Feb 23

Feb 23 Sigma 30mm f/1.4 E-Mount & 50-100mm EF, F and SA Lenses Announced

One of the biggest complaints that users of Sony's Aps-c format E-mount cameras such as the A6000 have is the lack of good, inexpensive prime lenses. In my recent long term review of the A6000 I made this point, and I wished for an equivalent to Fuji's excellent 35mm f/1.4. In fact, the lack of a good fast native prime for the format has been a real issue. Fortunately Sigma has just addressed that gap in the lineup with the launch of the new 30mm f/1.4mm prime lens for e-mount (and m43).

I've been using the 30mm 2.8 on my Sony cameras for a long time now, and it's a good lens. It's sharp and clear, and I've gotten some really nice results from it, but it lacks the depth of field you get from a f/1.4. So, needless to say, I'm pretty excited about this new lens. How good it is in real use remains to be seen, but if it's at least as good as the current 30mm I'll be pretty happy. It's also going to be relatively inexpensive at just under $400

From the Press Release:

Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary

Combining outstanding optical performance and compact design, the new affordable Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens brings immense value to mirrorless cameras. Boasting superior image quality with F1.4 brightness, the versatile lens covers a wide range of photo and video capture scenarios, delighting users with its beautiful bokeh effects.

Contemporary Line Performance and Value

Represents first affordable F1.4 performance lens for the mirrorless market
Sigma engineered quality within a sleek compact design
Fast, smooth AF stepping motor designed to support video
Features one aspherical element and one double-sided aspherical element producing imaging quality comparable to the Art line.
Features 9 elements / 7 groups, Minimum Aperture: F16, 52mm filter thread, Minimum Focus Distance: 11.8in, Weight: 9.3oz, Dimensions: 2.6x2.9in.
The new Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens will be available in Sony E-Mount and Micro Four Thirds mount. For more information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com/30mm-f1-4-dc-dn-c.

50-100mm f/1.8

Sigma also announced another interesting lens, the 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art. This is another unusual lens from Sigma, and it's also one of the fastest telephoto zooms from any company. IT's only available in EF, Nikon F and Sigma SA mount, but it will be compatible with e-mount via the just announced MC-11 adaptor.

From the press release:

Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art

Building on the groundbreaking Sigma Global Vision 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens, the new Sigma 50-100 F1.8 (75-150mm on 35mm format) mid-range zoom lens embodies the same engineering prowess to deliver outstanding prime lens-like results. Factoring in the APS-C image circle of 1.5x, the 50-100mm F1.8 covers three popular short tele prime focal lengths: 85mm, 105mm and 135mm. Like the 18-35mm F1.8, the new 50-100mm F1.8 maintains a constant F1.8 aperture yielding exceptional brightness and resolution throughout the zoom, while simultaneously maintaining focus as the lens is zoomed, a feature videographers will greatly appreciate.

Sigma Art Line Image Technology Innovation

Features three FLD (F Low Dispersion) glass elements, one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element, and one high-refractive index, high-dispersion glass element to minimize aberrations.
Redesigned and enhanced, the new Hyper Sonic Motor is 30% slimmer and provides fast and accurate AF.
Highly durable polycarbonate diaphragm made with fluorine; blades feature carbon feather film offering exceptionally smooth operation even during continuous shooting.

Outstanding Zoom Lens Maneuverability

Inner focusing and zoom design offer versatile shooting options
Tripod socket for stable, comfortable operation
Features 21 elements / 15 groups, Minimum Aperture: F16, 82mm filter thread, Minimum Focus Distance: 37.4in, Dimensions: 3.7x6.7, Weight: 52.6oz

The new Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 Art will be available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. For more information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com/50-100mm-f1-8-dc-hsm-art.