- Designed for APS-C (Super 35) mirror-free cameras
- Available to Sony E, Canon RF, Fujifilm X and L-Mount Systems
- It costs $ 919 / £ 779 (Australia Price TBC) and will be for sale from July 10
I remember I first threw my eyes on Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Zoom lens. It was the go-to-lens for creative that cut their teeth in the film-creating world, and it seemed to be on every low-budget set.
It was a groundbreaking lens, offering a light f/1.8 maximum aperture across its versatile wide -angle zoom area and it was relatively cheap.
Despite the fact that it was designed for DSLR cameras, such an appeal was that many users adapted it to other systems, such as mirror -free. In short, there was no other lens like that.
So it’s especially exciting for me that Sigma has just reinvented the lens for mirror-free cameras, with the new 17-40mm F1.8 DC art, complete with some tasty upgrades.
The new 17-40mm F1.8 costs $ 919 / £ 779 (Australia Price TBC) and comes in Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF and L-Mount versions, without any word on a Nikon Z version yet. Sales will start on July 10, even though the Canon version will come later in August.
The next go-to-lens for hopeful filmmakers?
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Sigma’s 18-35 mm was the world’s first f/1.8 zoom lens when it was launched in 2013. Its bright maximum aperture and zoom area versatility was the key to its success-it could be the only lens you needed on set, plus it was also a practical lens for still images.
That is not to say that 18-35mm was the perfect lens. It was heavy, plus its autofocus was a bit sluggish. Now, more than 12 years later, in steps, the new 17-40mm F1.8 for mirror-free cameras with big upgrades everywhere.
First, the latest version is much easier. In fact, at only 18.9 OZ / 535G over 30% is lighter than 18-35mm.
It is also dust and splashing and equipped with a customizable aperture that offers both clicked or smooth adjustments.
Its complex lens building includes 17 elements in 11 groups, for what Sigma says is superior optical performance – it is a given for a mirror -free lens versus one designed for DSLRs.
You have already noticed that the 17-40 mm zoom area is also wider and longer (it is a 25.5-60 mm full frame equivalent), giving an even more versatile optics.
In fact, 17-40mm uses an inner zoom, which means that the length of the lens is unchanged when you change focal length. Focus breathing is also suppressed, which is also a blessing for filmmakers, just as the ‘high-response linear actuator’, which allegedly delivers quiet, fast and accurate autofocus.
Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC ART sounds like a phenomenal zoom lens for APS-C (Super 35) cameras, and I expect it to be at home on low-budget movies set for many years to come.
