Lens play a very important role in producing the photos you desire. Bokeh images with stunning detail can be produced perfectly by the right lens. Unfortunately, lenses produced by camera companies such as Nikon and Canon are quite expensive. This makes it difficult for many people to get the lens of their dreams.
Well, this time we want to recommend Sigma lenses. A manufacturer of third party lenses or third party lenses whose performance is not inferior to other lenses. In addition, we will also explain how to choose a Sigma lens according to your photography needs. Happy reading!
What kind of company is Sigma?
Sigma is a Japanese company engaged in the manufacture of lenses and cameras. Sigma is committed to maintaining “Made in Japan” quality in every product they produce.
From molding to finishing, everything is operated at the Aizu factory. Until now, Sigma is one of the companies that still maintains "Made in Japan" for all parts of its products.
Since its inception, Sigma has been committed to producing a product that is different from other similar products.
In fact, the first camera equipped with the Foveon X3 direct image sensor was launched by Sigma in 2002. Rare model lenses such as 50-100mm F1.8 or 10-35mm F1.8 zoom can also be found in this manufacturer.
How to choose a Sigma lens?
Sigma manufactures lenses for full frame cameras and cameras with APS-C sensors. Lens product names for full frame cameras are usually marked with the code 'DG', while lenses for APS-C sensors are marked 'DC'.
Lenses for full frame cameras can be used on APS-C camera bodies. However, if you use an APS-C lens on a full frame camera body, the corners of the screen will turn black. Well, let's look further so as not to choose the wrong one!
Choose based on three types of usage concepts
Sigma develops and sells each lens by dividing it into three types of concepts, namely contemporary, art, and sport.
All three have specialization fields according to their respective names. By using the lens according to the desired concept, of course you will get more optimal results. So, let's get to know each of these concepts briefly!
Contemporary, balance between performance and portability
If described in one word, contemporary is a balanced type of lens. This lens combines performance and portability. You will get a lens that is compact and easy to operate with no loss of performance in it.
Those of you who are beginners or are already professionals can use this concept lens. What's more, many lenses of this type tend to be cheaper than the other two types of lenses.
Art, advanced optical performance to maximize photo quality
This state-of-the-art lens emphasizes state-of-the-art optical performance. This is to maximize photo quality such as resolution and expression power.
It should be noted that these lenses are mostly large and heavy such as large diameter lenses and high performance zoom lenses. It may be difficult for those of you who are not used to using it.
However, if you want to capture your subject or take high-quality pictures, you can choose this lens. Users of this type of art lens are mostly professional and non-professional photographers who are used to using lenses.
Sport, optimize the lens' ability to capture moving objects
Of the three Sigma lens concepts, sport is the least in number and is mostly telephoto lenses. As the name implies, this lens is designed to optimize sport photography, especially for capturing moving objects.
This lens is indeed quite reliable when used to take pictures that require autofocus or fast focus. This type of lens is perfect for those of you who often take pictures of the theme of sport photography, bird photography, and railway photography.
Choose a lens that allows mount changes
Sigma has a mount replacement service. Usually, lenses from the same brand as the camera body can only be used for cameras of that brand. So, if you want to change the camera to another brand, you will not be able to use it.
Sigma saw this opportunity and started a mount replacement service with the concept that lenses are an asset. So, the lens should be able to be used for a long time even if you have a new camera.
Unfortunately, not all Sigma lenses are compatible with a mount replacement service. We recommend that you purchase a compatible lens if it is possible to change the camera to another brand in the future.
However, if you're not going to change brands, there's no problem buying lenses that aren't compatible with other camera brands.
Top 10 recommended Sigma lenses
Now that we know how to choose, we will now provide ten recommendations for the best Sigma lenses that you can choose from. Find the Sigma lens that best suits your photography needs.
1. Sigma OTHERS 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM
An ultra wide angle lens for a million people's flagship APS-C camera!
