
Here it is: the world's first F1.8 fast full-frame zoom! This is a bit like the full-frame version of Sigma's super popular 18-35mm F1.8 and surprisingly, the fast speed has not been compromised and the zoom range is also similar.
The Sigma 28-45mm is from the Art series, which means the image quality is okay. The focal length range includes the popular 28mm, 35mm and around 50mm focal lengths with a maximum aperture of F1.8, so considering the price and weight of the lens, you can think that this replaces three different fixed lenses! At the same time, you also get much more flexibility for video shooting and don't have to change lenses.
According to the MTF data shared by Sigma, i.e. the characteristics measured on the lens, this should be sharper at full aperture than some of the equivalent F1.4 prime lenses at full aperture! The maximum aperture is 1/3 of an aperture difference, but it's amazing that the zoom achieves the same resolution!
The unprecedented F1.8 aperture for a zoom and a full-sensor focusing circle mean a very shallow depth of field, meaning that focusing must be precise and fast. According to initial tests, this lens is similar in focusing speed to other new Sigma products such as the 24-70mm DG DN II. That means focusing is fast and much better matches the performance of modern bodies, meaning eye focusing and pattern recognition, as well as tracking fast-moving subjects, are all very successful!
Manual focus is handled by a large and tactile focus ring, the focus speed depends on the speed of rotation of the focus ring, meaning that by turning it slowly you can do really precise work. On the other hand, by turning it quickly you don't have to turn it many times, as the motor moves the focus elements faster.
The Sigma 28-45mm has a better aperture than the more common 24-70mm F2.8 professional lenses, so when you need all the light possible, for example when shooting a gig or at a wedding party when the evening is getting dark, this is a good option! At the same time, the zoom also allows for quick reactions when shooting video, more on that later.
The previously mentioned focus speed is the most visible feature in video shooting and this works great. In film use, follow focus systems are generally more difficult to use with this lens because due to the variable manual focus, you cannot reliably adjust the follow focus system to the correct position. So at best this is autofocus!
The Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 is not parfocal, meaning the camera has to refocus the image after zooming, and the lens has some focus breathing, meaning the focal length changes slightly when focusing. Neither of these features will affect photographers or many videographers. But in terms of image quality and brightness, this can be an option for very serious film use, so we mention this information.
The length of the lens remains the same when zooming from one extreme position to the other , meaning the package is very sturdy mechanically and there are no sliding tubes exposed where dust can get inside the optics. Because of this, the lens also feels a little smaller in the hand than the technical specifications would suggest! In addition, the center of gravity remains very similar, meaning this works well with gimbals despite its weight.
The Sigma 24-45mm F1.8 is conventional in terms of usability, meaning that stabilizer adjustments and focus limitation can be made directly with buttons. In addition, there are two programmable AF-L buttons on the front of the lens for activating the focus feature, for example. Like the new Sigmas, the lens has an aperture control ring, and like the Sony, this control ring also has an automatic setting and lock.
The weather protection is in good condition, like Sigma's Art series, meaning the lens is dust and weather protected.
The sales package includes:
Made in Japan


