future of sigma art line

[rs]

their current 85mm f1.4 is brilliant I could see them leaving the optics the same and releasing this in the new body and build quite quickly

the 50mm needs an optical redo but would be a big hit

I think they really need to get a 24-70 f2.8 OS out to compete with tamron (i'm hoping for this before anything else) The Tamrons build is a dealbreaker for me but the newst sigmas on the market are really well made.

What is the problem with the Tammy build quality? Mine is impeccable!

This for starters
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/09/tamron-24-70-f2-8-vc-issue
and previous experience with poor tamron lenses in the past

It seems like Tamron have changed the way the back element of the front group is held in place now:

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/01/24-70mm-f2-8-lens-teardown-comparison

I also want to show one close-up of the Tamron front group because the back element of the first group (element #2) was the one we had reported coming loose in a couple of early copies. This copy (which is more recent) shows a very hard plastic seal rather than the softer glue we had seen in those early ones.

[wickidwombat]

Interesting, thanks for the Link

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Having been burned by Sigma compatibility multiple times, I'm watching their new lenses with interest and a bit of doubt about their AF and compatibility.  Their record of reliability is dismal, and there is little evidence that that is changing.  Their IS fales at a high rate, for example.
For Nikon shaft drive lenses, its a different story, AF is fast and reliable, but Sigma is going away from that.  Older Sigma autofocus lenses for Nikon hold their value well, but are essentially worthless for Canon DSLR's since they will not work.

[Don Haines]

I really like sigmas new range coming out, but would love to see a 24 1.4, what is anyone else going for?

Maybe a llittle off but I would like a Sigma 600 f4...

I wouldn't even mind a 600 f5.6, for those of us without quite so deep pockets

[RS2021]

I am like a cat that dipped its tongue in scalding hot milk with sigma compatibility issues... have been an all Canon outfit for years... it is just possible Sigma turned a corner with the new 35mm, but sorry, Sigma will have to turn a lot more consistent corners before I try that saucer again.

[wickidwombat]

I am like a cat that dipped its tongue in scalding hot milk with sigma compatibility issues... have been an all Canon outfit for years... it is just possible Sigma turned a corner with the new 35mm, but sorry, Sigma will have to turn a lot more consistent corners before I try that saucer again.

thats kind of like me and Tamron

I do know i've got the 85 f1.4 and its flat out awesome so I really really want to give the new 35 a go

[Dianoda]

the 50mm needs an optical redo but would be a big hit

Respectfully disagree, Sigma has the best 50mm f/1.4 for Canon available, and I include Zeiss in that statement. I think a modern 24mm f/1.4 is the obvious opportunity to me.

Just curious, is there anything wrong with the 24mm f/1.4L II (other than cost)?  Or maybe you are specifically talking about such a lens aimed at APS-C users?

[Rienzphotoz]

Having been burned by Sigma compatibility multiple times, I'm watching their new lenses with interest and a bit of doubt about their AF and compatibility.  Their record of reliability is dismal, and there is little evidence that that is changing.  Their IS fales at a high rate, for example.
For Nikon shaft drive lenses, its a different story, AF is fast and reliable, but Sigma is going away from that.  Older Sigma autofocus lenses for Nikon hold their value well, but are essentially worthless for Canon DSLR's since they will not work.

This is where Sigma's USB Dock might come in handy ... I am hoping it would solve many of their AF & OS issues ... if it does, its good news for customers.

[CarlTN]

Realistically, I don't know what to expect next from them, but I know what I can dream about.

They are coming out with a new 30mm f/1.4 for crop cameras, and I'd bet huge that it's going to be very nice.  Not sure I want to buy anymore crop lenses, though.  The 35mm looks more than good enough to work toward buying. 

My dream lens (I know that's another thread, and I'll post this there too when I feel like looking for it)...would be...a very fast medium zoom.  It's probably impossible to design and/or build, but here it is:  A 60-115mm f/0.8.  Even throw in 5 stop IS, or "OS".  Expensive?  Sigma's version would probably cost $12,000, and Canon's would cost $1 trillion.  (Or maybe by then, with the coming inflation, it would cost a $Googleplex)  Canon's would be part white, part metallic black, some exotic nano paint finish...with a red stripe around the front made from the red paint chipped off a museum-stored Ferrari 250 GTO.  And every snob whose day job is plastic surgery or pro ball, would own one...they'd happily fire two of their collection of mistresses to help fund it. 

