Sigma unveils its new APS-C zoom, the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art. Designed for mirrorless cameras in Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Sony E and L-mount, this lens is the fastest zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It promises excellent image quality and offers a constant f/1.8 aperture and a versatile focal range, ideal for photographers and videographers alike.
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New Sigma lens for photo and video
Sigma continues to expand its APS-C lens portfolio. A few months after launching the most versatile APS-C zoom, the Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS Contemporary, the brand is back with a new Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art. Thanks to its constant f/1.8 aperture, it claims the title of fastest APS-C zoom across all mounts.
Designed for both photographers and videographers, it offers a 17-40mm focal range (equivalent to 25.5-60mm, or 27.2-64mm on Canon, in full frame). It complements the 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN and 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary zooms, launched in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
This new 17-40mm zoom can also be seen as the “spiritual successor” to the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM, launched 13 years ago. It stands apart with an entirely redesigned optical formula, a wider focal range and reduced weight.
Here is the full list of specifications for the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art
- focal range: 17-40mm (equivalent to 25.5-60mm in full frame)
- lens for: APS-C sensor
- max aperture: f/1.8
- min aperture: f/16
- angle of view: 79.7-39.1°
- optical construction: 17 elements in 11 groups (including 4 SLD elements and 4 aspherical elements)
- diaphragm: circular, 11 blades
- minimum focusing distance: 28 cm (across the entire focal range)
- image stabilization: no
- weather sealing: dust and splash resistant
- max magnification: 0.21x
- autofocus: HLA motor
- filter diameter: 67mm
- dimensions: ø 72.9 x 115.9 mm
- weight: 535 g
- included accessories: front and rear caps, lens hood
- compatible mounts: Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Sony E, L
- launch price: $919
A (very) complex optical formula
On the technical side, the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art features 17 elements in 11 groups — the same number of elements (but one fewer group) as the 18-35mm for DSLRs. As for special elements, we count 4 SLD elements and 4 aspherical elements.
This optical formula should allow the lens to deliver “exceptional image quality” that matches that of prime lenses “across the entire focal range,” according to Sigma. The manufacturer particularly emphasizes control over chromatic aberrations, flare and ghosting.
Its very fast f/1.8 aperture is delivered by a circular 11-blade diaphragm. We should therefore expect smooth transitions and beautifully creamy bokeh — a treat for photographers and videographers looking to play with depth of field. We also note the minimum focusing distance of 28 cm (across the entire focal range). The maximum reproduction ratio is 0.21x (at 40mm).
Autofocus is handled by an HLA motor (High-response Linear Actuator), already found in all of the brand’s recent zooms. The result is fast, accurate and silent focusing — smooth enough for video work. Sigma also promises that focus breathing should be perfectly controlled.
Finally, the lens is not stabilized and relies on the IBIS of Canon, Sony or Fujifilm mirrorless cameras.
Compact build and plenty of manual controls
The Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art is fairly compact given its optical formula and constant f/1.8 aperture. It measures 11.6 cm in length with a maximum diameter of 7.3 cm and a weight of 535 g — compare that to the 810 g of the 18-35mm f/1.8 for DSLRs. Note that the zoom has a constant barrel length: an excellent feature for videographers using a gimbal. We should also mention its 67mm filter diameter.
The lens is well-equipped with manual controls. Beyond the zoom and focus rings, we get a clickless aperture ring (lockable and de-clickable). On the Canon RF version, however, it is replaced by a simple click-free control ring. The lens also features 2 customizable AF-L buttons and an AF/MF switch. Note that the lens is compatible with the Sigma UD-11 USB dock (in L-mount only).
According to Sigma, the lens is dust and splash resistant. However, we don’t know how many seals are distributed along the barrel. The front element features a water- and oil-repellent coating for easier cleaning. Note that the lens is eligible for mount conversion (through a service center visit).
Below is a selection of photos captured with the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art (provided by the brand):
Price and availability of the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art
The Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art is available at a price of $919 in Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Sony E and L-mount. Deliveries are expected to begin on July 10, 2025 (in L, X and E mounts) and in August 2025 (in RF mount).
You can find this lens at B&H.
Our first impressions on the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art
With this new 17-40mm zoom, Sigma delivers a highly relevant lens for APS-C mirrorless users. Its f/1.8 aperture and versatile focal range will open up many creative possibilities, whether for reportage, portraiture or travel photography. We appreciate Sigma’s efforts to reduce the size and weight compared to the DSLR version (275 g lighter, despite a wider focal range).
Beyond that, the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art ticks many boxes to appeal to photographers — but also (and especially) videographers: constant barrel length, autofocus that appears smooth and accurate enough, optical focus breathing compensation, de-clickable aperture ring… all valuable assets for experienced image makers. However, no version seems planned for Nikon Z mount at this time.
