Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro Wide Angle Lens User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper use and care of your Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro Wide Angle Lens. Designed for Canon SLR cameras, this lens offers a wide-angle perspective with macro capabilities, making it suitable for various photographic applications including landscapes, architecture, and close-up photography.

The lens features a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field. Its optical design includes aspherical lens elements to minimize aberrations, ensuring high image quality. The internal focus system and dual-focus mechanism enhance usability and precision.

Product Features

• Macro Focusing Capability: Achieves a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9 inches) with a reproduction ratio of 1:2.9, allowing for detailed close-up shots.
• Fast f/1.8 Maximum Aperture: Provides excellent light-gathering capabilities for shooting in low-light conditions and creating images with beautiful background blur (bokeh).
• Aspherical Lens Elements: Incorporates two aspherical lens elements to effectively correct distortion, spherical aberration, and astigmatism, resulting in sharp and clear images.
• 9-Blade Iris Diaphragm: Features a rounded diaphragm with 9 blades to produce smooth and aesthetically pleasing out-of-focus areas.
• Floating Focus System: Maintains high optical performance across all focusing distances.
• Internal Focus System: Prevents the front of the lens from rotating during focusing, simplifying the use of polarizing filters and petal-type lens hoods.
• Dual-Focus (DF) Mechanism: Allows for easy switching between autofocus and manual focus, with the focusing ring remaining stationary during autofocus.
• Minimized Vignetting: Designed with an optical construction that reduces peripheral light fall-off, ensuring adequate brightness even at wide-open apertures.
• Ecological Glass: Constructed using lead and arsenic-free glass materials.

What's in the Box

Upon opening your product package, please ensure all the following items are present:

• Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro Wide Angle Lens
• Lens Hood
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Lens Pouch

Setup

Attaching the Lens to Your Camera

1. Ensure your camera is powered off before attaching or detaching any lens.
2. Remove the rear lens cap from the Sigma 28mm f/1.8 lens and the body cap from your camera.
3. Align the mounting index (usually a red dot) on the lens barrel with the corresponding mounting index on your camera body.
4. Insert the lens into the camera's lens mount and rotate it clockwise (for Canon EF mount) until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.

Image: Rear view of the Sigma 28mm f/1.8 lens, highlighting the Canon EF mount with electronic contacts and the red alignment dot.

Attaching the Lens Hood

The included lens hood helps to block stray light from entering the lens, reducing flare and ghosting. Align the lens hood with the front of the lens and twist until it locks securely. Ensure it is properly oriented to avoid vignetting.

Image: Front view of the Sigma 28mm f/1.8 lens, showing the focus distance scale and the AF/M switch. The lens hood attaches to the front barrel.

Operating the Lens

Focusing Modes (AF/M Switch)

The lens features an AF/M switch on its barrel to select between autofocus and manual focus. For autofocus, slide the switch to 'AF'. For manual focus, slide the switch to 'M'.

• Autofocus (AF): In this mode, the camera's autofocus system will automatically focus the lens. The dual-focus mechanism ensures the focusing ring does not rotate during AF operation, allowing for a firm grip.
• Manual Focus (M): In this mode, you manually rotate the focusing ring to achieve focus. The dual-focus mechanism provides adequate torque for precise manual adjustments.

Image: Side view of the Sigma 28mm f/1.8 lens, clearly showing the AF/M switch and the distance scale in feet and meters.

Aperture Control

The aperture (f-number) controls the amount of light entering the lens and the depth of field. This lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, allowing for bright images and shallow depth of field, and a minimum aperture of f/22 for greater depth of field.

Aperture settings are typically controlled via your camera body. Refer to your camera's instruction manual for specific details on adjusting aperture.

Macro Photography

To utilize the macro capabilities, ensure the lens is set to manual focus (M) if you wish to fine-tune focus at very close distances. Position your subject within the minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9 inches) from the front of the lens for close-up shots.

Product Overview Video

Maintenance

Cleaning the Lens

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a lens brush to remove dust from the lens surfaces.
• For smudges or fingerprints, apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to a clean microfiber cloth and gently wipe the lens in a circular motion.
• Avoid touching the lens elements directly with your fingers.

Storage

• When not in use, always attach the front and rear lens caps to protect the lens elements.
• Store the lens in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• If storing for extended periods, consider using a dehumidifying cabinet or silica gel packets to prevent mold growth.

Troubleshooting

Autofocus Issues

• Lens not focusing: Ensure the AF/M switch on the lens is set to 'AF'. Check your camera's focus mode settings.
• Slow or erratic autofocus: This can occur in very low light conditions or with subjects lacking contrast. Try switching to manual focus or using an external light source. Ensure lens and camera contacts are clean.
• Front/Back Focus: If images consistently focus slightly in front of or behind your intended subject, your camera may require AF micro-adjustment. Refer to your camera's manual for this feature.

Communication Errors (e.g., "Err 01")

• This error often indicates a poor connection between the lens and the camera body.
• Power off the camera.
• Carefully remove the lens.
• Gently clean the electronic contacts on both the lens mount and the camera body using a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials or liquids.
• Reattach the lens, ensuring it is securely locked into place.
• Power on the camera and test. If the error persists, consult a qualified service technician.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

This Sigma lens typically comes with a 4-year US warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product for specific terms and conditions, including registration requirements.

For technical support, service, or further inquiries, please visit the official Sigma website or contact their customer service department.