CP+ 2024: 15 mm fisheye and 500 mm super telephoto lens, Sigma is making the big difference!

Sigma presents two quickly different optics at the CP+ 2024 trade show, which is held in Yokohama, Japan. The first is a big compact baby weighing almost 1.4 kg: the 15 mm f/1.4 DG DN Diagonal Fisheye. As its name suggests, it is a very (very) wide-angle lens which falls into the category called fisheye.

Fisheye optics have the particularity of offering a very short focal length and offering a field angle (in the diagonal of the sensor) of 180°. But while these fisheye lenses often offer poor results, especially at the edges of the image, Sigma claims excellent image quality and a generous aperture of f/1.4.

Sigma highlights a high-end optical construction with 21 elements divided into four groups, including four FLD low dispersion glass elements, three exclusive FLD glass elements, low dispersion SLD, and two aspherical lenses. A complex set of lenses to ensure a high level of image quality, even if the photos – and this is a desired effect of fisheye – will be well distorted unlike rectilinear optics. ©areas.

In terms of target, Sigma seems very clear and precise that…By correcting sagittal coma, flare and other aberrations, the lens can accurately reproduce bright spots across the entire image, even at wide aperture, making this lens ideal for astrophotography.†And the optician recalled that with this 15 mm and the existing 14 mm, 20 mm and 24 mm, the company offered a quartet at f/1.4 of choice for photos of starry skies s. But also architectural shots.

On the mechanical side, the machine integrates an 11-blade diaphragm and high-response linear motor (HLA) to focus quickly and precisely. No filter in front of its huge front lens, which receives a double hydrophobic and oleophobic treatment, but a standard gelatin filter holder is present under the frame (in brass). Note that the rear lens cap is designed specifically for this lens and as such, it allows gelatin filters to be transported safely.

Still in the category of well-thought-out details, Sigma has integrated a small stop at the front of the lens. Its mission is to maintain a “Ribbon-shaped heating element that fits around the lens to prevent condensation from forming inside the lens when the temperature drops†. Well seen for those who spend cold evenings outside.

At the other end of the photographic spectrum, the second lens announced by Sigma is a 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS super telephoto lens. The manufacturer did not wish to offer a more generous opening, undoubtedly to limit weight and bulk. It is also necessary to take into account that the target boxes (Sony or Panasonic) are mainly equipped with mechanical stabilization.

With just under 1.4 kg on the scale (1370 g), the telephoto lens has a very decent weight for such magnification power. From the “S†range for sports, it is designed for outdoor use and as such, it is protected against dust and bad weather. To limit the total weight, the drum is not entirely made of metal, but is made mainly of plastic materials, and more precisely a polycarbonate called TSC (Thermally Stable Composite). With resistance properties, particularly thermal, close to aluminum, it is able to withstand the vicissitudes of life, while having an affinity with metal parts. Which facilitates its integration with other elements such as the brass ring, magnesium parts, etc.

In terms of design, this optically stabilized 500 mm is composed of 20 lenses (including three FLD, two SLD) grouped into 14 groups. Sigma chose to use several large diameter low dispersion glass lenses. The aim of these XXL lenses is to reduce the length of the objective without using heavy and expensive diffractive lenses. This optical formula is served by an 11-blade diaphragm and protected from the rays by a new exclusive sun visor, also designed in the same light and resistant polycarbonate. Note that if the 500 mm is not enough for you, the 500 mm f/5.6 DG DN OS is compatible (in L version only) with Sigma teleconverters to push up to 700 mm with an x1.4 (aperture reduced to f/8.0), or even 1000 mm with the x2 (aperture reduced this time to f/11).

In terms of focusing, a very fast linear motor (High Response Linear Actuator, or HLA) drives the moving lens group much more quickly and quietly than older ultrasonic motors. Far from being a brute of plastic, metal and glass, this 500 mm obviously carries electronics… and software. Notably Sigma’s latest in-house optical stabilization algorithm called OS2. Sigma claims five stabilization speeds, with two selectable modes on the barrel: mode 1 for general shots and mode 2 specially designed for successful shots spun, both in horizontal and vertical framing.

Both lenses will be available for FE and L mounts at a date not yet communicated.

The 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Diagonal Fisheye is expected to launch at 2119.
The 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS is expected to launch at €3199.