Pro Moviemaker Spring 2018PMM_SPRING 2018

GEAR

MINI TESTS

SIGMA 24-35MM T2.2 CINE ZOOM £4799/$4999 www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

SPECIFICATIONS Focal Length: 24-35mm Aperture range: T2.2-16 Number of DiaphragmBlades: 9 rounded Close focus: 0.28m/11in Image coverage: Full frame Front diameter: 95mm/3.7in Filter size: 82mm/3.2in Length: 122.7mm/4.8in Weight: 1450g/3.2lb Horizontal angle of view: 73.7- 54.4°

it replaces a 24mm and a 35mm prime. You’d be hard pushed to tell the difference in quality between this zoom compared to either of those lenses, apart from the faster maximum aperture. If you can live without T1.5, the zoommakes sense as it’s cheaper than buying two primes and takes up less room. At 1450g/3.2lb for the Canon-mount version we tried, it’s no lightweight, though. Like the rest of the Sigma range, the zoom has a solid build, is splash- resistant and has beautifully smooth focus, zoom and lens iris controls with just the right amount of drag. The lens we tried had distance marked in feet but a metric version is also available. All three control rings have standard-sized gears for rigs, and the throw is sufficiently large to offer very precise control. The focus throw is 180 degrees, which is ideal. In use, the Sigma feels like a top-quality bit of kit that rivals its big-name opposition. Optically, it’s designed for resolutions up to at least 8K and has Sigma’s own FLD-branded lens elements which are said to be the equivalent of Fluoride low dispersion elements. There is multilayer lens coating, two aspherical elements and nine lens blades that are rounded for as natural-looking bokeh as possible. Our results showed very pleasing out- of-focus areas. Aberration is almost non-existent, flare is controlled very well and there is not much sign

Size does matter, when it comes to sensors at least. A larger sensor can lead to higher resolution or reduced noise at high ISO, or both. And there’s the lovely wafer-thin depth-of-field you can easily get with the right lens. With DSLR and mirrorless cameras popularising full-frame, 35mm-size sensors in recent years, now cinema camera manufacturers are jumping onto the bandwagon. If you want to future-proof your lens investments, or use full-frame cameras nowwithout having to crop the image, then a full- frame cinema zoommakes sense. Using optical technology from its ART range of stills lenses, Sigma has seven full-frame primes and three zooms. Two of the zooms, the 18-35mm and 50-135mm, both have a maximum aperture of T2 but are only suitable for Super35 sensors. This leaves the 24-35mm T2.2 as the only full-frame zoom, based on the optics of the 24-35mm f/2 ART photo lens. Perhaps more lenses will be forthcoming to the full-frame zoom range, such as something like a 24- 70mmwhich could be more useful. Offering a relatively narrow range means the optical design isn’t as compromised as on a wider-range zoom. Sigma’s strategy is all about image quality, it seems. This small focal length range means the Sigma’s functionality as a multi-use zoom that could replace a few primes is compromised, though. Effectively,

of vignetting, even at 24mm and shooting wide open. Close down a stop and all is well. There is no discernible distortion at either ends of the range, there is no noticeable focus breathing and the design is parfocal enough to make focus shifts no issue as you zoom. This isn’t usually much of an issue on wide-angle lenses anyway due to the larger depth-of-field. The Sigma has electronic contacts to stream lens data to the camera, an increasingly important feature as correction software becomes more commonplace. So combine this with great build quality and feel, a neutral look with razor-sharp optics and the future-proofing of its full-frame coverage, and the Sigma 24-35mm T2.2 zoommakes lots of sense. AD. PROMOVIEMAKER RATING: 9/10 It’s an investment that will pay back for years Pros: It’s full-frame and can replaces two primes Cons: Expensive, limited zoom range

BELOW The 24-35mm T2.2 could potentially replace two prime lenses in your kitbag.

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PRO MOVIEMAKER SPRING 2018

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