Sigma created the world's first full frame zoom lens with an f/1.8 aperture, and it might change how you might think about lens choices for both video and photography. The 28-45mm f/1.8 range offers something that's never existed before: prime-level speed across multiple focal lengths without the hassle of constantly swapping glass.
Coming to you from Stefano Lombardo, this insightful video puts the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art lens through its paces by filming an entire documentary about classic car restoration. Lombardo chose this project specifically to test the lens' versatility, shooting everything from wide establishing shots at 28mm to intimate portrait work at 45mm. The documentary showcases how the f/1.8 aperture delivers the shallow depth of field that video creators crave, especially when working in tight spaces like the interior of vintage cars.
The lens delivers more than just speed. Lombardo highlights the internal zoom mechanism, which means the barrel doesn't extend as you zoom, making it ideal for gimbal work without constant rebalancing. Paired with his Sony a7 IV, the HLA linear autofocus system never missed focus during the entire shoot, even when tracking subjects through challenging lighting conditions.
Key Specs
- Focal Length: 28-45mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Lens Mount: Sony E, Leica L
- Coverage: Full frame
- Minimum Focus Distance: 11.9 inches
- Optical Design: 18 elements in 15 groups
- Aperture Blades: 11, rounded
- Filter Size: 82mm
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 6 inches
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
The aperture ring includes a declick switch, which proved invaluable when Lombardo needed to adjust exposure mid-interview without the telltale clicking sound. At 950 grams and 6 inches long, it's substantial but reasonable considering what you're getting. The real value proposition becomes clear when you consider the alternative: instead of buying multiple prime lenses to cover this focal range at f/1.8, you get three popular focal lengths in one package for $1,500.
Lombardo admits he wished for slightly wider coverage, noting that 24mm would have been helpful in the cramped truck interior, but that's a minor complaint against the overall versatility. For portrait photographers looking to expand into video or videographers who want prime-like performance with zoom convenience, this lens fills a heck of a gap. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Lombardo.
2 Comments
I absolutely love how everyone forgets 24-35/2 and treats this one as something UNBELIEVABLE.
Also for me the Canon 2/28-70 is a bigger feat, way more useable range and only 1/3 less light. BUT I can totally understand if someone is into 24-35-50-ish range and gets it with this lens. I wish someone would make a 1.8/50-85, so I could have one lens for two of my favourite focal lengths :)