Sigma’s new supercharged, do-it-all zoom lens could be the ultimate workhorse for Sony and Panasonic shooters
Could Sigma's 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN become a pro's staple instead of the traditional 24-70mm f/2.8?
Sigma has announced two new lenses, the all-new 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN available for L-mount and Sony E-mount and the 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN for Canon's RF mount.
We've already reviewed the latter 10-18mm in Sony's E-mount – it's a stunner designed for crop-sensor (APS-C) mirrorless cameras such as the Sony A6700, with a 15-27mm equivalent focal length ideal for photo and video. And it's an excellent addition to the otherwise sparse range of lenses for Canon's best (crop-sensor) cameras like the EOS R7 and EOS R10.
However, the 28-105mm lens will grab the attention of professional photographers, many of whom rely on a fast-aperture standard zoom lens for a lot of their work, and for whom Sigma's latest creation appears to offer added versatility.
Sales start for both lenses on September 26, with the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN's list price being $1,499 / £1,399, while the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN costs $599 / £649 (bear with us while we get Australia pricing).
The new professional zoom lens on the block
Like many pros that shoot a mixture of portraits, weddings, sports, and events, I heavily rely on my 24-70mm f/2.8 professional-quality lens. It boasts excellent sharpness from center to edges, a moderately fast aperture that's great in low light and for shallow depth of field, and is consistent across the zoom range, while the 24-70mm range is highly versatile.
Sigma's new lens is a slightly different prospect, favoring those who typically like to zoom a little closer. You lose the wide 24mm end – 28mm doesn't fit nearly as much in your frame and is less versatile for run-and-gun video work for which the wider perspective can often be super helpful.
However, you get a whole load extra reach as the telephoto end: 105mm to the traditional standard zoom's 70mm. Sigma's lens offers a compelling middle ground between 24-70mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, and for many users, I can see it doing the job of both.
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All the while you still get that f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range, unlike other popular standard zoom lenses like the 24-105mm f/4, which sacrifice the wider aperture in favor of zoom versatility and a compact form factor.
Sigma doesn't skimp on quality with its lenses: the 28-105mm is dust and splash-resistant, plus it's packed with external controls such as a clicked / de-clicked aperture ring.
Although we haven't tested the lens, which weighs 2.19lb / 995g, its construction of 18 elements in 13 groups and 12 aperture blades bode well for sharp detail and attractive bokeh, as does its High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) inner focus system for fast and reliable autofocus.
There's no word yet if the 28-105mm will be made in Nikon Z or Canon RF mounts. Can I see it replacing my 24-70mm? I'm not completely sure because I do shoot at 24mm a lot. However, it's a cool news lens that I see being extremely popular, especially given Sigma's typically competitive pricing versus proprietary lenses.
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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.