SIGMA has announced the launch of a new large aperture zoom lens designed exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras. You can get the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports lens with either Sony E-mount or Leica L-Mount options.
Wide maximum aperture
The SIGMA 70-200mm DG DN OS | Sports lens has a constant wide F2.8 aperture with 11 diaphragm blades. This will give a great low-light performance and smooth rounded bokeh in out of focus parts of the image. The lens also has a manual aperture ring with a switch so that you can enable clickless operation. This essential for video use as it means you can smoothly change exposure while filming.
Optical design
The SIGMA 70-200mm Sports lens is constructed with 20 lens elements in 15 groups. These include six ultra-low-dispersion glass (FLD) elements, two special low-dispersion (SLD) and three aspherical elements. The lens also has an inner zoom mechanism which means that the length doesn’t change when you change focal length. This helps to keep the lens balanced when you use it handheld or on a gimbal.
Autofocus
This lens has a floating focus structure with two focus groups which move in opposite directions. This reduces the amount of focus lens movement by about half. The lens also features a high-speed autofocus mechanism with a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator). This delivers fast, quiet and accurate autofocusing. In addition, the 70-200 mm Sports lens has been designed to suppress focus breathing. Focus breathing is when the angle of view or image size changes as you pull focus.
Optical stabilization
The SIGMA 70-200mm Sports lens features the SIGMA OS2 optical stabilization algorithm. This delivers a high image stabilization effect of 7.5 stops at 70 mm and 5.5 stops at 200 mm. The lens also has two stabilization modes. Mode 1 is intended for general shooting while Mode 2 is optimized for panning shots such as during motorsports. SIGMA says that Mode 2 works well even when the camera is moved vertically or diagonally, irrespective of the horizontal and vertical orientation.
Other features
As part of the SIGMA Sports line of lenses, the 70-200mm has a high level of weather resistance. The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust and splash resistant. The front element of the lens also features a water and oil repellent coating. The 70-200 mm lens is 8.1 inches (205 mm) long and weighs 47.4 ounces (1,345 g). In addition, it comes with a lens hood and tripod foot.
What we think
The new SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports lens looks like a great option for mirrorless camera users. The wide constant F2.8 aperture is ideal for video as your exposure won’t alter as you change focal length. Optical stabilization is also a great feature for video and the panning mode will be welcomed by sports shooters. Although the new SIGMA lens isn’t a budget lens, it’s still over $1,000 cheaper than the 70-200 mm F2.8 Sony equivalent. If you use an E-mount or L-Mount mirrorless camera, the SIGMA 70-200 mm lens is worthy of consideration.
Pricing and availability
The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports lens will be available from December 7. It will retail at $1,499.
