Canon has been known to not work with third-party lens makers. But this year, that changed. With Sigma, Canon has opened a new pathway for their APS-C cameras to get more lenses. There have been rumors that Sigma will launch a bunch of new lenses, and now Sigma Global has announced the dates for the same, as well as the focal lengths. Canon has become the latest company to join hands with Sigma. It is a little late to the party, but it is still arriving for the sake of the customers.
Sigma Announces Four Primes
According to their website (via Canon Rumors), Sigma introduced four contemporary primes: 30mm f1.4, 56mm f1.4, 16mm f1.4, and 23mm f1.4. The lenses will have equivalent focal lengths of 26mm, 37mm, 48mm, and 90mm on a full-frame camera.
Sigma notes that the 30mm and 56mm will be launched this year on December 5. However, the 16mm and 23mm will be revealed in January 2025. The date has not been revealed, but we assume it will be once after everyone is back from the New Year’s holidays.
These lenses join the existing RF mount lenses: the 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN | Contemporary and the 2021 lens, 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary. With four more launches, the RF lenses total four. The number now comes to ten when added to Canon’s four photography lenses and two VR lenses. This is still a small offering for the APS-C mount, but this is a start.
Sigma notes that they added a control algorithm to the new lenses, including AF drive and communication speed optimization. This is because Canon cameras could not communicate AF properly with third-party lenses before. So, many had to rely on manual focus, which can be a task when shooting in fast-paced settings. The new lenses will also work with “select Canon cameras” with Servo AF and in-camera aberration correction.
These lenses were already available for the Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony mount. The 30mm will be sold for $369 and cost $529. The 16mm will be priced at $489, and the 23mm sell for $599.
Too Late And Not Exactly Innovative
These lenses were launched for Sony between 2016 and 2023, which means the technology is not exactly new. However, since this is the first time the lenses have come to the Canon RF mount, they may feature a few changes. But we do not think they will be too great. Let us also remind you of their past performance, which can give you a better understanding of how effective they are or even worth your money.
The 30mm (2016 launch) had fast focusing in most situations, but the drawback was the purple fringing. The 16mm (2018) performed really well in our test and even featured some weather sealing; however, in 2024, we can’t seem to rely on some sealing, which will be a drawback for those who shoot outdoors. Then comes the 56mm (2019), which had good sharpness and bokeh but also offered pincushion distortion. The last is the 23mm, joining in 2023, which had great sharpness but offered odd colors. For the best use, one had to work in direct light.
In the past, we have said that Sigma needs to do better because many Chinese manufacturers outperform them at much lower price points. So, one wonders why one should opt for Sigma? At the moment, they and Tamron are the only ones working officially with Canon. Perhaps, if the doors to Chinese manufacturers are opened, many would choose them over the company.
L