A classic set of journalistic zoom lenses usually consists of models with fixed f/2.8 aperture and the following parameters: 16-35, 24-70, and 70-200 mm. As the last two compliment each other nicely with their focal lengths, the first two double a part of their focal range. Some producers wanted to avoid that effect and, at the same time, offer lenses which are smaller, physically lighter and optically not weaker than the classic ones. Soon, you could find several 16-28 mm, 28-70 mm or even 28-75 mm instruments on the market.
In case of the Sony FE mount Tamron was the forerunner of such an approach – as early as February 2018 they offered the Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8 Di III RXD, and, after a while they added the Tamron 17-28 mm f/2.8 Di III RXD model to their line-up. In September 2021 the first instrument was even refreshed in the form of the Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2.
Sigma reacted a bit slower. In February 2021 they showed their universal f/2.8 zoom so the Sigma C 28-70 mm f/2.8 DG DN but still the line-up lacked an instrument with a wider angle of view. They managed to catch up at the beginning of June 2022 when they offered the Sigma C 16-28 mm f/2.8 DG DN model.
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As you can see their approach was slightly different than the approach of Tamron; the range of both Sigma instruments starts from 16 mm and ends by 70 mm and in case of Tamron devices the focal range starts from 17 mm and ends by 75 mm. If I had to assess these two approaches I would say I like Sigma's way of thinking better. The difference between 70 and 75 mm is, in my opinion, non-existent but one milimeter more at the wide angle is a significant asset, giving you, in some circumstances, more possibilities.
We managed to get one pre-production specimen of the new Sigma C 16-28 mm f/2.8 DG DN even before its official launch so we had a few days to check its mechanical and optical properties. The results of our handling can be found in the following chapters, and we also publish sample shots in our photo gallery – enjoy!
