The day before the official start of Photokina, SIGMA have announced the 3rd-generation 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art wide angle lens. SIGMA claim that the new full frame lens features good center-to-edge image quality, minimized distortion, and a short minimum focusing distance of just 24cm.
Back in 2003, SIGMA introduced the 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG, the world’s first ultra-wide-angle zoom for DSLRs with full-frame sensors. In 2011 they made an updated and upgraded version of that lens, the SIGMA 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM. Now, the 3rd-generation SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art finally offers a constant aperture throughout its zoom range.
The 12-24mm F4 features an ⌀80mm large-diameter molded glass aspherical lens—the largest such element in this class of lens. SIGMA claim the lens is highly effective in minimizing distortion, spherical aberration, and flare. The included lens hood can be attached to block out extraneous light. A 9-blade rounded diaphragm should help create some nice bokeh.
Unfortunately for video shooters the lens doesn’t feature any front filter thread, and the large protruding front lens element will make it hard to use with variable and fixed ND filters.
The newly designed Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) is large, and offers 1.3 times the torque of its predecessor. The lens mount incorporates rubber sealing to protect the mount from dust and water drops. The front and rear lenses feature a water- and oil-repellent coating that is particularly useful when shooting in a drizzle, near ocean spray, or in a variety of other conditions.
The lens in Nikon mount includes a electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism that is able to receive the appropriate signals from the camera body. This feature ensures precision diaphragm control and stable Auto Exposure (AE) performance during continuous shooting.
SIGMA have also made the lens compatible with the Mount Converter MC-11, that allows you to use SIGMA SA mount and SIGMA EOS mount (Canon-compatible) interchangeable lenses with a Sony E-mount camera body. Like other SIGMA lenses there is a lens mount conversion service available, but unfortunately this has to be done at a service centre.
The lens is scheduled to ship in October for a RRP of $1599 US.
Lens construction 16 elements in 11 groups
Minimum aperture F22
Angle of view (35mm equivalent) 122.0°-84.1°
Minimum focusing distance 24cm* / 9.4in. *At 24mm end of the zoom range
Dimensions (diameter × length) φ102.0mm × 131.5mm / 4.0in. × 5.2in.
Number of diaphragm blades 9 (Rounded diaphragm)
Maximum magnification ratio 1:4.9
Weight 1,150g / 40.6oz.
Case included.
Corresponding AF Mounts
SIGMA / NIKON / CANON