The wait is almost over: The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM pro midrange zoom and Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens, announced in February, are on their way and will be available to customers in the coming weeks.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens replaces the discontinued 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM, which was considered a workhorse for professional wedding photographers as well as prosumers using full-frame DSLRs. As with its predecessor, the new Art version features a continuous f/2.8 wide aperture and a circular 9-blade aperture. New features include an optical stabilizer, improved optics, and updated lens processing technology for more responsive operation.
Key features:
- Aperture range f/2.8-22
- 24-70mm focal range
- Minimum focus 14.5 inches
- 19 elements in 14 groups
- 9 rounded diaphragm blades
- 82mm filter thread
- 3.5×4.2 inches
Designed for a wide range of photography including wedding, portrait, travel, sports, and event photography, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens is a pro-quality lens that has been optimized for today’s full-frame, high-resolution DSLRs. Featuring a hypersonic (HSM) motor for fast AF, image stabilization and dust- and splash-proof construction and a rugged metal lens barrel, this fourth-generation lens is designed to meet the demands of professional photographers.
Sigma says optical performance has been improved, thanks to three SLD (special low dispersion) glass lens elements and four aspherical lens elements to minimize optical aberrations. The optical system is said to minimize coma and distortion as well as transverse chromatic aberration, resulting in distortion-free images and high overall quality from corner to corner.
The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG HSM Art incorporates an aspherical lens element that helps achieve extremely high resolution. This element, which uses the same design first found on the Sigma 12-24mm f/4, is much thicker at the center than the edges, and forming its unusual shape is a feat of manufacturing technology. Sigma processed the surface of this aspherical lens element with ultra-precise tolerances that are measured in hundredths of a micrometer. The company says this extremely fine surface allows the lens to deliver a very natural and smooth bokeh effect, without the visible concentric rings that can be seen using typical aspherical lens elements.
The new version of this lens is the first Sigma 24-70mm to incorporate an optical stabilizer, a first in a large-diamater standard zoom for Sigma. It also features a redesigned large Hypersonic Motor, which Sigma says offers 1.3 times the torque of its predecessor and is stable even at low speeds.
Because this lens’s target user is likely to use the lens often, Sigma built it to stand up to challenging shooting environments. It is constructed of a metal lens barrel and moving parts that feature thermally stable composite, which is said to resist thermal expansion and contraction. The lens mount area is rubber-sealed against dust and splashes, while the front element has water- and oil-repellent coating.
The Nikon mount version includes an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism so it can receive appropriate signals from the camera body. This allows precision diaphragm control and stable autoexposure during continuous shooting.
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens, will cost $1,299 and will ship from Adorama in Canon, Nikon, and Sigma mounts starting the last week of June.
Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art
The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art is the world’s first f/1.8 ultra-wide angle lens. Designed for both full-frame and APS cameras and available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts, the lens is the seventh in Sigma’s line of high-end prime “Art” lenses.
Key features:
- f/1.8-22 aperture range
- Three FLD and four SLD glass elements
- 9 Rounded diaphragm blades
- Minimum focus 10.6 inches
- 41.3 oz
- 3.8×5 inches
The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM “Art” lens is a high-end superwide prime designed for capturing starry skies, sweeping vistas, and low-light subjects. Projecting a full 35mm-sized image, it can be used on both full-frame and crop-sensor Canon, Nikon and Sigma DSLRs. It is the first 14mm lens to break the f/2 barrier, going a bit lighter to f/1.8. This wider aperture makes it possible to shoot in lower light without affecting ISO or shutter speed settings in some cases.
The lens offers a relatively deep depth of field, thanks to the fact that it is a very wide-angle lens, so even at f/1.8 there is remarkably deep focus except when shooting close-up subjects.
The lens has a massive, precision-molded 80mm-wide aspherical glass front element, using new technology to assure edge-to-edge sharpness even at the new f/1.8 widest aperture. Sigma claims minimal distortion and excellent peripheral brightness.
Autofocus is said to be extremely fast; full-time manual override is available on most mounts. The lens barrel is engraved with the year of release, and the brass bayonet mount is precise and durable.
The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens will cost $1,599 and will begin shipping in late June in Canon and Sigma mounts; the Nikon mount version will be available shortly thereafter. You can pre-order the lens now at Adorama.
