Sigma has just announced its most advanced zoom lens, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art lens—the first Sigma lens produced using ultra-high precision molded glass aspherical elements as large as 80mm. Developed simultaneously with the highly-regarded Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART prime lens, the 14-24mm model offers a maximum f/2.8 throughout the zoom range.
Key features:
- 17 elements in 11 groups
- Weather resistant
- Rounded 9-blade diaphragm
- Brass Bayonet Mount
- Minimum focus 10.2 inches
- 40.6 oz
- AF with full-time manual override
Designed with high-resolution DSLRs in mind, the ultrawide-zooming 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM | Art incorporates three FLD glass elements, three SLD glass elements, and three aspherical lens elements, including one large-diameter aspherical element. Effective distribution of these high-refractive-index glass elements further enhances the corrective effect of the FLD and SLD glass. This optical system minimizes transverse chromatic aberration and other optical aberrations, resulting in outstanding high-resolution image quality, according to Sigma.
The advantage of Sigma’s new approach is that it minimizes distortion. The first element in the optical system is a large-diameter aspherical lens. Optimizing the power distribution of this and the other lens elements minimizes distortion to 1% or lower. As a result, Sigma says that points of light appear as points without streaking from the center of the image to the edge, and the light volume is also abundant throughout the frame. In addition, simulations performed from the design stage onward have helped minimize flare and ghosting. In combination, these technologies ensure excellent ultra-wide-angle performance.
Like Sigma’s Sports line lenses, the 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM | Art features a highly effective dust- and splash-proof structure with special sealing at the mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, and cover connection, allowing photographers to work in all types of weather. In addition, the front of the lens is protected by a water- and oil-repellent coating that makes cleaning easy.
The Canon mount version of the lens is compatible with the Canon Lens Aberration Correction function. Matching the optical characteristics of the lens, this function performs in-camera corrections of peripheral illumination, chromatic aberrations, distortion, and more, further enhancing image quality.
Free Conversion Service for VR Creators
Today’s virtual reality creators favor multi-camera videography that leverages the capability of ultra-wide-angle lenses. So, Sigma is offering the new Front Conversion Service, in which SIGMA converts the petal-type hood of the 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM | Art lens to an exclusive round component. This altered front structure allows the lens to be deployed with greater freedom in multi-camera VR videography. The new front also helps prevent the lens from interfering with other lenses or from casting a visible shadow. The use of this service has no impact on the validity of the product warranty. The exact date of this service is to be determined.
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art lens will be available in Canon, Nikon, and Sigma mounts. Pricing and availability of the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art lens will be announced later this month.
