SIGMA lens in use
Image courtesy: SIGMA

SIGMA has announced two new full-frame, wide-angle prime lenses designed exclusively for mirrorless cameras. SIGMA is marketing the 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art and 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art for astrophotography, but they are also great for video. In addition, SIGMA states that the 20 mm lens is the world’s first and only 20 mm F1.4 lens designed exclusively for mirrorless cameras. Read on to find out more.

Fast aperture

Both lenses have the same fast maximum aperture of F1.4 that stops down to F16. They each also have 11 aperture blades which should mean a smooth, circular bokeh in out-of-focus areas. In addition, the aperture can be switched to a clickless mode which allows smooth changes of exposure while shooting video. You can also lock the aperture ring.

Optical construction

SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art,
Image courtesy: SIGMA

The 24 mm lens has 17 elements in 14 groups. These include two ultra-low-dispersion (FLD), one low-dispersion (SLD) and four aspherical glass elements. The 20 mm lens also has 17 glass elements, but these are arranged in 15 groups. These include two SLD, three aspherical glass elements and the largest class double-sided aspherical glass element in SIGMA’s history. SIGMA states that the lenses minimize optical aberrations such as sagittal coma flare and ghosting.

Focus

The 24 mm lens can focus down to 9.9 inches, while the 20 mm lens can go a little closer at 9.1 inches. Both lenses use an inner focus mechanism, which means that the length of the lens doesn’t change when changing focus. The lenses also use a stepping motor, and SIGMA states that they are compatible with high-speed autofocus. In addition, both lenses have a manual focus lock switch.

Build

SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art
Image courtesy: SIGMA

The 24 mm lens has a front filter thread of 72 mm, and the 20 mm has an 82 mm filter thread. In addition, both lenses also have a rear filter holder and a brass bayonet mount. The 24 mm lens is 3.8 inches long and weighs 18.3 ounces. The 20mm lens is slightly longer at 4.4 inches and heavier at 22.4 ounces. SIGMA states that the lenses have a dust- and splash-resistant structure. They also both come with a petal-type lens hood with a lock.

Verdict

The wide maximum apertures on these new SIGMA lenses mean they will be great for low-light filming. They should also satisfy video shooters who crave shallow depth of field even with wide-angle lenses. Although SIGMA is aiming these lenses at astrophotography, the ability to de-click the aperture shows that they haven’t forgotten filmmakers. The internal focusing mechanism will help balance if you are shooting on a gimbal as well. These lenses look to be an exciting new addition to SIGMA’s full-frame mirrorless arsenal.

Price and availability

The new SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art and 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art lenses come in L mount or Sony E-mount versions. The 24 mm lens retails at $799, and the 20 mm lens at $899. SIGMA says that both lenses will be available from late August 2022.

Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.