It’s just the beginning, says Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki

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DPReview interviewed Mr. Kazuto Yamaki during CP+. Most of the interview revolves around Sony and the E mount. Never the less, it’s an interesting interview.

Here are some excerpts:

The new 14-24mm F2.8 joins the 14mm F1.8 at the wide end of Sigma’s lineup – how do these two lenses compare, optically?

In terms of performance, the two lenses are equivalent. When it comes to zoom lenses, a standard zoom lens [like a 24-70mm] is quite challenging to design. We have to make compromises. However, the performance of wide and telephoto zoom lenses is very good, and [can be] equivalent to prime lenses. […]

If you have a choice between designing a lens that will be large, heavy, but optically amazing, or designing one that might be optically less impressive but smaller and lighter, how do you make that decision?

I personally want to develop excellent lenses, at the cost of size and weight […]

Is there a lens that does not exist right now, which you think should exist?

We successfully developed F1.8 zoom lenses for APS-C. This kind of lens did not exist before. Similarly our F2 zoom for full-frame. That kind of lens did not exist before, either. I can’t give you specific details but we would like to explore that path [further] […]

Read the interview at DPReview.

Well, I am very happy Sigma developed an f1.8 lens for APS-C cameras. It’s the incredible 18-35mm f/1.8 ART lens (canon rumors), a lens I like a lot.

SIGMA 70mm F/2.8 DG MACRO ART lens development announcement

sigma 70mm f/2.8
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Release date and price of the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 are not known yet.

Development announcement of SIGMA 70mm F/2.8 DG MACRO | Art

The SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the development of the first macro lens in the Art line, SIGMA 70mm F/2.8 DG MACRO | Art.

In recent years, macro lenses in the standard range have tended to employ inner focusing with the goal of maximizing autofocus speed. In contrast, the new SIGMA 70mm F/2.8 DG MACRO | Art lens is designed to prioritize optical performance, fulfilling the demanding image quality requirements that define the Art line. In the standard to mid-telephoto range, it delivers stunning resolution and incredible clarity that greatly exceed expectations for a macro lens. The coreless DC motor further enhances image quality, while an optimized algorithm helps offer extremely smooth autofocus performance for a weightier, high-performance lens. Photography enthusiasts will recall a certain legendary, razor-sharp macro lens—the SIGMA MACRO 70mm F2.8 EX DG—and be glad to learn it is available in a new form, updated with outstanding Art line quality.

SIGMA 105mm F/1.4 DG HSM ART development announcement

Sigma 105mm f/1.4
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Release date and price of the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 are not known yet.

Sigma press release:

Development announcement of SIGMA 105mm F/1.4 DG HSM | Art

The SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the development of the SIGMA 105mm F/1.4 DG HSM | Art, the longest focal length of the F1.4 Art series.

Since introducing its first SIGMA Global Vision F/1.4 lens in 2012, the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, SIGMA has been adding wide-aperture F1.4 options to the lineup. Now, with the introduction of the new 105mm F/1.4 DG HSM | Art, SIGMA offers a total of nine lenses with F1.4 brightness, including six for full-frame cameras and three for APS-C cameras. SIGMA has designed all of these lenses to offer minimal optical aberration and deliver incredible resolution and stunning contrast. Boasting the longest focal length of the F1.4 Art line lenses, the new lens combines outstanding resolution with a beautiful bokeh effect. Designed with great care to ensure that both the in-focus and out-of-focus areas of the photograph are equally satisfying to the eye, this lens is truly a “bokeh master.” The SIGMA 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art has earned its place as the flagship of the F1.4 Art line lenses, prioritizing image quality above all to fulfill the promise of the line, delivering truly amazing optical performance.

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM ART lens pre-orders are open at $1299

Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 DG HSM Art
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Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • 3 FLD, 3 SLD, and 3 Aspherical Elements
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override
  • Weather-Sealed Brass Bayonet Mount
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 10.2″

Pre-orders for Sigma’s latest ART lens are open. The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM sells at $1,299, order it at B&H Photo. The price is very competitive, compared to Canon and Nikon offerings.

