SIGMA Contemporary Line Adds Four AF Lenses for Canon RF APS-C Cameras

Lens News

by Dave KratzNovember 21^st, 2024

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SIGMA has rolled out four new lenses for Canon RF APS-C cameras, expanding their Contemporary line to include options previously unavailable to Canon users. This announcement is particularly notable because Canon has, until recently, maintained tight control over their RF mount, preventing third-party manufacturers from offering autofocus (AF) lenses.

These lenses—the 16mm f/1.4, 23mm f/1.4, 30mm f/1.4, and 56mm f/1.4—aren’t exactly new. They’ve been available for other mounts like Sony E, MFT, Leica L, Nikon Z, and FUJIFILM X for a while.

SIGMA’s 16mm, 30mm, and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lenses have been featured on CineD before. In February 2022, we covered their release for the FUJIFILM X-mount, highlighting their fast apertures and compact design for APS-C sensor cameras. For more insight into their performance on other systems, check out the full article here.

Now, Canon users have access to the same designs that have already gained some traction with photographers and videographers working with different systems. Here’s a closer look at what each lens brings to the table.

SIGMA 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 25.6mm
• Aperture Range: f/1.4–f/16
• Filter Size: 67mm
• Weight: 405 g (14.29 oz)
• Price: $449
  Check out the SIGMA 16mm f/1.4 on B&H

The 16mm f/1.4 is a wide-angle lens designed for things like landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography. It’s relatively lightweight and has a bright maximum aperture, which can help in low-light situations or when you want to blur out the background a bit. It might be a solid option for RF APS-C users if you’re looking to shoot wide without breaking the bank.

SIGMA 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 37mm
• Aperture Range: f/1.4–f/16
• Filter Size: 52mm
• Weight: 320 g (11.29 oz)
• Price: $549
  Check out the SIGMA 23mm f/1.4 on B&H

With its focal length equivalent to 37mm on full-frame, the 23mm f/1.4 lands in that sweet spot for street photography, travel, and everyday shooting. It’s compact, fairly lightweight, and offers a bright aperture for shooting in lower light. Some photographers may appreciate its versatility, as it’s close to a natural field of view.

SIGMA 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 48mm
• Aperture Range: f/1.4–f/16
• Filter Size: 52mm
• Weight: 265 g (9.35 oz)
• Price: $339
  Check out the SIGMA 30mm f/1.4 on B&H

The 30mm f/1.4 offers a slightly longer perspective compared to the 23mm, making it a decent option for portraits or general-purpose use. Its f/1.4 aperture lets in plenty of light and can give you some separation between your subject and the background. It’s also on the lighter side, so it won’t weigh down your kit.

SIGMA 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 89.6mm
• Aperture Range: f/1.4–f/16
• Filter Size: 55mm
• Weight: 280 g (9.88 oz)
• Price: $479
  Check out the SIGMA 56mm f/1.4 on B&H

The 56mm f/1.4 sits in the telephoto range for APS-C cameras, making it an interesting choice for portrait photographers. It’s small, relatively light, and has an aperture that works well for low light and shallow depth of field. Videographers might also find it useful, given its minimal focus breathing and smooth autofocus performance.

More Options for Canon RF APS-C Users

Canon RF APS-C users haven’t had much variety when it comes to third-party autofocus lenses, so this announcement from SIGMA is a big deal. It doesn’t hurt that these lenses have already proven themselves on other platforms, either. Whether you’re after a wide-angle lens for landscapes or a telephoto option for portraits, this lineup offers a range of focal lengths and price points.

As a RED KOMODO shooter, it’s exciting to see more lens options becoming available for the RF system, particularly for APS-C mounts. While the KOMODO has its own specific needs, the addition of third-party lenses like these from SIGMA is a promising step toward greater flexibility across the RF ecosystem.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the details of these lenses, including performance and design, you can check out the full write-up on B&H Explora.

What do you think of SIGMA’s Contemporary line for the Canon RF APS-C system? Are these lenses a game-changer for RF users, or do you see yourself sticking with other options? Share your thoughts in the comments below!