This lens is one of the most popular lenses from Sigma. This lens is known by many people because it has a relatively affordable price with capable ultra wide angle capabilities.
Of course, it is appropriate to use if you like to take panoramic views of the landscape. In addition, this lens is also very reliable for shooting in low light conditions, you know.
- Lens configuration: 13 elements in 10 groups
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Filter size: 82 mm
- Shortest shooting range: 24 cm
- Number of diaphragm blades: 7 blades
- Maximum diameter x total length: 87.3 mm × 88.2 mm
- Weight:520 g
2. Sigma Contemporary 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM
If you are still a beginner in learning photography, but are tired of kit lenses, this lens can be an option. The quality of the photos produced by this Sigma lens is quite sharp and dreamy.
You can also do macro photography with this Sigma lens at a shooting distance of 22 cm. This compact and lightweight lens is designed to be the ideal lens for all your photography purposes. With its high capability and compact size, this lens is suitable for everyday photography activities.
- Lens configuration: 16 elements in 14 groups
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Filter size: 72 mm
- Shortest shooting range: 22 cm
- Number of diaphragm blades: 7 blades (round diaphragm)
- Maximum diameter x total length: 79 mm × 82 mm
- Weight: 465 g
3. Sigma OTHERS 15mm F2.8 EX DG DIAGONAL FISHEYE
For those of you who want a lens that doesn't take up much space, this Sigma lens can be an option. Despite its tiny size, this fisheye lens can produce stunning, dramatic, and color-optimized images.
The combination of the unique 180 degree angle, flexibility, and high optical capability, will provide new angles of view.
Get ready for unusual photo results. In addition, the micromotor engine embedded in this lens is also quite fast when used when lighting is lacking.
- Lens configuration: 7 elements in 6 groups
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Filter size: Not mentioned
- Shortest shooting range: 15cm
- Number of diaphragm blades: 7 blades
- Maximum diameter x total length: 73.5 mm× 65 mm
- Weight: 370 g
4. Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM
This lens is the first Sigma wide-angle lens that can reach an aperture of 1.8. With an aperture of 1.8, this large aperture zoom lens is certainly capable of producing captivating bokeh photos.
This lens can also produce clear images in low light conditions. A lens that is very suitable for those of you who like to take pictures with an artistic touch. For those of you who use cameras with APS-C sensors, this lens can be an option to complement your camera gear.
- Lens configuration: 17 elements in 12 groups
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Filter size: 72 mm
- Shortest shooting range: 28 cm
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9 blades (round diaphragm)
- Maximum diameter x total length: 78mm × 121mm
- Weight: 810 g
5. Sigma Art 50mm F1.4 DG HSM
Introduced for the first time in 2014, this lens already has a lot of fans. This lens will produce maximum images when paired with a professional SLR camera with the latest sensor. The hypersonic motor that complements this lens ensures quiet and accurate autofocus.
At f/1.4 aperture, this lens produces sharper images than lenses from leading camera manufacturers. Interestingly, this lens is available in the market at a much more affordable price. The right choice for a prime lens of an extraordinary standard!
- Lens configuration: 13 elements in 8 groups
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Filter size: 77 mm
- Shortest shooting range: 40 cm
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9 blades (round diaphragm)
- Maximum diameter x total length: Sigma SA mount (85.4 mm × 99.9 mm), Sony e mount (85.4 mm x 125.9 mm), L mount (85.4 mm x 123.9 mm)
- Weight: Sigma SA mount (815 g), Sony e mount (910 g), L mount (890 g)
6. Sigma Art 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM
This Sigma lens is a replacement for the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro lens. Compared to its predecessor, this lens is more compact due to the new optical design.
This lens is also equipped with a hypersonic motor that makes focusing faster and smoother.
This zoom lens is perfect for those of you who often take pictures with beautiful scenery backgrounds. Especially if your camera has a high megapixel and the latest.
Also equipped with optical stabilization, this lens can reduce camera shake. Your camera can certainly produce images with stunning quality and great bokeh!
- Lens configuration: 19 elements in 14 groups
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Filter size: 82 mm
- Shortest shooting range: 37 cm
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9 blades (round diaphragm)
- Maximum diameter x total length: 88 mm × 107.6 mm
- Weight: 1,020 g
7. Sigma Art 85mm F1.4 DG HSM
This lens is designed to produce beautiful images. Equipped with a new optical design and made of premium components, this lens is capable of producing sharp and detailed images. It's a perfect match for full frame DSLR cameras that have a resolution of 50 MP or more.
This Sigma lens is suitable for various photographic needs, especially for portrait shots. Whether indoors or outdoors, you don't need to doubt the bokeh that comes from this lens with an aperture of 1.4. Your photo objects will be perfectly isolated and accentuated by beautiful backgrounds!
- Lens configuration: 14 elements in 12 groups
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Filter size: 86 mm
- Shortest shooting range: 85cm
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9 blades (round diaphragm)
- Maximum diameter x total length: Sigma SA mount (94.7 mm × 126.2 mm), Sony e mount (94.7 mm × 152.2 mm), L mount (94.7 mm × 150.2 mm)
- Weight: Sigma SA mount (1,130 g), Sony e mount (1,245 g), L mount (1,215 g)
8. Sigma Art 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM
This Sigma lens is a premium lens that is included in the concept of art. This lens is capable of producing maximum images when attached to a camera body with a full frame sensor. You can still mount this lens on APS-C sensor cameras, but with an adjustable focal length.
As a concept art lens, this lens can produce images with sharp and clear colors. The contrast of this lens is also high. This lens is suitable for those of you who often take continuous pictures or record videos. The results are guaranteed great!
- Lens configuration: 19 elements in 14 groups
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Filter size: 82 mm
- Shortest shooting range: 45cm
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9 blades (round diaphragm)
- Maximum diameter x total length: 88.6mm x 109.4mm
- Weight: 885 g
9. Sigma Contemporary 16mm F1.4 DC DN
If you need a daily lens that is affordable yet sturdy and the results are steady, this lens can be an option. This one lens can accommodate the needs of portrait photography, documentaries, and even natural scenery.
At an affordable price, this lens has a sturdy body and great performance. You would not expect this lens to produce such stunning images. Come on, immediately produce sharp images with fast autofocus and steady bokeh!
- Lens configuration: 16 elements in 13 groups
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Filter size: 67 mm
- Shortest shooting range: 25 cm
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9 blades (round diaphragm)
- Maximum diameter x total length: Sony E-mount (72.2 mm × 92.3 mm), CANON EF-M mount (72.2 mm × 92.3 mm), Micro Four Thirds (72.2 mm × 91.1 mm), L- mount (72.2 mm × 90.3 mm)
- Weight: Sony E-mount (405 g), CANON EF-M mount (405 g), Micro Four Thirds (395 g), L-mount (415 g)
10. Sigma Sports 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
This lens was first introduced in 2014. Inside this lens has been equipped with an ultrasonic motor and lens stabilizer, so you don't have to worry about shaking during the shooting process.
This lens also has high optical performance up to 600 mm and weather sealing. Plus, the lens's dust-proof and splash-resistant construction makes this lens perfect for wildlife photography. You no longer need to worry even if you are faced with extreme weather conditions.
- Lens configuration: 24 elements in 16 groups
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Filter size: 105 mm
- Shortest shooting range: 260 cm
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9 blades (round diaphragm)
- Maximum diameter x total length: 121mm x 290.2mm
- Weight: 2,860 g
Conclusion
The photos produced by the camera depend on the lens used. You can use multiple lenses to produce photos with different atmospheres. Unfortunately, special lenses from camera manufacturers are sold at quite high prices.
Sigma is present as a third party lens manufacturer, offering lenses with competitive quality and more affordable prices. What do you think of the ten Sigma lens recommendations above? Hope you find the Sigma lens of your dreams!
