The SIGMA 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary boasts exceptional optical performance with a ultra-high resolving power to match the latest high-resolution mirrorless cameras. The lens is built using the very latest optical technology, and includes five SLD glass elements. This helps to reduce axial chromatic aberration that cannot be corrected in-camera, allowing the lens to achieve high resolution and clear image quality with no colour bleeding.

A high-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens provides both high resolution and beautiful bokeh. Photographers can enjoy shooting with soft, large bokeh without coloration and this is something that only a full-frame lens is able to deliver.

The lens also utilises the camera’s optical correction functionality, which is an advantage of mirrorless systems, SIGMA’s optical designers were therefore able to concentrate on correcting aberrations that can only be corrected by the optical design, thereby improving rendering performance and reducing the size and weight of the lens.

With a minimum focusing distance of 50cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5, close-up macro-style photography is possible. The lens highlights the subject, allowing photographers to focus in on fine details or create more abstract compositions.

The AF drive system incorporates a quiet, high-speed stepping motor, making it suitable for still images as well as video recording.

The SIGMA I series features full-frame-compatible lenses that offer mirrorless users a new and better alternative, both in the experience of shooting with the lens and in the impressive results it is able to achieve. One of the key advantages of mirrorless cameras is their smaller form-factor, and this new 90mm optic is designed to be perfectly matched to these more compact systems without sacrificing performance. This combination of superb optical quality with exceptional portability, not previously possible with DSLR systems, will bring new opportunities to this and future generations of photographers.

Simultaneously, SIGMA is aware that, in this day and age when we have such huge diversity when it comes to what we use to photograph, as represented by smartphones, people look for something more than a mere act of “taking pictures” when they choose to own a camera and lenses.

SIGMA’s excellence in development and processing technologies has been built up since it was founded in 1961 – actually, this lens is being announced 60 years to the day since SIGMA’s story began – and has become further sophisticated with the introduction of the SIGMA Global Vision in 2012. With this as a base SIGMA has given careful thought to how photographers use and enjoy their lenses, including optical design, advanced functionality, build quality and the experience of picking up and using the lens, and with all of this carefully considered the I series was born.

All I series lenses have an all-metal construction. The precision-cut aluminum parts not only give the barrel a sleek, stylish finish, but provide superb durability that improves the quality of the entire product. Metal materials are also used in internal structures that slide with the operation ring for added robustness. These high-precision components crafted with SIGMA’s cutting-edge metalworking technology are also used in SIGMA’s cine lens line-up for professional cinematographers and provide a tactile, ergonomic feel that make the lens a pleasure to use.

With an exceptionally small body, which weighs only 295g, the lens is ideal for photographers who need a highly portable optic that isn’t going to weigh them down. At only 46% of the weight of the SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG DN | A, the 90mm F2.8 DG DN | C is a good alternative for those looking for a portrait prime with high-end optical performance but don’t need such a wide maximum aperture (see image right, to scale).

The 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary shares the same φ64mm maximum diameter and 55mm filter size as the 24mm F3.5 DG DN | Contemporary and the 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary, making them a natural trio, especially for filmmakers who use filters more regularly. With a combined weight of only 735grams*, these three lenses (wide-angle, standard, mid-telephoto) can be used in tandem as part of a high-spec and compact camera system that covers a wide range of shooting situations.

*The figures are for L-Mount.

The 90mm F2.8 DG DN | C comes with a carefully machined metal lens hood, a feature not even found on Sigma’s Art series lenses. A large number of grooves called ‘knurling’ are cut in, improving the lens operation by serving as slip resistance and giving the lens a premium look and feel unique to the I Series. A specially chosen plastic was used for the part that connects to the lens to ensure smooth operation.

Included in the box is the regular Sigma plastic lens cap as well as an all-metal magnetic cap (pictured left), which snaps firmly on to the end of the lens. With no requirement for a spring-loaded clasp, the cap has a sleek, minimal finish.

Available to buy separately is a new lens cap holder, onto which the magnetic metal lens cap can be quickly and easily attached when the lens is in use. This keeps the cap within easy reach and makes it less likely to get lost. Plus, its elegant design is a stylish addition to a photographer’s equipment.

The holder comes with a carabiner so that it can be attached to clothing or a bag strap.