Prime lenses are designed for exceptional imaging at a single focal length. Unlike zoom lenses that easily span a given focal range and variable field of view with a twist of the zoom ring, the field of view and focal length remains constant. If you want to take in less of the surroundings with a given prime lens, you’ve got to physically move closer, and to take in more of the scene, you’ve got to back up. But of course, as you move, the angle of view remains the same all the while.
Lens Guides
Hands-on reviews, technical information, and advice on SIGMA Art, Sports and Contemporary lenses for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
SIGMA 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM | Art: Photo Samples
Nine rounded aperture blades, Optical Stabilizer, 4x constant-aperture zoom for creativity and quick one-lens recompositing all add up to a rock-solid new member of the Sigma Art line of lenses. For photographers looking for a constant-aperture one-lens solution from wide to short tele, the new 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM | A, there’s a whole lot to love.
The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art for Videographers
Photographers and videographers have been raving about the world’s first constant aperture F1.8 zoom lens, the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art lens since it was originally announced earlier this year, for both its groundbreaking maximum aperture, and its incredible prime-like performance, even wide open at an amazing price. It rocked the charts on DXOMark, besting top-shelf primes at comparable focal lengths, been recognized with a POP Award from PopPhoto.com, and a Gold award from DPReview, among other accolades.
Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM | A: First Impressions
First look at the new Sigam 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM | Art lens. The newest lens in Sigma’s lineup is a full-frame constant-aperture wide-to-tele zoom with OS.
Chasing Fall Color with the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art Lens
Exploring the world through the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art lens on the hunt for varying colors and textures, and levels sharpness and blur can create images that are at once new, and yet instantly recognizable. Close-up focusing on a pumpkin, for example, gives a shallow slice of sharpness, and lovely focus fall-off in a composition that’s pure seasonal color. And a single turning leaf backlit by the sun tells the story of autumn in a very different way than a sweeping vista of an entire hillside.
Seeing the Light with the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.0 DC OS HSM | C
The Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.0 DC OS HSM | C is the first lens in the Contemporary line originally announced last September. This fast aperture standard zoom is a serious step up from the bundled kit zoom that covers a similar…
Exercise your Creativity with Prime Lenses
More and more I find my self shooting one of three Sigma prime focal length lenses in the studio… the 50mm f/1.4, the 85mm f/1.4 and the 150mm f/2.8 OS macro. I noticed that zooms were making me a bit lazy. Hey! It’s a lot easier to twist a zoom ring that it is to move a 300 pound studio stand even if it is on wheels. So why do I do it? A couple of reasons. Perspective, perspective, perspective. I shoot full frame Canon cameras. Their normal focal length is almost 50mm. That’s about the same angle of view as we see with our eyes. I use the 50 mainly for full length photographs.
Macro Photography: How Sensor Format Affects Image Depth of Field
One of the biggest challenges with macro photography is working with a limited depth of field or DOF. When I am shooting macro I am always trying to make sure the subject and elements in the frame appear sharp by adjusting the aperture and making sure the important elements in image fall on the plane of focus by adjusting my angle of view. But there is another important element that has a huge effect on DOF that most people don’t even know about, how a different sensor format can and will effect the depth of field in your image. Moving to a smaller sensor format at the same apparent magnification will give you lots more DOF to work with in your macro images.
The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art: Another Look at this Amazing Lens
It was just about a year ago that the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art lens was announced at Photokina 2012 as part of the Sigma Global Vision. And what a year it has been for this amazing wide, fast prime! This lens quickly won the hearts of both technical reviewers and creative photographers around the world for its amazing optical performance even wide open at F1.4, its design and build, and of course, its incredibly competitive street price.
Why the New Lens Mount Conversion Service is Great for Photographers
Many times I’ve been asked on Facebook and elsewhere if it is possible for a photographer to keep their favorite Sigma lens and get a lens mount swap after making the decision to switch from one camera to the next, and now, finally, I can answer them with the answer they (and I) want to hear! As of September 2, 2013, owners of lenses in Sigma’s line of the Sigma Global Vision lenses: Art, Sports, and Contemporary, can now send their lenses in for a mount swap. This is a paid service, and lenses will be shipped to our Aizu, Japan factory for the mount conversion