Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art vs Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is 28-45mm, the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is 65mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art for standard, the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 28mm vs 65mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 28-45mm zoom covers what the fixed 65mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.26x magnification vs 0.13x.
Choose the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 65mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You're on a budget — $699 vs $1,099 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 65mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 1020g (2.25 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is 28-45mm, Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is 65mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is $699, $400 under the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is 405g (14.3 oz) vs 1020g (2.25 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art or the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is 28-45mm, the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is 65mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art for standard, the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art?
Choose the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art if you shoot wide — it starts at 28mm vs 65mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 28-45mm zoom covers what the fixed 65mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.26x magnification vs 0.13x.
Who should choose the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary if you need more reach — it goes to 65mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you're on a budget — $699 vs $1,099 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 65mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 1020g (2.25 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art and the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary?
Aperture: the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 28-45mm | 65mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 75° – 51° | 37° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 55 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.26x | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,099 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 92mm | 72.2mm |
| Length | 149.2mm | 89.5mm |
| Weight | 1020g (2.25 lb) | 405g (14.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |







