On the eve of the CP+ Expo in Yokohama, Japan, Sigma has announced two interesting new lenses: a fast, ultra-wide 15mm f/1.4 fisheye lens (diagonal) and a 500mm f/5.6 super-telephoto, both designed specifically for mirrorless cameras (Sony E and L-mount).
The 500mm lens is designed for fast, accurate autofocus with Sigma’s HLA linear focusing motors along with low-dispersion glass elements for excellent optical performance. The lens is dust and weather sealed, and weighs just over three pounds (48.6oz).
With a maximum aperture of f/5.6, the 500mm lens will have to compete with the numerous 150-600mm zoom lenses on the market that offer a similar maximum aperture at 500mm and often cost much less, though we can expect superior contrast and resolution from a prime lens, along with higher speed autofocus, which can be critical for shooting sports and wildlife. Sigma’s older 500mm f/4 lens costs about $6000 and is does not have a native mirrorless mount.
Sigma’s 15mm f/1.4 Fisheye is a bit of a surprise; the company already makes some excellent ultra-wide angle lenses, including a 14mm f/1.4, 14mm f/1.8, and a 14-24mm f/2.8, all of which will cost less than the new fisheye lens.
About the new lens, Sigma says:
Unlike conventional fisheyes, the SIGMA 15mm F1.4 DG DN DIAGONAL FISHEYE | Art is exceptionally sharp across its entire 180° angle-of-view and offers an ultra-fast F1.4 aperture, making it perfect for a wide range of applications including astrophotography, landscapes and architecture
Clearly, using a fisheye rather than a rectilinear lens will be a stylistic choice, and fisheye lenses can certainly be a good way to add an unusual perspective to your photography or video.
Also a heavy lens at 3 pounds, the 15mm includes a tripod foot and rear filter holder.
Both lenses are expected to be available in stores by mid-March, with the 500mm lens costing about $2999, and the 15mm fisheye costing about $1999. The lenses can be pre-ordered now from B&H Photo, Adorama, or your favorite local camera shops.
