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Posts Tagged ‘Sigma’

Sigma Releases 24mm f/2 and 90mm f/2.8 Lenses for E-Mount and L-Mount Cameras

11 Sep

The post Sigma Releases 24mm f/2 and 90mm f/2.8 Lenses for E-Mount and L-Mount Cameras appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Sigma releases 24mm and 90mm lenses

Sigma has unveiled two powerful lenses for Sony E-mount and L-mount cameras: the 24mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary and the 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary.

The lenses slot into Sigma’s “I” lineup, a series of glass featuring top-notch build quality, portable bodies (Sigma claims the I series is perfect for “everyday use”), and high-resolution imaging on par with even the most demanding mirrorless cameras. 

And the Sigma 24mm f/2 continues this I series tradition, offering outstanding build quality in a portable package. The lens is entirely metal, from the barrel and mount to the focus and aperture rings (and yes, the 24mm f/2 does sport a manual aperture ring, for photographers who prefer a more tactile, analogue method of shooting). 

Sigma 24mm f/2 lens

Sigma notes that the 24mm f/2 works well for “night sky photography, events, and interiors,” as well as “day-to-day use.” It certainly should perform well in low-light situations like indoor events (e.g., weddings) thanks to the wide f/2 maximum aperture, though Sigma might be selling the lens short; in addition to the aforementioned uses, I’d also peg the 24mm f/2 as an excellent street photography lens – it’s compact, fast, and sharp, even if its 24mm focal length is wider than the 35mm/50mm street photography standards – a capable landscape lens, especially for photographers looking to lighten their load, and an ideal travel lens.

The 24mm f/2 aims for optical perfection. Sigma explains that “lens resolution is extremely high and is uniform from the center to the periphery of the image,” while the lens features “the highest level of optical performance even at its maximum aperture of f/2.”

And the price is a quite reasonable $ 639 USD, ideal for budget-conscious photographers in need of a second or third lens.

The 90mm f/2.8 features a similar design – all metal, to match existing I-series lenses, plus a manual aperture ring, a compact build, and a “sleek, stylish finish.” At 90mm, I hadn’t expected the lens to be quite as travel-ready as its 24mm counterpart, yet the 2.4 inch (59.7 millimeter) barrel is ultra-slim and even pocketable.

Sigma 90mm f/2.8 lens

Who should buy the 90mm f/2.8? Sigma advertises the lens as ideal “for portraits, close-ups, weddings, and events,” and I’d probably add product and still life photography to that list, thanks to the short telephoto focal length, not to mention the “exceptional resolving power that can keep up with the latest ultra-high-resolution cameras.” Plus, the lens offers a 1:5 magnification ratio; it’s no true macro lens, but can certainly get you a close perspective for detail shots.

Like the 24mm f/2, the 90mm f/2.8 sells for a very reasonable $ 639 USD. And both lenses should begin shipping at the end of September, so if you’re a Sony or L-mount shooter looking for a well-built, compact prime, I highly recommend you take a look.

Now over to you:

What do you think of these new lenses from Sigma? Do either of them appeal to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Sigma Releases 24mm f/2 and 90mm f/2.8 Lenses for E-Mount and L-Mount Cameras appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Sigma Announces the “Reborn” 35mm f/1.4 Art for E-Mount and L-Mount

30 Apr

The post Sigma Announces the “Reborn” 35mm f/1.4 Art for E-Mount and L-Mount appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Sigma announces the "reborn" 35mm f/1.4 for E-mount and L-mount

Earlier this week, Sigma announced its latest lens, the 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art for L-mount and Sony E-mount cameras. 

It’s a redesign of Sigma’s popular 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens, but “reborn for mirrorless and empowered through Sigma’s [latest] technology.” Specifically, you can expect superior optical performance compared to the original 35mm f/1.4, especially in terms of bokeh quality and aberration reduction; Sigma also promises “fast and quiet AF,” plus “a professional feature-set” packed into “a compact body.”

I’m a fan of the Sigma Art line, but I’ve been frequently frustrated by the size and heft of the lenses. Fortunately, the 35mm f/1.4 addresses these problems. Sigma rates it as “significantly smaller and lighter than the existing 35mm f/1.4,” and while I wouldn’t go that far (it’s about 0.6 in/15 mm shorter and 0.7 oz/20 g lighter), the lens should balance better on Sony mirrorless cameras – especially Sony APS-C models – than its predecessor. 

