Sigma Introduces Two New full-frame lenses, one new APS-C Optic
News | By Stephan Jukic | April 4, 2023
Sigma has lobbed three new lenses out onto the market and each of them has something interesting to offer to different photographers.
The three new optics coming to market are the 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary, the 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and finally the 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary.
Among these three, the 23mm is designed for APS-C cameras while the 17mm and 50mm models were made with full-frame cameras in mind.
17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary
Starting with the 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary, it sports an ultra wide-angle lens that’s inspired by Sigma’s Cine lens designs. Remember again that this lens is for full-frame cameras.
This metal-barreled compact optic weighs just 225 grams and is only 48.8mm long. It includes a textured focus ring, and aperture ring and also sports a lens hood. Another cool feature is that it includes both metal magnetic and snap-on lens caps.
With the 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary users can manage a close focusing distance of 12cm and a 1:3.6 magnification ratio.
This lens also features a stepping motor that’s designed to deliver rapid AF. Altogether, these qualities make it great for vlogging, close-subject street photography, and landscape shooting.
The 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary costs $599 and can be pre-ordered for Sony E-mount and Leica L-mount versions.
50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary
As for the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary, it’s the second full-frame model of the trio and Sigma’s fifth f/2 “L” series lens. Others in this series include a 20mm, a 24mm, a 35mm and a 65mm edition.
The 50mm f/2 DG GN is basically a standard prime lens and is only available for Sony E-mount and Leica L-mount cameras. It comes with an AF/MF switch and an aperture ring along its all-metal body.
The f/2 aperture of the 50mm f/2 DG GN also gives it an excellent bokeh according to Sigma and the company also claims that it’s “comparable to the 50mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art lens” but with a 37% more compact form and half the weight.
Another useful feature of this particular full-frame optic is its resistance to backlight glare and flaring, even in tough lighting conditions. Like the 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary, it also includes a stepping motor for fast, precise autofocus.
Essentially, the new 50mm f/2 DG GN is aimed at being a powerful, versatile daily-use lens. Sigma will be offering it for $639 but you can also preorder it now.
23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Finally, for Sigma’s new APS-C offering in this trio, we have the 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary.
This optic is a wide-angle, fast-aperture prime lens that’s designed to offer 35mm full-frame FOV equivalency on APS-C mirrorless cameras.
The 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is part of Sigma’s F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary prime lens lineup, which already includes 16mm, 30mm and 56mm editions. The 23mm itself weighs just 340 grams and is 76.9mm long.
Like the other lenses described here, it also includes a high-speed stepping motor for quiet, rapid autofocus and sports optical features designed to make it resist flare, glare and ghosting.
According to Sigma, it’s a great lens for landscape shooting, journalism and general street photography. Basically, it can deliver strong results in most settings and has a magnification ratio of 1:7.3 and a minimum focusing distance of 10 inches.
Sigma is releasing the 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Sony E-mount, Leica L-mount and Fuji X-mount cameras in “the summer” for a retail price of $549, though you can set aside your own copy on preorder right now.
Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.
Includes limited-time discounts.
Stephan Jukic is a technology and photography journalist and experimental photographer who spends his time living in both Canada and Mexico. He loves cross-cultural street photo exploration and creating fine art photo compositions.
