The SIGMA 24mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary, like the SIGMA 35mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary and the SIGMA 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary, combines the highest level of optical performance even at its maximum aperture of F2 and a well-balanced body.

The lens uses two SLD glass elements and one FLD glass element to correct axial chromatic aberration, which is a particular concern with bright lenses. It also incorporates two high-precision glass-molded aspherical elements, made possible by the processing technology of SIGMA’s sole production facility in Aizu. This has enabled the total number of lens elements to be kept down and the size and weight of the lens to be reduced, while providing excellent correction of various aberrations.

In anticipation of wide-angle lens applications, SIGMA’s optical designers have ensured the lens resolution is extremely high, and is uniform from the center to the periphery of the image. Sagittal coma flare is also well suppressed, giving the lens a high degree of rendering power that makes it ideal for night sky photography.

The AF drive system incorporates a quiet, high-speed stepping motor. This allows photographers to capture every detail of the spacious 24mm scene with light AF.

The SIGMA I series features full-frame-compatible lenses that offer mirrorless users a new and better alternative, both in the experience of shooting with the lens and in the impressive results it is able to achieve.

One of the key advantages of mirrorless cameras is their smaller form-factor, and this new 24mm optic is designed to be perfectly matched to these more compact systems without sacrificing performance. This combination of superb optical quality with exceptional portability, not previously possible with DSLR systems, will bring new opportunities to this and future generations of photographers.

Simultaneously, SIGMA is aware that, in this day and age when we have such huge diversity when it comes to what we use to photograph, as represented by smartphones, people look for something more than a mere act of ‘taking pictures’ when they choose to own a camera and lenses.

SIGMA’s excellence in development and processing technologies has been built up since it was founded in 1961 – actually, this lens is being announced 60 years to the day since SIGMA’s story began – and has become further sophisticated with the introduction of the SIGMA Global Vision in 2012. With this as a base SIGMA has given careful thought to how photographers use and enjoy their lenses, including optical design, advanced functionality, build quality and the experience of picking up and using the lens, and with all of this carefully considered the I series was born.

Sigma is now one of the very few imaging manufacturers whose products are solely made in Japan. This gives us full control over our production processes and helps us maintain the highest levels of quality control over the design, manufacture and construction of every product. Great care is taken to ensure the highest quality materials are chosen.

All I series lenses are designed with an all-metal barrel. The precision-cut aluminium parts not only give the lens a sleek, stylish finish but provide superb durability, which improves the quality of the entire product. Metal materials are also used in internal structures that slide with the operation ring for added robustness. These high-precision components, crafted with Sigma’s cutting-edge metalworking technology, are also used in the production of the cine lens line-up for professional film-makers.

The lens has an aperture ring so that users can change aperture using either the lens or the camera. Great attention was paid to ensure the click is well-define but not too sharp. Sound-deadening grease has been used to create a more rounded sound. Similarly the metal focus ring is perfectly weighted for a precise and smooth action to ensure accurate manual focus control.

Although similar in looks, the 24mm F2 DG DN is bigger and heavier than the 24mm F3.5 DG DN, owing to its wider maximum aperture and extra glass elements. The added brightness will appeal to photographers shooting hand-held in low light, and those that need a particularly shallow depth-of-field. Photographer who need the ultimate in portability and a closer focus distance may opt for the lighter and more compact F3.5 model.

The 24mm F2 DG DN | C comes with a carefully machined metal lens hood, a feature not even found on Sigma’s Art series lenses. A large number of grooves called ‘knurling’ are cut in, improving the lens operation by serving as slip resistance and giving the lens a premium look and feel unique to the I Series. A specially chosen plastic was used for the part that connects to the lens to ensure smooth operation.

Included in the box is the regular Sigma plastic lens cap as well as an all-metal magnetic cap (pictured left), which snaps firmly on to the end of the lens. With no requirement for a spring-loaded clasp, the cap has a sleek, minimal finish.

Available to buy separately is a new lens cap holder, onto which the magnetic metal lens cap can be quickly and easily attached when the lens is in use. This keeps the cap within easy reach and makes it less likely to get lost. Plus, its elegant design is a stylish addition to a photographer’s equipment.

The holder comes with a carabiner so that it can be attached to clothing or a bag strap.