Five Sigma Global Vision Lenses Announced

Spencer Cox

As part of a slew of Photokina-related announcements yesterday, Sigma has announced five new lenses. Four are for full-frame cameras, and one is compatible with Micro 4/3 and Sony E mount crop sensor cameras. The 28mm f/1.4 Art, 40mm f/1.4 Art, 70-200mm f/2.8 Sport, 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3, and 56mm f/1.4 (for crop sensor only) join Sigma’s growing lineup of “Global Vision” lenses. Pricing and shipping dates of most of the lenses have not yet been announced.

Sigma 28mm f/1.4 Art

Sigma already makes the 20mm f/1.4, 24mm f/1.4, and 35mm f/1.4 Art lenses. Why not add another wide-angle, wide-aperture prime to the mix?

The Sigma 28mm f/1.4 competes directly against lenses from Nikon and Zeiss with the same focal length and aperture, each announced not long ago (the Zeiss 28mm f/1.4 in March of 2016 and the Nikon version in May of 2017). Both of those lenses have exceptional performance – see our review of the Nikon 28mm – but Sigma’s recent track record of high-quality lenses suggests the new 28mm Art could compete at the same level, likely with a lower price as well.

Although the Sigma 28mm f/1.4 Art’s price has not yet been announced, the Nikon version costs $2000 and the Zeiss 28mm f/1.4 Otus sits at a whopping $4990. For comparison, Sigma’s 24mm f/1.4 costs $849, and their 35mm f/1.4 costs $899. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict that this new Sigma lens also will be well-priced compared to its competition, which makes it a very interesting option on the market indeed.

Sigma 40mm f/1.4 Art

One of the more unusual lenses Sigma announced is the 40mm f/1.4 Art, based on their cine design, and one of just a handful of 40mm lenses on the market today. (It’s also one of only two 40mm f/1.4 photographic lenses ever, the other being the Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.4 for Leica M rangefinder cameras). To make things even more interesting, this lens weighs more than the Sigma 28mm f/1.4, reversing the trend of “normal” lenses weighing less than their wider or longer counterparts.

The 40mm f/1.4 Art has an 82mm filter thread, a 16 element/12 group construction, and six low dispersion glass elements (three FLD, three SLD). It weighs a whopping 1200 grams (2.65 pounds), making it one of the heaviest normal lenses ever made. Even the Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus weighs “just” 970 grams (2.13 pounds). This new Sigma is not a lens for the minimalist photographer.

It’s hard to deny that lenses in recent years have trended toward maximum performance and ultra-wide apertures, almost regardless of weight. Sigma arguably was one of the largest influences on that trend, and there is little doubt that this new 40mm f/1.4 Art will be a very high performing lens by the same token. But I have to wonder when photographers will start asking for smaller lenses instead – something like a 28mm f/2.8 that weighs just a couple hundred grams rather than a heavy 28mm f/1.4, or even a trend to pancake lenses like Canon’s 40mm f/2.8 instead of a 1200 gram monster like this 40mm f/1.4. Maybe the fact that so many camera manufacturers have stepped up their mirrorless investment will inspire some weight savings in new releases – although it’s not like Canon’s new 28-70mm f/2 or Nikon’s Z lens roadmap with several f/1.2 lenses seem to be heading in that direction. Maybe the market for small and light glass is, aside from occasional releases, nearing its end.

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 Sport

A long-awaited Sigma Sport lens is the 70-200mm f/2.8, perhaps the most classic telephoto of all. This is one area where Sigma has a lot of competition, with so many photographers already entrenched in their Nikon or Canon equivalent (or potentially the Tamron and older Sigma 70-200mm lenses). Autofocus performance is also a key requirement for those who buy this type of lens, and, rightly or wrongly, the perception is that name-brand lenses still have the edge over third-party options when critical performance is required.

Nevertheless, this Sigma appears to be a promising offering. It includes compatibility with Sigma’s USB dock, very valuable for a zoom like this which can require different levels of autofocus micro-adjustment at different focal lengths. It has 24 elements in 22 groups, along with one SLD and nine FLD lens elements. It focuses down to 1.2 meters with a reproduction ratio of 1:5 (or 0.21× magnification). It has a removable Arca-Swiss compatible tripod plate, as well as weather sealing and a water-repellant front element.

Once again, the Sigma is heavier than competing options: 1805 g (3.98 lb), compared to 1430 g (3.15 lb) for the newest Nikon and 1480 g (3.26 lb) for the newest Canon. Still, if the price is right and autofocus performance is up to the task, this lens will likely find its way into many photographers’ bags.

Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3

Anyone remember the Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 “Bigma” lens? It was a 10× zoom going all the way to 500mm, with a total weight of 1840 grams. It became a cult favorite for photographers seeking a budget-friendly telephoto zoom, but no one could deny that it was a big and heavy lens to carry around.

This new 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 is even heavier, totaling a remarkable 2700 g (5.95 lb) – almost a full kilogram more than the Bigma. We’ll have to call this one the “big Bigma” or the “really Bigma” in order to distinguish them, or something like that. At this point, I don’t even know.

That’s not to say this lens is without an audience. If you need an extreme 10x zoom range – a one-size-fits-all telephoto for a safari or something similar – it can make sense. This lens is also the only one of Sigma’s announcements yesterday with a price we already know, selling for $1999 and shipping in late October. To me, its main competition is simply Sigma’s already available 150-600mm f/5-6.3 lens, which is more reasonable in both price and weight: $989 and 1.95 kg (4.3 lb). The Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 and Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 are also targeting a similar market (see our comparison between all three of those lenses), and, personally, I would pick one of these three instead of the new Sigma for most uses.

