Sigma to launch two new 14mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/1.8 ART prime lenses in 2017
Feb 14, 2017
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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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]
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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9 responses to “Sigma to launch two new 14mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/1.8 ART prime lenses in 2017”
If the 135/1.8 is under $1000, I will be a) completely shocked and b) suddenly considering selling my Samyang 135/2, which is completely awesome–but sometimes I really want autofocus.
I think it’d have to be, really to compete. Canon’s 135mm f/2L produces absolutely amazing results, and is all over the place for $999. The only reasons I could see it costing more is if it included image stabilisation or Canon released an updated model at a higher price point.
Although, the latter wouldn’t surprise me. The Canon 135mm f/2L is over 20 years old now, so it’s a bit overdue for a refresh.
I was operating under the assumption it would have stabilization, but yeah, if it doesn’t maybe that could take it under $1000. Sigma has surprised me before though, so here’s hoping.
But it’s a Sigma Art. So you’d only get marginal auto focus.
Tim Hasl
Mike Musto Esteban GilMarc Daniel
#fujiglassisallineed
Goddamn Sigma and their Goddamn 3 minute YouTube ads
“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?”
The reason for making it an APS-C lens is so it doesn’t cannibalize the sales of the 12-24/4 Art. Like you mentioned, if astrophotographers would love to get those extra stops of light on a full frame 14mm/1.8, that would sink the 12-24/4 Art. By making it an APS-C lens, it would go up against the already well established 18-35/1.8 Art. This doesn’t mean I agree it should be an APS-C only lens. Just saying that you already provided the reason why it should be. As for using the 12-24/4 Art on a crop, you still have to deal with the max aperture of f/4. The 14mm goes all the way to f/1.8. So which do you think an astrophotographer would prefer? 12mm f/4 or 14mm f/1.8?