A New Addition to Sigma’s Compact Lens Lineup
Sigma has officially introduced the sigma 50-120mm f/2.8 lens, completing their streamlined “holy trinity” of zoom lenses tailored for APS-C cameras. This lens joins Sigma’s earlier offerings—the 10-18mm f/2.8 and 18-50mm f/2.8 Contemporary lenses—rounding out a trio known for its lightweight design and exceptional optics.
The 50-120mm f/2.8 provides a 75-180mm equivalent focal range on APS-C sensors, offering a slightly varied long-end compared to the traditional 70-200mm, but with reduced size and weight. Sigma emphasizes the ease of handling, making it an attractive option for photographers unaccustomed to bulkier full-frame systems.
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Compact Design of the Sigma Zoom Lens Without Compromising Functionality
Despite its compact build, the Sigma 50-120mm f/2.8 is fully equipped with features usually reserved for larger lenses. It includes an optical stabilizer and a high-speed linear autofocus system, ensuring precision and sharp detail. The lens is also engineered with weather sealing, protecting it from elements during outdoor shoots.
Sigma challenges the conventional view of APS-C lenses as inferior to full-frame counterparts, asserting that their new zoom offers professional-grade optics within a svelte frame. This lens—constructed of 18 elements in 13 groups including FLD, SLD, and aspherical lenses—ensures superior performance by minimizing chromatic aberrations.
Technical Specifications and Availability
The aperture range of f/2.8 to f/22 is managed by an 11-bladed diaphragm, contributing to pleasing depth of field effects. A notable point is the lens’s weight: it tips the scales at just 390 grams for the Sony and Fujifilm mounts, while the Canon RF mount is slightly heavier at 410 grams. Comparatively, a full-frame setup equivalent would weigh approximately 2.9 kilograms, underscoring the portability of Sigma’s latest lineup.
Design Choices and Minimalist Interface
In a bid for minimalism, Sigma eliminated buttons and switches like the autofocus mode selector and the zoom lock. This decision supports the lens’s clean design, offering photographers a sleek and intuitive interface. This makes the zoom lens an appealing choice for those who prefer simplicity and functionality in their camera lens.
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Set for release in October, the Sigma 50-120mm f/2.8 DG OS Contemporary will retail for $799, available in Fujifilm X-mount, Sony E-mount, and Canon RF-mount versions.
Expanding Options for Nikon APS-C Users
While Sigma’s recent announcement of its 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS lens for the Z-mount isn’t as groundbreaking, it opens up new possibilities for Nikon shooters. This new lens option, previously available for other mounts, maintains Sigma’s trend of offering versatile zoom capabilities, with a build featuring 20 elements in 14 groups.
The ongoing expansion of Sigma’s APS-C offerings, with the possibility of future releases like this new lens, signals a shifting landscape, bringing more choices to enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What focal range does the Sigma 50-120mm lens provide?
The Sigma 50-120mm f/2.8 provides a 75-180mm equivalent focal range on APS-C sensors.
What is the weight of the Sigma 50-120mm lens for Sony and Fujifilm mounts?
The lens weighs 390 grams for the Sony and Fujifilm mounts.
Does the Sigma 50-120mm lens have weather sealing?
Yes, the lens is engineered with weather sealing, protecting it from elements during outdoor shoots.
What is the price of the Sigma 50-120mm lens?
The Sigma 50-120mm f/2.8 DG OS Contemporary will retail for $799.