Sigma's fast extended standard zoom — 28-105mm f/2.8 Art for Sony E and L-Mount.
The Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is a fast-aperture extended standard zoom for full-frame Sony E and L-Mount cameras, announced on 5 September 2024 and shipping from 26 September 2024. Within Sigma's Art line it slots above the 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II as the reach-focused alternative, reviving the old 24-105mm concept but with a constant f/2.8 aperture - a combination almost no rival offers at its price.
It is built from 18 elements in 13 groups, including two FLD, one SLD and five aspherical elements, with a 12-blade rounded diaphragm that produces defined 12-point sunstars. Autofocus uses Sigma's HLA linear motor; there is no optical stabilisation, so it leans on IBIS. Minimum focus is 40cm across the range with 1:3.1 maximum magnification at 105mm. The lens takes 82mm filters, measures 87.8mm by 157.9mm, weighs 995g, and features an aperture ring with click and lock switches, AFL button, zoom lock and dust- and splash-resistant structure with a water- and oil-repellent front coating.
The 28-105mm matters because it lets wedding and event shooters cover a 24-70 and much of a 70-200's portrait range with a single f/2.8 zoom. Its closest conceptual rival is Canon's far pricier RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z, while on Sony E and L-Mount it effectively has the niche to itself; reviewers such as Dustin Abbott rated it optically strong across the range. That versatility, plus a launch price around £1,299-£1,399 in the UK against the Canon's circa £3,500, makes clean used copies highly sought after by working photographers.
When inspecting a used copy, check the extending zoom barrel for wobble and dust ingestion (it is externally zooming, unlike the 28-45mm), verify the zoom lock holds at 28mm and that there is no creep when carried nose-down, and test AF silently racks in video at 105mm. Shoot corners at 28mm and 105mm wide open to rule out decentring. Confirm the aperture ring clicks and lock switch work, the hood is included, and the 82mm thread is clean. Most examples are under two years old, so ask about remaining Sigma UK warranty (transferable with proof of purchase) and check firmware is current. Price against the roughly £1,299-£1,399 new figure; heavy discounts can indicate grey-import stock without UK warranty.