Just a day before CP+ 2026, Sigma continues to expand its range of bright fixed focal length lenses for APS-C sensor hybrids with Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Canon RF-S mounts. The Japanese manufacturer unveils the Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary, a wide-angle lens that focuses on very compact size and weight.
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A new wide-angle standard for APS-C
Fitting between the 12 mm and 23 mm lenses in Sigma’s f/1.4 series, this Sigma 15 mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary replaces the 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN launched in 2017. It offers a focal length equivalent to 22.5 mm in full frame (and 24 mm on Canon RF cameras).
This wide-angle lens is designed for street photography, landscapes, architecture, astrophotography, and video production. It will be available on March 12, 2026, for Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Canon RF–S mounts.
Here is a list of the features of the Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary:
- focal length: 15 mm (22.5 mm in full frame)
- lens for sensor: APS-C
- maximum aperture: f/1.4
- minimum aperture: f/16
- Field of view: 86.9° (X and E); 83.6° (RF-S)
- Optical construction: 13 elements in 11 groups (including 3 SLD lenses, 3 aspherical lenses, and 1 FLD lens)
- diaphragm: circular, 9 blades
- minimum focusing distance: 17 cm
- image stabilization: N/A
- tropicalization: moisture- and dust-resistant construction
- Maximum magnification: 0.12x
- Focus: autofocus, STM motor
- Filter diameter: ø 58 mm
- Dimensions: ø 64 x 64.8 mm (Sony E); ø 64 x 65.1 mm (Fuji X); ø 69 x 62.8 mm (Canon RF-S)
- Weight: 220 g (Sony E); 225 g (Fuji X); 240 g (Canon RF-S)
- supplied accessories: sun visor, front and rear caps
- Compatible mount: Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Canon RF-S
- launch price: $499
An optical formula optimized for sharpness and bokeh
Despite its small size, the lens aims to deliver very good image quality. However, it should be noted that the optical construction is based on 13 elements in 11 groups, whereas the previous 16 mm lens had 16 lenses in 13 groups.
Specifically, there is one FLD glass element and three SLD glass elements to minimize aberrations, as well as three aspherical lenses. The f/1.4 aperture is provided by a 9-blade circular diaphragm, ensuring smooth transitions between the subject and the background.
Sigma says it has paid particular attention to eliminating sagittal coma aberration, a crucial point for lovers of starry landscapes.
Weight reduction: 50% lighter than its predecessor
Sigma’s tour de force lies in optimizing the size. This 15mm f/1.4 lens is approximately 50% lighter than the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary, while offering better image quality.
The lens weighs only 220 g (compared to just over 400 g for the old 16 mm lens) and is 6.5 cm long (with a Sony E mount), whereas the 16 mm lens was over 9 cm long. This compactness is made possible by the new simplified—but optimized—optical formula, which significantly reduces the size of the lens.
Please note that ergonomics vary slightly depending on the frame:
- The Sony E and Fujifilm X versions feature a manual aperture ring.
- The Canon RF version replaces this ring with a customizable control ring, in line with the brand’s standards.
Finally, the lens features a dust- and splash-resistant structure, complemented by a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front lens.
In terms of autofocus, Sigma uses a stepping motor that should ensure fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus. The lens has also been designed to minimize focus breathing. The focusing distance is only 17 cm from the focal plane, or approximately 10 cm from the front lens.
Below is a selection of photos taken with the Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary (provided by the brand):
Price and availability of the Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary
The Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary is available for pre-order at a price of $499, with Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Canon RF mounts. Deliveries will begin on March 12, 2026.
You can find this lens at B&H and Amazon.
Our initial opinion
With this Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary, the Japanese manufacturer has released an interesting update to its wide-angle lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. The main appeal of this lens lies in its compact size: by halving the weight of the previous 16mm lens, Sigma offers a well-designed tool for compact mirrorless cameras from Sony, Fujifilm, and Canon.
Despite this slim design, the lens retains a large f/1.4 aperture, promises high-end optical performance, and incorporates optimizations such as focus breathing reduction. This 15mm lens has everything it takes to establish itself as a lightweight, versatile, and affordable solution to complement your APS-C lens collection without adding bulk.
