Earlier this month, Sigma announced its new 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens. One of the features is that it features internal zoom and focus mechanisms, so it doesn’t change length when zooming or focusing. If you’ve been wondering how it works and what it looks like on the inside, Sigma has a video for you. It shows a cross-section of the lens, all of its elements, and its internal zoom mechanism.
The new 16-28mm f/2.8 from Sigma is designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras and is available in Sony E mount and Leica L-mounts. Since it keeps the same size when zooming and focusing, it’s ideal for video work, especially when shooting with the camera on a gimbal. Take a look at the inside of the lens and its mechanism. It’s an animation, so don’t worry, no lenses have been harmed making this video.
Of course, this isn’t the only Sigma lens that has the internal zoom mechanism. My 18-35 f/1.8 Art immediately came to mind, as it has the same feature. The difference is, though, that my 18-35mm lens is two times heavier (sigh). So, it’s not only the unchanged length, but also the light weight that makes the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 useful for shooting with a gimbal. Since gimbals balance based on your camera and lens’ weight and position, they need to rebalance every time you zoom in or focus. Needless to say that gimbals have a limited weight limit. [via PetaPixel]
