Sigma Intros World’s First 20mm F/1.4 Lens for Full-Frame DSLRs

Yes, the rumors were true. The Sigma Corporation of America introduced what it’s calling “the world’s first” 20mm f/1.4 lens for full frame digital SLRs. The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens, which will be on display at next week’s PhotoPlus Expo show in New York City, will go on sale in late November 2015 for $899.

The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens uses both “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass and five Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass in a optical array of 15 elements in 11 groups. This set-up is designed to minimize spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature, to produce high image quality. The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens is designed for for seascape, cityscape, and astrophotography, as well as for photos in low light, indoor photography, portraits, and event and wedding photography.

With this lens, Sigma sought to minimize flare and ghosting by establishing an optical design that is resistant to strong incidental light sources such as backlight with its Super Multi-Layer Coating. The 20mm F1.4 lens incorporates the Sigma optics technologies including an optimized autofocus (AF) algorithm for smooth, fast, and accurate focusing. In addition, Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material is used, which has a high affinity to metal parts, performs well at extreme temperatures, and reduces the size and weight of the lens.

This lens is compatible with Sigma’s USB Dock, (sold separately) which allows photographers to update the lens’ firmware, adjust focus points and customize full-time manual focus over-ride function settings using Sigma's Optimization Pro software. A new metal lens cap (LC907-02) is also available as a separate accessory for $23.

The Sigma 20mm F1.4 Art lens will also feature:

• A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) designed to produce a silent, high-speed AF function. Smoother AF is achieved when this AF algorithm is optimized

• A nine-blade, rounded diaphragm to create an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image

• A durable brass bayonet mount to enhance mount’s strength and long-term wear resistance

• Specifications: Weight of 33.5 ounces; a diameter and length of 3.6 inches by 5.1 inches; a minimum aperture of F16; and angle of view (35mm) of 94.5°; minimum focusing distance of 10.9 inches; and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:7.1

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