Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DF RF Aspherical Lens

28mm is now the normal lens on APS-C digital cameras. A 28mm lens on a DX camera provides the same angle of view as a 45mm lens on a 35mm film camera.

The Sigma lens has macro focusing resources together with a fast F1.8 maximum aperture, which is perfect for Digital SLR cameras. This lens is proficient in Macro photography, with a minimum shooting distance of 20cm (7.8 inch) (reproduction ratio 1: 2.9) and angle of view is 75.4. You can shoot images of not only the subject but also the surrounding area. The lens has an improved optical design, created to attain ample peripheral brilliance with a wide-open aperture. The are nine blades in  the iris diaphragm allowing for stunning out of focus photos (Bokeh) in the both the foreground and background.

Sigma 28mm F1.8 EX DG Fast Wide Angle Prime Lens - Previous Version

The lens encompasses a Dual-Focus (DF) device making it is easy to hold the lens, as the focusing ring does not revolve during auto-focus, nevertheless it provides sufficient focusing torque of the focusing ring during manual focusing. what's more, this allows a Petal-type Hood to be used and for the straightforward use of a polarizing filter. It also encompasses a floating focus system and uses two aspherical lens elements to lessen aberration, distortion, and astigmatism. Additionally It has Super Multi Coating which diminishes flare and ghosting that has a propensity to occur when using digital SLR cameras. The outer surface of this lens is EX-finished to signify the exceptional build and optical quality, and to augment its look. There is a gold ring near the front lens of all EX lenses . Dec 10, 2010

Sigma 28mm F1.8 EX DG Fast Wide Angle Prime Lens - Top Angle

Take notice that this lens does not have a built-in motor and will not autofocus on the Nikon D40/D40x, Nikon D60, Nikon D3000, Nikon D3100 or the Nikon D5000 Cameras.

Sigma 28mm F1.8 EX DG Fast Wide Angle Prime Lens - Mount View

From an optical viewpoint, the Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG is an exceptional lens. Unlike the Sigma 30mm F/1.4, it operates on both APS-C digital and 35mm film SLR cameras. Wide-open at f/1.8, this lens is comparable to the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8. Stopping down one or two stops, as with nearly all lenses, definitely results in more contrast and sharpness, and this lens delivers rather superbly, equivalent to the renowned 28/2.8 AI-S Nikkor for sharpness both up-close and at infinity.

Although excellent at infinity, the lens gleams for moderate close-ups of subjects like flowers. Even though the name says "macro", it barely come within reach of 1:2.9 magnification, and the distance from the front element is rather short, so live insect images are unlikely to be its strong point. In addition, at this range, the lens has a much smoother out-of-focus rendering wide-open than most of the competing lenses (such as the 28/2 AIS Nikkor).  The "bokeh" is buttery and pretty extraordinary, and the more I use the lens, the more delighted I am with the my purchase.

Size is the largest negative aspect. Even though the lens is high quality, it is big and heavy. Compared to the 28/2.8 AF, the Sigma is enormous. In actuality, it is about the same size as a 28/1.4 Nikkor and about the same size and weight  uses the same (77mm) filters as the Sigma 10-20mm lens. The huge filter size may make people who like using filters like polarizer's apprehensive, as they become many times more expensive at the larger sizes. (Using a step up ring could solve the filter problem.)  The large diameter of the lens is another concern. it is so huge, it casts a shadow when using the built-in flash. This problem can be solved with an external flash. Some minor focus noise on my Nikon at midrange distance is last minor matter. There is (better consistency up close), but it is quite fast as the focus ring rotation is just ~45 degrees.  There is no difficulty when you manually focus, but for photographers who do rely on autofocus, this lens may bring about a degree of annoyance. Just remember, this is does not apply to every Sigma lens; it is likely to be expected with sample differences.

If you can get past the enormous size and weight (almost double the size and weight of the Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 AFD) and be fortunate with the sample-variation-related AF quirks, this lens is superb. As an additional benefit, this is the lowest priced f/1.8 wide angle prime lens for Canon or Nikon on the market. Be aware that an f/1.8 lens allows in 2.5 times as more light as an f/2.8 lens. The Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG imparts exceptional image-taking accomplishment. the fact that this high of a level has been realized at such an tremendously fast aperture is marvelous!    

Here's Peter Forsell comparing the Sigma 28mm F/1.8 with two Nikkor zooms, the AF-S 17-35/2.8 and AF-S 28-70/2.8.

"The older Sigma lenses are not famous for their good image quality. The new EX ones on the other hand are good, solidly built and reasonably priced, and often provide something that's missing in the Nikkor lineup. I did a little comparison with my Sigma EX 28/1.8 DG versus my two Nikkor zooms, the AF-S 17-35/2.8 and AF-S 28-70/2.8. The verdict? The wide angle prime smokes the center sharpness of these slow zooms at every aperture. The Sigma is sharper wide open that the zooms at f/4. I don't have the 24/1.8, but I do own the wider EX 20/1.8 DG and I love that lens also very much. Neither of these primes are small, but the images they deliver are great. I have no knowledge of Sigma lenses older than 5 years, but published reviews seem to indicate that those lenses are not very good, especially in the digital age. "

Here's an excellent photo comparison by Peter Forsell.  

http://peterforsell.com/sigma28/index.html

Lens Hood,
Front & Rear Lens Caps,
Pouch Case,
4-Year USA Warranty,
1-Year International Warranty