The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) is primarily a photography lens, though it will be used for video.
In this article let’s take a comprehensive look at the important features and specifications of the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) and see how good it will perform specifically for video, cinematography and filmmaking.
I think it is important to mention that Sigma is a third party lens manufacturer and its performance cannot be justly compared to the native lenses.
This article aims to provide you with enough information and perspective so you can decide for yourself whether this lens is right for your film or video.
Important: This article is a comprehensive overview of the lens with available information; and an analysis based on our experience shooting for almost two decades. It is not a hands-on review. If and when we get hold of the lens we’ll be sure to publish a detailed review. If this is not your cup of tea you can stop reading.
Here is an official release by Sigma showcasing the potential of their Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary:
Click to what you want quickly:
- TLDR;
- What does DG DN mean?
- Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS vs Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
- Features:
- Control:
- Basics:
- Alternatives to the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
TLDR;
What you need to know for video work about the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H):
- The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a great third party medium telephoto focal length lens.
- The f/2.8 aperture is great for low light work.
- It’s remarkably compact and lightweight.
- 9 blade aperture for a theoretically better bokeh.
- It comes with an aperture ring on the lens to ride the aperture easily.
- Has a 0.5m minimum close focusing distance.
- The lens doesn’t have OS, but you will get some stabilization with a camera that has in built stabilization.
- It exhibits breathing.
This lens will be useful for the following types of filmmaking:
- Wedding filmmaking
- Short filmmaking
- Low budget music videos
- Interviews
- Documentary filmmaking
- Advertisements
This lens can be used to gain the following shots:
- Extreme close up
- Close Up
- Telephoto Shot
- Glamour Shot
What does DG DN mean?
According to Sigma, DG refers to the lenses that are designed specifically for full-frame DSLR cameras. Sigma claims that their DG DN lenses are designed specifically and exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
So while the DG HSM will work with a full-frame mirrorless camera, but, according to Sigma, a DG DN lens will communicate better with the camera than the DG HSM lens.
HSM refers to their ring-type hypersonic autofocus motor in that lens.
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS vs Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary
| Lens | Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS | Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary |
| Filter Thread | 62mm | 55mm |
| Size | 79mm x 130.5mm | 64mm × 61.7mm |
| Weight | 602g | 295g |
| Closest focusing distance | 0.28m / 0.92ft | 0.5m / 1.64ft |
| Customizable Button | Present | Absent |
| Image Stabilization | Present, Optical Steady Shot | Absent |
| Max. Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min. Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 blades | 9 blades |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 27° | 27° |
Sigma is a third party lens manufacturer, so this is not an apples to apples comparison. Native lenses will always have an edge over third party lens manufacturers when it comes to the communication with the camera system. While being a third party lens manufacturer, Sigma has become a tough competitor to many major lens manufacturers.
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) is ridiculously compact and light when compared to the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (Amazon, B&H). This would make the Sigma 90mm the preferred lens for gimbal or handheld use.
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 G OSS Macro has two advantages over the Sigma 90mm f/2.8: Macro capabilities and Optical Stabilization. But is that heavy price tag worth it?
Upon comparing the official MTF charts of the lenses you can infer that Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 is as sharp as a katana and yet Sigma also holds its end. Both lenses deliver comparable performances on paper.
Even though the Sony has inherent advantages being a native lens, you might really want to test both to know what works for you.
However, if image stabilization is important then you should go for the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 G OSS.
You will have to test the lenses out for yourself to get a proper understanding.
Features
Coverage
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) is a full-frame lens. It is designed to completely cover a sensor the size of 36mm x 24mm.
If you are considering this lens for an APS-C sensor or other cinema cameras, check out this article:
Focal Length
The focal length is 90mm. This is considered as a medium telephoto focal length on a full-frame 35mm sensor.
This focal range is mostly used for close-ups, beauty shots and will be also used for extreme close-ups.
Aperture
The maximum aperture is f/2.8 and the minimum aperture is f/22. It has an aperture ring on the lens for a smoother workflow on the field.