Above, I mentioned the improved optical performance on the new 35mm f/1.4. Sigma’s anti-flare and anti-ghosting technology, as well as low dispersion elements designed to combat aberrations, guarantees superb clarity even in tricky shooting conditions. And you can expect improvement to the (already impressive) bokeh, thanks to the 11 aperture blades, compared to 9 on the previous version.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens announcement

Interestingly, Sigma has added an aperture ring to the redesigned 35mm. You have the option to adjust the aperture via the camera dials, but for those who prefer a more tactile shooting experience, manual aperture selection is always an option. The lens is also dustproof and splashproof, so the 35mm f/1.4 can be used successfully for outdoor event photography, street photography, and even landscape work. And while I haven’t had the opportunity to hold the 35mm f/1.4 in my hands, I’m confident that it, like all of Sigma’s Art lenses, can take a significant beating.

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art should appeal to plenty of photographers, especially portrait shooters in need of stunning background bokeh in a portable (and inexpensive) package, street photographers after a wider focal length, and event photographers looking for stunning optics and a fast maximum aperture. But I can also see the 35mm f/1.4 working as a travel lens, an architectural lens, and even a landscape lens.

The brand-new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is currently available for preorder, and you can grab it for just $ 899 USD. Expect the lens to start shipping in May.

Now over to you:

Are you impressed by the Sigma 35mm f/1.4? What do you think of it? Have you used the older version, and how do you think the new version will measure up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Sigma Announces the “Reborn” 35mm f/1.4 Art for E-Mount and L-Mount appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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The Sigma fp L: A Full-Frame, 61 MP Sensor in a Minuscule Body

26 Mar

The post The Sigma fp L: A Full-Frame, 61 MP Sensor in a Minuscule Body appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Sigma fp L announcement: a 61 megapixel sensor in a minuscule (full-frame) body

Yesterday, Sigma announced “the world’s smallest and lightest pocketable full-frame mirrorless camera,” the fp L, which packs a high-resolution sensor into a minuscule, rectangular body:

the Sigma fp L announcement

And that’s what makes this camera special; it’s literally a pocket-sized full-frame camera, one that you can take anywhere yet boasts the power of a much larger model.

The fp L joins Sigma’s current full-frame mirrorless offering, the Sigma fp, another ultra-compact, ultra-light camera that launched back in 2019. 

But while the Sigma fp appealed strongly to videographers, the fp L seems to be more stills focused. First, there’s the 61-megapixel sensor, which serves up plenty of resolution for landscape shooters as well as commercial photographers in need of detailed files. 

Then there’s a 3.68M-dot external electronic viewfinder, which attaches to the side of the fp L and allows photographers to work with the camera the way they’d work with high-resolution competitors such as the Sony a7R IV. As a stills photographer, I can’t fathom the idea of shooting without a viewfinder, so this is a welcome addition to the fp lineup. 

the Sigma fp L electronic viewfinder

(In fact, the EVF is also compatible with the original Sigma fp, so folks who weren’t satisfied shooting via the LCD or the optional LCD viewfinder might want to give that camera another look.)

Unfortunately, the electronic viewfinder does cost extra, though you can save a couple hundred dollars by purchasing it in a bundle with the fp L. 

Sigma’s press release emphasizes the fp L’s new Crop Zoom feature, which gives users the option to zoom by cropping for up to 5x magnification. Of course, zoom in too far and you sacrifice significant megapixels, but given the impressive starting resolution, it may come in handy if you need a bit of extra reach.

The fp L also promises improved autofocus over the fp, thanks to a hybrid autofocus system that combines contrast-detection and phase-detection AF for “smooth autofocus that is high precision, fast, and excellent at tracking a moving subject.” While the fp’s contrast-detection system was certainly serviceable, street photographers, portrait photographers, and travel photographers will appreciate the boost in speed and tracking, as will plenty of videographers. 

Interestingly, Sigma also highlights another new feature of the fp L: “USB-C charging while the camera is on.” In other words, you can pop in the battery, start shooting, and then – if the battery gets low – you can plug the camera into a mobile power bank for what Sigma is calling “unlimited power supply.” If you’re a photographer who spends days in the field but doesn’t want to juggle stacks of batteries, this will be a huge help, and videographers will love the ability to film for hours without worry.

Speaking of videography: 

While the fp L may not be as video-centric as the fp, it’s perfectly capable of pro-level recording; you can shoot 4K/30p footage, and you get plenty of other video features, such as a mic port, zebra patterning, and RAW recording.

