Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG Review

Many thanks for the provided Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG D lens Natalya Romanenko.

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG. increase.

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In this review, I will call the Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG D in abbreviated form Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG.

In short

The Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG is a fairly old fast universal lens, but already optimized for use with digital cameras. Not a bad budget model to replace modern lenses of the 24-70 / 2.8 class. First of all, it is interesting for its low cost in the secondary market and very compact sizes.

This is the latest model before ultrasonic motors, image stabilizers and more came into fashion. Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG is quite similar to its one-year-old - Tamron 28-75 / 2.8 SP.

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

History

Sigma has the largest family tree of universal high-aperture zoom lenses. It is sometimes very difficult to distinguish one model from another, as well as find information on a particular modification.

Below are listed all such lenses in chronological order of their publication, the names are indicated according to the spelling on the lens housing or near the front lens, and the optical design and the number of special elements are indicated:

  1. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom, 13/10 [0], since May 1992, aka Vivitar Series 1 28-70/2.8 VMC
  2. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX Ashperical [+ -D], 15/12 [2 ASP], from the end 1998
  3. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX aspherical DF [+ -D], 15/12 [2 ASP], since February 2001
  4. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG aspherical [+ -D], [DF] 14/13 [3 ASP, 2 SLD], since February 2001
  5. Sigma 24-60mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG [+ -D], 16/15 [4 ASP, 2 SLD], several subversions, since May 2004
  6. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG Macro [+ -D], 14/13, [3 ASP, 2 SLD], since September 2004
  7. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG [+ -D], 14/12 [4 ASP, 2 SLD] since September 2004
  8. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 EX DG HSM, 14/12 [3 ASP, 1 ELD, 2 SLD], since September 2008
  9. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 DG OS A, 19/14 [4 ASP, 3 SLD], since February 2017
  10. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 DG DN A, 19/15 [3 ASP, 2 SLD, 6 FLD], since November 2019
  11. Sigma 28-70 mm 1:2.8 DG DN C, 16/12 [3 ASP, 2 SLD, 2 FLD], from February 2021

Separately, you can still identify almost universal:

  1. Sigma 20-40mm Zoom 1: 2.8 EX DG aspherical IF [+-D], 17/13 [2 ASP], since August 2001
  2. Sigma 24-35mm 1:2 DG A, 18/13 [1 ASP, 7 SLD, 1 FLD, 1 ASP SLD], since June 2015

Designations in the names of the lenses:

  • EX (EXcellent) - the highest quality professional lens
  • DG - the lens is designed for full-frame SLR digital cameras
  • DN - lens designed for mirrorless digital cameras
  • Df (Dual Focus) - a focusing system for convenient work with the focusing ring (DF is written near the front lens, or on the box / instruction)
  • IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus
  • aspherical (ASP) - the presence of aspherical elements in the optical scheme
  • SLD (Special Low Dispersion) - special low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • FLD - (Fluorite-like Low Dispersion) - special low-disperse elements in the optical scheme with characteristics close to fluorite
  • ASP SLD (ASPherical Special Low Dispersion) - special elements that are simultaneously aspherical and low dispersion
  • ZOOM - zoom lens, the presence of zoom
  • HSM (Hyper Sabout nothing Motor) - ultrasonic focusing motor
  • OS (Optical Stabilizer) - built-in optical image stabilizer
  • A (Art) - Sigma Art Premium Lens Range
  • С (Ccontemporary) - a line of modern lenses with a good price / quality ratio
  • D - a letter in the name of the lens, which was placed only on some lenses for Nikon F cameras (analogue 'Nikon D') and Sony / Minolta (because the name of the lenses from the list is [plus or minus D]). Typically, the letter 'D' is located near the focal length indicated on the case, such as 20-40mmD, 24-60mmD, 24-70mmD, 28-70mmD)

At the time of its announcement, the Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG was the most compact universal fast aperture zoom lens.

The Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG is pretty simple, it's the only lens'EX DG 28-70 / 2.8'. This is the latest model to have a 28mm focal length at its short end. Subsequently, the minimum focal length started from 24 mm. And also this is the last lens with a conventional micro-focusing motor (or a non-motorized version for systems with a 'screwdriver'), further all subsequent lenses had a built-in ultrasonic motor.

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Main technical characteristics of Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG D:

Review Instance Name The inscription near the front lens: SIGMA ZOOM 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG ø67 LENS MADE IN JAPAN, on the body SIGMA 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG D + serial number
Basic properties
  • D - lens for Nikon cameras, transfers the focusing distance to the camera, analog 'Nikon D'
  • ZOOM - zoom lens (old lenses had such an attachment in their name)
  • DG - the lens is designed for full-frame SLR digital cameras
  • EX (EXcellent) - the highest quality professional lens
  • LOCK - button for fixing the zoom ring in position 24 mm
  • IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus
  • aspherical - the presence of aspherical elements in the optical scheme
  • SLD (Special Low Dispersion) - special low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • 1:2.8 - fast lens with a fixed maximum aperture over the entire range of focal lengths
  • auto focus by camera motor, analogue Nikon AF
  • without aperture ring (analogue Nikon G)
  • SML (Super Multi Layer) - super multi enlightenment
  • gold border near the front lens
  • Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use.
Front Filter Diameter 67 mm
Focal length 28-70 mm

Zoom ratio 2.5 x
Designed by for digital full-frame cameras (available in versions for different systems)
Number of aperture blades 9, not rounded
Tags
  • focusing distance in meters and feet
  • focal lengths for 28, 35, 40, 50, 70 mm
  • bayonet mount mark
  • hood attachment mark
Diaphragm F / 2.8 to F / 32 over the entire range of focal lengths
MDF (minimum focusing distance) 0.33 m over the entire range of focal lengths, the maximum magnification ratio of 70 mm is 1: 4.4
The weight
  • 510 g (claimed)
  • 486 g (measured, lens without caps, version for Nikon F)
Optical design 14 elements in 12 groups including 4 aspherical elements and 2 low dispersion elements

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG:

Lens hood bayonet model unknown
Manufacturer country LENS MADE IN JAPAN (Japan)
Period Around September 2004 to 2008. Out of production.
Price See on E-Katalog

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG [+ -D] - the last fast station wagon from Sigma, in the name of which there was a prefix 'ZOOM'.

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Assembly

Build quality Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG is at a fairly high level, yet this is a series of Sigma EX. To the touch it is a strong and reliable lens. True, there are several minor flaws:

  • The lens case is covered with characteristic Sigma velvet, which is very easily soiled and can quickly peel off
  • The trunk of the lens can spontaneously move, but there is an appropriate blocker to eliminate this trifle
  • The zoom ring has a slight backlash (maybe backlash appears only with time)
  • When changing the focal length, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens body like a pump - it draws in and pushes out air
  • From the bayonet side, the boards and internal electronics of the lens are visible

Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG uses a metal mount. The retractable frame of the housing consists of one section. The zoom and focus rings are rubberized. The zoom ring rotates 60 degrees. Housing design inherent to many old Sigma lenses.

Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG can use a plastic hood, which is fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the lens. When changing the focal length, the hood moves with the movable frame of the housing. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation.

Устройство aperture consists of 9petals.

Frame (trunk) of the Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG spontaneously very easily resizes under its own weight (perhaps this begins only with time). To avoid this, on the lens body there is a focal length switch-lock 'LOCK' (the so-called 'lock'), which tightly locks focal length at a value of 28 mm.

To fix the trunk of the lens, you must first set the 28 mm focal length. Near the button there is a drawn arrow that indicates in which direction the switch should be moved to lock the lens.

The switch is located in a convenient place - under the thumb of the left hand, so the lens can be quickly and comfortably 'removed from the lock' before starting shooting.

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Focusing

Auto focus speed for Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG high (closer to average), comfortable for most photo tasks.

During focusing, the front lens and the frame for filters remain motionless as the lens uses internal focus. While changing the focal length, the front lens also does not rotate.

