Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art for Astrophotography

Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art for Astrophotography

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© Rino Giardiello

Ronkonkoma, NY—Sigma Corporation of America introduced the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens. Specifically for astrophotography, the new Art lens is a full-frame, ultrawide-angle prime exclusively for mirrorless cameras. Moreover, it is available in Sony E and Leica L mounts.

“This is the world’s widest f/1.4 single focal length lens, born from our engineers’ passion for capturing the widest, brightest, highest-resolution and most captivating starry sky images possible [excluding fisheyes, as of June 2023],” Sigma announced.

The lens has a feature set specifically for astrophotography. These features include a removable tripod socket, an MFL switch (manual focus lock function), a lens heater retainer, as well as a rear filter holder. It also has a specially designed front cap with a locking mechanism and filter storage.

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© Jack Fusco. Shot on the Sigma fp L camera in the California desert near Death Valley.

What’s more, its ultrawide 14mm angle of view can capture wide starry skies. And its bright f/1.4 aperture minimizes exposure time. Both are ideal specifications for astrophotography. While optimized for starscapes, photographers can also use this lens for high-end architecture, real estate and landscape photography, as well as portraits and indoor photography.

The starry sky is a demanding subject for a wide-angle lens, with its numerous tiny point light sources spread over the entire image. However, engineered for astrophotography, the lens combines an ultrawide 14mm angle and a maximum f/1.4 aperture with Sigma’s latest optical technologies. These technologies result in the correction of sagittal coma flare; specialized functions to support starry landscape photography; and high-speed autofocus with the HLA (high-response linear actuator) linear motor.

Key Features of Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art
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Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art

Furthermore, the lens design comprises 19 elements in 15 groups. Among them are one SLD (special low dispersion) glass element, three FLD (fluorite equivalent) glass elements as well as four aspherical lens elements. They work to achieve aberration correction.

In particular, sagittal coma flare, which distorts the shape of stars, was corrected for edge-to-edge sharpness. Additionally, ghosting and flare are also addressed through both the optical design and multilayer coatings to achieve clear, crisp shooting of starry sky and night scenes.

Among the other features that support starscape photography is a detachable, Arca Swiss-compatible tripod mount. Consequently, photographers can mount the lens on a tripod in a more stable condition, as it is heavier on the front side. Further, the shape will prevent interference even when using the lens heater.

Also featured is an MF switch to lock the manual focus at a desired position. This prevents focus shift caused by unintentional operation of the focus ring. This is useful for long-exposure photography where the focus is fixed.

More Special Features

Also for starscape photography is the lens’s heater. The belt-shaped heater wrapped around the lens prevents condensation from forming inside the lens when the temperature drops. Steps around the front and lens heater retainers prevent the heater from protruding into the front of the lens and causing vignetting.

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Astrophotography images © KAGAY

In addition, a rear filter holder is provided for attaching a sheet-type rear filter. Its lock mechanism also prevents the filter from falling out. Sigma also includes a cover-type front cap with a locking mechanism. Its newly developed filter slot holds two rear filters. The cap is specifically for the 14mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art to protect sheet filters from scratches and dirt while also ensuring they are not mistakenly taken out or forgotten.

Art Line Lens Features

Beyond its functions specifically for shooting starscapes, the lens offers various functions to assist in shooting in general. For example, an AFL button enables any function to be assigned, and there is an aperture ring. The lens body is also dust and splash resistant. And the frontmost surface is coated with a water- and stain-repellent coating for outdoor shooting.

With an inner focus system, the lens has a robust internal structure to support a lens with such a large aperture. Sigma uses lightweight materials such as polycarbonate TSC (thermally stable composite), which has a thermal shrinkage rate equivalent to that of aluminum. It also uses magnesium in appropriate locations to reduce weight while maintaining robustness.

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Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art

Another feature is compatibility with lens aberration correction functions of supported cameras. The lens also supports DMF and AF+MF and works with the AF-assist function on Sony E-mount cameras. Moreover, its aperture ring has an aperture ring click switch and ring lock switch. Rounding out its features are a focus mode switch, support for switching between linear and nonlinear focus ring settings (L mount only); an 11-bladed rounded diaphragm; and a brass bayonet mount.

The Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art lens will reach retail in late June. It will have a suggested retail price of $1,599.

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