A Versatile Lens for Hybrid Shooters
Testing the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens for video capability
• April 2025 issue
For videographers and hybrid creatives in search of versatile performance, the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens is a solid contender, competing with Canon, Sony, and Nikon’s similar models. With an impressive f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, this Sigma offers greater control over depth of field and low-light capabilities, making it highly versatile.
In a market where premium lenses provide a range of focal lengths, the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art stands out for its fixed aperture and Art series optics, enabling a blend of sharpness, dreamy bokeh, and versatility. This lens, like many of Sigma’s Art series models, is designed with quality in mind, offering image quality and range that are rare in the sub-$1,000 price point, making it ideal for both video production and photography.
Key Features
The continuous f/2.8 aperture enables consistent exposure across focal lengths, benefiting low-light conditions and cinematic background separation. This lens’s wide-to-telephoto range (28-105mm) covers landscapes, close-ups, and everything in between. Notably, the 28mm focal length is slightly wider than typical 35-105mm lenses, which can provide more flexibility for filmmakers. Another highlight is the lens’s minimum focus distance of 19.7 inches. This capability sets it apart, making it especially valuable for close-up detail shots.
Field Testing
To better gauge how versatile this lens really is, Ryan Lloyd, my brother Landon Hillyard, and I, tested out the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art while filming a documentary. There is a segment of the film where my brother is calling in moose, so with the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 mounted to a Sony Alpha 7S III, we headed into the woods. As we were filming, I focused on three criteria: versatility, sharpness at f/2.8, and the look of starbursts at f/22.
Versatility
What makes a lens like this versatile is its ability to go from a wide angle to a compressed, more intimate moment within seconds. This proved to be absolutely essential because 11 minutes later, we were filming a bull moose from a safe distance. From a wide-angle shot to a close-up within seconds, the 28-105mm range enabled seamless transitions that might have been missed with a prime. This adaptability is crucial, especially for videographers, making it a viable alternative to Canon, Nikon, and Sony lenses with similar focal ranges.
In this fleeting moment when we spotted the bull moose, I was able to zoom in and photograph the massive animal from a safe distance where I might have missed the opportunity if I’d had to change lenses.
Sharpness at f/2.8
One of the biggest questions about this lens is how well it performs wide open at f/2.8. In testing, the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art proved it has the optical quality Sigma’s Art line is known for. Images taken at f/2.8 are sharp across the frame, especially at the center, with no significant degradation in quality. This makes it ideal for achieving that “dreamy” look that many videographers and photographers chase. The bokeh is soft and creamy, which gives it a cinematic quality that feels natural and uncluttered.
Besides the cinematic feel that’s achieved by using a shallow depth of field, I admire, and have come to love, the compression at 105mm. It adds a distinct, flattering quality that I find both unique and highly sought after.
I was very pleased with how the the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens produces Starburst effects at f/16 and f/22 apertures.
The Starburst Effect at f/22
Another key feature of this lens is how well it handles starbursts. At higher f-stops like f/16 and f/22 the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art produces visually pleasing starburst effects. Many lenses at this focal range struggle with maintaining clean, aesthetically pleasing starbursts, but the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 did not disappoint.
For landscape photographers and videographers who enjoy incorporating the sun or streetlights into their compositions, this feature is a huge advantage.
Filmed at 28mm, my brother, Landon Hillyard, crosses a natural bridge leading to an open meadow where moose are known to be.
Seamless Aperture Adjustments
An intuitive feature that makes the Sigma 28-105 even more attractive is its manual aperture ring, allowing for quick adjustments without navigating camera menus. The aperture ring allows creatives to fluidly adjust exposure as lighting conditions change, which is a dream for video work. Smooth aperture control, as well as focal length flexibility, is especially useful when you’re on the go, where quick changes make the difference between capturing the moment or losing it.
Filmmaker and photographer Tyler Rickenbach
Final Impressions
The Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens is highly versatile, allowing videographers to capture the content they need—from landscapes to intimate portraits—without missing a beat. The combination of a fixed aperture, wide-to-telephoto zoom range, and optical quality makes it a go-to choice, especially for those working in unpredictable conditions where lens changes are inconvenient.
There are a few trade-offs to consider though. Unlike some competitors, the lens has an extending barrel when zoomed, which can affect stability when filming handheld. If steadiness is crucial, you might notice some shift in the barrel when fully extended to 105mm. For run-and-gun videographers or working without stabilizing gear, this could be drawback. Nevertheless, it’s a minor inconvenience in light of what this lens can accomplish. In the end, if you’re looking for a versatile, cost-effective lens with an emphasis on quality and cinematic depth of field, this Sigma should be at the top of your list.
Tyler Rickenbach is a filmmaker and photographer based in Idaho.