Regarding lenses: the fp L is compatible with L-mount glass from Sigma, Leica, and Panasonic, including a host of powerful Sigma L-mount lenses. 

So for those looking for a tiny camera that punches far above its weight, the Sigma fp L is a great option. You’ll be able to purchase the fp L for $ 2499 USD (or $ 2999 USD when bundled with the external EVF) as early as next month. 

Now over to you:

What do you think of the Sigma fp L? Is it a camera you’d be interested in buying? Is it missing any features that you’d like to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post The Sigma fp L: A Full-Frame, 61 MP Sensor in a Minuscule Body appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Sigma Announces the 28-70mm f/2.8 – Small, Light, and Well-Priced

26 Feb

The post Sigma Announces the 28-70mm f/2.8 – Small, Light, and Well-Priced appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 announcement

Earlier this week, Sigma announced its upcoming lens:

The 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary, designed for Sony E-mount and Leica L-mount, and billed as “the world’s smallest f/2.8 standard zoom for mirrorless systems.”

Sigma already sells a 24-70mm f/2.8 ART lens, but the new 28-70mm features a few key improvements, including the smaller size, plus a near-50% weight reduction for an impressively portable package.

Unlike most f/2.8 zooms, the Sigma 28-70mm is ideal for travel photography, street photography, and even casual walkaround photography. I’m not sure I’d label it as truly compact, but it’s certainly small for an f/2.8 zoom, and will appeal to plenty of on-the-go photographers who require both low-light capabilities and flexibility.

If you’ve previously found yourself frustrated by the mirrorless, big-lens-on-a-small-body problem, the 28-70mm may be exactly what you need. Take a look at the lens mounted on a mirrorless body:

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 announcement

The setup looks comfortable, well-balanced, and just all-around nice to use.

Compared to most standard f/2.8 zooms, you do lose a few millimeters on the wide end. Is that a problem? That depends on your shooting style, because the difference between 24mm and 28mm isn’t trivial – you’ll lose out on the opportunity to get that sweeping wide-angle look – but assuming you don’t plan to use the 28-70mm for frequent landscape or architecture shooting, you should be fine.

Sigma claims “superb build quality,” and from the pictures, I can certainly believe it. Check out the 28-70mm f/2.8 up close:

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 announcement

There’s just something about the modern Sigma design that screams quality, and – bonus! – the lens looks pretty darn sleek.

Of course, no great lens is complete without stellar optics, and the 28-70mm f/2.8’s sharpness remains to be seen. But Sigma is confident in the 28-70mm’s performance, stating that “this large-aperture standard zoom delivers outstanding image quality that rivals Art line lenses.”

If Sigma’s evaluation is accurate, then I can certainly see the 28-70 making its way into the bags of quite a few photographers – including the aforementioned travel photographers and street photographers, but also portrait photographers, event photographers, and even landscape photographers who don’t mind the limited focal length.

As for the price, it’s a very reasonable $ 899. That’s cheaper than the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 and the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 (plus there’s the Nikon and Canon versions for mirrorless, but those are unmentionably expensive).

So if you’re a Sony mirrorless or L-mount shooter and you’re after a compact f/2.8 zoom that won’t put a huge dent in your wallet, the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 is certainly worth a look.

It’ll begin shipping on March 12th, but you can currently preorder the Sony version here and the L-mount version here.

Now over to you:

What do you think of this new lens from Sigma? Is it one you’ll consider purchasing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Sigma Announces the 28-70mm f/2.8 – Small, Light, and Well-Priced appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN sample gallery (DPReview TV)

03 Dec

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Earlier this week we published our samples from the new Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN when mounted on a Sony body. Chris and Jordan from DPReview TV also shot a gallery with the lens, but on Panasonic bodies. Have a look.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma introduces 24mm F3.5, 35mm F2 and 65mm F2 lenses for E and L mounts

02 Dec

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Sigma has introduced its new I-series of compact, premium full-frame lenses for Sony E-mount and Leica/Panasonic/Sigma’s L-mount. The 24mm F3.5, 35mm F2 and 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary lenses share similar designs and have weather-sealed metal bodies. All three lenses have aperture rings and by-wire manual focus dials, and are driven by stepping motors.

The 24mm F3.5 DG DN has a total of 10 elements, which include both SLD and aspherical glass. The special elements, along with Sigma’s ‘Super Multi-Layer coating’ help to reduce ghosting and flare. The 24mm F3.5 has a minimum focus distance of 11cm (4.3″) and a max magnification of 1:2 (0.5x). The lens weighs in at just 225 grams (7.9 ounces) and includes a petal-type lens hood.