Having f/2.8 is great for low light. Most people will use it at f/2.8 or even f/3.5 for the purpose of getting optimum sharpness, and to get soft out of focus backgrounds.
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) has 9 diaphragm blades. One expects a smooth bokeh, considering the number of blades, but it’s not always a given. To know more about bokeh:
Resolution
From Sigma’s official MTF charts:
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) is sharp in the center and impressively stays rocksteady throughout.
With the variance in the Sagittal and Tangential lines, you can infer (somewhat) that the bokeh will be pleasing but not as good as the best cine primes.
If you really want this lens at its sharpest you’re better off stopping down to f/2.8 or even f/3.5 for best results.
If you are curious and want to read the MTF chart for yourself. Here’s a guide on how to read them easily.
Close Focus
The closest focusing distance of this lens is 0.5 meters or 1.64 feet. This is workable for those telephoto shots.
Image Stabilization
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) lens doesn’t have OS. At this focal length, you need some stability in the lenses. Not having image stabilization makes this lens a hard choice for run and gun shoots. Using it cameras that have IBIS can provide it with some image stabilization.
Control
Manual focus system
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) has an infinite turn ring for its focus ring and can turn infinitely one way or the other. Unfortunately for videographers and cinematographers, the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is set to focus by wire by default and has no option to switch it to fly by wire.
What is the meaning of focus by wire and fly by wire?
Focus by wire: Let’s say you turn the focus ring to change focus from point A to B. You’d expect the focus to shift accordingly. When you stop point B will be in focus. Now bring the focus point back to A and try again, but at a different speed. Slower or faster, doesn’t matter. Now, even if you precisely rotate to the exact same degree, the focus will not be on point B! The speed of rotation determines which point it is focused on. That’s just completely useless for follow focus work. If an actor or person moves at a different speed, even slightly, you’ll never get the same focus. Avoid focus by wire lenses like the plague (for video work).
Fly by wire: The distance of focus shifted is directly proportional to the speed at which the ring is turned. This is how a manual focus ring is supposed to operate for video and cinematography.
This decision to exclude fly by wire or linear MF by Sigma will make this lens unsuitable for professional cinematographers and videographers.
Autofocus system
Sigma’s autofocus is improving day by day, but it is nowhere near the precision and reliability of Canon or Sony’s autofocus system. Keep in mind, that Sigma is a third party lens manufacturer, i.e. they do not make native lenses. Native lenses, such as Sony’s FE series and Canon’s EF and RF series, have always been better than third party lenses at communicating with their respective cameras.
I do not think anyone will purchase a Sigma lens for its autofocus performance.
Basics
Filter Thread
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) has a filter diameter of 52mm. This is an uncommon small filter diameter. Finding the right filters can be a bit problematic.
Build Quality
The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, though the lens doesn’t feel cheap. The interior is made out of aluminium alloy.
The optical design consists of 11 elements in 10 groups, including aspherical lens and SLD glass.
Size and Weight
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) has a diameter of 64mm and a length of 61.7mm for the E-mount. It weighs around 295 grams for the E-mount. This lens has been engineered to be ridiculously compact for its focal length.
Weather resistance
Sigma claims that all their Contemporary lenses are weather resistant. But again this only holds true if the camera body you will be using is also weather sealed. No camera is truly and officially weather-sealed, so the best you can hope for is reliable weather resistance. Sigma claims to coat their lenses with dust and moisture repellent.
This is a Contemporary I series lens and we can expect it to perform as such.
What’s in the box
This is what you get in the box (other than the lens):
- Magnetic metal lens cap (LCF55-01M)
- Hood (LH576-02)
The hood might be useful for photography, but the shape and design makes it mostly vestigial for video work. Some people like to put it on to protect the front element in case of a fall. The hood takes the impact and shatters, but saves the lens. I’d keep it on unless you have a good reason not to.
Alternatives to the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens
For the E-mount, Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS (Amazon, B&H) can be a good substitute but for a hefty price. It is heavier and bigger but it does have Macro capabilities and Optical Stabilization.
But if you need that shallow depth of field and extra light, you can opt for Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG DN Art.
I hope you found this overview of the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (Amazon, B&H) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.
