Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art Lens Review: A Landscape Photographer's Dream

In the dynamic realm of landscape photography, where capturing nature’s splendor is paramount, the Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art lens emerges as a game-changer. Its exceptional image quality, empowering versatility, and unique perspective make it a compelling choice for landscape photographers seeking to elevate their craft. Let’s delve into the features and performance of this lens to understand why it resonates so profoundly with the demands of landscape photography.

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Introduction: Sigma’s Winning Streak

Sigma’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of lens design is well-deserved, and the Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art lens exemplifies this commitment to innovation. Designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, this lens is a unique offering in the market. Its constant f/1.8 aperture throughout the zoom range is a groundbreaking achievement in the full-frame world, making it a captivating choice for landscape photographers like myself.

Technical Overview: A Unique Offering

The Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art is a marvel of engineering. Here are some key specifications:

  • Focal Length: 28-45mm
  • Aperture: f/1.8 (constant)
  • Format: Full-frame
  • Mount: Sony E, Leica L
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.28m (11.8″)
  • Filter Size: 82mm
  • Weight: 950g

The lens’s substantial size and weight are a testament to its exceptional build quality. It exudes solidity and craftsmanship, with a smooth-operating focus ring and a satisfyingly clicky aperture ring. The lens body, constructed from aluminum and other durable metals, ensures longevity. This impressive build quality complements the standout f/1.8 aperture, allowing for exceptional low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh).

Outstanding Image Quality: Sharpness and Clarity

This lens’s image quality consistently produced has been a source of constant delight. Sharpness is remarkable, even when shooting wide open at f/1.8. Images are crisp and detailed, with minimal distortion or chromatic aberration. The excellent contrast lends a punchy, three-dimensional quality to the photos. The bokeh is equally impressive. The wide aperture and rounded diaphragm blades create a smooth, creamy background blur that beautifully isolates subjects. This characteristic adds unexpected versatility to the lens, making it a compelling option for portraiture despite its wide-angle focal length.

Perfect for Landscapes: Wide-Angle Brilliance

The 28-45mm focal range is ideal for landscape photography. It offers enough width to capture expansive scenes without introducing unnatural perspective distortions. The lens’s sharpness and clarity truly shine in this domain. Fine details in the foreground and background are rendered beautifully, lending a sense of depth and realism to the images. And let’s not forget the vibrant and accurate colors that further enhance the visual appeal of the photos.

The Verdict: My New Go-To Landscape Lens

The Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art is a remarkable lens that has quickly become my primary lens for landscape photography. Its unique combination of a wide-angle focal range, constant f/1.8 aperture, and outstanding image quality make it a powerful and versatile tool, empowering photographers with a multi-functional lens.

Yes, it’s a bit large and heavy, but its results are well worth it. If you’re a landscape photographer looking for a lens that can deliver exceptional image quality in various situations, I highly recommend giving the Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN | Art a serious look. It’s a lens that won’t disappoint.

Our Photography Workshops

Our photography workshops in Yosemite, Point Reyes, and Bodie allow participants to capture stunning images of California’s diverse landscapes, from majestic waterfalls to haunting ghost towns. The collaborative learning environment fosters growth for photographers of all levels. We look forward to offering the following 2025 workshops in California.

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