Sigma has introduced two new large-aperture wideangle primes for full-frame mirrorless cameras, in the shape of the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art and Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art. Both lenses gain a number of features designed to make them particularly attractive to astrophotographers, but they should also be useful for subjects such as landscapes, architecture and interiors.
Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art. Image credit – Sigma
Both lenses are are considerably smaller and lighter than their older DSLR counterparts, while gaining an array of additional controls, as previously seen on the firm’s 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art. Specifically, both lenses include an aperture ring that can be set to either clicked or smooth operation. In addition to aperture settings at one-third stop intervals, this ring has an A position which passes aperture control to a dial on the camera body, and a switch on the side of the barrel can lock the aperture either into, or out of the A position.
Both lenses also boast physical AF/MF switches and AF-stop buttons. One notable new feature is a focus lock switch which completely inactivates the manual focus ring. This allows astrophotographers to set the focus to infinity, and then lock it in place.
Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art. Image credit – Sigma
In terms of key specs, the 20mm f/1.4 employs 17 elements in 15 groups, including 3 aspherical elements and 2 made from super-low dispersion (SLD) glass. This is said to give images with minimal sagittal coma flare: in other words, point lights in the corners of the frame are rendered correctly with no distortion, which is highly desirable for astrophotography. The lens measures 87.8mm in diameter and 111.2mm in length, while weighing 635g. Its minimum focus distance is 23cm.
Meanwhile, the 24mm f/1.4 has a 17-element, 14-group design with 1 SLD element, two ‘F’ Low Dispersion (FLD) elements and 4 aspherical elements. Again, Sigma says it delivers high resolution from corner to corner. It’s smaller and lighter than its wider-angle sibling, at 75.7mm in diameter, 95.5mm in length and 520g. It’ll focus as close as 25cm.
The 24mm f/1.4 takes 72mm filters, while the 24mm f/1.4 has an 82mm thread. Both lenses also accept gel filters at the rear.
Here you can see the rear filter holder of the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art
In addition, both lenses feature weather-sealed construction, with an o-ring seal around the mount. The front element is treated with a water- and oil-repellant coating. They also come with bayonet-fit, petal-shaped lens hoods that incorporate locking buttons so they shouldn’t fall off accidentally.
Both lenses are due to go on sale in on 26th August 2022 in Sony E and L mounts. The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art will cost £859, while the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art will set you back £779.
Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art Full Specifications:
Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art. The aperture lock switch and hood locking button are both visible here. Image credit: Sigma
Price: £779
Lens Elements: 17 (2 FLD, 1 SLD and 4 aspherical)
Groups: 14
Diaphragm blades: 11
Aperture: f/1.4 – f/16
Minimum focus: 25cm
Length: 95.5mm
Diameter: 75.7mm
Weight: 520g
Lens Mount: L-mount, Sony E
Included accessories: Case, hood, front and rear caps, filter holder, guide plate
Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art Full Specifications:
Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art, showing the new AFL/MFL focus lock switch. Image credit: Sigma
Price: £859
Lens Elements: 17 (2 FLD and 3 aspherical elements)
Groups: 15
Diaphragm blades: 11
Aperture: f/1.4 – f/16
Minimum focus: 23cm
Length: 111.2mm
Diameter: 87.8mm
Weight: 635
Lens Mount: L-mount, Sony E
Included accessories: Case, hood, front and rear caps, filter holder, guide plate
