The Sigma Art range of lenses has helped to show photographers that third party glass isn't always inferior to proprietary offerings from the likes of Canon and Nikon. Now the firm has announced the high-end line-up is growing with three new full frame lenses including a 14-mm F1.8, 135-mm F1.8, and 24-70-mm F2.8, which will each be made available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts.
Just like every other manufacturer, Sigma loves a world's first claim, so we'll start off with the upcoming 14-mm F1.8 (or Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art to give it its full name) which is billed as the "world's first and only F1.8 ultra-wide-angle lens." This means the lens has a wider maximum aperture than other equally wide-angle DSLR lenses, while a 9-blade rounded diaphragm should ensure an attractive blur in the out-of-focus areas.
The full frame lens also features a construction which includes three FLD ("F" Low Dispersion) glass elements and four SLD (Super Low Dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration. Meanwhile, a protruding aspherical front lens element is used to minimize wide-angle distortion. A large hypersonic motor promises to offer fast autofocus and the lens mount is said to be dust and splash-proof. The lens weighs in at a hefty 1,170 g (41.3 oz)
Next up is the Sigma 135-mm F1.8 DG HSM Art, a full frame telephoto prime lens which is said to have been designed to meet the requirements of ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs such as the Canon EOS 5Ds. Sigma says the clarity of the large-diameter lens means that individual hairs can even be discerned in a portrait. The 135-mm F1.8 also features a large hypersonic motor for quick autofocus, a 9-blade rounded diaphragm, and weighs 1,130 g (40.9 oz). It takes a 82-mm diameter filter.
Finally, there's the Sigma 24-70-mm DG OS F2.8 HSM Art, which looks to be a high-quality and versatile lens. The zoom range of 24-mm to 70-mm is a go-to for many photographers and the constant maximum aperture of F2.8 matches that of rival full frame lenses. As with the other new optics, there's a 9-blade rounded diaphragm and a large hypersonic motor, but the 24-70-mm also benefits from optical stabilization for reducing shake when you're shooting with slower shutter speeds. It uses a 82-mm filter, and the weight of the lens has yet to be confirmed.
The new lenses will each be available in either Canon, Nikon or Sigma mounts. Additionally, the Canon and Sigma mount variants can be used with Sony E-Mount cameras when paired with Sigma's MC-11 Mount Converter. The lenses are all compatible with the Sigma USB dock, which allows users to update lens firmware and adjust the focus position along with other settings, and are eligible for Sigma's (paid for) mount conversion service, should you change your camera allegiance.
There's no word yet on availability or pricing of the new lenses, but if they are consistent with existing Sigma Art offerings, they're likely to be competitive with equivalent first party glass.
Product pages: 14-mm F1.8, 135-mm F1.8, 24-70-mm F2.8
