Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 Hands On: Incredible, But There’s a Catch… 

The weight is reasonable for what it is. My opnion is that I would think many people would trade f2.0 for 24mm. A bit slower but goes wider. If for some reason it is too difficult to make a 24-45 f1.8. then make it 24-45 f2.0. I would hesitate to buy 28-45 f1.8 but I would preorder immediately if it is 24-45 f2.0.

For weddings and events this makes a lot of sense… heavier than I would like but paired with an 85mm it would provide lots of flexibility especially with the higher MP bodies.

Looks like a pretty solid lens. Nice to see Sigma providing not only alternatives, but unique options with solid performance across all categories. I'm all for it for the L-mount Alliance!

Best question and approach in the first 10 seconds of the video.

I really, really appreciate when you say "I don't know!" So many reviewers on YT are always sure of their thoughts and they assume they apply to everyone. Petapixel included. In reality, this lens might rock for so many event shooters just because you don't have to constantly change lenses on a body or to carry two bodies on your shoulder. So the added weight of this lens will definitely be a good compromise if I have to hang only one camera down my neck.

That question is definitely the right question to ask. Something definitely considered by pros and often times enthusiasts pay too little attention to weight, until as you note they have to lug it around for 8+ hours on their vacation/holiday or whatever. What I've come up with so far without having shot on it: 1.) It probably doesn't make as much sense to use as a stills lens other than for those that want to shoot dual bodies for events/weddings. If you're carrying a 70-200mm on the other body anyway, this lens might actually help balance both sides to have similar weights. Arguably a 16-35mm f/2.8 is more versatile if you want a lens that can do ultrawide, but the Sigma has the definite advantage for people that want really nice separation on standard focal lengths. Bonus for those that don't care for ultrawides preferentially. 2.) The target really seems to be for video for those that want a "bag of primes" in a single lens. Mark Bone noted that he has been using it a lot on his documentary rig, which is an FX6. On an FX6, the size/weight doesn't matter nearly as much as it does on a mirror-less camera body, and perhaps in that case actually balances quite well. Personally the lens that has my favorite focal lengths in a single zoom is the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8. My issues with it being that they skimped on the entire thing; it doesn't have particularly great optical performance. If someone made a 20-40mm f/2.0 (or faster) with excellent optical performance, no pincushion distortion (barrel is okay), and priced it

Happy to see you are using a SL3 to test this beautiful lens as opposed to most reviews using Lumix S5II/x. Great review as always!! I am getting my SL3 next week after a 2-month wait.

I got mine today. I'll be using this to shoot a wedding next week. I use Lumix S5ii - Video. 4k 50fps - it'll be 42-72 and internal zoom just nice! then during photos, I normally use 24mm + 50mm and using 2 cameras. now i'm down to 1 body + 1 lens! Amen!

Just got this lens and I think the question of the video is spot on. It seems to work for me, an on the go videographer for mostly travel videos. My main lens is Sonys 24-105 f4 and while the FX3 can shoot in low light situations pretty well with that lens, I felt the need for a lower Fstop for better quality shots in low light or indoors. The Sigma is bigger than my Sony lens but it takes incredible, sharp footage. In the past I used a 35mm Sony GM to fill this need, but missed any opportunity to zoom. I’ve tested the Sigma in evening and night time setting around Austin’s restaurants and bars and very happy with. Giddy over the image quality. The ability to throw in bokeh if you want it. Quite frankly you don’t notice the weight when you get going. This fills a perfect need for me, but can’t say that’s the case for others.

I absolutely love what Sigma is trying to do. They are an awesome company and 6 of my 8 E-Mount lens are Sigma. This lens is a niche market. I'm a portrait shooter. I would (and waiting) get the 28-70 F2 when it comes out as I would like more range to justify the purchase (I just sold my Sigma 24-70 2.8).

Wedding filmmaker here. I tend to use keep the Lumix 24-105mm on my S1 for the majority of the day as my run and gun lens. I pair it with the 18-35mm when I want more dazzle dazzle. In theory I would love to pair this lens with my 24-105 instead of the 18-35. My most use focal lengths are 28, 45, and 85mm so this would almost have me covered.

I just picked up the sigma 70-200mm f2.8 dg dn lens last week and I am blown away by it. The lens stabilization is phenomenal. And it's sharpness is just as good as my Sony 135 gm. Too bad they didn't take the lens stabilization out of that lens and put it in this new lens here that would have been perfect. But this is still a remarkable lens for videographers and wedding photographers like myself. It will be great for low-light shots I am telling you what Sigma is killing it with their new lenses. I finally sold the last of my Tamron lenses and been switching to only Sigma and a few Sony GM.

I can't wait for this lens to come on Z mount. Am I the only one? Will it ever become available on Nikon?

