Sigma Announces Super-Fast 50-100mm F/1.8 Zoom & 30mm F/1.4 Prime for $339

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8

The press-release says it all:

Pairing a versatile range of telephoto focal lengths with a fast constant maximum aperture, this 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens from Sigma is designed for APS-C-format Canon EF-mount DSLRs, and provides an 80-160mm equivalent focal length range.

The rest goes on to emphasize the high performance of the lens. It is true that many sources have reported about outstanding quality on Sigma’s “Art” line of lenses. At cinema5D we reviewed the Sigma 20mm F/1.4 Art Lens a while back and found it was a superb lens that also offered good handling for video.

The most evident downside to this zoom is that it will only work with APS-C sized sensors. This means that it will not be an ideal choice for full frame cameras like the Sony a7S II or the Canon 5D Mark III. However, in terms of filmmaking, I can see this one as a potentially good choice for super-35mm cameras like the Sony FS7, C300 mark II or Varicam LT. It is available with Canon EF, Nikon F and Sigma SA mount options.

The lens is on pre-order now, and will arrive in late April with a price tag of around $1,100.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 for Sony E

A fast, versatile prime, this 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Sigma is designed for APS-C-format Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, where it provides a 45mm equivalent focal length.

What’s interesting about this lens is its native Sony E-mount. The low price of $339 for such a fast lens could be very interesting for many video shooters and photographers as well, provided the quality is up to par. The native E-mount means fast autofocus performance by skipping the need for an adapter, and the low aperture of f/1.4 means that it will deliver nice shallow depth of field and help with lowlight shooting.

Personally, I’m a fan of fast wide angle lenses. However, just like the 50-100m zoom mentioned above, this lens is made for APS-C sized sensors, so it will be more similar to a 45-50mm field-of-view and not cover the full-frame sensor of a Sony a7S II. Alternatively the slightly more expensive Sigma 35mm full-frame Art lens is a good option for Sony a7S II cameras. The 30mm f1.4 is available for Sony E or MFT mount.

The lens is on pre-order now, will arrive in mid March and cost around $340.

more info on the Sigma 50-100mm here
more info on the Sigma 30mm here