Tiffen Apex
Vanguard Veo 37
It’s rare that DX-format shooters can enjoy a better quality lens than FX ones. However, that was the case with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM | A, which aimed to span popular effective focal lengths of 28mm, 35mm and 50mm, and deliver the same image quality of three f/1.8 prime lenses in one convenient zoom package. In practice, the lens lives up to its claims and is something of a masterstroke.
Sigma is aiming to replicate the success of this DX-format lens with a new FX-format optic that covers classic wide-angle focal lengths of 24mm, 28mm and 35mm, albeit with a slightly slower f/2 constant aperture. Based on similar ‘Art’ line lenses that we’ve seen from Sigma, build quality of the new 24-35mm is likely to be excellent. Highlights include top-grade FLD (Fluorite-equivalent Low Dispersion) glass; compatibility with Sigma’s optional USB dock for firmware upgrades; and a fully internal zoom mechanism. It’s no lightweight, weighing 940 grams and measuring 88x123mm, with an 82mm filter thread to reduce vignetting. However, it’ll still be a lot easier to lug around, and much more convenient to use, than three fast wide-angle prime lenses. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: If the quality’s as good as expected, this three-in-one zoom will be a winner.
Tiffen’s award-winning filter technology is now available in the XLE range of filters: Apex, Advantix and Axent. These filters are designed to enable you to shoot long exposures even in bright sunlight and still get exceptional image quality. The Apex is the most colour-neutral of the range and features a standard near-infrared blocker, and Tiffen’s own Hot Mirror infrared blocker. These help to eliminate colour casts caused by infrared light when taking a long exposure.