The focus ring rotates only 45 degrees. The stroke of the ring is smooth. The minimum focusing distance is 0.33 m. The maximum magnification ratio is only 1: 4.4.

When used on a camera Nikon D700 the lens behaves well; very rarely it is mistaken in focusing. On camera Nikon D90 I checked the presence of the back and focus front at different focusing distances and different values ​​of the focal length (infinity and MDF as well). Pictures taken using the Live View mode (which does not suffer from back / front focus) were used as a measure. Focusing accuracy using phase sensors completely coincided with the Live View mode.

It's important: auto focus with this lens is available only when using him on cameras with built-in motor focusing.

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras with a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will focus automatically:

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras without a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will not focus automatically:

Only auto focus and sound confirmation of focus will not work with these cameras, all other important functions, such as automatic exposure metering and automatic iris control, will work well.

You will find a lot of useful information on the types of cameras and lenses Nikon here.

Focus Features:

  1. Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG does not have a focus mode switch. To set the lens to manual focus on cameras with motor For focusing, use the focus mode switching lever located near the camera mount. For cameras without motor Only manual focus mode will always be available for focusing.
  2. During auto focus, the focus ring rotates and cannot be touched.
  3. Focus speed may vary slightly depending on the camera used. This issue has been considered. here.
  4. During focusing, the lens and camera are quite noisy.
  5. There is a very strong effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changing the viewing angle during focusing). During focusing towards MDF, the viewing angle increases
  6. Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG is a third-party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some Nikon cameras. Details on this issue are considered by me. here.
  7. When changing the focal length, focusing is almost not lost.
  8. Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG transmits the focus distance to the subject in the camera and is a type lens Nikon D.
  9. The lens has a scale with a focusing distance in meters and feet. Such a scale in itself is of little use and is present more for show (justification of this thought here).
  10. The direction of the focus ring does not match the original Nikon 28-70 / 2.8
  11. Unknown compatibility with teleconverters.
  12. Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG does not have hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens at infinity under any external conditions.
Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Image quality

In general, Sigma Zoom 28-70mm 1: 2.8 EX DG, as for a lens of its class, is optically not bad, but, of course, significantly worse than the original Nikon 28-70 / 2.8.

Sharpness

  • normal sharpness at open apertures in the center of the frame over the entire range of focal lengths
  • there is a slight drop in sharpness while increasing the focal length
  • after f / 4 k, the sharpness in the center of the frame reaches a good level
  • edges come back to normal after F / 5.6, angles around F / 8.0

Distortion

  • the overall level of distortion is at a level typical for such lenses
  • pretty strong distortion only visible at 28 mm
  • distortion practically absent and imperceptible in the range of 35-60 mm

Vignetting

  • significant vignetting on open diaphragm
  • there are difficulties with eliminating vignetting
  • most vignette is present at 28 mm focal length F / 2.8 and during focusing to infinity

Aberration

  • on F / 2.8 there is a small amount of spherical aberrations that go away after F / 4
  • general level HA is at the level typical for such lenses
  • when closing the diaphragm chromatic aberration are slightly reduced

Rest

  • color rendering is neutral, possibly with a slight shift in warm / yellow tones. The classic yellowness inherent in some old Sigma lenses was not noticed (although, for example, the copy that was on the review vlador.com yellow under Canon EF)
  • noticeable amount of glare in the backlight, a slight drop in contrast in the side light

For some reason, there is no profile for this lens in ADOBE CARMEA RAW (and, accordingly, in Lightroom).

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Sample Photos

Natalia (500px) uses this lens as a light, bright zoom on the camera Nikon D700, She also shared photos for this review.

I shot several events on Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG (example), because this review is based not only on photographs Natalia, but also on my personal experience with the lens.

You can download the original photos in RAW format at this link (25 files, 300 MB). On the Nikon D700 most likely with this instance the display is buggy EXIF, which shows 70 mm by 65 mm and 28 mm by 32 mm (the position indicator defining the focal length has apparently gone astray).

