Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 Update: Retailers Told of ‘C’ Class Lens

For weeks there have been rumblings of a new Sigma zoom lens of unknown focal range. A Nokishita report may corroborate this in dishing on a new Sigma FP review being written, presumably for the new Mark II variant rumored to be released soon. In that item, it mentions that the FP is being reviewed along with a 28-70 f/2.8 standard zoom.

[Update: On 2/19/21 reports are coming in from multiple sources that online retailers are adding a new Sigma 28-70 to their list lineups, but that it is listed as part of the lesser Contemporary line, rather than the Art line. Further update: Nokishita received a leaked photo of the lens, shown below. Pricing is expected around $900.]

The last time Sigma released a 28-70 f/2.8 DSLRs was more than 10 years ago. Sigma’s 24-70mm f/2.8 designs over the past few years – during the Art period of Sigma’s design renaissance – have been disappointing in image quality relative to their other offerings. The newer 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN released two years ago further improved image quality – especially at the edges of the frame – but it didn’t quite reach the inflection point for which Sigma has become known: producing a much cheaper lens that is actually better than the OEM lenses.

Shortening the focal range may be an attempt to maintain the “Global Image” standard of providing lenses as sharp or sharper than those of the OEM manufacturers, even as the lens is being classed as part of the “Contemporary” line rather than the “Art” line.

Mount options are expected to be Sony E-mount and L Mount Alliance L-mount.