If Sigma built it, everybody who couldn't quite spring for $12,000, would slam it as overpriced crap that is useless, with terrible bokeh!!  "Another Sigma product not worth owning."  They would say the tripod mount is made from cheap plastic, old ground up tinker toys and play-dohhh. 

They could call it Da Vinci, The Literati, Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel, "the scream", the "magic bowling ball"..."The Return of the Gangsta Dali"...."Lindsay Lohan's Little Helper"...or whatever!  Canon would just call theirs the "EIL Mark Nought", for "extreme infinite luxury".  There would be waiting lists...and the product would be announced 10 years in advance of it hitting the shelves.  Their top photographers, would of course get to use working samples the day the first prototype is produced, and would happily wave that in our faces.  Shots would be taken using it, of Richard Branson entwined weightless with a nude supermodel who could care less, in his spaceship.  Annie Leibovitz's shoot would include Mick Jagger dressed in a pink pirate outfit on a beach...   

[AdamJ]

I'm hoping they'll redesign their trio of f/1.8 wide primes - 28mm, 24mm and, especially, the 20mm.

[Nishi Drew]

the 50mm needs an optical redo but would be a big hit

Respectfully disagree, Sigma has the best 50mm f/1.4 for Canon available, and I include Zeiss in that statement. I think a modern 24mm f/1.4 is the obvious opportunity to me.

I agree that Sigma has the better option for Canon users with their 50 but it would benefit from a redo, not just optically, but because so many have complained of issues with the AF, that too. But really as nice as the bokeh with the lens could be a lot sharper to compete with the Canon (as much as all Canon's 50 1.4 is good at is that) especially with the edges and corners, the MTF for that area is non existent until F/5.6 and the plane finally equals at F/8. And will it be a hit? Now that I have the Siggy 35 I don't have much of a need for 50, and the new design will mean it could very much be more expensive, and let's say $500+, can't tell how popular it'll be then...

[Pixelsign]

a new 50 1.4 with the optical performance of the zeiss makro planar t* 50mm f/2 ze and no af-issues would be amazing ! if the wide open performance is good as the performance of the sigma 35mm 1.4 it would be even more amazing. can't wait until they announce a new 50... but maybe canon is faster.

[infared]

I do own a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 though and I have been very happy with it...That lens has been on sale lately for under $400 and is a really good alternative.  I would be interested in seeing it upgraded in the Art Line, tho... It is great to see Sigma improving the products and their service..I like lower-cost alternatives but I LOVE lower-cost leaders-of-the-pack!
On the other hand....after reading some of the compatibility issues on Sigma products on evolutionary upgraded Canon camera bodies..it would give me some pause on spending any "real" money on a Sigma lens without a guarantee of firmware update capabilities for new Canon bodies.  The company seems to be addressing this issue with the lens dock....but their past performance with that issue is unsettling.

[aj1575]

I would like to see 24-105mm f4 OS. The Canon version is a bit date, and still expensive; and eventually it will be discontinued, which would leave us only the very expensive 24-70 f2.8 and the slighlty less expensive 24-70 f4 IS. So a Sigma alternative in this area would be very nice, and also a big hit, if Canon really discontinues the 24-105.
The price of a decent standard zooms is a deal breaker for me to going full frame. First I would have to strech my budget to go with a 6D, and then I have to invest another grand into a standard zoom. So I'm still hoping for a nice 70D (like the 50D, just with a modern sensor and wifi+gps).

[infared]

I would like to see 24-105mm f4 OS. The Canon version is a bit date, and still expensive; and eventually it will be discontinued, which would leave us only the very expensive 24-70 f2.8 and the slighlty less expensive 24-70 f4 IS. So a Sigma alternative in this area would be very nice, and also a big hit, if Canon really discontinues the 24-105.
The price of a decent standard zooms is a deal breaker for me to going full frame. First I would have to strech my budget to go with a 6D, and then I have to invest another grand into a standard zoom. So I'm still hoping for a nice 70D (like the 50D, just with a modern sensor and wifi+gps).

? I have seen the Canon 24-105mm online at reputable retailers lately for under $800.  I doubt that you can pick up a lens of that quality at a price like that from ANY manufacturer. ..Sigma's Art Line Version (if there was one), would undoubtably cost more....
Is it a perfect lens, no...but at current prices it is a very good value.