Well, 2022 is drawing to a close, and when it comes to the photography business, it’s been a welcome, but cautious, return to “normalcy” — if such a thing exists! But while we embrace the familiar, the march of progress goes on, and new, exciting innovations are constantly being introduced, especially in the imaging world. Nowhere was this more evident than the remarkable James Webb Space Telescope, which explores the very limits of our photographic imaginations.
But here on Earth, SIGMA made some strides in innovative new gear as well! It was all about wide-angle lenses in 2022, with some brand new additions to our Art line, as well as a couple outstanding Contemporary options. Not to mention, SIGMA introduced 4 lenses for the Fujifilm X Mount system! Let’s take a look at the year that was and the lenses that we revealed.
February 9, 2022
SIGMA 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary
Over the past few years, the I series from SIGMA has become a favorite of photographers who want to feel more “connected” to their gear. With gorgeous, all-metal construction, manual aperture rings, and compact dimensions, these lenses are a bit of a throwback to film-era lenses, but feature all the benefits of modern optical design and technology. The 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary is, for my money, a staple lens for I series fans.
Wide enough and bright enough for astro, the perfect focal length for street photography and landscapes, ideal for video work including vlogging and streaming, this is the kind of versatile wide lens you need in your kit, even if you don’t have other I series lenses in your collection.
Want to learn more? SIGMA Ambassadors Jack Fusco and Jim Koepnick gave this lens a thorough test run when it was released, and fellow ambassador Liam Doran took it on an incredible trip to Norway a few months later. Check out these articles for in-depth coverage:
February 21, 2022
SIGMA 16mm / 30mm / 56mm F1.4 Lenses for Fujifilm X Mount
While I normally shoot full-frame for work, I prefer to carry a smaller, crop-sensor camera for travel and everyday photography. When SIGMA announced production of X Mount lenses in 2022, it was the perfect excuse to pick up a Fujifilm camera body! Compact and unique in so many ways, Fujifilm X System cameras are a blast to use, and these three SIGMA F1.4 prime lenses really provide an affordable, high-level set of lenses for pretty much all my everyday needs, and then some.
In fact, I had the honor of being the first SIGMA America employee to put these lenses to the test on a Fujifilm camera. It was a miserable, cold, snowy day, but having used these lenses on other systems (Canon EF-M and Sony E), no amount of snow was going to stop me! Our friend and SIGMA Ambassador Anabel DFlux also put this trio to good use in less harsh conditions, for some super cool portrait and lifestyle sessions.
June 1, 2022
SIGMA 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary
For both wide-angle stills and video work, the SIGMA 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is an unheralded rock star. We all know and love the amazing 14-24mm F2.8 Art (both for DSLR and mirrorless), but the 16-28mm is smaller, lighter, optically outstanding, and overall performs wayyyyy above its very reasonable price tag.
Every photographer needs a couple “go-to” lenses, and the 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C is the perfect compliment to the “workhorse” 24-70mm or 28-70mm standard zoom lens. Together, they make an incredible one-two combo that gets the job done in the field, in the studio, at home, or traveling. If you don’t have a wide-angle zoom lens yet, the 16-28mm is the perfect way to fill out your camera bag. Learn more from SIGMA Ambassadors Liam Doran and Jim Koepnick, who were among the first to put it to good use!
August 8, 2022
SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art
The introduction of the 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens was big news for astrophotographers like SIGMA Ambassador Jack Fusco (check out his article below). While our 14mm F1.8 Art lens is often considered the ultimate astro lens, the slightly narrower field of view of a 20mm translates to big cost savings, and this new made-for-mirrorless lens is even better than the original, with unbelievable sharpness across the frame.
But while new features like a manual focus lock and heater retainer are designed specifically for astro, it’s more than just a night sky lens. It’s a great wide-angle prime for landscapes, video work, weddings, pretty much anything that requires a vast angle of view. Landscape photographer Darren White brought it foliage hunting, and along with the 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art (released at the same time), it was extremely useful for capturing truly epic scenes.
