Sigma Releases Trio of Lenses: 85mm f/1.4, 12-24mm f/4, and 500mm f/4

Sigma continues to thoroughly develop its Global Vision class of lenses with the introduction of a pair of Art-series lenses, and a new flagship Sports-series lens. For Art shooters, the long-awaited 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM has finally been released, and this portrait-length lens rounds out the series of fast primes. A wider option, Sigma has developed the 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM lens, which fills a super-wide niche in the Art category. Finally, on a very different note, Sigma is also unveiling its new hallmark lens of the Sports line with the 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM. This super telephoto is characterized by its robust build, apt image stabilization, and intuitive lens-based controls. Each of the lenses is available for Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sigma SA lens mounts, and all will be compatible with Sigma’s USB Dock for fine-tuning lens settings and updating firmware, as well as the Canon EF & Sigma SA MC-11 Mount Converters for Sony E.

Considering the 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM first, this short telephoto lens has been a much-wished-for optic for Sigma enthusiasts, and fills in the missing long prime in the lineup. Akin to the company’s other popular lenses, like the 50mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/1.4, this lens features a no-holds-barred optical design that incorporates two Special Low Dispersion elements and one anomalous partial dispersion/high refractive index element to suppress chromatic aberrations and color fringing for notable clarity and color accuracy. The bright f/1.4 maximum aperture makes this lens especially well suited for use in dim light, and affords a high degree of control over depth of field for selective-focus applications. Nine rounded diaphragm blades are used, too, to contribute to pleasing bokeh. Additionally, benefitting handling, a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) delivers quick and quiet autofocus performance, along with full-time manual focus override for more individual control.

The second Art lens Sigma has released is the 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM, which is a third-generation ultra-wide-zoom and strengthens Sigma’s reach within the Global Vision series. This new lens is positioning itself to deliver consistent, edge-to-edge sharpness and illumination with no distortion, for an overall clean look. The optical design utilizes multiple aspherical elements, including one large 80mm-diameter element, and F Low Dispersion glass to combat both spherical and chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range for improved sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy. Additionally, the f/4 constant maximum aperture provides consistent performance with each focal-length position, and an HSM is used again for quick AF performance and full-time MF override.

Both of these Art-series lenses are also weather-sealed for use in trying conditions, designed using Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material for consistency when working in a variety of temperatures and climates, and feature a brass bayonet mount for ensured mounting stability and accuracy.

Finally, on the other side of the optical fence, Sigma has released the impressive 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM, which takes its place as the new flagship lens in the Sports series. Beyond its optical merits, this lens is distinguished by a robust physical design for use in challenging environments. Enhanced dust- and splash-proofing pairs with a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front lens element, and both suit working in especially harsh environments. The lens itself is built using a magnesium-alloy barrel, to remain lightweight and rigid, and the included hood is constructed from carbon fiber to further save weight. Additionally, the included tripod collar can rotate about the lens for quick shifting between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations, and has 90-degree click stops for a tactile response, which can also be de-clicked for smooth rotation.

Moving beyond the physical design, the flagship lens also has, of course, impressive optics that feature two FLD elements and one SLD element to greatly reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations that eliminate color fringing and distortions. An Optical Stabilizer system minimizes the appearance of camera shake by up to four stops, and two OS modes are available—one for general use, one for panning—for greater shooting flexibility. A Hyper Sonic Motor is used again for quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance; however, the focusing system is more customizable in this 500mm f/4 lens: an AF function switch allows you to return to preset focusing positions instantly, and a distinct manual focus override during AF function is selectable besides the dedicated AF and MF modes. Additionally, if 500mm isn’t long enough, this super telephoto is also compatible with Sigma’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters to produce a 700mm f/5.6 or 1000mm f/8 lens, respectively, with autofocus being supported on many cameras.