This week was a quiet one in the world of photography gear. The most notable announcement was the new 35mm F1.4 Art from Sigma. But wait a second, isn’t there already a 35mm 1.4 from the brand? Yes, there is, but this one has been redesigned for mirrorless cameras.
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for E-mount and L-mount
The first 35mm F1.4 Art was released by Sigma in 2012 (full name: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM). It was designed for Canon and Nikon DSLRs. Sony E-mount users first got the opportunity to use this lens with electronic adapters, which became a popular thing after the launch of A7 series, and particularly with the arrival of the A7R II in 2015 whose AF performance with adapted lenses was much improved.
Sigma launched its own MC-11 adapter in 2016 and later, in 2018, released an E-mount version of several DSLR lenses, including the 35mm lens DG HSM. It retained the same optical design, but with a longer barrel and revised electronics.
In 2021, Sigma introduced a new 35mm Art that has been entirely redesigned for mirrorless cameras. The exterior design is similar to other recent lenses such as the 35mm 1.2 Art. It is weather-sealed, has a de-clickable aperture ring that can also be locked, an AF/MF switch, a customisable button and a quiet stepping AF motor.
The lens weighs 645g and is 75.5mm wide and 109.5mm long, which makes it heavier and larger than the recent Sony 35mm F1.4 GM. However the Sigma is much less expensive starting at $900 or £750.
Other characteristics include:
- 15 elements in 11 groups
- 1 FLD, 1 ELD, 2 SLD and 2 aspherical elements
- 11 rounded diaphragm blades
- Min. focus: 30cm
- E-mount / L-mount versions
You can find interesting reviews of this lens at CameraLabs and Christopher Frost’s YouTube channel.
TTartisan 50mm F1.2
The 50mm F1.2 manual focus lens isn’t new, but it is now available for Nikon Z-mount and Leica/Sigma/Panasonic L-mount bodies. It is designed for APS-C sensors and is also available for Canon EF-M, Fuji X, Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-mount. It costs $100, which is really low for such a fast aperture. (via Dpreview)
Viltrox 85mm F1.8
There is a new firmware update for the Z-mount version of this lens (version 1.2.0) that improves the lens compatibility and stability. (via NikonRumors)
Until next week!
