Sigma will be announcing new product(s) today. They will definitely be announcing a new 50mm f/1.4 ART with Sigma's new HLA (High-Response Linear Actuator) focus motor.
SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG DN｜Art
- The concept of the first-generation SIGMA 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM|Art has been redesigned from scratch.
- By introducing all the latest technologies, we have achieved both the optimal size and high-speed AF required for today's mirrorless systems at a high level while maintaining the highest class of optical performance.
- In addition to the brightness of the large aperture of F1.4 and the large and beautiful bokeh, various aberrations are optimally balanced to achieve uniform and balanced image quality over the entire area from the center to the periphery.
- Based on the latest optical design technology, it is equipped with 3 lenses in 1 groups, including 11 aspherical lenses and 14 SLD glass.
- Various aberrations such as astigmatism and field curvature that cannot be corrected in the camera are effectively suppressed.
- Despite its large aperture of F1.4, it pursues imaging performance at the periphery of the image, suppresses sagittal coma flares, and is designed to withstand severe starscapes and night scenes of point light source photography from open capacity.
- Clear image quality with no color bleeding throughout the entire image circle.
- It is the first in the Art line to use a linear motor “HLA” (High-Response Linear Actuator).
- By using a single double-sided aspherical lens as the focus element, high-speed, quiet focusing and high tracking performance are realized with a large aperture.
- By using a single double-sided aspherical lens as the focus element, high-speed, quiet focusing and high tracking performance are realized with a large aperture.
- The lens barrel is equipped with a focus mode switch, a switch to turn the aperture ring on and off, an aperture ring lock switch to prevent inadvertent operation, and an AFL button that allows you to assign any function from the camera.
- It adopts a dustproof and drip-proof structure, and the front lens is coated with water and oil repellence.
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Edit: these modern 50mm lenses are ridiculously big, just otherday I was using my old SMC Pentax-A 50mm 1.4(reversed) and its such a small lens compared to these modern 50mm lenses.
a) Sigma are thriving and will be keen to expand their range by launching RF mount lenses as soon as they are able to.
OR
b) Sigma are thriving and selling more than enough lenses in E and L mounts, so they don't need Canon anymore.
Take your pick.
I have tried their 85 dg dn art and it really impressed me for its price.
I would assume if the RF mount ever opens up, it wouldn't take much to change the mounting flange and the firmware for it to work with Canons AF since the glass is already designed for the close mirrorless sensor distance.
The issue, allegedly, is that the RF autofocus protocols would be impinged on. But, as @Docofthewild suggests, it should still be possible for third parties to produce AF lenses using the EF protocols, as they've done for many years, and to simply extend the barrel and incorporate a RF mount. This would effectively be the same as using a third party EF lens via a EF-RF adaptor.
Equally, they could adapt their existing more compact MILC lens designs to fit the RF mount, but use EF protocols, ignoring the extra RF pins. That way, the AF protocols of RF would not be impinged on, and no RF intellectual property would be stolen.
It may simply be that Sigma and Tamron are uncertain of the legalities, and don't want to risk a damaging conflict with the Big Bad Giant, so they'd rather wait until Canon gives their "kind permission".
Meanwhile, they can design a whole range of lenses for Sony and L mount, knowing that if/when Canon releases the protocols and grants licences, they can easily adapt those lenses by updating their firmware and wiring to the appropriate RF pins.
Why not take a peek over the fence see how other systems are doing and what pressures they may be exerting on Canon's business decisions. Or not.