This was like a Dave2D review: insightful analysis on the item and use case / market

Another great review Bobby! Autofocus not a deal killer for me since I would use it on my Leica SL2. Images/video making me want to take another trip to Singapore and visit MBS/Fullerton Bay Area lol

Nice to the point review 👍🏻, a niche lens that a photographer may find useful for portraits in tight indoor space.

I don't think there's any real world difference between f/1.8 vs f/2 in terms of bokeh, very very marginal.... My point being, they could have just made a more versatile 24-45 f/2 or even a 28-50 f/2.....I own a 24-35 f2 SIGMA ART while it's a good lens, I feel like it just falls short in terms of focal range

Didnt know u do reviews till i saw this video! Haha, great review Bobby! Considering it since it has internal zoom, which means you dont need to rebalance your gimbal. But its gonna be arms day for me 🤣

I’m sure its a fantastic lens for the target audience, but it also tells me how great the Leica DG Summilux 10-25 and 25-50 f1.7 actually are. Mind you, 5 years ago. I know its MFT and not FF, but with that range, light gathering capabilities and IQ, these were pretty amazing too.

If you're not on a gimbal the weight of this lens will help your steadiness out. Sigma is pumping out some incredible lenses.

No lens is too heavy if your a pro! It should be all about getting the best quality and at the quickest convenience for the customer, so having an internal zoom is fantastic. Toughen up and you will get used too it.

It’s crazy I thought this would be the perfect update knowing how many shooters own the 18-35 f/1.8. I am a Wedding Filmmaker and at the moment this would only be useful (to me) during Details and Bride/Groom but my hesitation is that I carry a 35 f/1.8 & 85 f/1.8 combined is lighter and more compact than this one. Taking into consideration my 70-200 is already a monster 😂do I want to have 2 of these heavy lenses to contend with for a full day 😮. This is one of those, I might want it more than I need it. If this was a 24-50 f/1.8 it would be game-over and flying off the shelves.

I've been saving money for some time now since I'm interested in filming in 2021. I think I'll wait for these big three's successors: Sony A1 II, Canon R5 II, and Nikon Z9 II. I will pray that a company releases a version of 15mm-50mm Full Frame with f/1.8 and higher.

How do the colors/micro contrast compare to the S-pro 24-70 lumix?

Go Bobby! Go! Thanks mate for your thoughts!! A brick lens…Heavy…And Big!

Always producing very good review....well done ..by the way do you have setup photo for this video? mind to share..the video looks sharp & good light

If this lens would come to Nikon Z mount I would get one. Not because for its capabilities in video, but two of my favorite focal lengths are 28mm and 40mm (in FF). And there are no fast (below f2) autofocus lens options at these focal lengths.

Looks like a great lens. I use tamron lenses because I like the 67mm filter size. But it's mostly for wedding

Everyone forgot about the 24-35 f2! Can be had for a bargain compared to this

Hi bobby how’s the noise level when shooting video would u plz advise many thanks

Of course you have a heavy and big lens, there is a compromise always. You want it small? Make it F4! But that's the point of this. F1.8 is a really impressive aperture for a zoom. The price is also ver good.

honestly, was hoping for an update to the 18-35 for e mount instead.

Weight is perfectly fine with my Lumix s5ii + half cage + nd filter + DJI rs3 (not pro) ☺️ 28mm doesnt really bother me. I just use my legs and feet to adjust that 4mm 🤷🏻‍♂️

Yo Bobby, Really nice this lens, two issues though: (1). Size (too big) (2). Heavy Heavy can get away with. Size is too big, for me. Let's see what Sigma offers later or SONY or maybe another 3rd party for SONY. I own the Sony 24-70f/2.8 (II) which I am happy with. 2.8 vs 1.8, sure 1.8 is different for me and most people it is not a big enough deal. Very nice, short, to the point review and I like what you said.

Great thoughts Sigma is making their pricing To gather far more customers

I think this is a lense for the special situation. 28-45 is not that much of a zoom range. When does 1.8 vs 2.8 make a difference? One thing is the new 24-70. Another comparison is the 28-70. that is much lighter,? I think this is positioned for a crowded playing ground...

Its not that weighty Imo, 150g more than old 18-35mm and that was apsc. For what it does is perfectly reasonable weight imo.

no z mount? sad..

I don't think any lens with non linear focusing ring should be considered as "intended for videographers"

I rather have a cheaper 28mm-70mm f2

Zoom lenses are the evil of photography you are either on the one or the other end. the rest is for post cropping

WAYYY TO BIG. RATHER 24 1.4 and 50 1.2. 2 lens all you need

No

I don't understand this lens either and at presentations like this I always wonder whether someone at the manufacturer did market research before development started and asked potential customers what they wanted. Or is this just a demonstration of what the manufacturer can do?