SIGMA Canada is pleased to announce the development of the new SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary, the 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.

At this time, pricing and availability have not yet been released. For further details about the new SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary lens, please contact Max Payne, Director of Marketing & Communications, at 905-513-7733 or email media@gentec-intl.com.

For a PDF version of the press release: DOWNLOAD HERE

For a PDF version of the press release in French: DOWNLOAD HERE

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.

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.

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.

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

“Made in Japan” with outstanding craftsmanship

TSC* used for a more compact structure and enhanced performance.

* Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) 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% glass, TSC offers approximately 70% higher elasticity. Compared to polycarbonate containing 30% glass, it offers 25% 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).

9-blade diaphragm

Brass bayonet mount

[Specifications] All figures based on Sony E-mount.

Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups Minimum aperture: F16 Filter size: 67mm
Angle of view (DC): 83.2° Minimum focusing distance: 25cm / 9.8in.
Dimensions (diameter x length): φ72.2mm×92.3mm / 2.8in. ×3.6in
Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (Rounded diaphragm) Maximum magnification ratio: 1:9.9
Weight: 405g / 14.3oz.