Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
Announced September 9, 2021
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 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a compact, well-built telephoto prime that delivers sharp imagery for portrait and general photography. While its small size and metal construction make it a standout for portable kits, the f/2.8 aperture and noticeable optical aberrations like chromatic fringing may limit its appeal for action or low-light specialists.
Weighted from 18 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent sharpness across the frame
- High-quality, all-metal construction
- Compact and lightweight design
- Smooth manual focus and aperture ring
- Quiet and reliable autofocus
Cons
- Pronounced vignetting and distortion at f/2.8
- Limited weather sealing
- Visible chromatic aberration and color fringing
- Lack of custom buttons or de-clickable aperture
- Not optimized for fast-action autofocus
- Launch price $639 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 90mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, L-Mount Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 50 cm (0.2x)
- Filter thread 55mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 295g (10.4 oz) · 64 x 59.7 mm (2.52 x 2.35 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 18 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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Sigma’s 90mm f2.8 DG DN is a very appealing lens for Sony and L-mount mirrorless owners who want a short telephoto lens for portraits or details without the heft or cost of faster models.
- OpticalLimits 8/10
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DN DG has an impressive image resolution characteristic – as you can expect from a moderately fast tele lens.
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The Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN gives us a genuinely useful lens with a compact size and weight that makes it a great choice for anyone who wants both a compact lens, as well as high image quality.
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Sigma I series lenses are similar, and so are their summaries. If you are looking for a small, light, well-built, affordable lens that has a wide aperture, performs well, and covers the 90mm focal length, the Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens has your name on it.
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The Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN is a welcome addition to the iSeries and to Sigma’s mirrorless lineup in general. [...] But part of what I really like about the i90 is its uniqueness.
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If you are wanting a sharp portrait lens which is also lovely and small, then it comes recommended.
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The Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN is a super-sharp, very well built, short-telephoto prime lens that is surprisingly small and surprisingly affordable.
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The Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary looks and feels like a vintage lens, but inside you'll find a modern, superb optic. We love its images and close-up focus, but action photographers will want a short telephoto prime with faster focus.
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The Sigma 24mm F2 and 90mm F2.8 are two such lenses and they make a worthy addition to the Sigma i series.
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Build quality's fantastic and if you're looking for these focal lengths and the apertures [...] it's a hard lens to say no to in my personal opinion.
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If you’re in the market for a compact telephoto prime, this must be one of your options. [...] However, if you don’t shoot in low light [...] then this is a very strong contender.
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[I]t is a really nice little lens, and if having gear that's super small and lightweight is something that is a big deal to you, then this certainly is a nice option to consider.
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To me, this is pretty much the perfect compact 90mm lens because it really has everything going for it.
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[T]his new 90mm f/2.8 could be a wonderful portrait option if you don't want to spend or don't feel that you need to spend as much on the Art lens.
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One of those lenses that just keeps giving and one that does not disappoint in any way. It does what it says on the tin - it is small, light and vey sharp.
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[T]his is exactly where this lens excels - quality and size.
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[T]his is a well-built, well-finished, and excellent performing lens that's sharp across the frame wide open, but it does have a little bit of chromatic aberration, some flaring issues, and some vignetting [...]
- Zenography 7/10
This is a really lovely little lens; I was very surprised to find it, I was even more surprised when I found out how nicely it shot, so a real bargain all around and quite a find, I think.
