Sigma announces 20mm and 24mm F1.4 prime lenses

Sigma announced two new fast prime lenses - the 20mm and 24mm F1.4 DG DN lenses for L-mount and Sony E-mount.

The 20mm F1.4 and 24mm F1.4 lenses sit alongside the already released 35mm and 85mm models in Sigma's series of F1.4 primes.

 Let's start with the 20mm F1.4 DG GN. It's constructed of 17 elements in 15 groups, including two Super-Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and three aspherical elements. Two of these are double-sided aspherical elements, which the company says contribute to ‘outstanding optical performance’ across the entire frame.

The 24mm F1.4 is constructed of 17 elements in 14 groups, including two 'F' Low-Dispersion (FLD) elements, one Super-Low-Dispersion (SLD) element and four aspherical elements.

Both lenses internal autofocus is driven via a stepping motor that's compatible with Sony’s AF Assist functions. On supported L-mount cameras, the lens will work in both linear and non-linear focus ring response modes.

There are physical rings for both focus and aperture and a switch on the barrel of the lens can click and de-click the aperture ring on-demand. There’s also a Manual Focus Lock (MFL) switch that disables the focus ring after you’ve achieved optimum focus on a subject.

Other features include an array of coatings, including Sigma's Nano Porous Coating (NPC) and a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front-most element of the lens, both lenses have an 11-blade rounded aperture diaphragm, a minimum focusing distance of 25cm, a 72mm front filter thread, and the 20mm ships with a 'Lens Heater Retainer' to reduce the build-up of condensation when the camera is taken from a warm bag into cold weather by preventing lens heaters from becoming dislodged.

The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN lens retails for $899USD ($1295 AUD), and the 24mm F1.4 DG DN for $799 ($1149 AUD). Both will be available from later this month. See Sigma's website for more.