C O N T E N T S
Photo Corners headlinesarchivemikepasini.com
A S C R A P B O O K O F S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E P H O T O G R A P H E R
Enhancing the enjoyment of taking pictures with news that matters, features that entertain and images that delight. Published frequently.
Sigma Announces 85mm f1.2 Prime, 20-60mm f2.8-f4 Zoom Lenses
8 September 2026
Sigma has announced an 85mm f1.2 prime lens and a 20-60mm f2.8-4 DG Contemporary zoom lens for full-frame cameras. Details follow.
85MM PRIME
Sigma has announced its 85mm f1.2 DG | Art, a large-aperture, medium-telephoto lens for full-frame cameras that combines "unparalleled rendering power with a compact, lightweight design." It's Sigma's third f1.2 prime lens designed for mirrorless camera systems, rounding out the traditional trio of wide-angle, standard and medium-telephoto focal lengths.
Highlights of the new prime include:
- Full-frame format
- Apertures: f1.2 to f16
- Ultra-fast portrait-length prime lens
- Dual HLA-driven autofocus
- 2.8-foot close focus
- Exceptional subject separation and bokeh
- Aperture ring with lock button
- AF/MF and aperture click/de-click switches
- Dust- and splash-resistant design
- 82mm front filter thread
Specifications for the 85mm include:
SIGMA 85mm f1.2 DG ART LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount E-Mount, L-Mount Focal Length 85mm Aperture f1.2 to f16 Angle of View 28.6° Minimum Focus 2.8 feet Magnification 0.11x Magnification Optical Design 17 elements in 12 groups Autofocus Yes Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 82mm Dimensions 3.4 x 4.8 inches Weight 2.0 lbs. Sigma said the 85mm will be available beginning Oct. 6 for $1,599. Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders.
20-60MM ZOOM
Designed to deliver a wide-angle-to-normal perspective in a palm-sized design, this lens weighs only 13.47 oz. Starting at a focal length significantly wider than most other standard zooms that begin at 24mm, it brings a fast f2.8 aperture to the party. With a minimum focusing distance of 6.22 inches at 28mm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.3 at 35mm, it provides close-up images that approach half-macro performance.
Highlights of the new zoom include:
- Full-frame format
- Apertures: f2.8-f4 to f22-f32
- Versatile wide-to-normal zoom
- HLA-driven autofocus
- Close focus: 7.9 to 9.9inches
- Capture rich close-ups & vast landscapes
- Dust- and splash-resistant design
- 67mm front filter thread
Specifications for the new lens include:
SIGMA 20-60mm f2.8-4 DG CONTEMPORAR LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount L-Mount, E-Mount Focal Length 85mm Aperture Maximum: f2.8 to f4
Minimum: f22 to f32Angle of View 94.5° to 39.6° Minimum Focus Wide Angle: 7.9 inches
Telephoto: 9.8 inchesMagnification 0.43 Magnification Optical Design 15 elements in 13 groups Autofocus Yes Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 67mm Dimensions 2.8 x 3.4 inches Weight 13.6 oz. Sigma said the new zoom will be available in L-mount and E-mount versions beginning Oct. 5 for $849. Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders.
Sigma Announces 85mm f1.2 DG Art
A Flagship Full-Frame Portrait Prime Lens
Ronkonkoma, N.Y. -- Sigma Corp. of America has announced the Sigma 85mm f1.2 DG | Art, a large-aperture, medium-telephoto lens for full-frame cameras that combines unparalleled rendering power with a compact, lightweight design.
At 85mm, a focal length widely regarded as ideal for portrait photography, this lens achieves Sigma's brightest-ever f1.2 aperture while also delivering outstanding portability. This lens is Sigma's third f1.2 prime lens designed for mirrorless camera systems, rounding out the common trio of wide-angle, standard and medium-telephoto focal lengths.
With its super bright aperture and 13 aperture blades, this 85mm is designed to deliver exceptional bokeh and background rendering thanks in part to the image separation granted by the 85mm focal length, making the lens an exceptional option for portraiture. A full range of functions that come standard with Sigma Art lenses, such as an aperture ring, aperture lock switch and customizable AFL buttons, work to deliver a lens designed to meet the challenges of professional use.
Key Features
Overwhelming resolving power
In addition to two SLD glass elements, glass with high anomalous dispersion is used to suppress the axial chromatic aberration inherent to large-aperture lenses to the utmost limit. Aspherical lens elements further thoroughly correct spherical aberration and sagittal coma flare. The lens boasts reliably high resolving power from the maximum aperture, fully bringing out the rendering that only f1.2 can offer. It captures every detail of the subject's expression and texture, taking the quality of both photographs and video to a higher level.
Beautiful bokeh that makes the subject stand out
The combination of a large-aperture f1.2 and a medium-telephoto 85mm delivers an extremely shallow depth of field and beautiful, rich bokeh. The adoption of a 13-blade diaphragm maintains a near-circular bokeh even when the aperture is stopped down. Natural bokeh rendering that suppresses color bleeding and double-line bokeh makes the subject stand out impressively, bringing overwhelming three-dimensionality and immersion to portraits and video work.
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, are addressed under all conditions of incident light, based on the most advanced simulation technology. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions.
The smallest and lightest in its class for an 85mm f1.2
By effectively arranging aspherical lens elements within the focus groups, the number of lens elements making up the focus unit has been significantly reduced. Despite incorporating a complex floating mechanism, a precise mechanical design pared down to the absolute minimum has achieved the smallest and lightest weight in its class for an 85mm f1.21 at 905g2. It can be used comfortably even during long shoots or in situations that demand mobility, dramatically enhancing agility on set.
Fast and quiet autofocusing with dual HLA
The fast and quiet AF driven by the dual High-response Linear Actuator delivers reliable tracking performance for both stills and video. Even with the shallow depth of field of the maximum f1.2 aperture, it captures the subject accurately, enabling smooth and precise shooting in any scene.
The pride of a creative tool: the high build quality of the Art line
By constructing the lens from high-precision parts made of lightweight, high-strength materials such as Thermally Stable Composite, it offers the rigidity and durability of the Art line without compromising portability, along with the build quality to serve as a reliable photographic tool over the long term.
Designed to minimize focus breathing
Optimization of the focus group arrangement and aspherical shape significantly suppresses focus breathing. The change in angle of view due to focus shift is minimized, creating a natural-looking focus shift when recording video.
Various shooting assist functions
The lens is equipped with an AFL button in two locations, which can be assigned to a range of functions via the menu on selected cameras. In addition to the aperture ring, the lens is equipped with an aperture ring lock switch* and a click switch to turn the click on and off.
* If you turn it on in position A, the aperture ring will be locked in position A. If you turn it on in a position other than A, it will be locked in the range from open to minimum aperture and it will not be possible to turn it to position A.
Dust- and splash-resistant structure* and water- and oil-repellent coating
In addition to a dust- and splash-resistant structure, the frontmost surface of the lens has a water- and oil-repellent coating applied, so that the lens can be used safely even in harsh outdoor environments.
Price, Availability
The 85mm f1.2 DG | Art will be available beginning Oct. 6 for a retail price of $1,599.
Sigma Announces 20-60mm f2.8-4 DG Contemporary
A Wider, Faster Standard Zoom Lens for Mirrorless
RONKONKOMA, N.Y. -- Sigma Corp. of America has announced the Sigma 20-60mm f2.8-4 DG | Contemporary, a standard zoom lens for full-frame cameras, covering an ultra-wide 20mm to a standard 60mm.
Designed to deliver both a wide-angle perspective and exceptional portability, this lens packs uncompromising sharpness and impressive close-up capabilities into a palm-sized design. Weighing in at only 385g, the 20-60mm f2.8-4 offers considerable full-frame flexibility without sacrificing light gathering capabilities and bokeh.
Starting at 20mm, this zoom lens starts at a focal length significantly wider than most other standard zooms; the field of view gained from 20mm, compared to 24mm, is quite substantial on the wide end. This makes for a lens that can capture everything -- from sweeping landscapes to everyday snapshots to portraits -- with ease. The bright f2.8 aperture on the wide end even allows for nightscape and accessible indoor photography.
An impressive short-focusing distance expands shooting versatility even further, with a minimum focusing distance of 15.8cm at the 28mm mark and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.3 at the 35mm mark. This allows for close-up images that approach half-macro performance, rendering exceptional detail of close-up objects. Even at the 60mm end, the 20-60mm f2.8-4 maintains a magnification rate of 1:2.9 for seamless shooting across the full zoom range.
Key Features
20-60mm: Freedom to compose
From an expansive 20mm ultra-wide to a natural 60mm perspective, this lens delivers a wide range of expression in a versatile zoom. Capture everything from sweeping landscapes to everyday snapshots and portraits -- without changing lenses. With a maximum aperture of f2.8 at 20mm, you can shoot confidently in low light environments such as indoors and nightscapes, while keeping ISO low.
Bringing 20mm into your everyday
Weighing just 385g in the L-mount version, this 3x zoom achieves an incredibly compact design -- remarkable for an ultra-wide lens starting at f2.8. Its slim form fits easily into any bag, making it ideal for everything from daily snapshots and travel to hiking and video creation. Experience full-frame rendering performance with unprecedented portability.
Consistent high optical performance across the entire zoom range
While prioritizing improved portability, no compromises have been made in image quality. The optical design -- featuring 15 elements in 13 groups, including three aspherical lenses and three SLD glass elements -- delivers consistent sharpness throughout the entire zoom range. From everyday scenes to breathtaking travel moments, it renders every detail with striking clarity.
Macro capabilities for versatile expression
Impressive close-up capability expands shooting versatility. With a minimum focusing distance of 15.8 cm at 28mm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.3 at 35mm, this lens delivers richly detailed close-up images approaching half-macro performance. Even at the 60mm telephoto end, it maintains a high magnification of 1:2.9 -- ensuring a seamless shooting experience across the zoom range, allowing full focus on composition without concern for subject distance.
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, are addressed under all conditions of incident light, based on the most advanced simulation technology. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions.
Fast and quiet autofocusing with HLA system
A linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) is employed for the AF actuator, delivering high-speed autofocus with high-precision drive to capture decisive moments. It also offers outstanding tracking performance for fast-moving subjects, even at high frame rates. Engineered for modern hybrid shooting, it ensures seamless performance across stills and video.
Minimal focus breathing
The lens is designed to minimize changes in the angle of view caused by focusing, enabling smooth, natural-looking focus pulls when recording video.
Dust- and splash-resistant structure and water- and oil-repellent coating
In addition to a dust- and splash-resistant structure*, the frontmost surface of the lens has a water- and oil-repellent coating applied, allowing photographers to shoot without concern even in harsh outdoor environments.
Price, Availability
The 20-60mm f2.8-4 DG | Contemporary will be available in L-mount and E-mount versions beginning Oct. 6 for a retail price of $849.