A hands-on review of the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 with some sample pictures can be read at Sigma Blog.

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 ART lens on display at WPPI 2018

Sigma 14-24mm F/2.8
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Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 ART at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • 3 FLD, 3 SLD, and 3 Aspherical Elements
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override
  • Weather-Sealed Brass Bayonet Mount
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 10.2″

Sigma is going to showcase their latest, exciting lens, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 ART, at WPPI 2018. My guess is, this will be another best seller lens by Sigma. The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 ART is not available for pre-order yet, but you can get notified when it is at B&H Photo.

Sigma press release:

Sigma Debuts the 14-24mm F/2.8 Art Lens at WPPI 2018
Attendees are invited to the Sigma booth to test out the newly announced wide aperture zoom, join in on conversations with Sigma Pros and win prizes

Las Vegas, NV – February 14, 2018 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading still photo and cinema lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, will showcase the latest addition to its robust line of Sigma Global Vision and Cine lenses – the 14-24mm F/2.8 DG HSM Art lens – at the 2018 WPPI Expo held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV from February 26-28. The 14-24mm DG HSM Art is the perfect lens to help wedding and event photographers capture grandiose scenes with crystal clear wide-angle shots. Not only will attendees have the opportunity to test-drive Sigma’s full line of SGV lenses at booth 810, but also interact with seasoned Sigma Pros. Furthermore, attendees can enter for a chance to win a 24-70mm F2.8 Art lens and a host of other photography accessories and special prizes!

Highlighted – Full Line of Gear on Display at the Sigma Booth at WPPI 2018:

Brand New Wide Aperture Zoom: Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art
The newest arrival on the Sigma Global Vision scene, the 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art lens is designed for 50-megapixel plus cameras and achieves the legendary Art lens optical quality with three FLD glass elements, three SLD glass elements, and three aspherical lens elements, including one 80mm ultra high precision molded glass aspherical element. With near zero distortion (less than 1%) and minimal transverse chromatic aberration, flare and ghosting, the new Sigma 14-24mm offers constant F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range and delivers optimal image quality at every focal length and shooting distance. The high-speed, high-accuracy autofocus allows photographers to capture incredible, in-the-moment images. Additionally, the 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art incorporates the Sports line level dust- and splash proof design, allowing for the lens to be used during varying weather conditions.

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Sigma announce new 14-24mm f/2.8 Art lens

Sigma 14-24mm F/2.8
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Now it’s official, Sigma announced the new Sigma 14-24mm F/2.8 Art. Pricing and availability for the Sigma 14-24mm F/2.8 Art lens will be announced later.

Sigma press release:

Sigma Announces Brand New 14-24mm F/2.8 Art Lens

February 9, 2018 – Sigma Corporation today announced the brand new 14-24mm F/2.8 DG HSM Art wide aperture zoom lens. In addition to the new Global Vision full-frame lens model, Sigma also announced a new front conversion service for the 14-24mm F/2.8.

Outstanding Art Lens Performance
Designed for 50-megapixel plus cameras, the 14-24mm F/2.8 DG HSM Art achieves the legendary Art lens sharpeness with three FLD glass elements, three SLD glass elements, and three aspherical lens elements, including one 80mm high precision molded glass aspherical element. With near zero distortion (less than 1%) and minimal transverse chromatic aberration, flare and ghosting, the new Sigma 14-24mm offers constant F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range and delivers optimal image quality at every focal length and shooting distance. The high-speed, high-accuracy autofocus allows photographers to capture incredible, in-the-moment images.

Rugged Design
In addition to outstanding optical performance, the 14-24mm F/2.8 DG HSM Art features the Sports line level dust- and splash-proof design with special sealing at the mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring and cover connection, allowing for the lens to be used during varying weather conditions.

Versatile Camera System Mount Support
The new Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art lens supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts and works with Sigma’s MC-11 Sony E-mount converter. The Nikon mount features brand new electromagnetic diaphragm, whereas the Canon mount is compatible with the Canon Lens Aberration Correction function.