It looks like the Sigma range of Art lenses is about to get a little more interesting. Sony Alpha Rumors have been informed by “reliable sources” that Sigma will be introducing two new lenses to the lineup this year. A 14mm f/1.8 and a 135mm f/1.8.
If true, these can both expect to be rather popular. Such ultrawide lenses as 14mm are favourites of astrophotographers. One that opens all the way up to f/1.8 is bound to catch some interest. It’s also going to appeal to more general landscape photographers, too.
A 135mm f/1.8, it’s slightly wider than the Nikon & Canon offerings at f/2, and could become a huge hit with portrait photographers. Longer lenses seem to be coming back into favour. I’m starting to see a lot more lately shot with 105mm, 135mm and even 200mm lenses than just a couple of years ago.
Zeiss also do a 135mm f/1.8, but at almost twice the price of the Canon 135mm f/2L, there’s certainly a spot for Sigma to jump in and take a big slice of the market. As far as Nikon’s 135mm goes, it’s also rather pricey. It also doesn’t autofocus with all Nikon bodies and depends on the speed of the AF motor in the camera body. So, a good 135mm f/1.8 with built in AF motor may be a very welcome addition for many Nikon portrait shooters.
Canon Rumors suspect that a 14mm lens would likely be for APS-C cameras, so that it doesn’t compete with Sigma’s own 12-24mm f/4 Art lens. But, I’m not so sure I agree. Astrophotographers, especially, would love to get those extra 2 and a bit stops of light back over the f/4 zoom. Also, the 12-24mm is a full frame lens. It’ll work on crop bodies, too, so how would making the 14mm an APS-C only lens make a difference?
I’m not sure I’d need the 14mm myself. It’s just not a focal length I find myself needing all that often. But a 135mm f/1.8? If they can keep it under $1,000, I’m interested.
As these are just rumours, there’s obviously no official world yet. Although it’ll likely be announced for Nikon, Canon & Sigma bodies first, with others coming later. Hopefully they’ll announce something official, or at least drop a few hints at The Photography Show next month.
[via Sony Alpha Rumors]
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