Alleged releases of cameras and lenses have often excited photographers. And why should it not? After all, a new device could simply mean a new breakthrough! Well, that’s usually the logic behind these rumors. Other times, such reports also mean that we compare the best gear in the market as every manufacturer offers a new variant that is slightly, if not entirely, distinct from the competitor. Today, however, we are here to discuss the rumor we heard about Sigma’s latest release, the Sigma 28-105mm lens.
An Important Note First
This moment is to highlight our article is pure reportage. The Phoblographer ceased getting Non-Disclosure Agreement announcements from Sigma once our reviewers included critiques of their lenses and comparisons with its competitors. This is our standard procedure for every product, so it would be odd to exempt Sigma from this. However, it soon resulted in the company preferring YouTubers over us (something the content creators revealed themselves to us). While Sigma chose to discuss the matter on a call, they never contacted us, as we preferred email communication. In conclusion, Sigma cut us off as we were being ourselves.
The Rumored Sigma Art Lens
While there are few reports yet, Photo Rumors and Sony Alpha Rumors have reported that Sigma is working on a new lens. According to the publication, Sigma is allegedly working to release a new lens in its ‘Art’ line-up, the 28-105mm F2.8 Art.
Although the specs have not yet been revealed, both note that it will be a full-frame lens targeted at Sony E and Lica L mounts. The lens will reportedly weigh 1kg and feature a filter size of 82mm. Sony Alpha Rumors even shared a leaked image of the lens. Like the other Art lenses, it features an aperture ring at the rear of the lens, a zoom ring in the middle, and a focus ring at the front. The Sigma 28-105mm will reportedly be announced on September 5 at 9 pm JST (8 am EST).
Canon, too, Has A Similar Offering
Canon shines the best in its lenses, and their Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L is one that impressed us a lot. In our review by Editor-in-Chief Chris Gampat, we mentioned that Canon’s 24-105mm is quite Sigma-like, as it offers great sharpness, hybrid functionality, great internal zoom, and is built sturdy. “Overall, this is perhaps the sharpest zoom lens that I’ve seen from Canon,” he wrote. “In fact, I’d rate this the sharpest zoom lens overall that I’ve tested in a while.” However, it is also a pretty huge lens, weighs 1.3kg, and costs about $3000.
In that regard, we wish to see how Sigma can make it different. The Canon 24-105mm autofocus is snappy, and one never misses a shot. However, with Sigma, we have commented that their autofocus can lag behind that of the competitors. For a lens to truly stand out, third-party lenses must try something that the original camera manufacturers haven’t. For instance, when Tamron launched 35mm F2.8 for Sony, they offered exceptional weather sealing and better ergonomics. However, while pocket-friendly, the lens was larger than Sony’s 35mm. By the same token, Sigma also needs to provide something that goes beyond mere differences in price points.
It remains to be seen what the new Sigma lens offers, but we hope that the innovation can help surpass Canon’s standard.