Ronkonkoma, NY—Sigma Corporation of America, the U.S. subsidiary of Sigma Corporation, introduced the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary. The latest high-performance zoom lens in Sigma’s Contemporary line, it is a companion to the current 28–70mm f/2.8 DG DN | C.
Sigma engineers sought to achieve optimal balance for a wide-angle zoom lens, along with sharp optics, a bright constant f/2.8 aperture and robust, yet lightweight construction.
Available for Sony E–mount and L–mount systems, the full-frame, mirrorless zoom lens is equally suitable for still photography and video use. With an inner zoom design and focusing mechanisms; a high-speed stepping motor; and a front filter thread, the lens boasts a compact, balanced body for use on a gimbal. Moreover, the convenient built-in front filter thread allows neutral density and polarizing filters to attach more easily.
“With its excellent field curvature correction, the 16–28mm f/2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is able to achieve exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, which is essential for most wide-angle applications,” Sigma announced.
Moreover, its inner zoom mechanism keeps its overall length consistent throughout the entire zoom range, helping it feel balanced. The inner zoom also means the lens’s center of gravity stays fairly constant. Those who use the lens with a gimbal or for handheld or vlog-style video shoots will appreciate this stability.
For everyday shooting, the lens weighs in at 16 ounces and measures 4 inches in length (L mount). It’s especially useful for landscape, wedding and travel photographers who need to carry their kit for long periods.
Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary Key Features
The lens construction comprises 16 elements in 11 groups, with five FLD and four aspherical lens elements. Optimized with the latest optical technology, the new Contemporary lens features two large-diameter aspherical lens elements and five FLD glass elements whose characteristics mirror that of fluorite. They keep the lens light and compact while suppressing lateral and vertical chromatic aberrations that often diminish the image quality of ultrawide lenses. The lens also utilizes the advanced digital correction capabilities of modern cameras.
An f/2.8 constant aperture also creates a shallow depth of field for blurry out-of-focus areas, useful when shooting close-ups. The bokeh is smooth and circular thanks to nine rounded diaphragm blades. As a result, the image background will not distract from the in-focus subject.
Sigma also took measures to counter ghosting and lens flare, caused by reflections inside the barrel. Its Super Multilayer Coating helps ensure the lens delivers high-contrast results even in difficult backlit conditions. 
Furthermore, by using a stepping motor to control the AF actuator, the lens’s autofocus operation is fast as well as silent. Consequently, it is an option for shooting photography and video in quiet environments.
Sigma also used lightweight materials when constructing the lens, including Thermally Stable Composite. TSC is a polycarbonate with a thermal contraction rate similar to that of aluminum. What’s more, it enables the lens to function even in environments with harsh temperature differences. That’s because the metal and plastic parts contract and expand at similar rates.
Additional Features
Furthermore, the new wide-angle zoom supports DMF and AF+MF, as well as switching between linear and non-linear focus ring settings (L mount). It also provides a focus mode switch; a petal-type lens hood; a dust- and splash-resistant brass bayonet mount; and “Made in Japan” craftsmanship.
It also has a 9.9-inch minimum focusing distance and 1:5.6 maximum magnification ratio (all L-mount specs). In addition, the lens is compatible with the separately sold Sigma USB Dock UD-11.
The Sigma 16–28mm f/2.8 DG DN | Contemporary lens will reach retail in late June with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $899. In addition to a lens hood, it comes with front and rear lens caps.
