Sigma has achieved the impossible this time. The company has launched the world’s first 200mm f2 lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Up until now, 200mm lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras have topped out at f2.8, which, while bright, still leaves a lot of room for improvement. This kind of innovation comes a few years after the 14mm f1.8 Art, another world’s first f1.8 lens for mirrorless users. So, what does the new 200mm offer? Let’s dive in.
According to Sigma, the new lens will offer large bokeh, a linear motor, an HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), and up to 6.5 stops of image stabilisation. These features are interesting for photographers who shoot portraits, wildlife, and sports often. In addition, the lens is a part of the company’s Sports lineup, which has options such as 60-600mm f4.6-6.3 and 70-200mm f2.8.
Here is a quick look at the specs:
- Product Name: Sigma 200mm f2 DG OS Sports
- Lens Construction: 19 elements in 14 groups, including 2 FLD and 2 SLD elements
- Angle of View: 12.3°
- Aperture: 11 round-bladed diaphragm
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 170 cm / 67.0 in.
- Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:7.6
- Filter Size: 105 mm
- Dimensions (Diameter × Length): L-Mount: 118.9mm x 201mm, Sony E-Mount: 118.9mm x 203mm
- Weight: L-Mount: 1,820g, Sony E-Mount: 1,800g
The lens promises reduced chromatic aberration and flare and offers sharpness even at wide open apertures. It also claims a blurred background and soft bokeh, which are important for portrait photography. Furthermore, the autofocus performance is also said to be better, a must for sports photographers. An f2 aperture is ideal for low-light photography, such as in an indoor stadium or at night. The optical image stabilisation is further designed to make the lens appealing for anyone shooting fast-moving subjects, such as athletes or animals.
In addition, the Sports lineup comes with thermal insulation paint, which prevents the lens from heating up when shooting in harsh sunlight. There is also weather resistance, which helps to keep the entire lens safe against water and dust. This means your lens is safe if you happen to take it out during a mild drizzle. In our review, however, it withstood quite a bit of rain. The lens has a tripod socket attached and a 90° click mechanism for rotation. On the barrel, you also get options such as AFL buttons, a focus limiter switch, an OS switch (Mode 1/2), and a custom mode switch for more customization.
However, it must be noted that lenses with brighter apertures have been made in the past. An example is the Canon EF 200mm f1.8L USM, launched in 1988, one of the fastest f2 lenses produced for 200mm. Canon and Nikon also launched f2 options for 200mm, the Canon EF 200mm f2L IS USM (2008) and the Nikon 200mm f2G ED VR II (2010), both of which were designed for DSLRs. However, since the mirrorless camera became mainstream, no other company decided to launch their popular lenses again, the reasons for which will remain a secret forever. But one must applaud Sigma for its effort, since a lens of this nature can be helpful to many full-frame users. Keep an eye out for more as we talk more about its performance in our review.
To place an order for the 200mm f2 DG OS Sports, visit Sigma’s website.
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