The Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN lens that will come in Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds has just been announced. If you have been waiting for a fast and wide APS-C format lens for your mirrorless camera then this could be the one for you.
The 16mm F1.4 follows on from the 30mm F1.4 (which was released last year) and becomes the second lens in the DC DN series. Sigma claims that the 16mm is a high-performance, large-diameter wide-angle lens with image quality that rivals that of the Art line lens series. Sigma lenses with “DC” in the name are designed for optimal performance on cameras with APS-C image sensors.
According to Sigma, the 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary is the world’s first interchangeable lens for mirrorless Sony E-mount cameras in the APS-C format to offer a fast F1.4 brightness at this focal length.
The lens features a lens structure with 16 elements in 13 groups. Sigma claim that the lens effectively minimises optical aberrations and offers superb resolution at wide-open aperture and throughout the aperture range. The mount features a special sealing for a dust- and splash-proof design.
The Sigma Art series have long been a favourite of video shooters, but the fact that they aren’t available natively in Sony E-mount has always been a bit of a head scracher. To overcome the problem Sigma developed the Sigma MC-11 Mount Converter/Lens Adapter, which allowed you to use Sigma EF-Mount Lenses on Sony E-mount cameras.
Since that time Sigma have recognised the need for native E-mount lenses and instead of making the Art series available in E-mount have chosen to start developing a range of interchangeable lenses that feature a lightweight, compact package for convenient daily shooting while delivering superior performance and covering the key focal lengths. Going forward, Sigma will add a telephoto lens to the series, but there is no mention of other prime lenses becoming available.
The autofocus performance is claimed to deliver smooth autofocus during video shooting. The lens design fully accommodates the Fast Hybrid AF of Sony E-mount cameras for super-fast autofocus functionality. Using face recognition AF results in consistent autofocusing on faces, even as the subjects move.
Mount Conversion Service
Sigma offers a Mount Conversion Service that allows users to change mounts between Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds (this is a chargeable service).
Specifications (all figures based on Sony E-mount)
Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups
Minimum aperture: F16
Filter size: 67mm
Angle of view (DC): 83.2°
Minimum focusing distance: 25cm / 9.8in.
Dimensions (diameter x length): φ72.2mm×92.3mm / 2.8in. ×3.6in
Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (Rounded diaphragm)
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:9.9
Weight: 405g / 14.3oz.
Accessories
PETAL TYPE LENS HOOD LH716-01 (supplied): Barcode No. : TBD
FRONT CAP LCF III 67mm (supplied): 0085126 929473
REAR CAP LCR II (supplied)
Sony E-mount: 0085126 929879 Micro Four Thirds: 0085126 929862
SIGMA WR PROTECTOR 67mm: 0085126 930943
SIGMA PROTECTOR 67mm: 0085126 931070
SIGMA WR UV FILTER 67mm: 0085126 930684
SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER 67 mm: 0085126 930813
SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR 67mm：0085126 931803
There is currently no indication of pricing, but for reference the 30mm F1.4 DC DN retails for $399US.