UPDATE 1

And a few more examples without processing:

UPDATE 2

And a few more examples without processing:



Professional fast wagon

Choosing a good high-speed universal lens is one of the most important for a large number of photographers. I pay a lot of attention to this issue, because I prepared this list of all full-frame universal (standard range of focal lengths) fast autofocus lenses:

Canon

Bayonet EF:

  1. Canon Zoom Lens EF 28-70 mm 1: 2.8 L USM
  2. Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70 mm 1: 2.8 L USM
  3. Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70 mm 1: 2.8 L II USM

Bayonet R:

  1. Canon Lens RF 28-70 mm F2 L USM, since September 2018
  2. Canon Lens RF 24-70 mm F2.8L IS USMsince August 2019

Nikon

Bayonet F:

  1. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70 mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)
  2. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70 mm 1: 2.8D (MKII)
  3. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-70 mm 1: 2.8D ED SWM (two body color options)
  4. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70 mm 1: 2.8GN ED Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Asphericalsince December 2007
  5. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70 mm 1: 2.8EN ED Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Aspherical VR

Bayonet Z:

  1. Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70 mm 1: 2.8 S
  2. Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75 mm 1:2.8 (the scheme is similar to Tamron a036, animation)

Tokina (for different mounts)

  1. Tokina AT-XAF 28-70 mm 1: 2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF)
  2. Tokina AT-X PROAF 28-70 mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (or 1: 2.8, Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)
  3. Tokina AT-X PROAF 28-70 mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (or 1: 2.8, Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO II)
  4. Tokina AT-X PRO 28-80 mm 1: 2.8 Aspherica (Tokina AT-X 280 AF PRO)
  5. Tokina AT-X PRO SV 28-70 mm 1: 2.8 (Tokina AT-X 287 AF PRO SV)
  6. Tokina sd 24-70 F2.8 (IF) FX AT-X PRO Aspherical

Sigma (for different mounts, in chronological order)

  1. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom, from May 1992 (Vivitar 28-70 / 2.8 VMC was made on its basis)
  2. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX Ashperical [+ -D], from the end 1998
  3. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX Aspherical DF [+ -D]since February 2001
  4. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG Aspherical [+ -D], [DF version], since February 2001
  5. Sigma 24-60mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG [+ -D], from May 2004
  6. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG Macro [+ -D], From september 2004
  7. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG [+ -D], From september 2004
  8. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 EX DG HSM, From september 2008
  9. Sigma 24-70mm 1:2.8 DG HSM OS A (ART), from February 2017, Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA
  10. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 DG DN A (ART)since November 2019, Sony E, Leica L, the layout is similar to Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8 / 24-70mm, animation
  11. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 DG DN C (Contemporary)since February 2021, Sony E, Leica L

Tamron (for different mounts)

  1. Tamron SP AF 35-105 mm 1: 2.8 Aspherical Model 65D
  2. Tamron SP AF Aspherical LD ​​[IF] 28-105 mm 1: 2.8 Model 176D
  3. Tamron SP AF Aspherical LD ​​[IF] 28-105 mm 1: 2.8 Model 276D
  4. Tamron SP AF Aspherical XR Di LD [IF] 28-75 mm 1: 2.8 Macro Model A09 (Model A09N & Model A09N II) (scheme like Konica Minolta AF Zoom 28-75mm 1: 2.8 (32) D и  Sony 2.8 / 28-75 SAM)
  5. Tamron SP 24-70 mm F / 2.8 DI VC USD Model A007
  6. Tamron SP 24-70 mm F / 2.8 Di VC USD G2 Model A032
  7. Tamron 28-75 mm F / 2.8 Di III RXD Model A036, (15/12), only for Sony E / FE, the scheme is similar to Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75 mm 1:2.8, animation
  8. Tamron 28-75 mm F / 2.8 Di III VXD G2 Model A063, (17/15), only for Sony E / FE, Fall 2021
  9. Tamron 35-150 mm F / 2-2.8 Di III VXD Model A058, Sony E / FE only, Fall 2021

