Rumored Sigma telephoto prime could be world-first 200mm F1.8 for mirrorless, and it sounds like a next-level portrait lens

Date:
Sun, 06 Apr 2025 08:00:10 +0000

Description:
Rumors suggest that Sigma is working on a world-first 200mm f/1.8 telephoto prime for Sony and Leica full-frame mirrorless cameras.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Sigma rumored to be working on a 200mm f/1.8 telephoto prime Full-frame lens could debut in L-mount and Sony E mount First of its kind for any mirrorless camera system

Back in 1988, Canon introduced the EF 200mm f/1.8L USM the worlds fastest 200mm telephoto lens. Made for Canons EF-mount DSLR cameras, it was discontinued in 2004. Nothing since then has come close to its unique combination of reach and speed. That might be about to change: according to online rumors, Sigma is working on a spiritual successor for the mirrorless era.

L-rumors , a source for L-mount camera system news, recently ran a story claiming that Sigma is developing a world-first 200mm f/1.8 L-mount lens for Sony E and L-mount (Leica, Sigma and Panasonic) full-frame cameras. It points out that the optical design for such a lens was patented by Sigma back in 2020. Sony Alpha Rumors carried the same story.

Neither site provides any concrete information on performance, pricing or release date, speculating only that the lens will form part of Sigmas Sports series. Whatever the specifics, the lens if real would be unique among modern mirrorless glass.

No other optic offers the same pairing of prime telephoto reach and a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture. Its a recipe that promises sharp stills with
beautiful background blur, giving it appeal for sports, portrait and
landscape photographers alike. Sigma's lens department regularly innovates its 28-45mm lens (above) was the first F1.8 zoom lens for full-frame. (Image credit: Sigma) Who would a 200mm f/1.8 lens be good for?

A 200mm telephoto prime might sound like a niche lens, but its one that has a lot to offer for sports and wildlife photographers. It gives a useful degree of magnification, bringing distant subjects significantly closer, but not so close that you cant readily pan to follow the action from the sidelines.

Its also a flattering focal length for portrait photography , creating an attractive compression effect where the background appears larger. That same effect gives it appeal for landscape photographers who want to create compositions which contrast specific details of foreground and background.

Prime optics famously offer faster maximum apertures than zoom lenses. This allows photographers to shoot at faster shutter speeds in low-light conditions. It also comes with the promise of soft bokeh and background blur. Both of those benefits will be maximized at an aperture of f/1.8.

As above, rumors suggest that the Sigma 200mm f/1.8 will be part of Sigmas Sports line. That makes a lot of sense: at that aperture, sports
photographers would be able to work at faster shutter speeds to freeze action indoors or under floodlights. Similarly, both wildlife and landscape photographers would be able to make use of all available light, even when shooting in dim settings.

Portrait photographers would naturally benefit, too. The lens promises to isolate subjects sharply against wonderfully defocused backgrounds. The Sigma 200mm f/1.8 would deliver the shallowest depth of field possible at that
focal length for a modern mirrorless camera. That makes it a pretty compelling, if inevitably pricey and physically weighty, proposition. You might also like Sigma unveils a killer portrait lens for Sony and Panasonic cameras with a tempting price tag Sigma announces the worlds first f/1.8 full-frame zoom for mirrorless cameras Ive shot hundreds of photos with the stunning Sigma BF despite its flaws, it makes other cameras feel ordinary



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/rumored-sigma-telephoto-p rime-could-be-world-first-200mm-f1-8-for-mirrorless-and-it-sounds-like-a-next- level-portrait-lens


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