Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C

New compact and lightweight wide-angle

- Matthew Richards

The Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C sets out to beat Tamron at its own game. A while ago, Tamron launched a brace of comparatively compact and lightweight f/2.8 wide-angle and standard zooms in the shape of the 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD and 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD, the latter of which has been replaced by the G2. Sigma has followed suit with a pair of ‘Contemporary’ lenses at the same budget-friendly prices: the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C and 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | C.

A key feature of any wide-angle lens is just how wide-angle it actually is. Being a millimetre shorter than the Tamron 17-28mm, the Sigma gives a slightly larger maximum viewing angle of 107 degrees, compared with the Tamron’s 103 degrees. The fast and constant f/2.8 aperture rating is another key feature that sets it apart from ‘slower’ f/4 and variable-aperture wide-angle zooms.

The impressive optical path includes two large-diameter aspherical elements, two aspherical elements and five top-grade FLD (‘Fluorite’ Low Dispersion) elements, aiming to maximise edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity while keeping chromatic aberrations to a minimum. Both of Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coatings and Nano Porous Coatings minimise ghosting and flare.

A linear stepping motor delivers fast and accurate autofocus for stills, along with smooth and virtually silent focus transitions for movie capture. There’s no optical stabiliser, but that’s only an issue when using first-generation Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras that lack in-body stabilisation.

Performance