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SIGMA has released the 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art lens, a constant aperture zoom designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras. The lens covers a 25.5-60mm equivalent focal length range (27.2-64mm on Canon RF mount), and maintains f/1.8 throughout the zoom range. Let’s take a closer look.
The lens uses 17 elements arranged in 11 groups, incorporating four aspherical elements and four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements. This configuration addresses chromatic aberrations and reduces flare and ghosting. The 11-blade rounded diaphragm contributes to circular bokeh rendering.
According to SIGMA, the optical performance matches their 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens. The constant f/1.8 aperture and 11-inch minimum focusing distance across the zoom range provide a maximum magnification of 1:4.8 at 40mm.
This lens represents SIGMA’s third constant f/1.8 zoom lens, following the 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art and 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lenses for APS-C cameras.
Compared to the 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art, the new lens achieves a weight reduction of over 30% at 535g while extending the focal range. The lens uses a 67mm filter thread, one size smaller than its predecessor, and measures 72.9mm × 115.9mm.
The lens features internal zoom mechanics, maintaining consistent length during operation for gimbal compatibility. Focus breathing suppression aims to reduce focal length shifts during focus pulls. The High-speed Linear Actuator (HLA) autofocus system operates quietly for video recording.
Two customizable AFL (Auto Focus Lock) buttons are positioned on the lens barrel – one on the side and one on top for both horizontal and vertical shooting positions. On FUJIFILM X mount, these function as AF function buttons with switchable AF lock/activation.
Most mounts feature a dedicated aperture ring with a click/de-click switch. The click switch can be disabled for silent aperture changes during video recording. The lock switch prevents accidental aperture changes during shooting. Canon RF mount uses a control ring instead of a dedicated aperture ring and omits the click/lock switches.
Construction includes dust and splash resistance with weather sealing. The front element carries water and oil-repellent coating. A brass bayonet mount provides durability for frequent lens changes.
L-mount versions support both linear and non-linear focus modes, where compatible with camera bodies, and work with the SIGMA USB Dock UD-11 for lens updates and customization.
The SIGMA 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art will be sold for $919 and be available for L-mount, Sony E-mount, and FUJIFILM X-mount on July 10, 2025, while the Canon RF mount will follow in August 2025.
What do you think about the new SIGMA zoom lens? Would you consider adding it to your arsenal of lenses? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
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Johnnie Behiri is a documentary filmmaker with more than three decades behind the camera: he learned the craft in daily television news gathering, filmed for Japan's public broadcaster NHK, and spent eight years shooting and editing for BBC News. He joined cinema5D in 2011 and has co-owned and co-run CineD and MZed ever since. Johnnie writes many of CineD's camera reviews, co-hosts our weekly Focus Check podcast, and heads CineD's manufacturer relationships and product development.