Sigma has now announced pricing for three new lenses. The E-Mount version of the very popular (and rather sexy) 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art series lens, as well as the two new 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lenses.
First impressions review of the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 Art lens – The “Bokeh Master”
There’s no way around it, the new Sigma 105mm f/1.4 Art lens is freakishly huge. Compared to the Nikon 105mm f/1.4E lens released a couple of years ago, it just looks ridiculous. The Sigma is substantially bigger and weighs about 70% more than the Nikon. It even weighs more than my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom.
But how does it actually feel to shoot? And how good are the images? I’ve had the opportunity to play with one over the last few days, so this post goes through some of my initial thoughts, and what I think of the lens so far. If you want the short version, though, I love it and hated having to give it back.
First look at the new Sigma 105mm f/1.4 Art, 70mm f/2.8 Art Macro lenses & E Mount release schedule
One of the things I was most interested in checking out during The Photography Show were the new Sigma lens offerings. Those are the 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens, aimed primarily at portrait photographers, and the 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art. So, I sat down for a chat with Paul Reynolds of Sigma Imaging UK. I wanted to find out why the 70mm f/2.8 wasn’t available for Nikon, and I also hoped to get some insight on a release schedule for the new Sony E Mount versions of their existing and new prime lenses.
This is all the shiny new camera gear announced at this year’s WPPI
WPPI has been a good one this year for gear announcements. We’ve got the very impressive looking new Sony A7III camera and a whole slew of new E-Mount Art series lenses from Sigma. A couple of new entry level bodies from Canon as well as the new EOS M50 mirrorless. We’ve also seen a new AD200 competitor appear from Cactus who say it’s only just the beginning. Oh yeah, and then there’s that funny robotic speedlight from Canon.
There were a few items we didn’t cover, though. So, let’s have a look at everything that was announced. All the stuff we told you about and all the stuff we didn’t in one place.
Sigma announces NINE new native Sony E-Mount Art series lenses
As if Sigma hadn’t given us enough today. With new 70mm f/2.8 Macro and 105mm f/1.4 Art series lenses, we were already pretty excited. But Sigma also have an extra gift for Sony shooters. Both of the two new lenses today, as well as nine of their popular Art series full frame lenses are being released with a native Sony E-Mount.
A native Sony mount offers advantages over simply using the Canon mount version with the Sigma MC-11 adapter. Such as compatibility with Sony’s continuous (AF-C) and high speed autofocus. And you’ll likely see some Eye-AF improvements, too. Very handy if you’ve been eyeing up that new Sony A7III.
Sigma officially announces the 105mm f/1.4 Art series “Bokeh Master” lens
Now, this is one that Canon, Sigma and Sony shooters have been waiting for. For almost two years, the 105mm focal length at f/1.4 aperture has remained exclusively in the domain of Nikon shooters. Now, thanks to Sigma, that possibility opens up to a lot more people, and probably at a better price, too.
Available in Nikon, Canon, Sony and Sigma mount, the new Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art series lens is the second of today’s announcements from Sigma. The first was the 70mm f/2.8 Macro Art, in case you missed it. Being hailed as the “Bokeh Master” (I’m sure there’s a trademark issue there), the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 could become an instant favourite for portrait and wedding shooters everywhere.
Photo leaks of Sigma’s new 105mm f/1.4 Art lens for Nikon, Canon, Sigma and Sony
When I got to play with Sigma’s then-new 135mm f/1.8 Art lens last year shortly before its official release, I instantly fell in love. It’s an incredible lens to shoot, and as well as producing great images it feels good in your hand. But ever since then, I’ve been torn. I’ve no immediate plans to buy either, but do I got Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art? Or do I fork over the extra and get the Nikon 105mm f/1.4?
Now, Sigma seems to be getting ready to add to my dilemma by releasing a Sigma 105mm f/1.4 Art, and the first photo has been leaked. It seems it will be available in Nikon, Canon, Sigma and supposedly native Sony E-Mount versions. Photographer Andrea Pizzini posted a mockup of how that would look.
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