Compact but capable – an ultra-wide angle zoom that won't weigh you down
With an exceptionally compact form-factor, weighing in at just 450g and measuring just 100.6mm in length, the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C lens is portable for everyday shooting. Ideal for landscape, wedding and travel photographers who need to carry their kit over long distances or for long periods of time.
The lens has an internal zoom mechanism that keeps the overall length of the lens consistent throughout the entire zoom range, so that the lens’ centre of gravity stays fairly constant. Perfect for gimbal use as it would not need adjusting when the focal length is changed.
Superb performance in a compact body
Optimised with the latest optical design technology, the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is a high-performance optic that delivers exceptional image quality despite its compact size. The two large-diameter aspherical lens elements and five perfectly arranged FLD glass elements (whose characteristics mirror that of fluorite) keep the lens light and compact while effectively suppressing the lateral and vertical chromatic aberrations that often diminish the image quality of other ultra-wide lens designs. The lens also utilises the advanced digital correction capabilities of modern cameras to enable it to achieve such impressive image quality in such a small body.
Optical Excellence
An F2.8 constant aperture gives a shallow depth-of-field for blurry out-of-focus areas, which is especially useful when shooting close-ups. The bokeh is smooth and circular thanks to the nine rounded diaphragm blades, which means the background never distracts from the in-focus subject. Extensive measures have been taken to counter ghosting and lens flare, which are caused by reflections inside the lens barrel. The Super Multi-Layer Coating ensures that the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary delivers punchy, high contrast results even in the most difficult of backlit conditions.
Ergonomic form-factor allowing more freedom
The new 16-28mm has a front filter thread built in, which allows neutral density and polarising filters to be attached. This is especially useful for landscape photographers and film-makers.
The internal zoom mechanism allows the lens to maintain the same length throughout the entire zoom range and with almost no shift to its balance point. The resulting stability will be appreciated by anyone looking to use the lens with a gimbal, or for hand-held or vlog-style film-making. The internal zoom also greatly reduces physical dimensions of the lens: at a length of 100.6mm, a diameter of 77.2mm and a weight of only 450g, its portability is comparable with wide-angle zooms with slower maximum apertures.
By using a stepping motor to control the AF actuator, the autofocus of the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is both fast and silent, making it ideal for shooting in quiet environments, such as weddings, and also for video when using an on-camera mic.
Paired with the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary, photographers are able to cover ultra-wide to medium telephoto focal lengths with only two lenses. Their combined weight of only 920g makes for an extremely versatile, compact lens system with uniform F2.8 brightness.
A new experience for mirrorless users
The lens is constructed using specially selected lightweight materials including Thermally Stable Composite (TSC), a polycarbonate with a thermal contraction rate similar to that of aluminium. This enables the lens to function at peak performance even in environments with harsh temperature differences, as the metal and plastic parts contract and expand to similar degrees.
The precision of each individual component and the simple beauty of the finished product are made possible thanks to the craftsmanship and expertise of Sigma’s lens design and production teams, the company’s unparalleled manufacturing technology, and the rigorous quality control at its sole production base in Aizu, Japan.
Compact and lightweight, the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary lens is a sophisticated but versatile photographic tool that offers photographers and film-makers the perfect blend of portability and performance.
Other features
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- Internal zoom
- Internal focus system
- Compatible with high-speed autofocus
- Stepping Motor
- Compatible with front filter (Φ72mm)
- Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction (Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections and auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model). On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON’ (AUTO).
- Support for DMF and AF+MF
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
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- Focus Mode switch
- Petal-type lens hood (LH756-01)
- Mount with dust and splash-resistant structure
- Support for switching between linear and non-linear focus ring settings (L-Mount only)
- Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately; L-Mount only)
- Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
- 9-blade rounded diaphragm
- High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
- Made in Japan’ craftsmanship
- Every single lens is evaluated with Sigma’s proprietary MTF measuring system
Essentials
You'll find our philosophy and craftsmanship in every product
Our new lineup fully expresses our approach to lenses and photography itself. All of our lenses belong to one of three lines—Contemporary, Art, or Sports—all of which share our development philosophy and advanced manufacturing system. High performance, high quality, and high end in every respect, these lenses give people who love photography lasting value and consistent, exciting results. The secret is our passion for craftsmanship that we put into every production process and every product.
Evaluation with Sigma's own MTF measuring system “A1”
We used to measure lens performance with MTF measuring system using conventional sensors. However, we’ve now developed our own proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system (A1) using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of our quality control inspections. The SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM will all be checked using this “A1” before they are shipped.
* A1: Aizu1
“Made in Japan”
All Sigma’s manufacturing – right down to moulds and parts – with a few exceptions, are carried out under a single integrated production system, entirely in Japan. We are now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely “made in Japan”. We like to think our products are somehow imbued with the essence of our homeland, blessed as it is with clean air and water, and focused, hard-working people. We pride ourselves on the authentic quality of Sigma products, born of a marriage between highly attuned expertise and intelligent, advanced technology. Our sophisticated products have satisfied professionals and lovers of photography all over the world because our manufacturing is based on genuine craftsmanship, underpinned by the passion and pride of our experts.
| Lens Construction | 16 elements in 11 groups | |
| Angle of View (35mm) | 107–75.4 degrees | |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 9 Blades (Rounded diaphragm) | |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 | |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 25cm | |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:5.6 | |
| Filter Size | Diameter 72mm | |
| Dimensions | Diameter 70mm x 72.4mm | |
| Weight | 450g | |
