SIGMA 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM | A

Sigma’s latest ultra-wide zoom aims high for image quality, handling and performance

We’ve long been fans of Sigma’s ultra-wide 12-24mm lens, with its extreme max viewing angle. The Mk II edition of the lens was great and the latest ‘Art’ edition is better, gaining a constantaperture rating of f/4. This newer addition to the Art line-up is more modest in its ultra-wide coverage, but an f-stop faster.

The standard of build quality is exemplary, with a tough and solid yet refined feel and a full set of weather-seals. Optical prowess benefits from a large-diameter, ultra-highprecision moulded glass aspherical front element, which teams up with three top-grade FLD (‘Fluorite’ Low Dispersion) elements and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements.

Typical of ultra-wide full-frame compatible lenses that have focal lengths of 15mm or less, there’s an integral lens hood to protect the protruding front element. In this case, however, you can have the hood removed as a service option from Sigma. For firmware upgrades and fine-tuning options, the lens is compatible with Sigma’s USB Dock.

Performance

Levels of sharpness are excellent across the image frame and throughout the entire zoom range, even when shooting wide-open at f/2.8. Colour fringing is negligible and, despite the Sigma having average scores for barrel distortion based on closerange test charts, it’s effectively a distortion-free lens in real-world shooting.

£1129/$1199