Sigma announce ART lenses for Sony E-Mount & new 105mm F1.4 DG HSM & 70mm F2.8 DG Macro

Sigma has gone big announcing the release of nine new lenses for Sony E-mount cameras based on the original Sigma ART series of lenses, essentially extending the tubes to suit the flange distance of the Sony cameras. The lenses will be gradually released and also includes the new 105mm F1.4 DG HSM & 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO lenses.

Adaptors or Native?

Arguably, these lenses have already been available to Sony shooters using the EF versions of the lenses and adapting with Sigma’s own MC-11 Converter or a Metabones adaptor but the E-mount versions of the Art lenses use the same high-performance optical design but will have an optimised control algorithm which controls the autofocus with Sony cameras. These lenses are also compatible with Sony’s continuous autofocus (AF-C) and high-speed autofocus modes which are not available using the EF-mount versions with the MC-11 Converter.

Another advantage of having a native E-mount lens is that you won’t have any wiggle from the adaptors.

What’s Next?

In this announcement, there was no mention of the zoom lenses in the Art series like the 18-35mm F1.8. There is also sure to be a demand for smaller and lighter native prime lenses similar to the Zeiss Loxia & Batis range as the Art lenses do add quite some weight.

Bokeh Master – 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art

The new Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is the ninth lens in the Sigma F1.4 lineup and is designed for full-frame cameras. It incorporates 17 optical elements in 12 groups offering minimal optical aberration. At 105mm, the lens will be a popular choice amongst portrait photographers, especially with its wide open aperture of F1.4. For outdoor conditions, its dust & splash proof design is also a plus.

The First Art Macro – 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO Art

The new Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO Art is the first macro lens in the series. It builds upon Sigma’s 70mm F2.8 EX DG macro lens with a focus-by-wire system and 1:1 magnification