Some good news for A-mount folks! The new Sigma 24mm f/1.4 ART A-mount lens is now on preorder at BHphoto (Click here).
DxOmark tested the new Sigma lens (Canon mount version) and writes:
Although at first sight the Sigma’s overall DxOMark score might not look as convincing as the two previous Art models from the maker, it is important to look deeper than the numbers suggest, especially at shorter focal lengths. The Sigma 24mm f1.4 DG HSM is the finest 24mm we’ve seen, although against the Canon 24mm f1.4L II USM, it’s a close-run thing. That model has slightly higher peak sharpness centrally at f4-5.6, but the Sigma has more uniform performance overall, including superior control of CA and distortion. It’s a worthy addition to the range and will only add to the maker’s reputation. Plus at around half the price of the Canon L-series equivalent, it’s a steal.
Reminder: Also those four new E and A-mount lenses can be preordered:
Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 lens at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 lens at Adorama (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II at BHphoto (Click here) and at Adorama (Click here).
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II at BHphoto (Click here) and at Adorama (Click here).
27 Responses
No Sigma 150-600 for Sony yet. I was hoping about the Contemporary version given that sigma announced it in their press statement but no luck so far
Help! This 24mm F1.4 with adapter or Batis 25mm F1.8? My wallet is telling me to go for the Sigma.
I would totally perfer that over Sony 28mm FE
Go for the sigma hands down.
I think ZA 24/2.0 which is currently $100 off is a better choice. Slightly slower, but MFD is best of all 24/25mm lenses. Resolution and colors too are unmatched. Fairly light too. Oh, and the build quality.
So, if talking about the A7 series, the KNOWN advantages of the Sigma are:
+ 1mm wider
+ $400ish cheaper
I didn’t include the faster aperture since despite being f/1.4, transmission of the Art lens is T1.8, whilst I
suspect the Batis will be very close to T2, so the advantage in
light-gathering will be negligible. This will be
especially true if you pair the Art with the EA-LA4 for an A7 series
camera, which has the translucent mirror, and therefore more light loss
is to be expected.
KNOWN advantages of the Batis on A7 series:
+ Faster autofocus (or the ability autofocus at all, depending on adapter)
+Stops down to f/22, whereas Art is only f/16
+ Significantly lighter before adapter (Batis 330g vs Art 660g)
+ Shorter in length before adapter (Batis 81x78mm vs Art 85×90.2mm)
+ Doesn’t require an adapter
+ Far better build quality and materials (it’s why the Art is so cheap)
+ Dust and moisture resistant
+ OLED screen
+ Same or smaller filter thread as other native A7 lenses, so easier to adapt (Batis 67mm vs Art 77mm)
What I expect/hope to be advantages of the Batis:
+ Slightly sharper
+ In-camera correction profiles
That’s what I could come up with in 10mins. If it were me, I’d firstly wait until we get some more information about the Batis before making any decision, but currently, I’d lean towards spending the extra for the Batis. The build quality is an important distinction for me, as is the weight and size difference.
Does come with a lens hood.
Oh good, glad to be wrong on that. I remember it being announced separately, which I thought was a little strange. Obviously read that wrong….
‘far better build quality and materials’
This is coming from experience with both I assume?
I’d hold off on calling the Batis better in build. The Art lenses aren’t exactly “cheap” in terms of build either.
Fair call, I’ll remove that from my list of certainties. I think the dust and moisture resistance does suggest “better build quality” though.
Wow Anders! Thats an amazing list of pros and cons in 10 mins. I will keep them in mind. Thank you!
If the Batis 25mm has Barrel Distortion anywhere close to the new 28mm F/2 then its not worth the money. Lens profiles in the camera all fine and great if you only shoot jpeg files and not raw. What sony needs to do is release a firmware update that imbeds the lens corrections into the raw files as well (you can turn it off and on so why not?)
Don’t forget MF ring in focus-by-wire configuration as a disadvantage. At least until Sony fixes the lag in their cameras.
Didn’t think of that. Good point, especially if you’re using it for video. The OLED screen should help a bit with that though.
half the weight plus adaptator, that’s somethin! I would say depend if you got alread one A mount camera already? FOr my part i m new on sony so ill stuck on the batis, can’t wait the test! ALso the filter thread is better for me cause i got 67 filters that i put also with 77mm ( thin one). SO i hope the zeiss worth the price!
Hey! your advice make sense! Will keep them in mind when i bite the bullet, Thanks!:)
lol you welcome! But it’s true that the sigma ART are amazing anyway I’ll try to buy only FE lenses. batis 24 , sony zeiss 55 and maybe batis 85 and one macro lens (there maybe gonna be an issue). The 35 fe could be a good light lens.
I have the ZA – great lens.
and still no Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 HSM Sport for Sony A-mount yet…c’mon Sigma, bring that lens!
Hmmm, really? I didn’t know that thing even existed. Time to go over to sigma site and scope er out.
Yes, it is an amazing lens for the suggested price tag. It’s only available on Canon and Nikon mounts but in Sony mount would make a lot of sense since it covers the most used focal lenght used on the SAL70200G2 and reaches the focal lenght of the SAL300F28G2.
So what you are offering is a lens nearly twice the price, as an alternative… A very wise suggestion.
There is a market for everything, and the Zeiss doesn’t compare to this Sigma in any way. Its a lens for a different segment.
Whether its better or not is a whole different story. Some people actually need that extra stop that Sigma offers.
Could you develop a little more please ? I can afford the 24 ZA for twice less its original price in second hand, and it is almost new. Would you recommand it over this one ?
I found the price of the ZA absolutely over-priced. The kick-off was in 2010. At this time I could understand such a price. However you have now the choice with the good Rokinon (despite the lack of AF), this Sigma which seems to be really good, and you now have the 25mm Batis with really good MTF if like me you plan to go FF with the A7 series.
What do you think ?
I don’t like Sigma. They only care for Nikon and Canon. Sony users are left in the dark.
That’s only because Sony doesn’t give the right amount of stability to their mounts.
They have three different Lense types in the past two years. two of them can hardly passed over to other Mounts as it is with DSLR style lenses.
The only one worth serving is the A-Mount which is not well supported by Sony at the moment.
I find it nice from Sigma to give us at least a new lense for A-mount which is affordable.
Update – email from B&H 8/20/15
“Dear Customer
Thank you for your interest in the following item:
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony A
(B&H # SI2414DGSO)
You are receiving this message because you asked to be notified when this item becomes available. We regret to inform you that this item has unfortunately been discontinued. Please check back on our website for similar or possible replacement items.”