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 Length28-45mm65mm
Lens TypeZoomPrime
Optical Elements1811
Optical Groups159
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/2
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View75° – 51°37°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLAHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance20 cm55 cm
Max Magnification0.26x0.13x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureYesYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,099$699
Filter Size82mm62mm
Diameter92mm72.2mm
Length149.2mm89.5mm
Weight1020g (2.25 lb)405g (14.3 oz)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo