Sigma EX 28mm F1.8 DG ASP Macro Review

General information

This is a prime lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2000.
The lens belongs to the category wide angle prime lenses, a wide angle lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.

The lens has macro-properties but is unable to reproduce things in their real size (otherwise called '1:1'). You should therefor consider taking the term 'macro' with a pinch of salt and if the macro-possibilities you are looking for you should perhaps look at other options.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2000 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 28mm F1.8 DG ASP Macro:

"For many photographers, the 28mm focal length is the ideal general purpose wide angle lens. Its wide enough for most scenic and landscape assignments and when used indoors for building interiors or groups of people, its wide angle effect is not as extreme as with shorter focal length lenses. A forgiving wide angle lens for newcomers to wide angle photography and highly effective for professionals with its EX construction and fast 1.8 aperture. This high speed performance is excellent for photojournalists doing low-light documentary photography and its use of two aspherical lens elements assures excellent optical performance.

Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors.

Two Aspherical glass elements offer correction for distortion

Capable of Macro photography with minimum shooting distance of 7.9 inches and provides a reproduction ratio of 1:2.7

Floating optic focusing system optimizes this lens for various working distances in order to provide excellent quality images

A non-rotating front lens makes it suitable for a petal-type hood and polarizing filters

A lens hood, front/rear lens cap and carrying case are included with the lens."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

Here it is the only Canon version of the lens that has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. The possibility to use autofocus (AF) is available for Nikon cameras but only if the camera itself has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. Some cheaper and budget camera models from Nikon lacks a built-in autofocus motor, and we at Lensora appreciate autofocus, so in the list of compatible cameras we have chosen to display only the cameras that you can get autofocus with.

The lens has a focal length of 28 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/1,8.

This aperture value indicates that the lens is extremely bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH825-03 432/440".

Images of Sigma EX 28mm F1.8 DG ASP Macro

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • The lens brightness, f/1,8
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
  • The lens is called 'Macro' but can not reproduce at a scale of 1:1
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma EX 28mm F1.8 DG ASP Macro.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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