The world fastest zoom lens for APS-C sensors just got tested at Focus Numerique (google translated) and Digifoto (no translation because images will not be displayed by google). And both reviewers came to the same conclusions!
FN writes: “The results of the new Sigma zoom are impressive and worthy of a professional optical 24×36 mm f/2.8 zoom!”
Digifiti noticed as only limit the high chromatic aberration: “We were surprised again after seeing the test photos. You expect from a zoom lens at fully open aperture somewhat lesser performance in the corners. The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 however scored exceptionally well, even at the 18mm f/1.8 corner tightened remains very good. The bokeh of the lens looks very stylish, and distortion remains well within bounds.”
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 (here at BHphoto) isn’t yet available for preorder as Sony A-mount. But as I told you last month they will certainly release the A-mount version within the year!
P.S.: Some image samples can be seen at Dpreview too.
24 Responses
Would really like that one for e mount…
Wish they would make an e-mount version
e-mount version ++
+1
+1 For a smaller 16-35 f2 (or something like this) for e-mount.
Would love this on E mount. Of course as much as it can be fitted. F2.0 would do.
What would be the point of this on E mount? It would be like 10x the size of the camera. For the price that this will cost, go out and buy the LEA-2 and take advantage of better Autofocus. Bumping it down to F2 will make almost no difference in size.
Well.
A77+this lens: almost €2000
A99+any cheap lens: not much more expensive, better DR, less noise, better overall IQ (at least stopped down), probably even smaller and lighter
I prefer the second option.
How can you conclude that any cheap lens at f1.8 on the a99 has a better IQ than this one?
I didn’t conclude that (see what I wrote in brackets: “at least stopped down”).
No hint at pricing info yet?
Pricing is said to be $799.
Those who want it on E-Mount… Wait for A-Mount version and use adapter… It is LITERALLY that simple.
$799? I’ve been told it’s going on sale for $1999…
Who told you that? $1999 is just a placeholder price.
Everything below 1k would be totally insane.
Given that this lens gathers more light than a FF 2.8 zoom, the price will be similar or rather above.
And how much is a Sigma 24-70 f2.8?
$900 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-24-70mm-2-8-Standard-Nikon/dp/B001NEK2QO
So I would put my guess on $2k over $800 for the 1.8 zoom. This is a lens that doesn’t have competitors other than primes.
Sony A-Mount LE-EA2 Adapter with OIS/AF costs another $300 and adds 3cm to the total length of the camera/lens + some weight. Adapters are not acceptable for street photography. You need to be as light and as compact as possible.
I take it this lens it not parfocal. Oh well. I hope there is an emount option.
Its not a cine lens so probably not. Making a lens parfocal is not cheap.
It is parfocal..
Looks parfocal to me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-agLVS4MP_c&feature=player_embedded
waiting for a E-Mount version under $900
No one needs a lens this sharp for a 24mp camera.
This new generation of super sharp lenses far outresolve current sensors. Since most SAR readers say 24-36mp is enough for the kind of pictures most people take all these new lenses are a waste of money and no one should ever want a better lens.