[Update: This lens is now official and is available for pre-order.]
As my wife and I were watching The People v. OJ Simpson a couple nights ago, we talked about how television programming has reached a renaissance era. The best programming ever is available today. And it’s because we have alternative platforms driving incredible content. Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu and other platforms are forcing traditional cable to push the boundaries of the limited quality we’ve seen over the last three decades.
In a very similar vein, Sigma and other third-party lens manufacturers are holding the traditional guards’ feet to the fire with amazing new lenses. It’s like we’re hitting a lens renaissance now that the digital era is maturing and the market is moving up stream to the enthusiast and pro niches. And now that next crazy lens is almost here…
Sigma’s 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens has leaked out ahead of its official announcement and it makes me want to go buy a 7D Mark II (because it is an APS-C lens if you didn’t catch the “DC” reference). If the glass is up to snuff with Sigma’s other recent lenses, I may very well do that. I imagine that Sigma will continue with its aggressive pricing to draw in the crowds as well.
Spec-wise, the lens is made from 21 elements in 15 groups and features three FLD elements and one SLD element. It has a filter size of 82mm, which should give you an idea of the scale for this lens. It weighs in at 1490g, which is about the same weight as Canon’s EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM model (and it’s a full 2cm shorter). But there is no image stabilization inside this – further evidence that this is a beastly lens. Having f/1.8 throughout the zoom range, however, should be worth the added heft.
Additional specs include a 9-blade diaphragm, along with internal focus and zooming. It will be available for Canon, Nikon and Sigma (?) mounts with an expected release date of April 22.
[leaked via Digicame-info]
George says
Wow! 50-100mm APC-S f/1.8, would that be the equivalent DOF of f/2.8 on a full frame?! I wonder if they will make a lens like this for the full frame. I would love to replace my 50mm f/1.4 and 100mm f/2.8 with one of this on a full frame camera or if I just can’t wait, I might just get the new 80D to go with this beauty! Look forward to see the reviews.
Jim L says
Must be nice to have a couple thousand bucks to go out and by a new camera body to match a new lens you bought. Whatever the job is … Anybody hiring?
Jared says
I would LOVE to see this available for full-frame!
Billy Ray Wood says
Sigma has been consistently hitting them out of the park ever since the 35mm f/1.4.
Ger Leonardo says
F2.5 equivalent depth of field on full frame cameras.
Bengt Nyman says
Sigma is on the right track with prime quality zooms. A set of zooms with uncompromised prime IQ at the long end and the possibility to increase coverage without loosing IQ.
12-24, 24-35, 35-70, 70-105, 105-200, 200-300, 300-400 and 400-600.
Bengt Nyman says
You mean: 12-24, 24-35, 35-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400 and 400-600.
Yes, of course.
johnathan cole says
why has nobody mentioned that this lens does not have image stabilization and at the given weight of this lens it would be difficult to handle at maximum zoom length.
Hamdinger says
Did you read the article? “But there is no image stabilization inside this – further evidence that this is a beastly lens. “
Steve da G says
What gets me,is that, Sigma should develop or revamp their existing
70-200 f2.8 lens by keeping the same format but adopting an f2.0.
Cannnnnn you imagine the outcome!The premium brands will be pulling
their hair out and may have many hardcore customers switching brands.
Hmmm…an full frame 70-200 f2.0 Sigma Corporation could corner
the market in this segment alone.
Sigma I double dare ya!!!