By technical editor Matt Allard:

Just two days out from the start of the CP+ camera and imagining show in Yokohama, Japan Sigma have announced their latest edition to the Art series of lenses. The new 24mm F1.4 joins the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM, 30mm F1.4 DC HSM, 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM, 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, 50mm F1.4 DG HSM, 19mm F2.8 DN, 30mm F2.8 DN and 60mm F2.8 DN.

The Sigma Art series lenses have proven to be very popular with video shooters for offering terrific performance at a reasonable price point. The 50mm F1.4 and 18-35mm F1.8 in particular have found their way into a lot of shooters kits. The 24mm F1.4 looks to be another great addition to the lineup.

The 24mm F1.4 Art wide angle lens is designed for full-frame DSLRs, and when used on digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, it effectively becomes a 38mm. According to Sigma the lens is ideal for capturing a variety of photography subjects, including cityscapes, mountain ranges, astrophotography and weddings and is great for videography work as well. It also excels at indoor photography in low illumination thanks to the combination of exceptional focal plane sharpness, and gorgeous bokeh rendered by nine rounded aperture blades.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 9.8 inches. The 24mm incorporates both “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass and Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass in a design of 15 elements in 11 groups to minimize chromatic aberration of magnification especially in the edge of the image field. The layout includes aspherical elements that are positioned in the rear of the lens for improved wide open performance. This helps to ensure minimal distortion through the correction of axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare. The new lens element design also delivers excellent peripheral brightness.

Other updates to this lens include a new full-time manual focusing mechanism that switches to manual focusing, simply by rotating the focus ring, even when AF is being used, first introduced on the 50mm Art. This allows the user to make focus adjustments quickly and easily.

“The Sigma Art lenses are recognized by photographers for world-class performance, and the new 24mm F1.4 DG HSM will be a significant contribution to our selection of fast aperture prime lenses which is quickly becoming a strong force in the industry” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “Sigma is redefining the expectations of fast-aperture full-frame prime lens performance, especially wide-open, and the results the 24mm F1.4 will deliver will be up to the exacting standards set by the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM and 50mm F1.4 DG HSM .”

Lens construction 15 elements in 11 groups

Minimum aperture F16

Filter size 77㎜

Angle of view (35mm equivalent) 84.1°

Minimum focusing distance 25 cm / 9.8 in.

Dimensions (diameter x length) φ85mm x 90.2mm / 3.3 in. x 3.6 in.

Number of diaphragm blades 9 (Rounded diaphragm)

Maximum magnification ratio 1：5.3

Weight 665 g / 23.5 oz.

Mount Conversion Service

Over the years, SIGMA has manufactured an extremely wide variety of interchangeable lenses. Leveraging our unique know-how and resources, we present our new Mount Conversion Service, which will be available for the SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG OS HSM | Art and other SIGMA interchangeable lenses

SIGMA will convert the current lens mount internal components, allowing you to continue using your favorite SIGMA lenses from the new product lines with a different camera body. Thanks to this service, you can use a favorite lens for many years to come, unrestricted by your original choice of camera system.

Note: SIGMA’s mount conversion service differs from ordinary repairs and product support and is not offered at your local SIGMA dealer or camera store. To access this service, please communicate directly with SIGMA.

The lens will be available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts, and timing, pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.