A reliable source sent me a curious message: At the last minute, Sigma decided to delay the launch of the APS-C 12mm f/1.4 lens, which was supposed to be announced alongside the APS-C 17-40mm f/1.8 lens on June 17. Now, I’m not sure if he meant that all the different mount versions (E/X/L/RF) have been delayed or just some of them…
Sigma lens preorders (open on June 17)
17-40mm f/1.8 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, WexUK.
12mm f/1.4 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, WexUK.
In the meantime I got the full lens graphs and spec text:
This ultra-wide F1.4 lens brings creativity and color to everyday moments – with superb image quality and portability.
Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC | The Contemporary is an ultra-wide-angle prime lens that achieves the widest 12mm angle of view of any F1.4 lens for APS-C cameras currently available on the market*.
*(As an AF-compatible interchangeable lens for APS-C cameras. As of June 2025, by Sigma.)
Incorporating the latest optical design, the lens delivers high resolution, capturing starry skies and vast landscapes in stunning detail from its wide-open aperture.
While maintaining uncompromising performance, the compact and lightweight design maximizes the portability of APS-C cameras, enabling agile shooting.
This ultra-wide-angle lens with a large aperture seamlessly combines high performance and portability, bringing new perspectives to a wide range of scenes, whether stills or video, including outdoor landscapes, travel, and street photography.
Key Features
- Powerful visual expression Made possible by superior optical performance combining an ultra-wide angle and F1.4 aperture
- The widest 12mm angle of view among F1.4 lenses for APS-C cameras
- The world’s first* lens to achieve a 12mm focal length with a large F1.4 aperture.
- The ultra-wide 12mm angle of view (equivalent to 18mm** in 35mm format) captures the entire scene in front of you, while the dynamic angle of view and F1.4 brightness enable impressive shooting even in low light conditions, such as street photography at night. In addition, the ultra-wide angle is ideal for group selfies and vlogging.
- Whether shooting stills or video, the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC | Contemporary offers high flexibility and diverse possibilities for creative expression.
* As an AF-compatible interchangeable lens for APS-C cameras. (As of June 2025, by Sigma.)
** Equivalent to 19mm for Canon RF Mount.
Outstanding optical performance across the entire image
Three double-sided aspherical lenses and two SLD glass elements are efficiently arranged to achieve high optical performance from a wide-open aperture of F1.4.
Sagittal coma correction is also well-corrected, ensuring clear and sharp images from edge to edge, even in starry night scenes where fine and sharp details are essential.
Compact and lightweight design for excellent portability
The efficient placement of double-sided aspherical elements has resulted in a compact and lightweight design with an overall length of 69.4mm and a weight of 225g, despite an ultra-wide angle and large aperture.
This ensures high portability, making the lens easy to carry for travel and outdoor scenes.
The lens is also compatible with a grip and gimbal. Photographers and filmmakers can enjoy the dynamic expression unique to the 12mm F1.4 lens, effortlessly.
Designed for convenient stills and video shooting
Smooth and responsive autofocus driven by a stepping motor
High-speed, high-precision autofocus is achieved by driving a lightweight focusing lens with a stepping motor that enables precise control.
Whether shooting stills or videos, the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC | Contemporary captures important moments without missing a beat.
In addition to everyday images, the lens delivers high tracking performance in scenes with movement, enabling high-quality video production.
Minimal focus breathing
Focus breathing is suppressed, minimizing changes in angle of view caused by focus shifting and enabling smooth, natural-looking focus strokes when recording video.
Aperture ring with various functions
Equipped with an aperture ring For intuitive aperture control. The Canon RF Mount version has a control ring instead of an aperture ring, allowing functions to be assigned according to the user’s preferred settings.
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Using advanced simulation technology, flare and ghosting have been largely eliminated, ensuring that the lens produces rich, high-contrast results in all conditions.
Dust and splash-resistant construction* / Water and oil-repellent coating
In addition to the dust and splash-resistant construction*, the frontmost surface of the lens is coated with a water and oil-repellent coating, so the lens can be used safely even in harsh outdoor environments.
*. The product is designed to be dust and splash-resistant but not waterproof. When using the lens near water, etc.,
Be careful not to allow large amounts of water to splash onto it. If water enters the lens, it may cause a major malfunction and render the lens unserviceable.
Comprehensive range of lenses F1.4 Prime for APS-C Mirrorless Cameras
The Sigma Contemporary line offers a wide range of F1.4 prime lenses for APS-C cameras.
Based on the concept of combining exceptional resolution with a compact and lightweight design, Sigma has achieved a full range of F1.4 lenses in prime focal lengths – 16mm, 23mm, 30mm, and 56mm and now 12mm.
The addition of the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC | Contemporary lens further expands the large aperture lens series, delivering exceptional optical performance, while maintaining the portability appropriate for APS-C mirrorless systems.
Feature List
- Stepper motor
- Water and oil repellent coating
- Aperture ring (Canon RF mount version has a control ring instead of an aperture ring.)
- Dust and splash resistant construction
- Mount conversion service available
- Each lens passes Sigma’s proprietary MTF measurement system
Main specifications Data is for Sony E-mount lens
- Lens construction: 14 elements in 12 groups (2 SLD, 3 aspherical elements)
- Angle of view: 99.6°
- Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (round diaphragm)
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Minimum focusing distance: 17.2 cm
- Maximum magnification ratio: 1:8.4
- Filter size: φ62 mm
- Maximum diameter x length: φ68.0 mm x 69.4 mm
- Weight: 225 grams
| Lens Mount: |
SONY E-mount |
| Series: |
CONTEMPORARY |
| Sensor Compatibility: |
APS-C / Crop |
| Maximum Aperture: |
F1.4 |
| Weather Sealing: |
Not included |
| Lens Construction: |
14 elements in 12 groups |
| Number of Aperture Blades: |
9 |
| Dimensions (Diameter × Length): |
φ68.0mm × 69.4mm |
| Filter Diameter: |
62mm |
| Minimum Focusing Distance: |
17.2 cm |
| Minimum Aperture: |
F16 |
| Focus Mode: |
Manual / Autofocus |
| Field of View: |
99.6° |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio: |
1:8.4 |
| Weight: |
225g |
| Included Accessories: |
Front and rear lens caps, lens hood |
