Sigma has introduced two new large-aperture wideangle primes for full-frame mirrorless cameras, in the shape of the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art and Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art. Both are considerably smaller and lighter than their older DSLR counterparts, while gaining an array of additional controls, as previously seen on the firm’s 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art. Specifically, both lenses include an aperture ring that can be set to either clicked or smooth operation. In addition to aperture settings at one-third stop intervals, this ring has an A position which passes aperture control to a dial on the camera body, and a switch on the side of the barrel can lock the aperture either into, or out of the A position.

Both lenses also boast physical AF/MF switches and AF-stop buttons. They come with bayonet-fit, petal-shaped lens hoods that incorporate locking buttons so they shouldn’t fall off accidentally. The 24mm f/1.4 takes 72mm filters, while the 24mm f/1.4 has an 82mm thread. Both lenses also accept gel filters at the rear. One notable feature is a focus lock switch which completely inactivates the manual focus ring. This allows astrophotographers to set the focus to infinity, and then lock it in place.

In terms of key specs, the 20mm f/1.4 employs 17 elements in 15 groups, including 3 aspherical elements and 2 made from super-low dispersion (SLD) glass. This is said to give images with minimal sagittal coma flare: on other words, point lights in the corners of the frame are rendered correctly with no distortion, which is highly desirable for astrophotography. The lens measures 87.8mm in diameter and 111.2mm in length, while weighing 635g. Its minimum focus distance is 23cm.

Meanwhile, the 24mm f/1.4 has a 17-element, 14-group design with 1 SLD element, two ‘F’ Low Dispersion (FLD) elements and 4 aspherical elements. Again, Sigma says it delivers high resolution from corner to corner. It’s smaller and lighter than its wider-angle sibling, at 75.7mm in diameter, 95.5mm in length and 520g. It’ll focus as close as 25cm.

Both lenses are due to go on sale in on 26th August 2022. The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art will cost £859, while the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art will set you back £779.

Source: https://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/latest/photo-news/sigma-announces-...