Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time
It seems that the rumors around new Sigma lenses were true. At least partially though – because they didn’t launch two new lenses, but four of them. Sigma 14mm f/1.8 and 135mm F/1.8 Art prime lenses are accompanied by two zooms: 100-400mm f/5-6.3 and 24-70mm F2.8. Considering that it’s a Sigma Art lens that got the highest DxO Mark rating ever, you might want to consider buying one of the new Art lenses if you’re looking to add these primes or zooms to your gear bag.
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.
Ladies and gentlemen, the king of lenses has been crowned. DxOMark has announced their test results for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens, and it’s the lens with the highest score ever. It won 51 when mounted on a Nikon D800E and left Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 eat its dust.
It’s died down a little now, but last year there was an insane craze surrounding the Sigma Art series lenses so much so that I actually ended up buying 2 of them, selling them, then borrowing them again in the future for other shoots when I had no money.
To be clear from the outset, I actually think the Sigma Art lenses kick serious ass, the sharpness, the focus ring, build quality, the price. They are “cheap enough” ($900 for 35mm f/1.4 or $950 for 50mm f/1.4) and give you some serious firepower in the lens department. But after all of this, after all of these wonderful points, I STILL sold the 50mm and the 35mm because of one key factor. I think the bokeh sucks.
Everyone loves their 24-70 f2.8.
For most photographers, its often their first major upgrade from the kit lens that came with their camera (it was for me anyway). For pure speed and versatility – nothing else comes close. But when it comes to pure image quality and artistic vision…there is such a bigger world out there than what is possible with a 24-70.
So in real world use, how does a Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 compare to a Sigma ART 35mm f/1.4 and a Sigma ART 50mm f/1.4?
Well, in this article I am going to compare these three lenses shot for shot.
You can find out more about John on his website and follow his adventures on YouTube and Facebook.
can change a lens mid-rappel, swap a memory card while treading water, or use a camel as a light stand.
To see more of his work please visit his studio website blurMEDIAphotography, or follow him on Twitter, 500px, Google Plus or YouTube.
JP’s photography is available for licensing at Stocksy United.
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