Next up is the 35mm F2 DG DN. It too has 10 elements and uses SLD and aspherical glass as well as the Super Multi-Layer coating. The minimum focus distance is 27cm (11″) with the max magnification coming in at 0.18x. The lens is slightly heavier at 325g (11.5oz).

Lastly we have the 65mm F2 DG DN, which bumps the number of elements up to 12, and uses the same special elements and coatings as its shorter siblings. It has a minimum focus distance of 55cm (22″) and a maximum magnification of 0.15x. The 65mm weighs in at 405 grams (14.3oz). It comes with a metal tube-style hood.

All three lenses come with both metal lens caps that attach magnetically and with conventional plastic pinch-type lens caps. Sigma will offer a magnetic lens cap holder that’s attached to a carabiner.

The 24mm F3.5, 35mm F2 and 65mm F lenses will be available in mid-January for $ 549, $ 639 and $ 699, respectively.

Press release

SIGMA Introduces Full-Frame Mirrorless I series Premium Compact Prime Lenses

New Lenses Offer Outstanding Performance, Superior Build Quality and Elegant Design

Ronkonkoma, NY – December 1, 2020 – Today, SIGMA Corporation introduces the I series of lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Pairing both for exceptional optical performance and stylish, compact design, the three new lenses – the 24mm F3.5 DG DN | Contemporary, 35mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary, and 65mm DG DN | Contemporary – join the previously released 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary to establish a new benchmark in compact performance lenses. Featuring all-metal construction for durability and cutting-edge optical designs, the I series lenses are available in L-Mount and Sony E-mount.

“When it comes to mirrorless cameras, striking the proper balance between performance and size is even more crucial. We believe there is a growing demand for compact, high-performance, high-quality lenses,” reports SIGMA America President Mark Amir-Hamzeh. “The introduction of the I series of full-frame mirrorless-exclusive lenses answers this call. The I series represents a new option: premium compact primes that are stylish in appearance with impressive specifications and optical performance.”

Built to the mechanical and operational standards of SIGMA Cine lenses, in compact mirrorless form, the I series have outstanding feel and touch in the hand. The well-damped manual focus ring, aperture ring, and autofocus switches embody true functional beauty.

The I series is being announced with 3 new lenses:

  • 24mm F3.5 DG DN | Contemporary (MSRP $ 549)
  • 35mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary (MSRP $ 639)
  • 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary (MSRP $ 699)

The three new lenses will be available for sale through authorized US retailers in mid-January, 2021.

The 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary, available now (MSRP $ 549), is also part of this series.

Key I series Lens Features:

  • All I series lenses feature an all-metal body, with high-precision metal internal parts, and a metal lens hood. The 24mm F3.5 is a petal-type hood.
  • All I series lenses feature a manual aperture ring and knurled surfaces for an enjoyable tactile experience.
  • The 35mm F2 and 65mm F2 lenses feature a newly-designed arc-type auto/manual focus mode switch.
  • The 24mm F3.5, 35mm F2 and 65mm F2 lenses all feature a dust and splash-proof mount
  • The three new lenses each ship with both a plastic lens cap and a magnetic metallic cap.
  • An optional magnetic cap holder (model CH-11, MSRP $ 29) features a mini-carabiner for clipping to a camera bag, jacket or belt loop, and has a donut-style center hole to easily remove the cap when it is time to place it back on the lens.

Product Specifications:

SIGMA 24mm F3.5 DG DN | Contemporary

Exceptional compact wide-angle prime | 1:2 close-up magnification | Lovely round bokeh | Stepping motor | Designed to minimize flare and ghosting | Super Multi-Layer Coating

Lens Construction:

10 elements in 8 groups (1 SLD, 3 aspherical)

Autofocus Motor:

STM

No. of Diaphragm Blades:

7 rounded

Min. Focus Distance:

4.3 in. (10.8cm)

Max. magnification ratio 1:2 (half macro)

Filter Size:

55mm

Dimensions (DxL):

L-Mount: 2.5 x 1.9 in. (64 x 48.8mm)
E-Mount: 2.5 x 2.0 in. (64 x 50.8mm)

Weight:

L-Mount: 7.9 oz. (225g)
E-Mount: 8.1 oz. (230g)

