By site editor Dan Chung:
Sigma have today announced the World’s fastest 20mm full-frame DSLR lens. The 20mm f1.4 ART joins the 24, 35 and 50mm f1.4 to form a formidable set of super fast autofocus primes. It shares the same solid construction and hopefully their optical performance too. The lens barrel is metal barrel and the aperture is nine bladed for smoother bokeh.
The lens is made up of 15 elements in 11 groups. Sigma say it has well controlled distortion and chromatic abberation through the use of Low Dispersion (FLD) and Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass.
Autofocus users will be able to tune the speed and response of the AF by using Sigma’s USB dock. This also allows for user firmware updates in the future to cope with compatibility issues with new cameras.
The ART lenses have gained a small, but enthusiastic following amongst video shooters. The Nikon fit versions of the lens feature ‘right way around’ manual focus and the ability to control iris manually when used with an appropriate mechanical adapter on a Sony E-Mount or Canon EOS camera. They also work with both EF and Nikon mount Metabones Speedboosters.
On the downside the design is geared for rapid autofocus, which means that the travel of the manual focus ring is very short. This is similar to most Canon or Nikon AF lenses. Going from infinity to close focus occurs in a small fraction of a full 360 degree rotation. A focus gear and follow focus can help, but the experience still isn’t anything like a true manual lens.
Still, if you want a super fast constant aperture lens set from 20mm through to 85mm, then Sigma is pretty much the only option until you hit much more expensive cinema lenses. For multimedia shooters who want a stills and video wide lens set this lens is well worth checking out.
The lens is available to pre-order now from B+H now for $899 US and is expected to ship middle of November.
There must be something in the air this week. For some reason both Zeiss and now Sigma have decided to unveil new lenses. I guess it has to do with the upcoming PhotoPlus Expo in New York. Newsshooter will be on hand to take a look at these and other exciting new products.
