Sigma is engaged on a novel telephoto lens that has “in no way existed sooner than” – here’s what it could be
- Broad-ranging interview with Sigma CEO finishes with new lens teaser
- The upcoming product is a “telephoto lens that has in no way existed sooner than”
- We have no idea what the lens is however, or when it is coming
“Might you give us a teaser for one factor that’s coming?” asks Sigma UK govt Tim Berry on the end of a wide-ranging 30-minute interview with Sigma’s CEO, Kazuto Yamaki, shared on Sigma’s YouTube channel (watch underneath). Kazuto drops a suitably obscure nonetheless nonetheless thrilling teaser – “certainly one of many merchandise that excites me masses is a telephoto lens that has in no way existed sooner than”.
We have no idea when the model new lens could be formally revealed, nonetheless the family-owned lens specialist’s video is enough to get any sports activities actions and wildlife photographer excited – Sigma is taken under consideration to be the principle third-party lens maker for Sony mirrorless cameras and others, delivering superb top quality lenses for spherical half the value of proprietary optics.
Kazuto’s comment is unquestionably enough to get my thoughts ticking about what this new lens could be. In June 2024, Sigma launched the world’s first F1.8 zoom lens, and later a do-it-all 28-105mm F2.8 for Sony and Panasonic cameras. It’s no stranger to lens innovation, so what can we pretty anticipate a very new and distinctive Sigma telephoto lens to be?
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The seemingly Sigma telephoto contenders
There’s a growth for making smaller and lighter second-generation lenses of present classics – take Sony’s superb FE 85mm F1.4 GM II, which we awarded lens of the 12 months inside the Tech Radar Choice Awards 2024. As useful as a smaller and lighter design may be for what are in another case cumbersome telephotos lenses, I’d not class that distinction alone as one factor that has in no way existed sooner than. No, I consider we’re talking new numbers, whether or not or not it’s a never-before seen focal measurement or zoom range, or a brighter than-ever most aperture for a particular telephoto focal measurement.
Sigma made the first-ever full-frame F1.8 zoom lens earlier this 12 months, so we might see the next zoom range up from that with F1.8 aperture to work as a pair, equal to a 45-90mm F1.8. Nonetheless, that may be a regular focal measurement, and Kazuto says the upcoming lens is a telephoto. I consider we’re talking a lens even previous the 70-200mm lens range – although a big 70-200mm F2 could be potential – and one factor 200mm or above, like a 200-400mm F3.5? An aperture that giant is commonly current in pricey primes.
If I was to hedge a wager, albeit an optimistic one, I would go for a faster-than-ever telephoto prime, equal to 300mm F2, with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter. Now which may be one factor. Or might Sigma be engaged on its most telephoto lens ever, an 800mm F6.3?
We have no idea the timeline for when this thriller new lens goes to be unveiled, nonetheless I might be one among many tuning into Sigma’s dwell announcement when the date is made clear.
