SIGMA introduces an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that is perfect for the era of ultra-high resolution digital cameras. The SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art offers an optimal package of center-to-edge image quality, minimized distortion, and minimum focusing distance. To achieve these qualities without compromise, SIGMA has leveraged its lens design expertise and all of its leading-edge technologies. Advanced materials such as low-dispersion glass play a crucial role, while SIGMAs advanced lens processing methods have made possible an aspherical lens of extremely large diameter.
Outstanding image quality - from center to edges
When it comes to ultra-wide-angle lenses, photographers require outstanding image quality from the center of the image to the edges without any distortion. Such performance is particularly valuable in architectural photography. The new SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art leverages SIGMAs accumulated expertise in the processing and manufacture of aspherical lenses and incorporates multiple aspherical lenses produced with precision glass molding. The lens also features lens elements made with FLD (F Low Dispersion) glass, which is equivalent to fluorite in performance, and an optimized power distribution. Together, these features help minimize distortion, transverse chromatic aberration, and coma flare. As a result, image quality is outstanding across the image, all the way to the edges.
Exclusive low-dispersion glass
The degree to which light is refracted by glass depends on the lights wavelength. This fact causes different colors of light to focus at slightly different points. The result is chromatic aberration, the color fringing that is particularly noticeable in telephoto lenses. Most chromatic aberration can be removed by combining a high-refractivity convex lens element with a low-refractivity concave element. Yet residual chromatic aberration known as secondary spectrum may still remain. To minimize this secondary spectrum, which can be a serious issue with conventional lenses, SIGMA lenses feature up to three types of exclusive low-dispersion glass offering superior performance: ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion), SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and FLD (F Low Dispersion). In particular, FLD glass offers ultra-low dispersion in combination with high transmittance and the anomalous dispersion characteristics of fluorite.
Flare and ghosting reduction
From an early stage in the lens design process, flare and ghosting have been measured to establish an optical design resistant to strong incident light sources such as backlighting. SIGMAs Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting to help photographers produce sharp and high contrast images even in backlit conditions.
Featuring an 80mm aspherical lens - the largest in this lens class
The SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM |Art features an 80mm large-diameter molded glass aspherical lens - the largest such element in this class of lens. This lens is highly effective in minimizing distortion, spherical aberration, and coma flare.
Newly designed HSM for nimble AF control
The newly designed Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) is large, offers 1.3 times the torque of its predecessor. Even at low speeds, it offers exceptionally stable performance
Minimum focusing distance of 24cm*
Leveraging the incredibly broad perspective of an ultra-wide-angle lens, photographers can compose close-up shots with impressively expansive backgrounds.
* At 24mm end of the zoom range
F4 brightness throughout the zoom range.
With F4 throughout the zoom range, this lens is one stop brighter than conventional lenses. Photographers can now use a higher shutter speed that will crisply capture leaves fluttering in the breeze and other quick-moving subjects. A constant aperture during zooming also makes this lens exceptionally easy to use.
Mount with dust and splash-proof construction
The lens mount incorporates rubber sealing to protect the mount from dust and water drops. The front and rear lenses feature a water- and oil-repellent coating that is particularly useful when shooting in a drizzle, near ocean spray, and in a wide variety of other conditions.
Rounded diaphragm
The 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur in the out-of-focus areas of the image.
