Sigma, one of the world’s most popular lens manufacturers, has done it again with the recent release of two very exciting brand-new lenses. Sigma is widely known for making high-quality optics for many popular camera manufacturers at very approachable price points. In my mind, they’ve struck the perfect balance between quality/performance and price. I’ve owned multiple Sigma lenses over the years and only have good things to say about them.
With the release of these two new products, they’ve certainly maintained if not strengthened their position in the market. I’m talking of course about the new 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens and the 15mm f/1.4 Fisheye DG DN Art Lens. Both of these lenses fill two very specific niches and they’ve been incredibly popular since their recent release. Whether you’re looking for a great wildlife and sports lens or perhaps an ultra-wide angle lens that's great for astrophotography, You won’t be disappointed with either of these impressive offerings.
Let’s get right into it and take a look at what makes both of these lenses so great!
Price: $2,999 USD
Full-Frame | f/5.6 to f/32
Light and Compact Ultra-Telephoto Prime
Optimized for Handheld Action Capture
High-Response Linear Actuator AF System
Optical Stabilizer with OS2 Algorithm
Removable, Rotating Tripod Foot
Dust and Splash-Resistant Construction
As a wildlife photographer, I’ll start out with the lens that I’m naturally very excited about, the 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Spots Lens. This looks like an absolutely stellar prime lens for this price point and it’s currently available for both the Sony E-Mount and Leica L-mount.
This brand-new 500mm prime comes in a very compact and lightweight package. It only weighs about 3 pounds and it’s roughly the same size as Sigma’s 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. On top of that it features many other top-notch features. Even with a 500mm focal length, this lens excels when shooting handheld. With both its compact and lightweight form factor as well as excellent optical stabilization you’ll be able to carry this thing around and capture images without a tripod or monopod for extended periods of time. The lens also features a very fast and capable autofocus system that will easily track fast-moving subjects and keep up with advanced camera bodies. The 500mm f/5.6 features high-quality optics and coatings preventing unwanted aberrations and distortions and it comes with a great weather and dust-resistant construction as part of Sigma’s Sports Line.
If you want a great, compact, and capable 500mm prime lens at a very approachable and reasonable price point then this just might be exactly what you’re looking for! I’m personally very excited about this lens and hope to try it out sometime soon.
Price: $1,999 USD
Full-Frame | f/1.4 to f/16
Bright, Fast Diagonal Fisheye Lens
Optimized for Astrophotography
High-Response Linear Actuator AF System
Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
Removable, Rotating Tripod Foot
Dust and Splash-Resistant Construction
On the complete opposite side of the focal length spectrum is yet another exciting and brand-new lens from Sigma: The 15mm f/1.4 Fisheye DG DN Art Lens. This ultra wide-angle offering features an expansive 180-degree field of view and an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture. Just like the 500mm f/5.6, the 15mm f/1.4 is currently available for both the Sony E-mount and Leica L-mount. With a fast maximum aperture and wide field of view, this lens is designed to excel in the art of astrophotography.
This exciting new lens from Sigma comes with many very attractive and high-quality features that we’ve come to expect with anything in Sigma’s Art Line. With 21 elements arranged in 15 groups, including four FLD elements, three SLD elements, and two aspherical elements this lens will be sharp throughout its entire field of view and you won’t have to worry about distortions or aberrations. This lens also features a fast and reliable AF system so that you can easily find and track subjects. With an 11-blade rounded aperture diaphragm and an aperture control ring, you’ll have superior control over the look and feel of your images. This lens also features a removable tripod foot that’s Arca-Swiss compatible making long exposures or any shot requiring a tripod convenient and easy.
If you’re looking for an ultra-wide angle fisheye lens that will excel in low-light conditions, then definitely take a look at this exciting new lens from Sigma!
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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