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Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£180
Avg. price in US: ~$230
Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Sigma SA
Maximum focal length: 28 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 1.8
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 75.4 °

Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Good

6.4

Good

6.9

Good

7.2
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.9
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
4.9
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
8.8
Lens length
25.0%
7.2
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#795 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro is a wide-angle prime lens designed for full-frame DSLRs, featuring a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture and a 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh. Its optical construction consists of 10 elements in 9 groups, including two aspherical elements to minimize distortion and spherical aberration. A standout characteristic is its close-focusing capability down to 20cm (7.9 inches) with a 1:2.9 magnification ratio, supported by a floating focus system and a dual-focus mechanism with a push-pull AF/MF clutch. Main pros include exceptional low-light performance, a solid EX-series build quality, and a non-rotating front element for easy filter use. However, notable cons include softness at the corners when shot wide open, noticeable vignetting on full-frame sensors at f/1.8, and a somewhat noisy, dated micro-motor autofocus system.

Technical Specifications of Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro

Overall score

6.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

macro

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Sigma SA

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

77 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

6.9

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

28 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

28 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

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Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

75.4 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

75.4 °

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Focus & Controls

5.4

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

DC motor

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

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Build & Handling

7.0

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

8.9

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

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DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro vs the average camera lens

Why is Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro better than the average camera lens?

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1 lower f-number at telephoto end
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.8 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.8 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.1.8 vs 2.8
Has aperture ring
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.2 m vs 0.3 m
9.5 mm shorter lens
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro is shorter than the average camera lens (82.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro is shorter than the average camera lens (82.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.82.5 mm vs 92 mm
0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.345 x vs 0.192 x
2.94x cheaper
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro is cheaper than the average camera lens (£180 vs £530).
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro is cheaper than the average camera lens (£180 vs £530).£180 vs £530
1 lower f-number at telephoto end
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.8 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
Has aperture ring
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
9.5 mm shorter lens
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro is shorter than the average camera lens (82.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro worse than the average camera lens?

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No rounded blades
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
9 rounded blades.
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
No full-time manual focus
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Not weather-sealed
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Older release date
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro was released earlier than the average camera lens.
October 2005
6.6 mm wider lens barrel
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro is wider than the average camera lens (83.6 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
Not weather-sealed
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No full-time manual focus
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
No rounded blades
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
9 rounded blades.
What it is: A blade design that keeps the aperture opening more circular for smoother out-of-focus highlights.
When it matters: When you care about smoother bokeh and rounder highlight shapes in blurred backgrounds.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
Older release date
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro was released earlier than the average camera lens.
October 2005
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro was released earlier than the average camera lens.2005 vs 2016
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.0 vs 2
6.6 mm wider lens barrel
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro is wider than the average camera lens (83.6 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro is wider than the average camera lens (83.6 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.83.6 mm vs 77 mm
16.7% lower user score
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a lower user score than the average camera lens (6.94 vs 8.091).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro has a lower user score than the average camera lens (6.94 vs 8.091).6.94 vs 8.09
65.5% less popular
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro is less popular than the average camera lens (3.86 vs 6.383).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro is less popular than the average camera lens (3.86 vs 6.383).3.86 vs 6.38

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro?

Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture ideal for low-light photography
Impressive close-focusing macro capability (minimum focus of 20cm)
Good image quality in the center when stopped down (around f/2.8)
Solid and durable build quality despite plastic construction
Produces pleasing bokeh due to 9-blade diaphragm
Excellent value for a wide-angle full-frame prime lens

What customers dislike about Sigma 28mm F1 8 EX DG ASP Macro?

Soft image quality at the maximum f/1.8 aperture
Significant image degradation and vignetting at the edges on full-frame
Autofocus can be slow, noisy, and hunt in low-light conditions
Heavier and bulkier compared to standard prime lenses (approx. 500g)
Confusing two-step autofocus/manual focus switching mechanism
Prone to chromatic aberration and astigmatism

Expert reviews

lenstip.com

02/04/2010

Summary of the review

Sigma 28 mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro review - Introduction

The Sigma 28 mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro lens review by LensTip highlights a solid mixed-bag performance, positioning it as an affordable wide-angle alternative for both full-frame and APS-C shooters. On the positive side, the lens delivers good image quality in the frame centre once stopped down to f/2.8. It boasts low chromatic aberration, minimal distortion, and a very solid physical build quality. A standout feature is its macro capability, allowing photographers to focus at a minimal distance of just 20 cm with a helpful 1:2.9 magnification ratio. Additionally, it performs quite well when shooting against bright light and comes packaged with a rich standard accessory kit. LensTip.com However, the review reveals several significant optical and mechanical drawbacks. The lens produces very weak image quality when shot wide open near its maximum f/1.8 aperture, and its performance at the edges of a full-frame sensor remains unacceptable across almost all aperture values. Optically, it suffers from visible coma, high astigmatism, and substantial vignetting on full frame. From a usability standpoint, the autofocus mechanism lacks an HSM motor, making it noisy,...

