Update: US and UK RRPs are now confirmed at $1,299 and £1,399 respectively.
Sigma has announced a new ultra-wide-angle lens in its Art series of optics, the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art.
Dubbed the ultimate wide-angle zoom, and compatible with both full-frame and cropped-sensor bodies, the new lens follows the 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art that was released last year. Its focal length and constant f/2.8 aperture means that it will be a natural competitor to Nikon's ageing, but still very much respected, AF-S NIKKOR 14–24mm f/2.8G ED.
Sigma claims the optic is designed for 50MP+ cameras, such as the Canon EOS 5DS, and it contains a number of elements with special optical properties to help maintain image quality. These include three FLD and three SLD elements, as well as a triplet of aspherical elements. The result, according to Sigma, is a lens that minimises distortion to 1% or lower when focused to infinity.
The barrel has been designed with a dust- and splash-proof casing, with various seals at points of potential dust and water incursion, together with a coating on the front element designed to repel water and oil.
Furthermore, the Canon-mount version of the new lens works with Canon's Lens Aberration Correction system, which allows the camera to immediately iron out optical issues such as vignetting and chromatic aberration.
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Other features include a rounded diaphragm courtesy of nine blades, together with full-time manual override of the HSM focusing system and compatibility with Sigma's USB Dock for performance optimisation.
Sigma has also announced that it will be launching a front conversion service for the lens, which will convert the built-in petal-shaped lens hood to a round alternative.
Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art price and release date
The new lens will arrive in March, and will be available for users of Canon and Nikon DSLR systems, as well as for Sigma's mirrorless cameras.
Sigma Imaging UK has stated that the lens will arrive with an RRP of £1,399, while photographers in the US are now able to pre-order the lens for $1,299.
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