Sigma’s New 70mm f/2.8 is the First Art Series Macro Lens

Sigma has just announced the 70mm f/2.8 Macro, the first macro lens to be released in the Art lineup. Bucking modern day trends, Sigma says it has focused more on optical performance than autofocus speed.

“In recent years, macro lenses in the standard range have tended to employ inner focusing with the goal of maximizing autofocus speed,” Sigma says. “In contrast, the new Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Macro Art lens is designed to prioritize optical performance, fulfilling the demanding image quality requirements that define the Art line.”

The lens uses a newly developed coreless DC motor that helps adjust focus with both high speed, smooth movements, and low noise. It’s a focus-by-wire system that eliminates any direct mechanical connection between turning the lens’ focus ring and the actual focus drive system. Full-time manual override is available during autofocusing, and the focus ring has a large angle of rotation to provide precise focus adjustments (useful in macro photography).

There’s also an extending, floating, two-group focus mechanism that Sigma says helps minimize aberration and provide optimal image quality at any focus distance.

The optical design helps minimize chromatic aberration, increase resolution at close distances, provide razor-sharp in-focus areas, and produce beautiful bokeh areas free of color streaking.

Other features and specs include compatibility with the Sigma EM-140 DG Macro ring flash (using an adapter), a 49mm filter thread, a dust- and splash-proof brass bayonet mount, a 9-blade rounded diaphragm, 13 lens elements in 10 groups, a minimum focusing distance of 10.2in (25.8cm), a maximum magnification ratio of 1:1, a length of 4.2in (105.8mm), and a weight of 18.2oz (515g).

Here are a few official sample photos captured with the 70mm f2.8 Macro Art:

The Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Macro will presumably be available for Canon, Nikon, Sigma, and Sony when it’s available. Pricing and availability have yet to be announced.