Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C
Review by Editor AL Lee
Image: Editor AL out with a Sony a7R mounted with Sigma 16-28mm (C)
16th September 2022, Singapore/Malaysia – We received Sigma’s latest Ultra Wide Angle Zoom lens 2 week ago and we had been thinking how shall we review this lens. The new Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C – is a Contemporary line lens that we kinda suspect its a “prank lens” from Sigma. Why so? To us, it is obvious that Sigma is poking fun at Tamron’s 17-28mm F2.8 & Sony’s 16-36mm F2.8 GM – by offering a 1 millimeter wider focal length lens than Tamron & by offering a much cheaper priced lens than Sony. After being in photography for so many years, we had seen how Sigma had “poked fun” at various lens makers like Canon, Nikon, Tamron by releasing a similar focal length or greater focal length lens while offering the lens at a cheaper price than the said brands while giving the public a good quality lens. So the new Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C – when it was released as a Contemporary line lens we knew Sigma is at it again.
Image: Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C
We are all so used to Ultra Wide Angle zoom lenses (UWAZ) to be huge and bulky but the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C is anything but bulky. Measuring just 77mm x 103mm and weights only 450gm, this is probably the lightest version for a UWAZ.
Sigma only made this lens for Sony E mount and Leica L mount (as usual). We were hoping for an image stabilizer but it was not included but everything else is very Sigma. From the TSC-made lens barrel, high quality switches and the layout of the lens, visually it had every design cue from the current Sigma line of lenses.
Image: Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C
Those familiar with Sigma will know that all Sigma lenses are still being produced in Japan unlike other brands – so in terms of build quality, you are getting JDM standards. Inside the lens, the optics are arranged into 16 elements in 11 groups – this is impressive as lights is going to pass through a total of 5 FLD (‘Fluorite’ Low Dispersion) & 4 aspherical elements giving the user an unsurpassed edge-to-edge sharpness. Chromatic aberrations are also kept to a minimum which is great especially for such a capable lens with a low asking price. The front elements comes standard with Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coatings and Nano Porous Coatings to effectively reduce ghosting and flare.
The 9 rounded-blades aperture focuses from F2.8 to F22 as expected and the front minimum focusing distance is mere 25cm which is good for general close-up shots. It take a 72mm front screw-on filter & Petal type lens hood (LH756-01) is also included in the retail box.
So far this lens really makes us feel that Sigma may have “mis-categorized” this lens as everything seems to be very “ART-like”.
Image: Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C
Image: Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C
The Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C uses a linear stepping motor to power the focusing and it is designed for fast & quiet operation. Although many claimed that it is not as fast as the Hypersonic focusing (HSM), it is fast enough for most photography genres and shooting environments.
The Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C at a Glance.
- Compact size and exceptional optical quality
- Bright F2.8 constant aperture
- Inner zoom for optimal balance
- Convenient 72mm front filter thread
- Responsive and near-silent stepping focus motor
- Mount with dust and splash resistant structure
- TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) construction
- Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
- Rounded 9-blade diaphragm
- Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction*
We took the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C for a walk during one of our academy’s workshop and put this lens through its pace. Let’s see how it performed on the streets.
Being an Ultra Wide Angle Zoom lens, the advantage of having the ultra wide angle is really great for street photography, architectures or street scenes. One great example will be the below shot of the Buddha Relic Temple from right across the road.
On street use, the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 is super capable for street scenes. The zoom focal length range allows lots of shooting and framing flexibility. I also like how fast the lens is focusing. There were times I really think Sigma had put in the HSM secretly just to prank users.
Despite walking under the hot 35 degree sun that day, the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 did not add on to my fatigue as it is not heavy and very manageable, making it a great choice if you just wanna have 1 lens to walk through streets after streets looking for subjects. The amount of details captured are pleasing.
The Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 is really fast when it comes to focusing and the edge-to-edge sharpness is for real. The super-accurate focusing also allows me to frame and shoot fast especially in an uncontrolled environment like the streets and people around.
The 9 rounded blades apertures gives super creamy bokeh when it shoots wide open (wide aperture), this lens will be also great for wide angle portraits too.
The below shot, I was standing right in front of the wall and the lens still focused and check out the amount of details captured. Amazing lens.
In Summary, the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 is a very capable and value-for-money lens. You can use this lens from landscape to street photography to portraits and close-ups. It can also be a super travel-lens too if you want to travel light and just have 1 lens that can shoot almost everything within your sight. Apart from its humble asking price, the lens build is of high quality and Sigma had spared no costs in the optics too. All I can say, you are getting a lot for your money.
We are still laughing as Sigma use that 1 extra millimeter to prank Tamron (17-28mm) and selling so much cheaper than Sony’s GM (16-35mm). Sigma had been very consistent with their lens quality for the last 9 years and it is definitely winning the market.
Our Recoomendation – GET THIS LENS!
here’s a parting shot by Nash Koh.
Buying this Lens
If you need an ultra-wide angle zoom lens that does almost everything, the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN (C) is your best choice, you should go ahead & buy this lens. Buy from our accredited merchants for a peace of mind!
Renting this Camera/Lens – (Please check for availability first)
For those of you who wish to try out this lens before purchase, we are pleased to share that this camera & lens is probably available for rental at our appointed rental merchant:
Camera Rental Centre is Conveniently Located at:
50 South Bridge Road, CMO Building, (very near to Clarke Quay MRT)
#02-18. Singapore 058682
Website: https://camerarental.biz/
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Reviewer: Chief Editor AL Lee
Chief Editor & Founder of Ourshutterjourney.com Worldwide and Principal Trainer at Ourshutterjourney Photography Academy. AL is a commercial photographer as well as an educator who believes in the art of digital memories. An ambassador of several photography brands, AL is well versed in many camera systems. Someone once told us AL’s man cave looks more like a camera store than a bedroom.
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