Sony

Sony / Minolta A mount:

  1. Konica Minolta AF Zoom 28-75 mm 1: 2.8 (32) D (scheme like Tamron 28-75 / 2.8)
  2. Minolta AF Zoom 28-70 mm 1: 2.8 (32) G
  3. Sony 2.8 /28-75 SAM (scheme like Tamron 28-75 / 2.8)
  4. Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 2,8 /24-70 ZA SSM T *
  5. Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 2,8 /24-70 ZA SSM II T* (circuit from the previous lens)

Sony E-mount:

  1. Sony FE 2.8 /24-50 G (G, SEL2450G)
  2. Sony FE 2.8 /24-70 GM (G, SEL2470GM)
  3. Sony FE 2.8 /24-70 GM II (G, SEL2470GM2)

Pentax (K)

  1. Pentax SMC FA 28-70 mm f / 2.8
  2. Pentax HD Pentax-D FA 24-70 mm f / 2.8ED SDM WR

Angénieux

  1. Angenieux zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF (for Nikon F, Minolta / Sony A, Canon EF)

Vivitar

  1. Vivitar Series 1 28-70mm 1: 2.8 VMC AUTO FOCUS ZOOM, different mounts, presumably a copy Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom

Panasonic

  1. Panasonic Lumix S PRO 1: 2.8 /24-70 mm, from August 2019, Leica L

Leica

  1. Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 1: 2.8 / 24-70mm f / 2.8 ASPH., from May 2021, the optical design repeats Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 DG DN Art (animation)

Samyang

  1. Samyang AF 24-70 / 2.8 FE, aka Rokinon AF 24-70 / 2.8 FE, from October 2021, only for Sony E / FE
  2. Samyang AF 35-150/2-2.8FE, from April April 2023, only for Sony E/FE

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

My experience

I worked with a very long time Tamron 28-75 / 2.8 SP and in the general case, it is slightly better than the Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG. However, as the first budget universal aperture zoom lens, the Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG is also pretty good. I would highlight Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG and Tamron 28-75 / 2.8 SP as two of the best budget options out of many old fast aperture zoom lenses. Everything released after them already has a much more significant price tag.

A week before the Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG review, I used the older version several times SIGMA ZOOM 28-70mm 1: 2.8 EX ASPHERICAL, which turned out to be significantly worse at the long end than the Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG.

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

Results

Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG is a budget universal fast lens. Overall it has a good value for money. In a state of use. costs around $ 200.

10 main advantages:

  1. top quality professional lens, Sigma EX series
  2. very compact size and light weight
  3. convenient set of focal lengths
  4. lock for fixing the lens in position 28 mm
  5. many special optical elements in the optical circuit (Sigma SLD, ASP)
  6. 9-blade aperture
  7. focusing internal type, small MDF
  8. high focusing speed (slightly dependent on camera and mount)
  9. good optical performance
  10. low cost in the secondary market

10 main disadvantages:

  1. velvet cover of the case, which can be overwritten with time, backlash of the zoom ring, spontaneous movement of the trunk
  2. no dust and moisture protection
  3. noisy auto focus
  4. small stroke of the focus ring, insufficiently convenient manual focus
  5. absence inboard motor focusing (critical for users of amateur Nikon cameras without motor focusing)
  6. rotation of the focus ring during autofocus and, as a result, lack of the function of constant manual focus control
  7. the direction of rotation of the focus ring and zoom does not match the original Nikon 28-70 / 2.8
  8. there may be incompatibility with some cameras and / or teleconverters (no exact data)
  9. the lack of a lens profile in popular RAW converters and the lack of data about the lens in modern cameras, which makes it difficult to automatically correct some types of distortion (distortion etc.)
  10. some optical performance is significantly worse than that of similar modern lenses

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Arkady Shapoval

 

 

Comments: 35, on the topic: Review Sigma Zoom 28-70 1: 2.8 EX DG

  • Vladimir

    Arkady, something you frequent with reviews. Thank you so much for your work.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      In Kiev, quarantine, no scheduled shootings, so I switched to a bit of reviews.

