Sigma unveils 50mm F/1.2 Art lens
Ultra-fast standard prime is surprisingly compact and lightweight, given its maximum aperture
Sigma has added an ultra-fast 50mm lens to its lineup of Art lenses. The 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is sure to appeal to those who like tight control over depth-of-field or enjoy working in low light. It will be available in L-Mount and Sony E-Mount.
As well as offering a fast maximum aperture, the lens’s diaphragm is made of 13 rounded blades so bokeh should be both circular and soft. Sigma claims that sharpness is maintained across the frame, with impressive contrast and colour.
The optical construction features 17 elements in 12 groups, which includes four aspherical elements to help combat multiple types of aberration. The focusing group suppresses focus breathing, making the lens suited to both photo and video use, plus focus shift is also kept to a minimum.
Despite its speed, the 50mm f/1.2 is relatively compact and light, tipping the scales at 745g and measuring 108.8mm in length. This is, in part, down to a floating focusing mechanism that reduces lens size and weight – it is 30% lighter than the company’s L-mount 35mm lens with the same maximum aperture.
Dust and splash resistant, the lens features a water and oil repellent coating on the front element and has a programmable AFL button. An aperture ring lock switch, aperture ring click switch and focus mode switch are also provided, along with a petal lens hood.
The lens will be on sale from 18 April 2024 for £1299.