SIGMA 35mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary

Outstanding image quality and bokeh, compact size, perfect for everyday use.
Stepping motor | Designed to minimize flare and ghosting | Super Multi-Layer Coating

Lens Construction:

10 elements in 9 groups (1 SLD, 3 aspherical)

Autofocus Motor:

STM

No. of Diaphragm Blades:

9 rounded

Min. Focus Distance:

10.6 in. (27cm)

Max. Magnification Ratio:

1:5.7

Filter Size:

58mm

Dimensions (DxL):

L-Mount: 2.8 x 2.6 in. (70 x 65.4mm)
E-Mount: 2.8 x 2.7 in. (70 x 67.4mm)

Weight:

11.5 oz. (325g)

SIGMA 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary

Sharp images with beautiful bokeh | High backlight performance with thorough flare & ghosting control | Stepping motor | Designed to minimize flare and ghosting | Super Multi-Layer Coating

Lens Construction:

12 elements in 9 groups (1 SLD, 2 aspherical)

Autofocus Motor:

STM

No. of Diaphragm Blades:

9 rounded

Min. Focus Distance:

21.7 in. (55cm)

Max. Magnification Ratio:

1:6.8

Filter Size:

62mm

Dimensions (DxL):

L-Mount: 2.8 x 2.9 in. (72 x 74.7mm)
E-Mount: 2.8 x 3.0 in. (72 x 76.2mm)

Weight:

14.3 oz. (405g)

Sigma 24mm F3.5 | 35mm F2 | 65mm F2 DG DN specifications

  Sigma 24mm F3.5 DG DN Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN
Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 24 mm 35 mm 65 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount L-Mount, Sony FE
Aperture
Maximum aperture F3.5 F2
Minimum aperture F22
Aperture ring Yes
Number of diaphragm blades 7 9
Optics
Elements 10 12
Groups 8 9
Special elements / coatings 1 SLD + 3 aspherical elements, Super Multi-Layer coating 1 SLD + 2 aspherical elements, Super Multi-Layer coating
Focus
Minimum focus 0.11 m (4.33) 0.27 m (10.63) 0.55 m (21.65)
Maximum magnification 0.5× 0.18× 0.15×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter No
Physical
Weight 225 g (0.50 lb) 325 g (0.72 lb) 405 g (0.89 lb)
Diameter 64 mm (2.52) 70 mm (2.76) 72 mm (2.83)
Length 49 mm (1.93) 65 mm (2.56) 75 mm (2.95)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Filter thread 55 mm 58 mm 62 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN sample gallery (DPReview TV)

02 Dec

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While they were out shooting their video about Sigma’s new lenses, Chris and Jordan filled up a memory card with photos from the 35mm F2 DG DN and Panasonic S5/S1H. Have a look.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN sample gallery

02 Dec

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The Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN is for the photographer who wants a focal length that falls squarely between 50mm and 85mm. Have a look at our initial sample gallery taken on a full-frame Sony body.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview TV: Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN and 65mm F2 DG DN review

02 Dec

Chris and Jordan take a look at the new Sigma 35mm F2 and 65mm F2 Contemporary lenses for E- and L-mount. Depending on which system you’re in and what your needs are, they might just be the compact, well-priced and impressively sharp little primes you’ve been looking for.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

  • Introduction
  • Samples
  • Build and design
  • Autofocus
  • 65mm image issues
  • 65mm sharpness
  • 35mm image issues
  • Focus breathing
  • 35mm sharpness
  • Who is the 35mm for?
  • Who is the 65mm for?
  • And remember…

Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN sample images

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Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN sample images

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hands-on with new Sigma 35mm and 65mm F2 DG DN lenses

01 Dec

Hands on with new Sigma 35mm and 65mm F2 DG DN | C

Sigma just added three ‘I-series’ lenses to its Contemporary lineup, in the form of 24mm, 35mm and 65mm primes. Physically somewhat similar to the metal-bodied 45mm F2.8 ‘C’ released alongside the fp, these new primes promise very good performance and light weight when paired with L-mount and Sony E-mount mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

We’ve had our hands on the 35mm and 65mm for a few days; read on for pictures, impressions and key specifications.

Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN

‘A classic reimagined’ is how Sigma describes this lens, which is one of a trio of new ‘I-series’ primes in Sigma’s established ‘Contemporary’ line. The ‘I’ lenses are described as compact, high-quality optics for mirrorless cameras, offering an alternative to the often large, heavy lenses we’ve seen appear for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Metal construction

Like the quirky 45mm F2.8, these new ‘Contemporary’ primes are unusual in featuring a metal construction, including the lens hood. Made from ‘precision cut’ aluminum with a brass mount, the 35mm F2 feels like a premium product. However, at 325g (11.5 oz) it remains relatively lightweight, as well as being (by the standards of most modern mirrorless primes) fairly compact.

On a Sony a7R IV, it feels very well-balanced indeed, with its light weight keeping the combination from feeling front-heavy.

Focus and aperture rings

Knurled focus and aperture rings add to the somewhat retro-inspired design of these new lenses, although both operate of course ‘by wire’. The focus ring is buttery-smooth yet well-damped, and the ‘clicky’ aperture ring is a joy (though it cannot be de-clicked for smooth operation when shooting video).

The accented ‘cut-out’ between the focus ring and aperture ring is cosmetic (it looks like it should be an annular switch but it isn’t) but does provide a little purchase when mounting and dismounting the lens. Unlike the rest of the lens, this ring has a gloss, rather than matte finish, giving it a strange prominence. Both finishes are something of a fingerprint magnet.

Focus speeds aren’t lightning quick, but are more than fast enough for almost any subject you’d be shooting with a 35mm prime. The focus motor is, for all intents and purposes, silent, though you may hear a slight whine or hum if you’re using onboard microphones to record audio while shooting video.

Optical design

It might be small (only 70mm long, or about 2.7 inches) but the 35mm F2 packs in ten glass elements in nine groups, including one SLD (super low-dispersion) and three molded aspherical elements, all produced in Sigma’s factory in Aizu, Japan. This fairly complex design is optimized for excellent control of chromatic aberrations and field curvature. Sigma also claims very good correction of coma, which is good news for fans of low light, wide-aperture shooting.

9-blade rounded aperture (35mm & 65mm only)

Speaking of wide-aperture shooting, the 35mm and 65mm ‘C’ primes feature a nine-bladed aperture, with rounded blades to help deliver circular bokeh at a wide apertures (the 24mm has seven blades). The 35mm F2 accepts fairly standard 58mm screw-in filters and the included metal lens cap attaches magnetically.

The back of the metal cap has a felt ring to prevent it scraping the lens, and this is something of a dust trap. The lens comes supplied with a conventional plastic pinch cap, too.

Dust and splash-proof

Sigma doesn’t make any great claims about the weather-sealing of the new ‘I’ series, but like all three of the new lenses, the 35mm F2’s brass mount is rated as ‘dust and splash-proof’. To that end, a slim rubber gasket around the mount helps keep any dirt or moisture from entering the camera.

The Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN will be available in mid-January for $ 639.

Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN

The 65mm F2 is physically very similar to the 35mm, but a little heavier (405g/14.3oz compared to 325g/11.5oz) and very slightly longer. Optically it comprises 12 elements in nine groups, including one SLD element and two aspherical elements.

Sigma says the 65mm focal length encourages a greater working distance than a conventional 50mm ‘normal,’ which in turn provides slightly more of a compression effect for the same composition. Its minimum focus distance is 55cm (21.7″)

The front filter ring is larger than that of the 35mm F2, and accepts 62mm screw-in filters.

The Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN will be available in mid-January for $ 699.

Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN

Like the 35mm, the 65mm comes with both a pinch-fit plastic lens cap and a rather smart magnetic metal one. There’s also a light, ribbed metal hood with a plastic insert with a clip mechanism that provides smooth and secure attachment to the lens itself.

Despite its extra length and weight, it still balances nicely. We used it on some of Sony’s more recent full-frame models, whose larger grips mean the weight is easy to hold. Unlike some recent FF mirrorless lenses, the lens’s weight is pretty evenly distributed along its length: there’s no extreme front element pulling the front of the lens down.

Sigma 24mm F3.5 DG DN

Third in the new trilogy of primes (and the only one not available to us at the time of writing) is the lightweight (only 225g/8oz) 24mm F3.5 DG DN. Of the three, this lens is the closest in terms of physical design and handling to the existing 45mm F2.8, but unlike that lens, it promises thoroughly-modern, aberration-free imaging, with ‘high resolving power’ across the entire frame at all apertures.

Its 10 element in 8 group optical design includes one SLD element and three aspherical elements, and a minimum focus distance of only 10cm (~4″) works out to an impressive maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.

The Sigma 24mm F3.5 DG DN will be available in mid-January for $ 549.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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