Generally, when it comes to designing lenses, you get your widest f-stops through the middle, and when you get super wide and super long you have to give up a bit of that iris.
Sigma is countering that argument with its new f/2 20mm I-series contemporary lens. It gives a pretty wide field of view (that's 20mm for full frame, not just Super35) while sticking with the f/2 that runs all the way through the I series line up to the 65mm.
Sigma has long been popular for its Cine lenses and Art series of lenses, but if you haven't been paying attention to the I series Contemporary lenses, now is the time to take a look. The entire lineup features all metal construction, very lightweight designs with compact form factors, smooth aperture rings, and a front filter mount.
Credit: Sigma
We actually got some hands-on time with the new 20mm a few weeks ago during our upcoming lens test for the DJI 4D, and walked away incredibly impressed with the level of performance packed into an affordable, compact unit.
This lens frankly far outshines its price point of $699.
For that price, it shouldn't open as wide, weigh as little, and look this good. We especially appreciated the physical controls on the lens barrel. Working with an auto-focus monster like the 4D, we needed a lens you could easily pop into auto, which was something that some competitor lenses made difficult with internal controls that not all cameras support.
The image was quite pleasant, very crisp and clear in a style that fits with the overall Sigma aesthetic, with almost no distortion and a nice close focus of 8.7".
The color reproduction is also solid.
Credit: Sigma
The main competition for Sigma's new 20mm would be the Sony 20mm F1.8 G, which is around $200 more expensive for somewhat similar specs. The Sony is also tuned to look best on Sony sensors, while the Sigma has a more neutral look that feels comfortable on a variety of platforms.
Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens
- E-Mount & L-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
- One SLD and One FLD Element
- Three Aspherical Elements
- Minimum Focus Distance: 8.7"
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- All-Metal Body and Internal Parts
- Durable, Weather-Sealed Construction
The Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN Contemporary is also available in the open L mount in addition to the Sony E mount. Maybe if the 4D is a hit, Sigma will roll out a DL mount as well. We can dream, can't we?
