Sigma has announced three new focal lengths in its newly branded I series prime lenses that also includes the 45mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary which debuted last year. The photography-focused glass includes a 24mm F3.5 DG DN, a 35mm F2 DG DN, and a 65mm F2 DG DN—all of which blend optical performance with a compact design that is said to be built to the same mechanical and operational standards of Sigma's Cine lenses, but in mirrorless form.
The Contemporary series touts a range of primes and zooms that cover APS-C and full-frame sensors and are available in different mounts including Sony, Canon, and Nikon, among others. What separates the I series from other Contemporary lenses is that they're built for full-frame mirrorless cameras and are only available in L-mount or Sony E-mount.
The I series lenses feature an all-metal design, as well as a manual aperture ring and a knurled focus ring that can be easily adapted for use with follow focus systems. The barrel of the lens has a convenient MF/AF switch, while the autofocus is powered by a smooth stepping motor that supports Face/Eye Detection AF and video autofocus on Sony E-mount cameras.
Optically, the lenses are designed to minimize flare and ghosting via a multi-layer coating. They're also compatible with lens aberration correction found in-camera. This allows you to correct peripheral illumination, chromatic aberrations, and distortion through the option of the camera. Additionally, the brass bayonet mount has a seal to resist dust and moisture, allowing it to be used in inclement weather.
24mm F3.5 DG DN | Contemporary - $549
- 10 elements in 8 groups, with 1 SLD glass and 3 aspherical lenses
- Compatible with high-speed autofocus
- 7-blade rounded aperture
- Supports DMF, AF+MF (Sony E-mount)
- 10 elements in 9 groups, with 1 SLD glass and 3 aspherical lenses
- Compatible with high-speed autofocus
- 9-blade rounded aperture
- Supports DMF, AF+MF (Sony E-mount)
- 12 elements in 9 groups, with 1 SLD glass and 2 aspherical lenses
- Compatible with high-speed autofocus
- 9-blade rounded aperture
- Supports DMF, AF+MF (Sony E-mount)
Now with four lenses in the I series, the compact design makes them perfect walking-around lenses. They can be used when you're shooting video in tight spaces or when you need to go guerilla. Among video shooters, the Art line has always been more popular because of its better-performing optics, but compared to the I series lenses, it's not by much. Even with the metal design, the I series is a great option for drone or gimbal setups, and you'll be saving some dollars at check out.
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