If you’re a wide angle lens lover, then Sigma has a real treat for you today. They’re announcing their brand new 20mm f1.4 Art lens with nine aperture blades. Indeed, very few wide angle lenses have an f1.4 aperture and even fewer have it and have the ability to autofocus.
This lens joins the 35mm f1.4, 24mm f1.4, and 50mm f1.4 in the Art series of lenses that are designed for full frame DSLRs. Indeed, Sigma is putting lots of technology into this lens.
PS: If you’re a Sigma fan, you’ll want to check out our entire guide to their prime lenses.
The Sigma 20mm f1.4 Art lens not only has 9 aperture blades but also is designed to resolve the sensors of high-megapixel DSLR cameras; and so this is a full frame lens.. This lens has FLD glass and five Special Low Dispersion glass elements. Its design has 15 elements in 11 groups.
According to the press release:
“The wide angle and outstanding image quality make this lens great for seascape, cityscape, and astrophotography, as well as for photos in low light, indoor photography, portraits, and event and wedding photography.”
Though to be honest with you, I wouldn’t go near this lens to shoot portraits unless I’m pretty far away from my subject.
Sigma is also stating that the optical design helps lower the effects of backlighting with its Super Multi-Layer Coating. The press release also states that, “Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material is used, which has a high affinity to metal parts, consistently performs well at extreme temperatures, and reduces the size and weight of the lens.” But that doesn’t mean that there is weather sealing.
Other features include:
· A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures a silent, high-speed AF function. Smoother AF is achieved when the this AF algorithm is optimized
· A brass bayonet mount of highly precise and durable construction to enhance mount’s strength and long-term wear resistance
· Specifications: Weight of 33.5 ounces; a diameter and length of 3.6 inches by 5.1 inches; a minimum aperture of F16; and angle of view (35mm) of 94.5°; minimum focusing distance of 10.9 inches; and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:7.1
When it launches in November for $899, it’ll be available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma DSLR mounts.