SIGMA New Product Announcement

WOW!!! Finally, the lens I was waiting for! Yes, I would say that SIGMA has not betrayed expectations, and with this latest proposal—currently only for Sony E-mount and L-mount—pursuing its now well-established SPORT series, it has indeed launched the rightful antagonist to the expensive "original" lenses.

First Impressions and Build Quality

The "immediate noticeable weight saving" compared to the previous Sport series for DSLR systems is important at first glance—we're talking about approximately 500g less, which makes it immediately appealing.

It handles well: it ensures a firm grip and immediately highlights its significant new features. For SIGMA, the Sport series is synonymous with a careful choice of materials, high-end finishing, and above all, particular attention to those who use this lens "in the field." We are referring to the action photographer, and I don't mean just pure sports, but all those situations that require readiness and operational security.

There are many controls and rings present, but I immediately notice how simple and natural the grip is, which allows for rapid use. The outer ring, in fact, controls the zoom with a pleasing and precise internal movement. This movement, therefore, does not cause any imbalance and keeps possible dust infiltration at bay. Just slide your hand toward you to find three very useful "customizable buttons," e.g., the AI-Look for AF-C enthusiasts, and immediately behind it, we find the rubber ring for Manual Focus (MF). There are many paths and opinions here, but if you photograph regularly, you know very well how fundamental it is to be able to manually manage this parameter, especially for the ever-growing number of Videomakers.

You might tell me that it's not exactly the lens for video, but as we continue discovering and analyzing the product's construction, I realize that SIGMA wanted to wink at these increasingly numerous users. And that's not all! There is the Aperture Ring! A precise command in third stops, an "A" position for priority use with a lock function, and—listen up—the possibility to de-click the ring for a continuous solution: << Videomakers, does this attention speak to you? >>

In the innermost part, the large ring houses various controls for selecting between AF and MF: the MF limiter, the multi-level OS stabilizer switch, and one with two options for lens customization, and, as already mentioned, the ability to de-click the aperture ring.

Is something missing? No, don't worry, there is also an ergonomic, and extremely functional, support collar with two interesting "ready-to-use" solutions. Furthermore, there is the pre-equipped "Arca Slide" and the "CLICK lock" upon reaching the correct horizontal or vertical position.

We arrive at the "mount," which is also up to the finishing standards: brass with a generous anti-dust finishing gasket, worthy of the characteristics of the SIGMA Sport series.

Practical Use and Performance

In the practical use of the lens, I want to emphasize the excellent reaction of the Autofocus (I used it on an Alpha 7M4 for the occasion) and a very linear rendition across the various focal lengths and apertures.

Of course, not everything that glitters is gold, but while noting a peak in rendition between the apertures of f/5.6 - f/8 with gradualness, we can also praise the rendition at f/4 and f/11. More open and more closed, it has still proven capable of being used with good results.

I also add another applause for the Autofocus with HLA technology: very precise and extremely silent with perfect compatibility for tracking and recognition offered by the camera used.