This morning, Sigma officially unveiled its much-anticipated 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This is Sigma’s first Art-series Macro lens for a mirrorless system, and it’s been optically re-designed from the ground up to deliver “exceptional sharpness and pleasing bokeh.”
Optically, the new mid-telephoto macro lens is made up of 17 elements in 12 groups, including one Special Low Dispersion (SLD) element to minimize aberration. The construction allows the lens to achieve a 1:1 reproduction ratio at a working distance of 5.5 inches (14cm)—and if you slap a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter on the lens, you can increase that reproduction ratio all the way to 1.4:1 and 2:1, respectively.
Moving on to the lens itself, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro is dust and splash proof, with a brass bayonet mount and a 9-blade rounded aperture. On the barrel, you’ll find a focus limiter switch with three settings (Macro, Portrait, or Full-Range), an Aperture Lock Switch, and the ability to choose between a “clicked” or “de-clicked” aperture action.
Finally, the autofocus on the lens is run by Sigma’s Hypersonic Motor, and promises to deliver “smooth, quiet, confident autofocus in both close-up and portrait-distance settings,” even if you don’t take advantage of the aforementioned focus limiter switch.
Here’s a closer look at the new lens:
And here are some high-resolution sample photos from the Sigma website (click to enlarge):
Sigma is making some bold claims about the performance of this lens, and given its track record with the ART series, we sincerely hope that it delivers. Here’s a hands-on first look from our friends at Adorama, who set out to find out for themselves:
The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro lens is available in Sony E-Mount and Sigma/Panasonic/Leica L-Mount for $800, and should begin shipping in “late October.” To learn more or if you want to pre-order your own, click here.
Author: DL Cade
Source: Petapixel