  • Vladimir

    I have a question for you a little off topic. It is believed that screwdriver lenses are less accurate in focusing than their motorized versions. For example, you have reviewed almost all Sigma class 24 (28) -70mm - both motor and screwdriver. I personally noticed something similar, but I would like to hear your opinion. Screwdriver vs SWM.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It all very much depends on the camera and the way the photographer works with AF. The topic is really big, since non-motorized and motorized ones use different algorithms of work. As an example, SWM motors can slow down the focusing speed by several times in difficult lighting conditions for accurate focusing (when it's dark, the speed drops). Non-motorized ones don't do that. And there are a lot of such subtleties. Another of them is that non-motorized ones are not prone to refocusing at the smallest change in distance, while motor-free ones are already starting to rotate the ring in the other direction.
      If in general, then I did not notice any problematic issues in non-motorized versions. Moreover, non-motorized ones are usually more resistant to back / front focus due to old protocols and algorithms. Sigma’s new HSMs, especially ART / C / S, because of complex protocols, often provide back-front focus on new cameras.
      HSM, SWM are critical in televisions, where you need to really quickly move the lenses and where the non-motor mechanism is just a turtle. There are so many other subtleties.

      • Vladimir

        This is the topic for the article.

        • Pokemon

          Any screwdriver lenses are much more accurate than non-native motor lenses.
          I tried different degrees of shit and killing, both native and non-native lenses on the D700, D750, D3s, D4.
          These cameras have good AF modules and powerful motors (D3s / D4).
          It may be a matter of habit, but it is easier and easier to work with non-motorized ones and they are less critical to low temperatures than motor ones. Non-motorized ones are also easier to focus in almost complete darkness and in the same clubs or just in bad / difficult conditions. I know people who shot in clubs exclusively with screwdriver lenses precisely because the motor could give an error.

          • Alexey

            ha, boyar)) you called a very good camera. it would be very strange if the classic screwdriver glasses missed focus on them. I can add a funny fact - I have an old D50, on which I sometimes put 80-200 2.8D, and so the focus accuracy is almost 100%, while on D800 or D300s there are often misses :)

      • Alexey

        the rotation speed of the camera focusing motor in nikons is variable. the drive motor is controlled by a driver using PWM. screwdriver glasses have another problem - they do not have software focus correction.

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Yes, of course, a variable, I wrote about the fact that with similar lenses, for example, the effect of a constant slowdown in speed in poor lighting is not observed.

        • Igor-K

          Not provided in the lens itself? I have a Nikkor 70-210 / 4 with a pronounced front focus, with the help of the construction in D300s this problem is completely removed.

          • Victor

            Yes, it is not provided in the lens, by software, of course, with a trip to the service center.

            The correction in the carcass is too coarse, and if it really worked on the zoom at all focal lengths and focusing distances - just lucky.

    • Alexey

      inaccuracy of focusing optics with a “screwdriver” is due to the looseness of the optics itself and the drive in the camera. if everything is correct, AF accuracy is high. although USM MAY provide greater focus accuracy at the cost of finer steps.

    • koba

      Do you know why the price of an optically superior Canon 24 / 1.4 L II lens fell and sales fell too? The thing is that he greatly smears the focus, in about 30 percent of cases. Fortunately, it’s very easy to work with him manually, unlike Nikon’s counterparts. Modern autofocus protocols are very complex and at the slightest glitch directly affect the results.

  • Pokemon

    Sigma 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG D - for some reason I got the feeling that it is worse optically than the Sigma 24-70 / 2.8 EX DG Macro.
    Correct me, but the 28-70 / 2.8 EX DG D from the review existed then in parallel with the Sigma class 24-70 / 2.8 lens and was just a slightly cheaper / simplified version of the latter.

