Sigma to ship ultra-fast 15mm F1.4 “Art” diagonal fisheye lens in March: Digital Photography Review

SIGMA 15mm F1.4 DG DN DIAGONAL FISHEYE

180° of high resolution

An innovative diagonal fisheye lens

1. Resolving power that overturns the conventional wisdom about fisheye lenses
2. An addition to the Art F1.4 lineup, meticulously crafted for astrophotography
3. A wealth of latest functions and excellent build quality

The world’s first* F1.4 diagonal fisheye interchangeable lens for 35mm full-frame. Unparalleled resolving power that overturns the conventional wisdom about fisheye lenses

In developing a fisheye lens featuring an ultra-wide-angle and powerful fisheye distortion, SIGMA has achieved a completely new level of artistic potential, combining the world’s first F1.4 aperture for consumer use with outstanding resolving power across the entire image. In terms of optical performance, the SIGMA 15mm F1.4 DG DN DIAGONAL FISHEYE | Art has achieved excellent point image reproducibility and high resolution by correcting various aberrations, especially sagittal coma flare. The lens is capable of handling astrophotography, which demands particularly high-quality performance, even when wide-open. 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. The expressive power of this all-new full-frame mirrorless lens opens a wealth of creative possibilities in wide-angle photography.

_{* As an interchangeable lens for full-frame cameras for consumer use. (As of February 2024 by SIGMA）}

[Key features]

Resolving power that overturns the conventional wisdom about fisheye lenses

The latest optical design thoroughly corrects each type of aberration. This diagonal fisheye lens has the unique expressiveness of a fisheye lens and high resolution throughout the entire image from a wide-open aperture. The performance of the lens is guaranteed by a full inspection with SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system.

Even wide-open, high resolution and point image reproducibility across the entire image

The lens consists of 21 elements in 15 groups, including 4 FLD and 3 SLD exclusive low-dispersion glass elements, and 2 aspherical lens elements. By correcting sagittal coma flare and other aberrations, the lens can precisely reproduce bright points of light across the whole frame even wide-open, making it ideal for astrophotography.

Diagonal fisheye lens with 180° angle of view

The powerful distortion effect, which is the appeal of fisheye lenses, allows users to enjoy expressions such as a unique perspective and emphasis on the subject at a 180° angle of view. In addition, the SIGMA 15mm F1.4 DG DN DIAGONAL FISHEYE | Art is designed with the strict performance standards of the Art line. Furthermore, all lenses are inspected with SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system. The unique descriptive power of this new fisheye lens, which combines an incredible 180° angle-of-view with very high resolution optics, delivers a level of artistic potential that exceeds other fisheye lenses.

Designed to minimize flare and ghosting

To prevent flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, the lens is designed to handle all conditions of incident light based on state-of-the-art simulation technology. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions.

2. An addition to the Art F1.4 lineup, meticulously crafted for astrophotography

The SIGMA 15mm F1.4 DG DN DIAGONAL FISHEYE | Art offers abundant functions to support astrophotography. With the introduction of this lens, SIGMA now has four F1.4 wide-angle prime Art line lenses with functions specifically designed for astrophotography, including the 14mm, 20mm, and 24mm. In terms of both lineup and functionality, SIGMA fully supports the joy of capturing the stars.

MFL (Manual Focus Lock) switch

The lens is equipped with an MFL switch. When the MFL switch is set to “LOCK,” the focus ring operation is disabled, ensuring that once focus is acquired, it will not be changed by unintentional movement of the ring. This is useful for long exposures and other situations where the focus should be fixed while shooting.

Lens heater retainer

A small step at the front of the lens called a lens heater retainer prevents the lens heater^* from protruding over the front element, eliminating the risk of vignetting.

_{* A belt-shaped heat strip that is wrapped around the lens to prevent condensation from forming inside the lens when the temperature drops.}

Rear filter holder

A standard-equipped rear filter holder at the lens mount allows sheet-type filters to be used.

Special cover lens cap with a locking mechanism and filter slots

The included cover lens cap features two slots to securely store rear filters, as well as a locking mechanism. The cap is specially designed for the SIGMA 15mm F1.4 DG DN DIAGONAL FISHEYE | Art, allowing users to carry sheet-type filters without the risk of confusing or forgetting them, while protecting them from scratches and dirt.

Tripod Socket

The lens is equipped with an Arca-Swiss compatible, lightweight and sturdy magnesium alloy tripod socket. The detachable leg can be mounted on a tripod for stable conditions even during long exposures. The shape has been deliberately designed to prevent interference when using a lens heater.

_{* The tripod socket TS-141 is also compatible with the SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art.}

A wealth of latest functions and excellent build quality

The SIGMA 15mm F1.4 DG DN DIAGONAL FISHEYE | Art is equipped with various functions to assist shooting, including an AFL button^*1 to which preferred function can be assigned and an aperture ring, and uses a linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) as the AF actuator to enable fast, quiet, and highly accurate AF shooting. The lens is also equipped with a dust and splash resistant structure^*2 to ensure a high level of weather resistance and robustness, as well as excellent build quality that allows for long and reliable use in any environment.

_{*1 Function available on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.}

_{*2 The structure is designed to be dust and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.}

Various shooting assist functions

The lens is equipped with an AFL button which can be assigned to a range of functions via the menu on selected cameras. In addition to the aperture ring, the lens is equipped with an aperture ring lock switch and a click switch to turn the click on and off.

Dust and splash resistant structure and water and oil repellent coating

In addition to a dust and splash resistant structure, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating, allowing photographers to shoot without concerns even in harsh outdoor environments.

Adopts a linear motor HLA

The AF actuator is a linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator). The high thrust motor and advanced electronic control operate the focus lens at high speed and with high precision to provide comfortable AF shooting.

Excellent build quality

To support the heavy optical system and enhance robustness and reliability, metal parts are used in key parts of the lens body. Meanwhile, the lightweight engineering plastic TSC^* is also used in appropriate places to reduce weight. Furthermore, each control part, such as rings and switches, is designed to feel good. SIGMA is proud of the exceptional build quality of its products, which do not compromise on durability, operability, and a satisfying sense of ownership.

_{* TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) is a type of polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminum. It has a high affinity to metal parts which contributes to high quality product manufacturing.}

[Additional features]

• Lens construction: 21 elements in 15 groups (4 FLD, 3 SLD, 2 aspherical elements)
• Inner focus system
• Compatible with high-speed autofocus
• HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
• Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction

^{* Due to being a fisheye lens, distortion will not be corrected.}

^{* Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.}

^{* On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON'(AUTO).}

• Supports DMF and AF+MF
• Compatible with AF assist (for Sony E-mount only)
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element)
• Aperture ring
• Aperture ring click switch
• Aperture ring lock switch
• AFL button

^{* Function available on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.}

• MFL (Manual Focus Lock) switch
• Rear filter holder (compatible with GUIDE PLATE GP-21)
• Lens heater retainer
• Focus Mode switch
• Support for switching between linear focus / non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only)
  ^{* Function available on supported cameras only.}
• Dust and Splash Resistant Structure
• TRIPOD SOCKET TS-141
• Special COVER LENS CAP LC1040-01 with a locking mechanism and filter slots
• Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
• Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
• Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system
• 11-blade rounded diaphragm
• High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
• Mount Conversion Service available
• “Made in Aizu, Japan” craftsmanship