Sigma A 60 mm f/2.8 DN review - Build quality

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Sigma A 60 mm f/2.8 DN

6 August 2013

Arkadiusz Olech

3. Build quality

It would be difficult to compare the Sigma to any direct rival because it simply lacks those. There is the Olympus 2.8/60 available but it is a macro device so of a bit different kind. Similar things can be said about the Samsung NX 2.8/60 although, to tell you the truth, these two are more alike as both feature an APS-C class detectors. The Fujinon XF 2.4/60 and the Sigma seem also to be close but the former is a bit faster aperture wise and gives you a substitute of a macro mode in the form of the 1:2 reproduction ratio. Also the Sony E 50 mm f/1.8 OSS from the Sony NEX system can be considered close to the tested lens. The following chart presents the properties of all instruments, listed above.

In the photo below the Sigma A 60 mm f/2.8 DN is positioned between the Olympus M.Zuiko 12-50 mm and the Sigma 30 mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM.

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The tested lens starts with a metal mount which surrounds contacts and a rear element which is hidden about one centimeter inside the casing. The inner tube in this area is darkened very well, there are also no gaps through which the dust could access the instrument or through which you could glimpse some electronics.

The proper body of the lens is made of metal as well. Its first element is a smooth, immobile ring where you can find a lot of info: the name and parameters of the lens, the “A” mark, meaning this device was qualified as belonging to the “Art” group, its serial number, the range of the focusing mechanism, a mark stating the year of the launch, the type of the mount and the information that the lens was made in Japan.

The next and biggest part on the lens is a smooth, metal manual focus ring. It is as wide as 31 mm and attached to servomechanisms so it works very evenly; we only regret the producer didn’t include some ribs to make the grip surer. Running through the whole scale needs a turn through an angle of 200 degrees.

Behind the manual focus ring there is a protruding hood mount. It surrounds a non-rotating filter thread, 49 mm in diameter. The front element is 25 mm in diameter and surrounded by a plastic ring on which you can find the name and the parameters of the lens along with an inscription “MADE IN JAPAN”.

You should also mention one thing: when the lens is detached from the body (or it is attached but the camera is not switched on) and you shake the instrument, you can hear a characteristic clatter coming from the inside. The producer emphasizes that it is a pretty natural feature, connected to the autofocus layout. When the camera is switched on and the lens is powered, the clatter disappears.

The inner construction of the Sigma A 60 mm f/2.8 DN consists of 8 elements positioned in 6 groups. The producer used one aspherical element and one made of low dispersion SLD glass. Inside you can also find an aperture with seven blades which can be closed down to f/22.

The buyers get both caps, a hood and a hard case. If you take the price of the lens into account you have to admit it is a rich accessory kit. It’s also worth mentioning that the lens comes with 2 years of warranty and that period can be extended optionally by another year.