Sigma patents reveal more constant-aperture zoom lens concepts for APS-C DSLRs
posted Friday, June 13, 2014 at 9:51 AM EDT
Just recently, Sigma announced availability of its groudbreaking 18-35mm f/1.8 lens for Sony Alpha and Pentax K-mount cameras in addition to the existing Canon, Sigma, and Nikon versions. The lens, which is part of Sigma's Art series, is currently the fastest zoom lens for APS-C DSLRs, and the only one that sports a constant f/1.8 aperture throughout its zoom range.
A series of patents that have been published by Egami reveal that Sigma was, or may still be, considering other options for constant-aperture APS-C lenses as well. Besides the 18-35mm f/1.8, the patents show concepts for 15-30mm f/1.8 and 17-35mm f/1.8, which may both be previously considered alternatives to the former. In addition, Sigma has filed patents for a 16-50mm f/2.8 lens as well as for a 12-24mm f/2.8 lens.
These two options may or may not still be under consideration by Sigma, and would most certainly be welcome additions to the company's lens portfolio. With an equivalent focal range of 24-75mm, the 16-50mm f/2.8 would be a viable alternative to comparable full frame options by the major manufacturers such as Canon's 24-70mm f/2.8 -- but for users of cameras with the smaller APS-C sensor.
The 12-24mm f/2.8 lens, on the other hand, would sport an 18-36mm equivalent focal range, which would make it a very versatile and, at the same time, very fast wide-angle option. Whether or not either of these lenses is ever going to see the light of day, it is pretty evident from these patents that Sigma is serious about providing high-quality and high-performance alternatives that will give the original manufacturers' options a run for their money.
(via Sony Alpha Rumors)