GEAR MINI TESTS
We try out the super-quick standard zoom for APS-C from Sigma, a specialist 3D microphone system, as well as drives from Western Digital and Sandisk
WORDS ADAM DUCKWORTH
SIGMA 17-40MM F/1.8 DC ART LENS £779/$919 sigmauk.com
Sigma’s 17-40mm f/1.8 Art lens is a remarkable evolution for APS-C zoom lens functionality and design. Made exclusively for crop-sensor mirrorless systems, it pushes beyond its predecessor – the groundbreaking 18-35mm f/1.8 DSLR lens of 2013 – by offering a slightly broader focal range, while reducing weight by more than 30% and improving overall portability. A constant f/1.8 aperture across the zoom range elevates it above a more typical f/2.8 zoom, enabling low- light shooting and rich background separation with prime-like rendering. Its image quality is outstanding – particularly sharp in the centre and midfield, even wide open, exhibiting fine detail, high contrast and minimal chromatic aberration thanks to SLD and aspherical elements combined with Super Multi-Layer coating. If you’re into serious pixel- peeping and test charts, edge and corner performance isn’t perfect wide open, and some longitudinal chromatic aberration can appear in out-of-focus areas of high-contrast scenes. But in practice, especially when shooting video, these limitations aren’t very noticeable or detrimental. Critically, the lens excels in smooth aperture control and suppressed focus breathing – key attributes for video creators. The stepless aperture ring, or control ring on Canon RF, allows fluid changes in iris, while minimal focus shift ensures stable framing during rack focus moves. AF – driven by the HLA linear motor – is fast, near silent and precise, even in dim lighting. It’s
SPECIFICATIONS
Focal length: 17-40mm Mount: Leica L, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF Image coverage: APS-C Aperture: F/1.8-16 Aperture blades: 11, rounded Construction: 17 elements in 11 groups, including 4 SLD and 4 aspherical elements Image stabilisation: None Minimum focusing: 28cm/11in
Filter size: 67mm Dimensions (wxl): 72.9x115.9mm/2.9x4.6in Weight: 535g/1.18lb
repellent front coating, two assignable AFL buttons and aperture lock switch to prevent accidental iris changes. The zoom range, covering an equivalent of approximately 25.5-60mm on APS-C systems or 27.2-64mm on Canon RF, delivers flexibility for portraits, events and environmental storytelling without having to swap lenses. Of course, you also get the benefit of the fast f/1.8 aperture that’s great for low light or for creative use of bokeh, to give a real three-dimensionality to your footage. A useful feature is that the lens maintains a 28cm/11in minimum
perfect for single-operator gimbal use or run-and-gun shooting. In terms of handling, Sigma’s use of an internal zoom mechanism keeps length constant when zooming, minimising dust and moisture ingress and enhancing balance, whether used handheld, on a tripod or gimbal. At just 535g/1.18lb, and with a 67mm filter thread, the lens is travel- friendly, especially compared to its bulkier predecessor and many full- frame zooms. The build quality feels up to pro use, with Sigma’s Thermally Stable Composite housing, dust and splash resistance, a water- and oil-
SIGMA CHAMELEON The fast f/1.8 aperture and amazing image quality really help transform APS-C cameras like this Sony A6300 (above)
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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