With 25 elements in 19 groups, a reproduction ratio of 1:3.3 (magnification of 0.3×), and four low dispersion elements (1 SLD, 3 FLD), the features of the 60-600mm are nonetheless in line with some of Sigma’s best. If your particular photoshoot requires such a wide range of focal lengths and makes it difficult to swap lenses along the way, it’s one of the few on the market with the specs that will work for your needs.

Sigma 56mm f/1.4 Contemporary

The last lens Sigma announced is specifically for crop-sensor mirrorless cameras, compatible with both Sony E mount and Micro Four-Thirds. Unlike all the other lenses Sigma announced yesterday, this one is much more reasonable in size and weight, totaling just 280 grams (9.9 oz). Granted, it is meant for crop sensor cameras rather than full frame (and fell under Sigma’s “Contemporary” distinction rather than “Art”), so it didn’t have the same design considerations that the other f/1.4 lenses did.

If you’re looking for a portrait lens to go with your crop-sensor camera, this one merits a long look. With ten elements in six groups, a Special Low Dispersion element, and weather sealing, the 56mm f/1.4 has a lot of promising features. It joins Sigma’s current 16mm f/1.4 and 30mm f/1.4 crop-sensor lenses to create an appealing trio of lightweight f/1.4 primes for the Sony E mount and Micro Four Thirds cameras.

Press Release

Sigma Unveils Five New Global Vision Lenses

Sigma’s 28mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary, 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports, and 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports will make their public debut at Photokina 2018

Cologne, Germany – September 25, 2018 – Sigma today announced five new Sigma Global Vision lenses shown for the first time at the 2018 Photokina expo in Cologne, Germany from September 26th-29th in Hall 4.2 on Stands B020, B028I and C029. From wide-angle to hyper-telephoto, the new Sigma Global Vision introductions arrive as some of the most anticipated lenses in the industry, further facilitating artistic expression for photographers.

Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
The new Sigma wide-angle model stands out with its thoroughly corrected magnification chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare, as well as completely minimized distortion thanks to its optical design. It features water- and oil-repellent coating on the front lens element and its overall dust- and splash-proof structure ensures excellent performance even in the most challenging shooting conditions. The high-speed AF, thanks to the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) with an updated algorithm, captures the perfect moment instantly. Available in Sigma, Nikon, Canon and Sony E camera mounts, this lens is a great contender for street photography, as well as shooting landscapes and night skies.

Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
The 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is Sigma’s first lens developed originally to live up to the sought-after angle of view and performance standard for a benchmark cine lens. This lens effectively arranges three FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements to correct axial chromatic aberration and magnification chromatic aberration. Designed for exceptional sharpness at maximum aperture, this lens excels at available light photography. With less than 1% distortion and near non-existent sagittal coma flare, this lens demonstrates consistent optical results featuring both 8K-compatible resolution and a beautiful bokeh. It is available for Sigma, Nikon, Canon and Sony E mount camera systems.

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
This lens completes the Sigma large aperture series of portable wide-angle, standard, and telephoto prime lenses in Micro Four Thirds and Sony E mounts. Featuring compact design, light weight and outstanding image quality offered in Sigma’s Contemporary line, this lens stuns with a beautiful bokeh effect and the amount of brightness expected from F1.4 lenses even in the mid-telephoto range for cropped sensor cameras. In addition, this lens is characterized by smooth and quiet autofocus ideal for video shooting. Compatible with the Sony E mount Fast Hybrid AF, it also achieves precise AF tracking. By using the face recognition or eye AF functions of the camera, focus will continuously be on the face or the eye even if the subject moves during the shoot.

Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports
One of the most anticipated lenses from the Sigma Global Vision line, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports is the new flagship large-aperture telephoto zoom lens that meets the most stringent needs of professional photographers. Robust yet lightweight, the lens’ magnesium body ensures high mobility and its dust- and splash-proof structure together with the water- and oil-repellent coating on the front element ensure safe use even in the most challenging shooting conditions. It also incorporates Intelligent OS with an acceleration sensor and the latest algorithm capable of panning in all directions. The lens’ optical design, incorporating 10 exclusive low-dispersion glass elements, allows for extremely high resolution, from the center to the corners. By optimizing spherical aberration, a smooth and natural bokeh effect is achieved when using the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports for portrait photography. The versatility of this lens is demonstrated in various customization options via an AF Function button either through the camera body or Sigma USB Dock. The newest F2.8 large-aperture zoom lens from Sigma comes in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts.

Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports
The Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports is the world’s first 10x optical zoom telephoto lens with a tele end of 600mm. Incorporating 25 elements in 19 groups, excellent and consistent image quality can be achieved throughout the entire zoom range. This lens’ intelligent OS featuring the latest algorithm delivers an image stabilization effect of 4 stops. Its optical design ensures maximum correction of magnification chromatic aberration encountered in hyper-telephoto shooting. This offers both high resolution and consistent edge-to-edge performance throughout the entire zoom range. In addition, when shooting at the focal length of 200mm, the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports can also be used for telephoto macro photography, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.3, thanks to its high rendering performance. Its multi-material build, which incorporates magnesium among other components, ensures durability and enhances portability, allowing for comfortable handling of the 10x zoom lens. The zooming mechanism has been engineered to make both smooth rotation and straight zoom possible. Versatile and robust, the new Sigma hyper-telephoto zoom lens is available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts starting in late October 2018 for $1999 USD.
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