SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

When I travel, I want to pack light and for a city weekend, a compact and light lens is what I need. But at the same time, I want to bring a lens that covers a wide range for me to be able to photograph everything from landscapes to portraits, to never miss that special moments with family and friends. 

On a recent trip to Gdansk in Poland, I thought of the perfect lens to bring, packing light and only taking one lens with me. I instantly thought of the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary, a small and light lens that, with its focal range, can capture everything from landscapes, street, portraits and so much more. The fact that it actually is the smallest lens in its class* doesn’t hurt either. 

*As a standard zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras with F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range (Source: SIGMA, as of February 2021)

SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

The SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is a fast, high-performance, large-aperture zoom lens with a design based on the existing SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art. Since the focal range starts at 28mm instead of 24mm, the lens is significantly smaller and lighter, but still maintaining the superb optical performance. Weighing only 470 g, this made for the perfect lens to pack with me for a city weekend in Gdansk!

SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

But, what really made me choose this lens as my only lens for this trip? 

1. The versatility in the focal range

The SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 covers a wide range from wide angle to short telephoto, which allows me to shoot both landscapes and portraits with this one single lens. Going on a city weekend, the last thing I want to do is having to pack several lenses for different scenarios, carrying heavy bags. This lens is perfect for capturing varied subjects without having to change lenses. 

SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

2. Easy to handle, even in tight spaces

Gdansk is a city full of photo opportunities in narrow alleys and tight spaces, and I wanted to be able to quickly change perspectives. With the 28-70mm, I could capture both close-ups and wider scenes quickly and without a hassle. With the rich architecture and small streets of Gdansk, this versatile lens really helped me to navigate among people and in smaller spaces without constantly changing my equipment. 

SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

3. With less equipment, comes more freedom

Travelling light gives me more freedom to move around more smoothly through the city and landscapes, without being weighed down by multiple lenses or extra equipment. When you travel with minimal gear, you become more present in the moment and can focus on the photography itself instead of thinking about which lens is best to use. It makes photography more spontaneous and enjoyable when you’re out and about, discovering this new city. 

SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

4. Weight and comfort is important

With only one lens, that is also compact and lightweight, that covers what I need for street photography significantly reduces the weight and makes long days on the move more comfortable. And especially, when mentioning street photography where the moment can pass in just seconds, you won’t have the time to change the lens. Weighing only 470 g, the 28-70mm F2.8 is absolutely PERFECT for a long weekend where you don’t have to check in your luggage on the flight. 

SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary

Weight and coverage truly is the most important. I will let you decide for yourself, watching the photos from my Gdansk trip. But I really feel that this is the one lens to rule them all, that covers all my needs for a city weekend. 

Travel Light with the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary