First Look at Sigma’s “I” Series Lenses "I" is for Inspiring

Sigma introduced today 3 new FF compact and uniquely build mirrorless lenses for Sony E and Panasonic/Leica/Sigma L mounts including 24mm F3.5 DG DN, 35mm F2 DG DN, and a 65mm F2 DG DN that together with the already released 45mm F2.8 DG DN (see our review from last year) form a new line of lenses.

Earlier today Sigma introduced a new line of lenses called “I”. This new line doesn’t replace the Art, Sport, or Contemporary lines of lenses Sigma has but instead can be looked at as a “subcategory” (especially since all current I lenses bear the C or Contemporary marking).

The new I series lenses

So let’s take a closer look at the three new lenses and what they bring to the table. First, they all share the same type of all-metal body design with an aperture ring (that moves in clicks), relatively lightweight and a very unique look (with rings that looks as if they can fit follow focus gears – we actually didn’t try but these lenses are designed prematurely for stills work).

The three new lenses are:

  • 24mm F3.5 DG DN – this wide-angle lens has a 1:2 macro magnification (10cm min focus range), it has 10 elements in 8 groups including a single SLD and 3 aspherical elements. The lens has 7 aperture blades, a 55mm filter thread, and a  Stepping motor AF system. It will start selling soon for $550.
  • 35mm F2 DG DN – This lens also has 10 elements but in 9 groups (again with a single SLD and 3 aspherical elements), the magnification is not that impressive (1:5.7 with a min focus distance of 27cm). It has an AF/MF switch and will cost $640.
  • 65mm F2 DG DN – This third lens is a shirt telephoto with 12 elements in 9 groups, a min focus distance of 55 cm (but only 1:6.8 macro magnification, so unlike the amazing Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 65mm f/2 – this is definitely not a macro lens or even close). Pricing is set for $700.

One other interesting little addition that Sigma added to this new line are magnetic caps. Yap, these are the first that we know of from a major manufacturer (at least on an AF lens). The idea is really cool but the implementation seems to need some improvement as you can’t use the caps with a hood since they are smooth on the front (Sigma needs to make them so it will be easy to remove just like regular caps).

The three new lenses announced today

Sigma has done a good job pushing this new line with lots of media coverage and here are a number of early hands-on reviews, above you can see our colleagues from DPR looking at both the 35mm F2 DG DN and the 65mm F2 DG DN (please note that the 24mm f/3.5 DG DN is missing and will probably only arrive in early 2021):

Dustin Abbott on the new 35mm F2 DG DN

YouTube player

Christopher Frost on the 65mm F2 DG DN

YouTube player

If you don’t want to miss any new photography products be sure to check out our product photography section on our photo gear channel.

Iddo Genuth
Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *