Back in March, we reported on hints from Canon that third-party lenses for its RF-mount mirrorless camera system were on the way. Barely a month later, Sigma has announced it will be releasing six RF mount lenses in 2024. The lenses are all designed for cameras with APS-C format sensors.
General specifications
Sigma says that the lenses feature a new control algorithm for the autofocus drive and communication speed optimization. The new algorithm has been developed specifically for Canon RF Mount interchangeable lenses. As well as high-speed autofocus, the new lenses also support AF-C (Continuous AF), in-camera aberration correction and in-camera image stabilization. In addition, the lens mounts are rubber-sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments. Sigma’s press release confirms that the lenses are developed, manufactured and sold under license from Canon Inc.
Zoom lenses
Sigma is bringing two of its zoom lenses to RF mount cameras. These are the 18-50 mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary and the 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary. Together, the lenses deliver a zoom range equivalent to 15-75 mm on a full-frame camera.  Importantly for video shooters, the lenses have fixed maximum apertures, so your exposure won’t change as you change focal lengths. In addition, the lenses are compact and lightweight with the 18-50 mm weighing 10.2 ounces (290 g) and the 10-18 mm even less at only 9.2 ounces (260 g).
Prime lenses
Sigma is releasing four prime lenses for RF mount cameras, all from the DC DN | Contemporary range. The lenses cover the focal lengths 16 mm, 23 mm, 30 mm and 56 mm. They also all feature the same super-wide maximum aperture of F1.4. This means that the lenses should deliver good low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field. Â
What we think
It’s great to see that the first third-party lenses for RF-mount mirrorless cameras are finally on the way. Consumers will benefit from increased competition which should hopefully mean that prices start to come down as well. In addition, the six lenses announced by Sigma are all high-quality lenses ideal for video. However, it’s interesting that the lenses are all for APS-C sensor cameras. Perhaps Canon is keen to maintain control of the market for lenses for its full-frame RF mount cameras a little longer.
Pricing and availability
The first RF mount lens from Sigma will be the 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary. It’s scheduled for release in July 2024. The other lenses will be launched from the fall of 2024 onwards.