Sigma introduces world’s first full-frame f/1.8 zoom lens

Here it is: the Sigma 28–45mm f/1.8 DG DN | Art lens! Available for Sony E-mount and the L-mount, this is the world’s first zoom lens for a full-frame system that maintains a constant f/1.8 aperture. (Sigma also brought the world its first f/1.8 constant-aperture zoom lens for APS-C DSLRs back in 2013 with the 18–35mm f/1.8 DC HSM | Art, so they’ve got a proven background in this area.) The lens will be available later this month, but you can pre-order today at a Mike’s Camera near you or by clicking the link below.

The draw here is clear: enjoy the convenience of a zoom lens without sacrificing the optical performance normally peaked in primes. Sigma claims equivalent performance—even surpassing the incredible 24mm and 50mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art lenses—thanks to a carefully engineered optical path, including three aspherical lens elements and five SLD elements for total control of aberrations. Sigma placed special emphasis on suppressing axial chromatic aberration, a common problem in wide-aperture lenses. Flare and ghosting are suppressed with Sigma’s own Nano Porous Coating and Super Multi-Layer Coating, offering strong resistance to backlighting and keeping your images clear and saturated in many other challenging conditions.

Somewhat unusually, the minimum focusing distance is also stable, being 11.8″ across the zoom range. At 45mm, the maximum magnification is a respectable 1:4. Going for three out of three, the internal zoom mechanism is practical and stable—across the zoom range, the lens stays the same shape and size. I’m detecting a theme here!

A lens that stays roughly the same in size and weight distribution is great for video applications (especially when using gimbals or other rigs), and Sigma certainly put thought into its lens’ functionality for filmmakers. Care has been taken to prevent focus breathing, and the HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) offers fast, accurate, near-silent automatic focusing. Plus, the aperture ring features a detent switch in addition to a lock, so you can do iris pulls as needed.

Two customizable (with compatible cameras) AFL buttons add to the ergonomic ease, while a dust- and splash-resistant structure and water- and oil-repellant coating make keeping your lens clean in the face of our great wide world a breeze.

Weighing barely over two pounds, the Sigma 28–45mm f/1.8 DG DN | Art lens is ready to revolutionize your expectations of a zoom lens. Pre-order now to step up your game—these lenses will be shipping in very short order!

Sample image gallery