Widest-ever ultra-wide lens with a bright f/1.4 aperture poses difficulties for crop sensor cameras
In the world of mirrorless cameras, Sigma has unveiled a new addition to its Contemporary line - the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC | Contemporary lens. This ultra-wide, ultra-bright prime lens is designed specifically for APS-C format mirrorless cameras, offering a unique blend of wide-angle capture and low-light performance.
Written by Hillary K. Grigonis, a seasoned camera and technology journalist with over a decade of experience, this article provides an in-depth look at the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC | Contemporary lens.
The lens, set to hit the market on September 4, 2025, is compatible with Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Canon RF APS-C mirrorless systems. It delivers an 18mm equivalent field of view (for Sony E), high optical performance with special low dispersion and aspherical elements, and a compact, lightweight design ideal for travel and handheld shooting.
Key features include:
- An ultra-wide 12mm focal length with an F1.4 aperture for bright, expansive capture
- High-quality optics with three double-sided aspherical and two SLD glass elements
- A compact size (68mm diameter, 69.4mm length) and light weight (225g)
- Suitability for low-light, night, landscape, interiors, vlogging, and group selfies
The lens is sealed against dust and splashes, with a water and oil-repellent coating on the front glass. It also uses a stepping motor for autofocus, offering fast, precise autofocus.
Sigma claims the lens is the first to mix a 12mm focal length with a bright f/1.4 aperture. The lens is constructed with 14 elements in 12 groups, including three double-sided aspherical elements and two SLD glass elements.
The list price of the Sigma 12mm f/1.4 Contemporary lens is $629 / £519 (about AU$1,080). This competitive pricing places it between Sigma's own 16mm f/1.4 Contemporary and the prices of the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 and the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 G.
For those interested in astrophotography, the Sigma 12mm f/1.4 Contemporary lens is designed with optics to help correct sagittal coma flare, keeping fine details sharp. For landscape photography enthusiasts, the lens provides links to the best landscape photography lenses.
This new Sigma lens is a promising addition to any APS-C camera owner's arsenal, offering a unique combination of wide-angle capture, low-light performance, and compact design.
[1] Sigma Global Vision: Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC | Contemporary Lens Announced [2] Digital Camera World: Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary lens announced [3] Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd: Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary Lens Announced [4] Sigma Imaging (USA) Inc.: Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary Lens Announced [5] Sigma Imaging (Japan) Inc.: Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary Lens Announced
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