Preorder the New Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art Lens for $999

[Canon Rumors]

<p><strong>Sigma Corporation Announces Pricing and Availability of 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art Lens</strong></p>
<p><em>Market’s first F2 full-frame zoom available in late July for $999</em></p>
<p>RONKONKOMA, NY — July 16, 2015 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading DSLR lens and camera manufacturer, today announced that the new Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens will become available in late July for the street price of $999.</p>
<p>The 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens is the market’s first full-frame zoom that allows photographers to carry one fast aperture lens that can do the work of three popular fixed focal length lenses – the 24mm, 28mm and 35mm. It includes an optimized autofocus (AF) algorithm for smooth, fast, and accurate focusing, a manual focus (MF) override functionality, and is made of Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) reducing its size and weight.</p>
<p>Built upon the impressive versatility offered by Sigma’s 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens, the new 24-35mm continues the Art line tradition of top optical performance that’s comparable toSigma’s 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art and 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art. It offers optimized lens power distribution, and minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature. The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens also features a video-friendly, inner focusing system that eliminates front-lens rotation, enhancing the lens’ stability as well as a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures a silent, high-speed AF function.</p>
<p><strong>Preorder: Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art $999: <a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html', 'Adorama');" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240', 'B&H Photo');" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a></strong></p>
<p><!--more-->

“The combination of fast, constant aperture and zoom versatility will make this lens exceptionally popular for photographers who crave the convenience of wide angle zooms, paired with the performance of fast, wide primes,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “The Art lenses have raised the bar for total imaging performance, and this lens is going to make a lot of photographers very happy.”</p>
<p>As with all new lenses under the Global Vision categories, every 24-35mm will be tested using Sigma’s own modulation transfer function (MTF) measuring system, “A1,” in the company’s factory in Japan. It is compatible with Sigma’s USB DOCK, which allows photographers to update the lens’ firmware, adjust focus points and customize full-time MF function settings by using Sigma’s Optimization Pro software. Sigma’s exclusive Mount Conversion Service, which enables users to easily convert the lens’ camera mount between supported versions, is also available for a fee. The lens will be available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts.</p>
<p>The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens will also feature:</p>
<ul>
<li>Large-diameter, aspherical lens elements, which require advanced technologies to produce, one “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, and seven Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements with two aspherical lenses. The advanced optics and optimized lens power distribution minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature, resulting in outstanding optical performance</li>
<li>A video-friendly, inner focusing system that eliminates front-lens rotation, enhancing the lens’ stability and allowing use of circular polarizing filters</li>
<li>A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures a silent, high-speed AF function. Smoother AF is achieved when the this AF algorithm is optimized</li>
<li>Full-time MF by rotating the focus ring of the lens while auto focusing</li>
<li>A nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image</li>
<li>Specifications: Lens construction containing 18 elements in 13 groups; a weight of 33.2 ounces; a diameter and length of 3.4 inches by 4.8 inches, respectively; a minimum aperture of F16; and angle of view (35mm) of 84.1° to 63.4°; minimum focusing distance of 11 inches; and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><strong>Preorder: Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art $999: <a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html', 'Adorama');" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240', 'B&H Photo');" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a></strong></strong></p>

 

[Random Orbits]

I wonder if Sigma are deliberately designing to hit a price point in the $900-$999 range here?

24/1.4 Art - $849
24-105/4 Art - $899
35/1.4 Art - $899
50/1.4 Art - $949
24-35/2 Art - $999

Most importantly, nothing over $1000.

Yes, but this is also the first one that doesn't already have a direct first-party competitor so it should have more pricing power. It is interesting to note that those that are sold at higher prices have more of an sharpness advantage (50 is more expensive than the others) than their direct competitors. Even though the 24 is the most recent of the primes, it has little pricing power.

 

[cayenne]

They mention they already have a "18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens," lens.

Why would you want this new lens that is slower and had less of focal range (24-35 vs 18-35)?

Is there some other performance metric I'm missing?

Thanks in advance,


cayenne

 

[kubelik]

They mention they already have a "18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens," lens.

Why would you want this new lens that is slower and had less of focal range (24-35 vs 18-35)?

Is there some other performance metric I'm missing?

Thanks in advance,


cayenne

cayenne, that one is for APS-C bodies only. The new 24-35 covers a full frame sensor.

 

[Rahul]

An oddball focal length. Why not use a fixed prime 24mm and crop to achieve a 35mm FOV instead?

 

[kubelik]

An oddball focal length. Why not use a fixed prime 24mm and crop to achieve a 35mm FOV instead?

well, why use any focal length over another? I could just crop my 50mm images to 85mm ... but that would change the way I compose, and affect the apparent DOF in the final image. it's certainly a niche lens, but the limited zoom range is still useful for certain people.

 

[bereninga]

If I didn't have a 24mm nor a 35mm, I'd probably get this.

 

[nightscape123]

Could be an interesting lens. If it is sharp wide open and has decent coma control it could be a good astro lens. Replace the 24 and the 35.

