Sigma has been one of the more popular third-party lens brands, and it’s everyone’s favorite. The company has offered a wide range of focal lengths, and it continues to add new offerings over time. It has now come to our attention that Sigma has quietly discontinued two prime lenses, which have been an ideal choice for street and landscape photographers.
According to Asobinet, the company has discontinued the 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art and 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary. The news comes after MAP Camera, Japan’s leading retailer, has listed both products as ‘discontinued.’
However, both lenses are still listed on Sigma’s global website, which means that they will gradually be phased out.
The Sigma 35mm was reborn for mirrorless cameras, offering great control over lens flare and distortion. The lens came with 15 elements in 11 groups, 11 aperture blades, and some controls over it. During our review period, we found the 35mm f1.4 lens to be well-built, able to withstand challenging environments, and to have a fast autofocus. However, it missed some shots at 1/2000th. It is also a wonderfully sharp lens, offering fine details, and the background provides great bokeh. The colors are also beautiful. However, Sigma already has multiple 35mm lenses, such as the 35mm f1.2 DG II and 35mm f2. What’s the difference between them? Largely price, since the f2 is a contemporary offering — along with better weather resistance, weight, the amount that you’ll need to pay for a back massage later, etc. It remains unclear whether the f1.4 for mirrorless will receive another version soon. But for now, it remains to be seen.
Similarly, the 16mm is the only offering in the entire lineup of its kind. It was launched in 2018, and when this lens phases out, the only options will be the 15mm f1.4 fisheye and the 17mm f4. The 16mm is an exceptional entry even for APS-C shooters, who get about 24mm. We found the lens to focus quickly, offer great bokeh, colors, and keep fringing to a minimum. As we added in our review, “If you’re the type of photographer who shoots wide, does documentary style work, and needs a reliable lens in their bag, this is one of the best options you’ve got if you’re a Sony shooter.” Overall, the 16mm is a perfect in-between the fisheye and wide-angle. However, if it’s gone, others will have to work with 16-28mm f2.8.
There are multiple 35mm lenses, such as the Tamron 35mm f1.4, Samyang 35mm f1.4, and TTArtisan 35 mm f1.4. However, the 16mm is the only lens that is created by Sigma and Fujifilm. It remains to be seen what the company has in store. Perhaps each of these lenses gets a renewal on life soon, or they may offer an entirely different focal range. Let’s wait and see.