Sigma May Be Building a Groundbreaking 24-70mm f/2 Lens for Full Frame Cameras

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Sigma has been on a tear as of late. Since late 2012, the company has put out a highly regarded 35mm f/1.4 lens, a novel USB dock that lets you calibrate lenses at home, and a revolutionary 18-35mm lens with a constant f/1.8 aperture (shown above).

It appears Sigma is only just getting warmed up: new rumors suggest that Sigma may be building a 24-70mm zoom lens for full frame cameras that boasts a constant f/2.0 aperture.

Canon Rumors is hearing from a new source that Sigma is developing a 24-70mm f/2.0 OS HSM lens for full frame cameras (the 18-35mm f/1.8 was designed for crop sensors). This would be huge news; do a search for “24-70mm” on any online gear store and you’ll see that the largest fixed aperture currently available for this range is currently f/2.8.

This new Sigma lens — if it indeed exists — would offer an additional stop of light over its highly acclaimed (and pricey) competitors.

The Olympus Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 ED is another zoom lens with a constant f/2 aperture
The Olympus Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 ED is another zoom lens with a constant f/2 aperture, but it’s made for smaller 4/3 sensors

What would be even more amazing would be if Sigma manages to keep the lens (relatively) small, light, and affordable. The Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 for 4/3 sensor cameras costs $2,499, is over 8 inches long, and weighs nearly 3.3 pounds.

According to the rumor mill, the price tag may be as crazy as the f/2.0 aperture. CR says it would “definitely come in under the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II,” which currently costs $2,299.

Sigma's new lens will likely compete against (and be cheaper than) the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II
Sigma’s new lens will likely compete against (and be cheaper than) the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II

As for availability and announcement date, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2 may not be very far off: Sigma is said to be preparing to announce the lens at Photokina in September 2014. Stay tuned — this could be a big one!

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