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Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN 'C' Review

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The Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN 'C' lens is a beautifully built lens with very good image quality. It performs well on both full-frame and APS-C cameras. The close-up image quality and bokeh are both impressive. Although it lacks a very bright maximum aperture, it offers great value for the price.

The Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN 'C' lens is a beautifully built and high-performing lens that offers great value for photographers using Sony E-mount or L-mount systems.

Pros
  • Outstanding build quality
  • Very good image quality
  • Impressive close-up image quality
  • Clear and soft bokeh
Cons
  • Lacks a very bright maximum aperture

The lens delivers excellent sharpness in the middle at f/2.8 on full-frame cameras, with clear image quality down to f/11.

The Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN 'C' lens stands out for its outstanding build quality and very good image quality. It is designed for Sony's E-mount cameras and L-mount cameras, making it a versatile choice for photographers using those systems. The lens offers a focal length that closely matches the perspective of the human eye, making it perfect for everyday photography. The build quality is exceptional, with a solid metal construction and weather sealing gasket, along with an aperture ring and auto/manual focus switch. The autofocus motor operates silently and smoothly, while the lens exhibits very little focus breathing.On full-frame cameras, such as the Sony A7R II, the lens delivers excellent sharpness in the middle at f/2.8, with clear image quality down to f/11. However, contrast could be slightly better, particularly in the corners. On APS-C cameras, such as the Sony A5100, the image quality at f/2.8 is satisfying, with improvements in contrast as you stop down the aperture. Close-up image quality is good, but ghosting is visible at f/2.8, reducing at f/5.6. The lens handles bright light well, with soft and minimal flaring. Coma levels are well-controlled, and the bokeh, while not from a very bright maximum aperture, provides clear background separation with a soft quality. In comparison to the Samyang 45mm f/1.8 lens, the Sigma offers similar quality and a smaller form factor, making it a compelling option.Overall, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN 'C' lens is a beautifully built and high-performing lens that offers great value, especially for photographers using Sony E-mount or L-mount systems. Despite its lack of a very bright maximum aperture, its outstanding build and image quality make it a highly attractive option for everyday photography.

The bokeh, while not from a very bright maximum aperture, provides clear background separation with a soft quality.

Source

This article is based on the review by

Christopher Frost

Christopher Frost

Christopher Frost is a YouTube channel dedicated to providing in-depth reviews and analyses of photography equipment, particularly lenses. Christopher Frost, the creator and host of the channel, is known for his thorough and detailed evaluations of various lenses from different manufacturers, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and others.  To learn more, please visit the channel here.

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