August 8, 2022
SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art
For something a little more compact, but retaining the spectacular image quality of the 20mm mentioned above, the SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is the perfect wide prime lens for countless scenarios. Landscapes? For sure. Weddings? Absolutely. Travel? 100%. And shooting video with this fast, sharp 24mm lens is easy thanks to its generously wide focal length and smooth, silent autofocus motor.
There’s a reason the most popular full-frame zoom (24-70mm) starts at this focal length… it’s wide enough to capture almost any scene, it has minimal distortion, and if you want to get creative, you can still force some pretty wild perspectives. And at F1.4, you can use it in virtually any light. Despite its relatively low price, this is a serious contender for the most useful lens you can get, especially for hybrid or video creators.
September 14, 2022
SIGMA CINE 65mm T1.5 FF High Speed Prime Lens
Built from the ground up specifically for the SIGMA CINE family of lenses – yet designed to match the color rendition and resolving power of the rest of our FF High Speed Primes – the new 65mm T1.5 is a focal length that was admittedly overdue. But now that it’s here, this lens offers filmmakers the perfect solution for all those scenarios between 50mm and 85mm, ideal for putting additional emphasis on the subject without being too overt, not to mention mid-shots and close-ups when physical space is limited.
If you’re already familiar with SIGMA CINE, then you know the image quality, robust build, and incredible value our CINE lenses offer. If you’ve never considered them before, now is a great time to check out the whole collection, and check out the incredible 65mm T1.5, too.
September 14, 2022
SIGMA CINE Classic Primes (including the new 65mm T2.5 Classic)
While our FF High Speed Primes are renowned for their clean, consistent look, some filmmakers prefer something with a bit more “character”. The SIGMA CINE FF Classic Prime line has a unique, low-contrast look, with beautiful flare and unparalleled bokeh quality. The new 65mm T2.5 Classic is a welcome addition to the lineup!
In addition, the entire Classic line – which was only available as a full set – can now be purchased à la carte! Whether you need one, two, or eleven lenses, we’ll get you fixed up with the focal lengths you need so you can create something truly unique.
November 14, 2022
SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary for Fujifilm X Mount
To close out 2022, SIGMA kept the good news coming for Fujifilm shooters. The SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary is an outstanding standard zoom lens that not only offers a versatile range and bright F2.8 aperture, but a smooth, quiet autofocus motor for video work and exceptional image quality. And now, it’s available for FUJIFILM X Mount!
When we first received this lens in the SIGMA America office, it was obvious it needed to get out on the street to be fully appreciated. The New York City Marathon was the ideal setting to test out this useful, discreet little zoom, and NYC-based Nagamitsu Endo (a video producer by trade) made great use of the 18-50mm against this colorful, eclectic backdrop.
What’s Next for SIGMA in 2023?
Let’s be honest…. when it comes to the photography business, speculation and rumor is half the fun! That said, our mission at SIGMA is unchanged. We’re committed to developing innovative new products that photographers and video creators alike will love to use, now and well into the future. Our passion for photography has always been the cornerstone of SIGMA’s business, and we’ll continue pursing that passion for many years to come.
But it’s more than just lenses and cameras. As SIGMA CEO Kazuto Yamaki explained this year, we aim to not just create the highest-performing imaging equipment, but to become loved and respected by our customers and business partners, and to be a model organization for our employees and their families. We at SIGMA America hope to follow this lead and offer better service to our customers, support our friends and partners in the photo biz, while finding ways to make the world a more beautiful place… one that we’ll be proud to keep taking pictures of.
Thank you to all the amazing SIGMA fans out there, and best wishes for a great 2023!
I just purchased a Nikon Z9. I am so so glad Sigma is starting to make Z mount glass .
For the moment I have adapted my F mount Sigma Art glass over to the Z body . Working pretty well and I’m excited for more .
I also have Sony e mount glass and some of it is Sigma , Art and Contemporary. I’m going to buy an adapter to keep using that Sigma I series glass I love so much .