imaging-resource.com

19/05/2011

Summary of the review

Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro - Imaging Resource

📸 The Imaging Resource review highlights the Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro as a solid, budget-friendly wide-angle prime lens with impressive close-focus capabilities. One of its main pros is its dual identity as a macro lens, delivering a notable 0.34x magnification at a minimum focusing distance of just under 8 inches (20 cm). Furthermore, it controls barrel distortion quite well (.4%) and offers a budget-conscious price tag of roughly $450, making it cheaper than rivals like the Canon EF 28mm f/1.8. Image quality is decent in the center when shot wide open, but stopping down to f/2.8 massively boosts overall sharpness. ⚠️ However, the lens comes with several notable cons regarding optical performance, autofocus, and handling. When shot at f/1.8, it suffers from significant corner softness and prominent vignetting (a full stop of light falloff) on full-frame cameras. Optically, it also shows signs of both transverse and longitudinal chromatic aberration at wide apertures. Mechanically, the lens features a noisy, somewhat outdated electrical motor with sluggish autofocus speeds taking up to a second to sweep the range. Additionally, the...

lenstip.com

02/04/2010

Summary of the review

Sigma 28 mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro - LensTip.com - Image resolution

The LensTip review of the Sigma 28 mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro highlights several notable advantages, concluding that its usefulness depends significantly on the camera body used. On the positive side (pros), the lens features a solid, robust housing and includes a rich standard accessory kit backed by a 3 year guarantee. Optically, it delivers good image quality and sharpness in the frame centre once stopped down to f/2.8, peaking at f/5.6 on an APS-C/DX sensor with roughly 43 lpmm. Furthermore, the lens handles certain technical elements well, showing low distortion levels, low chromatic aberration, a close minimum focusing distance of just 20 cm, and relatively good control against ghosting and flares when working against bright light. However, the review outlines substantial disadvantages (cons), particularly concerning resolution and autofocus performance. At its maximum wide-open aperture of f/1.8, image resolution in the frame centre is weak and inadequate (dropping to 25 lpmm), requiring users to step down to at least f/4.0 for fully sharp results. The optical performance degrades significantly at the frame edges, showing severe coma and astigmatism aberrations...

lenstip.com

02/04/2010

Summary of the review

Sigma 28 mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro review - Summary Would you like a comparison of this lens against the Canon 28mm f/1.8 USMGo to product viewe...

The LensTip review of the Sigma 28 mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro lens highlights several notable advantages, particularly when used on smaller sensors. The optical design yields good image quality in the frame center once stepped down to an f/2.8 aperture, alongside low chromatic aberration and low distortion. Additionally, the lens features a solid housing, stands up well against bright light, and includes a rich standard accessory kit backed by a 3 year guarantee. Photographers will also appreciate its close-focusing macro capability, which allows for a minimal focusing distance of just 20 centimeters. However, the review details serious drawbacks, especially regarding full-frame camera performance. Image quality is exceptionally weak near the maximum f/1.8 aperture, and corner resolution remains unacceptable across almost all aperture settings. Users will have to contend with high astigmatism, visible coma, and massive vignetting on full-frame bodies. Operationally, the lens is bulky, heavy, and suffers from a slow, loud, and unreliable autofocus mechanism. Given its high post-currency crisis price, LensTip concludes that its value is highly debatable when compared to superior alternatives like the Sigma 30...

radojuva.com

09/10/2014

Summary of the review

Sigma 28mm F1.8 EX DG Macro Review

The Radojuva review evaluates the vintage Sigma High-Speed Wide 28mm 1:1.8 Multi-Coated Aspherical lens, highlighting its fast f/1.8 aperture for low-light shooting over standard f/2.8 alternatives. The lens features a robust build with a screw-drive autofocus system that is incompatible with motorless entry-level Nikon DSLRs. Key pros include a 30 cm minimum focusing distance and smooth, pleasing bokeh. Conversely, the lens exhibits severe optical softness and vignetting at f/1.8, high susceptibility to flare, and a slow, noisy autofocus mechanism.

dxomark.fr

31/10/2005

Summary of the review

Sigma 28mm F1.8 EX DG ASP Macro Canon - Specifications and Measurements

The Sigma 28mm F1.8 EX DG ASP Macro is a wide-angle prime lens originally launched in October 2005 with an indicative price of $449 USD. Designed for full-frame cameras featuring the Canon EF mount, it features an optical construction of 10 elements in 9 groups, a 9-blade circular diaphragm, and a 77mm filter diameter. A key highlight of this lens is its prominent macro focusing capability alongside a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, making it a highly accessible, multi-purpose option for low-light photography, architecture, and close-up street or event shots. In terms of real-world performance, the lens displays clear pros and cons. On the positive side, it features excellent central frame sharpness when stopped down slightly (especially around f/2.8), low chromatic aberration, minimal barrel distortion, and an impressive minimum focusing distance of just 20 cm for close-up shots. However, it suffers from notable drawbacks, including very soft image quality near the wide-open f/1.8 aperture, underwhelming corner sharpness on full-frame sensors, and high astigmatism. Furthermore, the lens lacks image stabilization, relies on a standard DC mechanical autofocus motor instead of a newer...

rcefoto.com

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Used Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG - RCE Foto

However, users and reviewers highlight several notable cons, starting with its significant weight and bulky size (500 grams) compared to standard prime lenses. Optically, the lens exhibits noticeable softness and aberrations at the corners, particularly when shot wide-open on full-frame sensors. Additionally, the autofocus system relies on an older mechanical camera drive rather than a silent ultrasonic motor, leading to noisier focus operation and occasionally sluggish tracking in low-light environments. The dual-action focus ring mechanism can also feel awkward to push forward and backward when switching between AF and MF modes.

Video reviews

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