When it comes to ultra-wide-angle lenses, photographers require outstanding image quality from the center of the image to the edges without any distortion. Such performance is particularly valuable in architectural photography. The new SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art leverages SIGMA's accumulated expertise in the processing and manufacture of aspherical lenses and incorporates multiple aspherical lenses produced with precision glass molding. The lens also features lens elements made with FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass, which is equivalent to fluorite in performance, and an optimized power distribution. Together, these features help minimize distortion, transverse chromatic aberration, and coma flare. As a result, image quality is outstanding across the image, all the way to the edges.
The degree to which light is refracted by glass depends on the light's wavelength. This fact causes different colors of light to focus at slightly different points. The result is chromatic aberration, the color fringing that is particularly noticeable in telephoto lenses. Most chromatic aberration can be removed by combining a high-refractivity convex lens element with a low-refractivity concave element. Yet residual chromatic aberration known as “secondary spectrum” may still remain. To minimize this secondary spectrum, which can be a serious issue with conventional lenses, SIGMA lenses feature up to three types of exclusive low-dispersion glass offering superior performance: ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion), SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and FLD (“F” Low Dispersion). In particular, FLD glass offers ultra-low dispersion in combination with high transmittance and the anomalous dispersion characteristics of fluorite. Meticulous deployment of these types of exclusive low-dispersion glass and optimization of power distribution gives SIGMA lenses superlative image rendition undiminished by residual chromatic aberration.
From an early stage in the lens design process, flare and ghosting have been measured to establish an optical design resistant to strong incident light sources such as backlighting. SIGMA's Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting to help photographers produce sharp and high contrast images even in backlit conditions.
The SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM |Art features an ⌀80mm large-diameter molded glass aspherical lens—the largest such element in this class of lens. This lens is highly effective in minimizing distortion, spherical aberration, and coma flare.
The 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur in the out-of-focus areas of the image.
The brass mount combines high precision with rugged construction. Its treated surfaces and enhanced strength contribute to the exceptional durability of the lens.
Mount Converter MC-11 allows you to use your SIGMA SA mount and SIGMA EOS mount (Canon-compatible) interchangeable lenses with the Sony E-mount camera body. Owners of multiple camera systems can now get even more out of their valuable lens assets.
Evaluation with SIGMA's own MTF measuring system: A1
We used to measure lens performance with a Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) measuring system using conventional sensors. However, we have developed our own proprietary MTF measuring system (A1)* using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of our quality control inspections. All SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art lenses are checked using this A1 system before they are shipped.
*A1：Aizu１
SIGMA USB DOCK for SIGMA GLOBAL VISION lenses (optional)
With the optional SIGMA USB DOCK, you can update your lens firmware and adjust the focus position and other settings. Simply connect the lens to the SIGMA USB DOCK and the dock to a computer to use the dedicated SIGMA Optimization Pro software and perform various types of customization and adjustment.
The wide-angle zoom pioneer, SIGMA has developed and launched many extraordinary products in this category over the decades. Now SIGMA introduces an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that is perfect for the era of ultra-high resolution digital cameras. The SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art offers an optimal package of center-to-edge image quality, minimized distortion, and minimum focusing distance. To achieve these qualities without compromise, SIGMA has leveraged its lens design expertise and all of its leading-edge technologies. Advanced materials such as low-dispersion glass play a crucial role, while SIGMA's advanced lens processing methods have made possible an aspherical lens of extremely large diameter.
SIGMA is organizing all its interchangeable lenses into three product lines: Contemporary, Art, and Sports, each with a distinctive concept. Designed with a focus on sophisticated optical performance and abundant expressive power, our Art line lenses deliver high-level artistic expression. Offering astonishing rendering performance that meets the highest standard, they are perfect for landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, close-ups, and casual snaps. They are made for the kind of photography that unleashes the inner artist. A powerful ally in every genre of photography, SIGMA's Art line lenses excel both in the studio for formal works and outdoors for impressive shots of architecture, starry skies, and many other scenes.
The wide-angle zoom pioneer, SIGMA launched its first wide-angle zoom in 1979: the SIGMA ZOOM GAMMA 21-35mm F3.5-4. Since then, we've continued to develop wide-angle zoom lenses, always including our most advanced technologies. In 2003, we introduced the SIGMA 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG, the world's first ultra-wide-angle zoom for DSLRs with full-frame sensors. In 2011, we offered the updated and upgraded version of that lens, the SIGMA 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM. This new lens offered an angle of view even wider than that of human vision, allowing users to enjoy the ultra-wide-angle range with incredible perspective. Now, the 3rd-generation SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art continues this tradition with image quality and ease of use both taken to another level.
To deliver amazing image quality, SIGMA has added in all its latest technologies, starting with the mechanical system. The optical system features an ⌀80mm diameter aspherical lens element, which is the largest for this lens class on the market. By leveraging all of its development experience to date, SIGMA has established a new era of 12-24mm performance.
With F4 throughout the zoom range, this lens is one stop brighter than conventional lenses. Photographers can now use a higher shutter speed that will crisply capture leaves fluttering in the breeze and other quick-moving subjects. A constant aperture during zooming also makes this lens exceptionally easy to use.
The newly designed Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) is large, offers 1.3 times the torque of its predecessor. Even at low speeds, it offers exceptionally stable performance
Leveraging the incredibly broad perspective of an ultra-wide-angle lens, photographers can compose close-up shots with impressively expansive backgrounds.
* At 24mm end of the zoom range
The lens mount incorporates rubber sealing to protect the mount from dust and water drops. The front lens feature a water- and oil-repellent coating that is particularly useful when shooting in a drizzle, near ocean spray, and in a wide variety of other conditions.
To ensure precise operation, internal parts feature generous use of metal and Thermally Stable Composite (TSC),* which is highly compatible with metal parts.
* TSC offers thermal expansion characteristics similar to those of aluminum. Parts made with TSC deform less, making lens construction of extremely high precision possible. As compared to polycarbonate containing 20% glass, a commonly used material, TSC offers approximately 70% higher elasticity. As compared to polycarbonate containing 30% glass, it offers 25% higher elasticity. (Comparison is between SIGMA-produced components.)
The lens for the Nikon camera includes the electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism and is able to receive the appropriate signals from the camera body. This feature ensures precision diaphragm control and stable Auto Exposure (AE) performance during continuous shooting.
The 46 effective megapixel (4,800 × 3,200 × 3 layers) and 44 recording megapixel (4,704 × 3,136 × 3 layers) 23.5 × 15.7mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location, ensuring the capture of full and complete color. Using three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon's ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces color more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. Since color moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and color, generated by the 46-megapixel APS-C X3 direct image sensor is captured with a three-dimensional feel.
With only a few minor exceptions, all of SIGMA's manufacturing, including molds and parts, takes place under a single integrated production system in Japan. We are now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are truly made in Japan. We like to think our products are somehow imbued with the essence of our homeland, blessed as it is with clean air and water, and focused, hard-working people. We pride ourselves on the authentic quality of SIGMA products, born of a marriage between highly attuned expertise and intelligent, advanced technology. Our sophisticated products have satisfied professionals and lovers of photography all over the world because our manufacturing is based on genuine craftsmanship, underpinned by the passion and pride of our experts.
MTF
Vignetting
Corresponding AF Mounts
SIGMA / NIKON / CANON
The Nikon mount version of this lens includes an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism. Functionality may be limited on some camera bodies.
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