  • Jury

    Arkady, what is preferable for weddings: Canon EF 24-105mm f / 3.5-5.6 IS STM or Tamron SP 28-75mm 1: 2.8 or maybe Used Canon EF 24-105mm f / 4.0L IS USM ... Thank you.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I would prioritize descending like this: 24-105 / 4L -> 28-75 / 2.8 -> 24-105 / 3.5-5.6

    • Dmitriy

      Yuri, no offense, if you ask such a question, it's too early for you to photograph weddings. Test, compare, draw conclusions ... yourself! And yes, there are no millionaires here. I also started with Nikon d3100 + Helios-81H. Now only flagship technology and top-end glass.

      • Joe

        Wow, the first time I meet in the comments is the owner of the Phase One XF IQ4 with Schneider Kreuznach lenses. If it does not bother you, write a review of this system, I think it will be interesting to many readers of the site.

  • Onotole

    Judging by the exifs for the examples of photos - the focal length is somehow incorrectly transmitted to the camera - there is not a single value of 28 or 70, but there are many 32 mm and 65 mm, which is apparently transferred to the camera.
    Here either the incompatibility of the non-original lens with the camera, or the lens malfunction, well, or it is only by name 28-70, and in fact 32-65. It would be interesting to verify this by comparing the viewing angles with another, obviously working correctly zoom.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Specifically, this instance worked normally before, showed 28-70 in EXIF, eventually became 32-65, I indicated this in the review. Once again, this lens is exactly 28-70.

      • Onotole

        Yes, I didn’t read to this place, I immediately got into writing kamenty)
        I've come across about the same garbage before on my Nikon 70-300 4,5-5,6. He somehow at once became 95-270 (accordingly, his aperture at the long end began to show as 5,3) and at the same time he had such a malfunction that on some cameras he refocused by pressing the half-shutter even in the position of the switch on the lens in "M" - in fact, this is how the malfunction was discovered. The service said - the sensor for determining the focal length is dead (at least as I understand it, the master), the repair came out inexpensive.

        • Alexey

          there is a pure contact sensor FR, you can do it yourself.

        • Vadim

          My lens also shows only 52 mm in EXIF ​​...

  • Pletsky Mikhail

    How many options do not go through trying to find cheaper, more similar, but still the system glass 24-70 is a classic. It should be for everyone, and yes it is by 2,8. Yes, it's expensive, but again there are used ones, there are previous versions, there are with a stub, there are without. But nevertheless I will bow (already having in work) only for the native system. There will be no better options ...

  • Volodimir

    And looking around Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar 2/50 ZF.2 T * will you? (Looking at you in іnstі)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, the review is almost ready, but I was given this lens for a long period, because I will publish it when I give the lens back to get the most examples of photos on it. A decent lens, I even thought of taking it myself

      • Volodimir

        Super. Chekaєmo :)
        Did you take ale ob'ktiv?

        • Arkady Shapoval

          I just played enough, took more than 5000 frames on it, and I still don’t use manuals for work

  • Arkady Shapoval

    Gallery with landscapes added

  • Natalia

    I am the owner of the lens. If you have questions - please contact me, I will try to answer)

    • Vadim

      I bought myself one for shooting a sports report. I will shoot on D700. Haven't tried it yet. I bought it for little money. True, his focusing ring is loose. But you can use it as a "ram". Have you encountered any breakdowns / malfunctions of this lens?

    • Vadim

      There is also a question: which hood is suitable for it?

  • Vadim

    There is such a lens. Basically, I'm very happy with it. Moderately sharp. At the short end, 28 mm is not always enough, but the price tag for it is very humane.

  • Victor

    Hello everybody. I bought this lens (Sigma 28-70 dx dg) when installed on the nikon D7000, the camera freezes (do not turn it on, do not turn it off), I tried the D5200 the same thing, everything works on the D3200 (except autofocus of course) and aperture control and exposure metering, everything is good. I read on the forums that it could be the firmware of the camera, but all the manipulations with the rollback of the firmware did not bring results (or maybe I didn’t try all the options). For whom this bundle works (Nikon D7000 and sigma 28-70), tell me the firmware number that is on the camera. Thank you.

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