Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
Announced July 11, 2019
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 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a compact, robustly built prime lens that excels as a portable everyday carry for street and travel photography. Although its f/2.8 maximum aperture is slower than some alternatives, it delivers pleasing image quality and reliable autofocus in a small, well-crafted package.
Weighted from 25 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality, all-metal build with weather sealing
- Excellent image quality and sharpness
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fast and quiet autofocus performance
- Tactile aperture control ring
Cons
- Aperture ring cannot be de-clicked for video
- Noticeable vignetting and distortion
- Limited weather sealing and lack of stabilization
- Modest f/2.8 maximum aperture
- Softness at close focusing distances
- Launch price $549 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 45mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, L-Mount Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 24 cm (0.25x)
- Filter thread 55mm
- Weight & size 215g (7.6 oz) · 64 x 46.2 mm (2.52 x 1.82 in)
Expert Reviews
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Ultimately, the Sigma 45 2.8 DDDN has become one of my favorite generalpurpose lenses. And if I had to choose just one lens for an L-mount system, this would be it.
- OpticalLimits 8/10
So regarding the "love it" or "hate it" group question, yours truly is certainly in the first group - thus highly recommended!
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I love the compact nature of the lens and the beautiful craftsmanship of the Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN. It handles beautifully, has solid autofocus, and has a unique look and feel to it that is somewhat of a departure from the Sigma norm.
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For anyone who wants a gorgeous little optic and doesn't need a bright maximum aperture, this is the one for you, and it comes recommended.
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In objective terms it is a well-put-together lens, with just one serious flaw, high vignetting, and a lot of serious assets.
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If you're in the market for a small, light standard lens that's perfect for travel and street photography, then the Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN should be high on your list of candidates.
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Boasting great image quality and a robust build, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 proves that good things truly do come in small packages.
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The Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary is one of the company's first ground-up designs for full-frame mirrorless cameras and offers almost everything you want from a compact prime lens.
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To my eye, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN lens offers a unique, classical rendering.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
The Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens is a very nice bit of gear; robustly built and compact and light enough to be easy to carry.
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[...] I think this is a great set of small and lightweight prime lenses to use, especially for travel, street photography, or as a small daily lens.
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You all know I'm not very technical, but my final thoughts and opinions: it makes photography fun, makes photography convenient and easy, and it's definitely priced at the right point.
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[T]hat is the rub. If you are committed to the L-mount system, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is, as I asserted earlier, the budget all-rounder, call it the budget jewel in the current L-mount Alliance catalog, unbeatable if it ticks your particular boxes.
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[F]or those of you that 45-50mm is what you're after, this may be the perfect lens.
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To sum things up, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 lens is both exciting and a little disappointing at the same time.
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[...] I had a very positive experience shooting with this Sigma 45mm f/2.8 lens. The compact size complemented the Sony A7RIII perfectly, making it a very portable unit.
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I really like this lens and my conclusion with this lens is that it's really, really nice lens and highly recommended.
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I absolutely love what this lens has to offer in terms of the build quality; it's the best in its price range.
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[...] I really enjoyed using the 45mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens. It’s well-made, splash and dust resistant, the autofocus is quick, and it produces excellent image quality all while being light and compact.
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I love a 45mm, and this would be great for anyone looking—like I've mentioned a few times now—anyone looking for a kind of everyday lens or they wanted to go traveling and they do they want a very small system, this is going to be absolutely perfect.
- Focus Review 92/100
The Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN is a compact and relatively light standard lens. It is not a lens for which you can brag about the brightness, but it is a lens with which you can impress with image quality.
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What you are getting with this Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens is high quality in a compact and robust package that is also fun to use.
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My final thoughts on the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary: this is an absolutely amazing lens coming from the Sigma factory, giving you a great focal length, low-light performance, and great control over depth of field in a super compact package.
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Great great lens, really nice and compact and great being clickable.
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So having said that, I personally believe that this is best for videographers and not photographers.
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