It would need to be good at f/2.0 though, otherwise you could just use a 15-30 or 14-24.

As it is right now, most of the 24 and 35 f/1.4's need to be stopped down to 2.0-2.8 to control coma anyway, it will be interesting to see how this one handles it.

 

[Halfrack]

I wonder how much testing they've done since the release of the 5Ds/R bodies - how it handles the new 50mp is really key.

 

[Joellll]

An oddball focal length. Why not use a fixed prime 24mm and crop to achieve a 35mm FOV instead?

For a number of reasons.

1. 24mm has a different field of view than 35mm, which makes them natively different. Same applies to why some photographers prefer 40mm/55mm/58mm/60mm over 50mm.

2. 24mm lenses are more challenging to design. To quote Roger Cicala from lensrentals.com quoting someone else, "the old rule is the best 24mm is a 35mm a few steps backwards." While this may sound contradictory to the first reason, we are talking about composition and relative sharpness, not field of view.

3. Sometimes, a photographer may really have no leg-zooming space, then a specific focal length matter. On the other hand, said photographer may not have time to swap lenses (but why this photographer wants to switch from 24mm to 35mm, or vice versa, is beyond me), in that case a zoom lens matters.

 

[RGF]

I'd love to see them make 16/18-35 f2 Art. Or even 16-24 F2 Art.

 

[m8547]

An oddball focal length. Why not use a fixed prime 24mm and crop to achieve a 35mm FOV instead?

For a number of reasons.

1. 24mm has a different field of view than 35mm, which makes them natively different. Same applies to why some photographers prefer 40mm/55mm/58mm/60mm over 50mm.

2. 24mm lenses are more challenging to design. To quote Roger Cicala from lensrentals.com quoting someone else, "the old rule is the best 24mm is a 35mm a few steps backwards." While this may sound contradictory to the first reason, we are talking about composition and relative sharpness, not field of view.

3. Sometimes, a photographer may really have no leg-zooming space, then a specific focal length matter. On the other hand, said photographer may not have time to swap lenses (but why this photographer wants to switch from 24mm to 35mm, or vice versa, is beyond me), in that case a zoom lens matters.

1. 24mm cropped is the same field of view as 35mm, as long as you crop from the center of the frame. If you crop from the edge or corner of the frame you might get perspective distortion (or optical distortion if the lens is not perfect), and it would be as if you are using a 35mm tilt shift lens.

2. So a 24-35mm zoom must be even more challenging to design. Stepping back with 35mm will change the field of view because you are no longer in the same place. If you stand in one place it doesn't matter if you crop from the center or switch lenses.


It's not much zoom range, but I think it might be useful anyway. And if it has low coma it could be great for stars because I think all the 24mm primes out there now have coma problems (stars are not round in the corners of the frame).

 

[Andyx01]

Preorder the New Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art Lens for $999

Or not.

 

[ashmadux]

24/F2....SWEET.

Rented the canon 24/f1.4....the worst focusing lens ever - useless.

Hopefully this is better.

 

[afonsoclj]

Sigma, make a 85-135 f/2 and I'll think about buying this one...

 

[Silverstream]

I'm actually in the market for a fast prime in this range. I'm a wedding shooter in addition to portraits, etc... Frankly, I would absolutely never carry around 3 primes in that range. I might carry 2 primes but if I am shooting a prime, I want to go to F1.4 so I get as much light as possible. One stop savings from my F2.8 is hardly worth the expense and trouble.

I'm still deliberating it though. I would love to see an 85mm f1.4 with IS Art series please! I'd be on that in a second. There are no strong options in that area IMO. I need IS as my hands are naturally shaky.

 

[CarlMillerPhoto]

I will be purchasing this. Longer FL would've been nice, but 24-35 is what I've really needed. This will make covering wedding receptions with a mix of crop/FF cameras so much easier (compared to the Sigma 18-35).

Really hoping Sigma's next release is a 135mm!!!

 

[Ripley]

If the IQ of the 24-35A is identical to the 24A and 35A at f2, the question becomes whether or not one needs the additional stop of light or the convenience of the zoom.

For event shooters with multiple bodies, the consideration could be whether or not to forfeit 35-70mm at f2.8 to gain a stop of light at 24-35mm.

I'm looking forward to the reviews!

 

[Perio]

Sigma, make a 85-135 f/2 and I'll think about buying this one...

Would love to buy both 85 and 135 Art lenses. I recently have emailed Sigma regarding these lenses, although I was quite confident they wouldn't say anything definitive. They responded "Unfortunately there are no plans at the present time that I am aware of to add either of those two focal length lenses to our “Global Vision” lens line. Eventually all Sigma lenses will join the “Global Vision’ lens line but we have no set time table for any one specific lens."

 

[BeenThere]

MTF charts available at Sigma Rumors. Wide open, looks similar to the art primes wide open.

http://sigma-rumors.com/2015/07/sigma-24-35mm-f2-art-mtf-charts-distortion-vignetting/

Stopped down to f/8 looks like the primes too.