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Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens for Leica L

BH #SI4528L • MFR #360969
 62 reviews
Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens for Leica L
Key Features
  • L-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • Soft, Smooth, Rounded Bokeh
  • High-Speed AF with Stepping Motor
Designed for full-frame Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras, the fast and versatile Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens is a normal-length prime that optimizes size as well as weight while rendering notably smooth bokeh with rounded out-of-focus highlights in both the foreground and background. Coupled with its ability to soften the periphery of blurred images while enhancing the three-dimensional impression of an object, its 9.5" minimum focusing distance makes it suitable for snapshots to tabletop photos, or any imagery where you wish to make your subject stand out.
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$549.00
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Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Overview

Designed for full-frame Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras, the fast and versatile Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens is a normal-length prime that optimizes size as well as weight while rendering notably smooth bokeh with rounded out-of-focus highlights in both the foreground and background. Coupled with its ability to soften the periphery of blurred images while enhancing the three-dimensional impression of an object, its 9.5" minimum focusing distance makes it suitable for snapshots to tabletop photos, or any imagery where you wish to make your subject stand out.

Though full-time manual focus is available, this lens is equipped with a stepping motor that enables smooth, high-speed autofocusing that is notably quiet whether utilizing features such as Face/Eye Detection AF or during video shooting. A rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to the smooth bokeh, and a lens hood is included, which can protect the front element as well as prevent stray light from causing flare.

As part of the Contemporary line within Sigma's Global Vision series, this lens is designed to achieve a balance between convenience and performance, and meshes a compact, lightweight build and versatile handling with notable optical attributes.
Created for full-frame Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras, this prime, normal-length lens is designed to deliver excellent image quality while optimizing size and weight. It is also suitable for APS-C models where it provides a 68mm equivalent focal length.
Optical design controls spherical aberrations to help endure large, soft, rounded bokeh while enhancing the three-dimensional impression of the subject.
Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture is well-suited for working in available light conditions and provides greater control over depth of field.
A stepping AF motor benefits both photographers and videographers with its fast, precise, and near-silent performance. Full-time manual focus control can also be selected.
Rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a smooth and pleasing bokeh quality.
The bayonet mount is constructed from brass for ensured accuracy and durability. Additionally, rubber sealing is incorporated in the mount design to render it dust- and splash-resistant.
UPC: 085126360696

Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Specs

Key Specs
Focal Length
45mm
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Lens Mount
Leica L
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
55 mm (Front)
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Leica L
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
51.3°
Minimum Focus Distance
9.45" / 24 cm
Maximum Magnification
0.25x
Macro Reproduction Ratio
1:4
Optical Design
8 Elements in 7 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
7, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
55 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
2.52 x 1.82" / 64 x 46.2 mm
Weight
7.58 oz / 215 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.045 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.5 x 4.4 x 4.1"

Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Reviews

Excellent lens with an asterisk

By Gary
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-07-10

I had this lens and used it extensively with my Leica SL (1st generation). Excellent lens and very happy using it. I bought an SL2 and this lens was not nearly as good... images were not sharp and crisp until at least f11. Sold this lens thinking something was wrong with this lens. Other lenses I had also underperformed when used with the SL2. For an experiment I ordered a Panasonic S5II. All lenses that were underperforming on the SL2 were once again excellent on the S5II. So I ordered a new copy of this Sigma 45mm lens. When used on the S5II this lens was once again excellent. My conclusion is that the 24mp sensor on the original SL and the S5II is much better suited to a family of lenses such as this Sigma 45mm. When pairing this Sigma lens with the S5II I highly recommend this lens.

Almost there but not quite

By Moses
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-29

This lens is built very well. Solid and has a nice expensive high quality feel to it. The aperture ring is a nice touch. One star deduction as it is kind of soft wide open. At f2.8 it should be tack sharp but it most definitely is not. At f4 and beyond it's fantastic.

Alberto Warman

By Alberto
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-02

Excelent performance . Light weight (that I was looking for)

Adequate but nothing more

By Gary
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-29

I had this lens once before and used it with my original Leica SL. Sold the SL and sold this lens. Bought an SL2 and bought this lens again. While this lens was excellent on the 24MP SL, on the 47MP SL2 this lens is noticeably soft from wide open up through f9. If you need a near 50mm slowish lens and you don't mind that it is a little soft, I recommend this lens. Well built and easy to operate.

Good. Not Excellent.

By Gary
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-10

This is the second time around for me with this lens. The first time I had this lens I found it excellent and 5-star on a Leica SL1. Sold that camera and then this lens. Now I have an SL2 and re-bought this lens. Overall it is not as sharp nor as contrast-y on the SL2 when shot at f2.8. If I stop down to f4 sharpness and contrast does pick up a bit (but not a lot). By comparison I also have the Sigma 30mm f1.4 L mount APSC lens. When I use that lens on my SL2 images, even shot at f1.4, images are sharper and do have more contrast. However, taking into consideration the fact this lens costs one-tenth the amount of a similar Leica Summicron SL lens, I'd say this lens is worthy of the 4 stars I give it.

Handle alternative

By Paul
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-02-13

My prime lenses for Leica weigh a ton, and it is nice to have this relatively lightweight glass to fall back on when mobility and flexibility are needed. Images are more than adequate and the price, of course, is a fraction of what my 50mm prime cost. Worth having for those time when a simple snap is called for.

Sharp, well-built, quality lens

By Jonathan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-10

I am not sure why so many reviews are critical of this lens. It is seriously awesome. It is sharp, lightweight, but really really well-built. It is a great walk-around lens and excellent for my fine art. I have sold a bunch of prints taken with this lens in a gallery.

Defective L Mount

By David
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-29

The first copy I received had a defective L Mount. It was impossible for me to mount it to an SL2. It took so much brute force that I thought I would either strip the aperture ring, damage the contacts, or score the camera mount. The replacement copy mounted properly.

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No, it does not.
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How long is the manual focus throw?

How long is the manual focus throw?
Asked by: NICHOLAS
So this lens doesn't have hard stops unfortunately, so it seems to vary depending on how slowly you turn the focusing ring.
Answered by: Zachariah
Date published: 2021-02-17

Does the focus ring have hard stops?

Does the focus ring have hard stops?
Asked by: NICHOLAS
No.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-02-10

Do you know if this will work with the leica TL2?

Do you know if this will work with the leica TL2?
Asked by: Juan
I found that the aperture ring does not function with the current firmware, v1.5. Aperture must be controlled via the TL2 controls as with other Leica TL lenses.
Answered by: Mark
Date published: 2019-09-20

Would this lens work with Panasonic s1??

Would this lens work with Panasonic s1??
Asked by: eve
Yes, it is compatible with the S1.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2019-08-19

Is that a pitched focus gear? Hard to tell from ...

Is that a pitched focus gear? Hard to tell from the photo.
Asked by: tyler
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Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2019-08-04

Will this 45mm on Panansonic S1 autofocus fast ...

Will this 45mm on Panansonic S1 autofocus fast and accurate on moving subjects such as people walking fast toward the camera?
Asked by: ED
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Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2020-01-25
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