Sigma Contemporary 90mm 2.8 DG DN

The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary produced impressive results during our time with this lens - although it has a few downsides. Image sharpness isn't one of them, though. The lens is plenty sharp, even at f/2.8. Stopping down isn't necessary and there's only a marginal improvement at f/4. We'd even state that images can exhibit the some "3D pop". RAW image distortions are a bit high for such a prime lens as is the RAW vignetting. Image auto-correction will hide these issues, though. Lateral CAs are on the low side. This can't be said about axial CAs, though. In critical scenes, it produces a lot of colour fringing at f/2.8. Stopping down to f/4 does make quite a difference already, though. The quality of the bokeh is excellent again. Out-of-focus highlights are nicely rendered, and the background blur is exceptionally smooth. Image quality is one thing. However, the aspect where Sigma lens tried to make a difference is build quality. The metal lens body just feels awesome.The focus ring handles about as good as it gets with its smooth and dampened action. The aperture ring also avoids the plasticy feeling that we've often seen on other lenses. The weather sealing is rather basic, though. The AF does rely on a stepping motor, which is a bit old school. However, it does the job silently and is pretty fast, so there's nothing wrong with it. If build quality is of lesser concern, then the Sigma lens is probably not for you. Other lenses are just as good optically but faster. However, none of the others can give you the look and feel - and joy - of a classic lens while still offering all the aspects of a modern lens.

Sigma’s 90mm f2.8 DG DN is a very appealing lens for Sony and L-mount mirrorless owners who want a short telephoto lens for portraits or details without the heft or cost of faster models. The f2.8 focal ratio may not be the fastest around but can still deliver attractive shallow depth of field effects, even more so if you can exploit the respectable minimum focusing distance. Details are very sharp across the frame even at the maximum aperture, and videographers will appreciate the minimal breathing. I’m also fond of Sigma’s vintage styling and metal construction that extends to the supplied hood. It would be nice if the weather sealing extended beyond the mount and the aperture ring had been de-clickable, but the overall proposition remains very appealing for the money. Sony’s FE 85 1.8 is a key rival that gives you more background blur for the same money, but it’s softer in the corners, won’t focus as close, suffers from worse breathing, and is physically larger. So with excellent results from a compact and affordable design, the Sigma 90 f2.8 DG DN looks set to become a favourite of portrait photographers who prefer smaller and lighter kits.