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Sigma Announces Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary
24 October 2017
Sigma has announced its 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary prime lens. On Sony E-mount cameras it's a 24mm equivalent focal length (35mm equivalent) while on Micro Four Thirds it offers a 32mm focal length. Its fast f1.4 aperture is the same for both mounts.
Designed to be a lightweight, compact package for everyday use, the new lens joins the 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary, which Sigma released in 2016 as the first in a new series of prime lenses for mirrorless cameras.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the Sigma 16mm include:
- 16 elements in 13 groups
- Minimizal optical aberrations
- High resolution wide-open and throughout the aperture range
- Smooth autofocus during video shooting
- Dust- and splash-proof design
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the Sigma 16mm include:
SIGMA 16mm f1.4 DC DN CONTEMPORARY LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Sony E-mount, Micro Four Thirds Focal Length 16mm
24mm on Sony E-Mount (35mm equivalent)
32mm on Micro Four Thirds (35mm equivalent)Aperture f1.4 to f16
9 rounded diaphragm bladesAngle of View 83.2° Minimum Focus 9.8 inches Magnification 1:9.9 Optical Design 16 elements in 13 groups Autofocus Yes Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 67mm Dimensions 2.8 x 3.6 inches Weight 14.03 oz. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Sigma said the new lens will be available at the end of November for $449. B&H has started a notification list for the new lens.
For more information see the news release below.
Sigma Announces Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary
A new solution for mirrorless camera users
The new Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary is the world's first interchangeable lens for mirrorless Sony E-mount cameras in the APS-C format to offer a 24mm focal length (35mm equivalent) and f1.4 brightness. The lens for Micro Four Thirds offers a 32mm focal length (35mm equivalent) with the same f-number of 1.4. This is the large-diameter wide-angle lens for which mirrorless camera users have been waiting.
Developed to feature a lightweight, compact package for everyday use, Sigma DN lenses for mirrorless cameras deliver superior performance covering the key focal lengths. The new lens builds on the success of the 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary, which Sigma released in 2016 as the first in a new series of prime lenses for mirrorless cameras. The 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary also combines f1.4 brightness with top-level optical performance.
Sharing its development concept with the Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary, the 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary features a lens structure with 16 elements in 13 groups and includes the finest materials. This lens effectively minimizes optical aberrations and offers superb resolution at wide-open aperture and throughout the aperture range. The optical design and stepping motor deliver smooth autofocus during video shooting, while the mount features a special sealing for a dust- and splash-proof design.
About the Lens Name
Sigma lenses with "DC" in the name are designed for optimal performance on cameras with APS-C image sensors. When a DC lens is used with a camera with a full-frame image sensor, vignetting will occur. Photographers are advised to adjust image area settings for optimal image results. Sigma lenses with "DN" in the name are designed for optimal performance on cameras with a short flange back distance.
Key Features
1. A new system for mirrorless cameras
Over the years, Sigma has built an extensive lineup of bright prime lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto. Now, for mirrorless cameras, Sigma is developing a range of interchangeable lenses that feature a lightweight, compact package for convenient daily shooting while delivering superior performance and covering the key focal lengths.
Released in 2016 as the first of a new series of prime lenses for mirrorless cameras, the 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary combined f1.4 brightness with top-level optical performance. In order to achieve this low f-number in a large-diameter Contemporary lens, Sigma took on a wide variety of challenges, leveraging its latest optical design technologies, incorporating updated video capabilities and utilizing in-camera digital correction to further improve the lens' optical quality. While prioritizing optical performance, Sigma developed a lightweight, compact package with steady AF that is truly easy to operate.
Like the 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary, the 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary features Sigma's latest design technologies to offer f1.4 brightness while minimizing optical aberrations.
The first in this Sigma series of prime lenses for mirrorless cameras was the standard prime 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary, now followed by the wide-angle prime 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary. Going forward, Sigma will add a telephoto lens to the series, making it a new and complete system for mirrorless camera users.
In addition, the Sigma Art line includes three lenses for mirrorless cameras that cover a range of photographic needs: 19mm f2.8 DN Art, 30mm f2.8 DN Art and 60mm f2.8 DN Art. These lenses require no digital processing to correct for optical aberrations, instead using the optical system to minimize them.
2. Bright prime functionality to experience photography at its best
A bright prime lens is the ideal way to experience the essence of the art of photography. Simply select a focal length that matches the image and enjoy complete control of the depth of field. The 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary is the world's first interchangeable lens for mirrorless Sony E-mount cameras in the APS-C format to offer a 24mm focal length (35mm equivalent) and f1.4 brightness. The lens for Micro Four Thirds offers a 32mm focal length (35mm equivalent) with the same bright f1.4 aperture. This is the large-diameter wide-angle lens for which mirrorless camera users have been waiting.
3. Image quality rivaling that of our Art line lenses
With 16 elements in 13 groups, the optical system features a multitude of high-tech and high-end components, including three FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements and two molded glass aspherical elements. This optical system minimizes optical aberrations and ensures outstanding resolution at wide-open aperture and throughout the aperture range. In particular, the two aspherical lens elements have ultra-high-precision surfaces polished to tolerances under 10 nanometers, minimizing the onion ring bokeh effect that some aspherical elements produce and ensuring clear image quality throughout the frame. In addition, the structure of the optical system gently bends light to minimize sagittal coma flare and deliver optimal optical performance from the center of the frame to the edges. The result is a smooth, round bokeh effect with ample light volume throughout the frame.
Other Features
- The stepping motor delivers excellent autofocus with quiet performance. The optical design and stepping motor deliver smooth autofocus during video shooting. The lens design fully accommodates the Fast Hybrid AF of Sony E-mount cameras for super-fast autofocus functionality. Using face recognition AF results in consistent autofocusing on faces, even as the subjects move.
- Dust- and splash-proof design. The mount features a special sealing to make the lens an excellent choice in a wide variety of conditions.
- Large lens hood (supplied) to keep out harmful rays. The lens hood cuts harmful rays that can negatively affect photographs while also minimizing reflectivity within the hood itself. The hood also features a rubber construction and a non-slip groove to make it easy to hold in a variety of shooting situations.
- Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
- "MadeinJapan"withoutstandingcraftsmanship
- TSC used for a more compact structure and enhanced performance. Thermally Stable Composite offers thermal expansion characteristics similar to those of aluminum. Since parts made with TSC expand and contract less due to changes in temperature, they tend to perform better under extreme conditions and help maintain the performance of the lens. TSC also offers outstanding elasticity. Compared to polycarbonate containing 20 percent glass, TSC offers approximately 70 percent higher elasticity. Compared to polycarbonate containing 30 percent glass, it offers 25 percent higher elasticity. (Comparison is between Sigma-produced components.)
- Available Mount Conversion Service. The Mount Conversion Service allows users to change mounts between Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds (this is a chargeable service).
- Evaluation with Sigma's own MTF measuring system: A1
- 9-blade diaphragm
- Brass bayonet mount
- Year of release marked for user convenience
For more information about the Sigma Global Vision lineup of fine lenses, visit the official Sigma global Web site.