amateur Photographer

    The size and weight of a camera and the lens attached to it has a huge impact upon many photographer’s enthusiasm for carrying their kit ‘just in case’ or on a day out with the family.

    Read full review

  • The Digital Picture

    Those looking for the lightest weight, smallest size, and lowest cost need to look no further. The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens is that choice.

    Read full review

  • Christopher Frost

    My initial impression from looking at test charts is that the Sigma lens is a bit sharper, but overall this new lens from them is a nice package, especially for people like me who like to use compact size full-frame lenses, so it does come recommended.

    Watch video review

  • SLR Lounge

    The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is the epitome of everything that is good about full-frame mirrorless: You get a bright, constant f/2.8 aperture, impressive image quality, in a compact, affordable package.

    Read full review

  • Great value for money, incredibly even performance across the whole focal length range, lovely bokeh and fantastic handling just about sum up this attractive and useful lens. Along with its 16-28mm sibling, they make a great pair to travel light with.

    Read full review

  • Photography Blog

    [T]he new Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a well-built, fast standard zoom lens that delivers excellent image quality in a very small, lightweight package.

    Read full review

  • Digital Camera World

    For anyone who's on a tight budget but still wants to own a standard zoom lens with a fast f/2.8 aperture, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN is an ideal solution.

    Read full review

  • PCMag

    The Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary is an appealing lens for pros and enthusiasts who want to take advantage of the creative possibilities of an F2.8 aperture without carrying a bulky lens.

    Read full review

  • The Art of Photography

    Sigma have given us a really interesting alternative to the classic utility zoom lens. It's a little bit shorter on the wide end, but I think it gives us a really unique look that makes this lens really stand out.

    Watch video review

  • Shotkit

    [T]he Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 is a versatile and solid lens. It’s not the pinnacle of performance but definitely a workhorse, and it’s realistically the best deal out there for a mid-range zoom if you don’t need the extra 4mm of the 24-70.

    Read full review

  • Sidney Diongzon

    It's a decent standard zoom lens and I actually think it's perfect for people that just bought their first full-frame camera and they're trying to figure out which lens to get for their first full-frame camera.

    Watch video review

  • Matti Sulanto

    So if you are looking for a relatively compact constant aperture zoom lens for your full frame Sony or Elmar camera this Sigma is definitely worth a look.

    Watch video review

  • Alex Barrera

    I am in love with this lens because of its price point, its versatility, and its form factor. [...] I really enjoyed using this lens, and I think to wrap up this review and my thoughts, I'm actually going to purchase this lens.

    Watch video review

  • Stefan Malloch

    For me, this is a lens that if you spend just a little bit more you could get something just a little bit better. It does have some great qualities to it, but in this day and age there's just better options available.

    Watch video review

  • Danboxing PH

    For its price this lens delivers incredibly amazing outputs and let's not forget you get all the crazy sharpness fast autofocus etc in a tiny portable body definitely worth it [...]

    Watch video review

Specifications

General

Announcement date February 24, 2021
Launch MSRP $899
Lens mount Sony E, L-Mount
Image circle coverage Full-Frame
Lens type Zoom
Lens line / series Contemporary

Optical Design

Elements 16
Groups 12

Focal Length & Aperture

Focal length (wide) 28mm
Focal length (tele) 70mm
Max aperture (wide) f/2.8
Minimum aperture f/22
Diaphragm blades 9

Angle of View

Diagonal angle of view 75.4° to 34.3°

Focusing

Autofocus motor Autofocus
Minimum focus distance 19 cm
Maximum magnification 0.21x

Stabilization

Optical stabilization (OIS) No

Controls

AF/MF switch Yes

Build

Weight 470g
Maximum diameter 72.2mm (2.84 in)
Length 101.5mm (4.00 in)
Filter thread 67mm
Weather sealing Mount gasket only
Internal zoom No
Tripod collar Not supported