The parameters of the Sigma 2.8/45 are quite unusual so it doesn't have many direct rivals. In our chart we compared it to full frame f/2.8 lenses which focal lengths range from 35 to 45 mm. It's easy to notice at once that the Sigma is the biggest, the heaviest and also optically the most complex instrument of all. It also features the biggest filter diameter. In return it offers you an advantage in a form of the shortest minimum focusing distance.
In the photo below the Sigma C 45 mm f/2.8 DG DN is positioned next to the Sigma A 24–70 mm f/2.8 DG DN and the Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG DC designed for reflex cameras.
The tested lens starts with a metal mount which goes round contacts and an immobile rear element, 31 mm in diameter. The area surrounding the rear element is very nicely blackened and matted so, from this side, everything looks very nice.
Please Support Us
If you enjoy our reviews and articles, and you want us to continue our work please, support our website by donating through PayPal. The funds are going to be used for paying our editorial team, renting servers, and equipping our testing studio; only that way we will be able to continue providing you interesting content for free.
The proper body of the lens starts with a smooth, metal ring painted black, providing a lot of useful information. You get an inscription with the name and parameters of the lens, the producer's logo, the 'C' letter, meaning the lens is qualified as a part of the Contemporary series, '019' indicating model year, an inscription 'MADE IN JAPAN', the focusing mechanism working range „0.24M/0.79FEET–∞”, a white dot, making an alignment with a camera easier, and, finally, a focusing mechanism mode switch (AF/MF).
The next part is an aperture ring, 10 mm wide, with convex ribbing on the sides which ensures you firmer grip and easier turning. The ring comes with aperture marks from f/2.8 to f/22, complete with markings for the full apertures and every 1/3 step, and also A position, providing full auto aperture control. The performance of this ring is really beyond reproach.
The next ring,12 mm wide, is responsible for manual focusing. It doesn't have any markings and more than half of its surface is covered by ribbing. It is a focus-by-wire construction which works very smoothly. Even if you turn it fast, running through the whole distance range takes an angle of about 200 degrees. It is a high value, allowing you very precise settings.
The lens ends with an immobile, metal ring; on it you can find a hood mount, surrounded by a thread that accepts 55 mm filters and doesn't rotate on focus.
The front element is just 20 mm in diameter and it doesn't move. It is surrounded by black barrel on which you can find a black inscription 'MADE IN JAPAN' and basic parameters of the lens.
When it comes to optical construction you deal here with 8 elements positioned in 7 groups, two special aspherical elements among them. Inside, there is also a round aperture with seven diaphragm blades that can be closed down to a value of f/22 at the maximum.
Buyers get in the box with the lens: both caps and a metal hood with a new, more precise holding system.
