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The new Sigma 14mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens arrived on my doorstep sometime today, and over the next few weeks I shall be evaluating this latest digitally enhanced lens. The more observant of you will notice that the lens doesn't have DG anywhere on it and the packaging has not been updated recently. However I have it on good authority that this 14mm is the latest from Sigma and has was to quote my source at Sigma:

Due to the popularity of the new Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG ASL this lens may not be long for this world, which will be a shame, because whilst the zoom will be more flexible the loss of 1 1/2 stops of light will be missed.

The 14mm lens is a chunky peice of glass, supplied with a black padded pouch, filter gel template and front and end caps. The lens has a built in hood and because of the hugely curved front element there is no front filter mount. The lens cap, unlike the Canon equivelent is in two sections, essentially a slip on tube and a 72mm lens cap.

Starting at the lens mount there is the usual Sigma white blob to enable you to line the lens up with the camera mount (whether Canon, Nikon or whatever, you mean there is anything else?) and slightly ahead of that is the Manual/Autofocus switch, which is straight forward enough to use. In front of the AF/MF switch is the focusing scale complete with the a depth of field scale which easy to read and in front of that there is a large focusing grip, folllowed by a gold band and then the built in lens hood.

I enjoyed using this lens, and whilst it doesnt feel quite as well made as the Canon 14mm F2.8L USM it is substantial enough. The lens is a little more prone to flare than the Canon, in fact it is prone to flare almost with out provocation.

However the images it produced are nice and sharp, with good colour rendition. For someone looking for a fast 14mm on a buget, it is substanially cheaper than the Canon. However future support for newer cameras may be a concern, as Sigma have in the past been unable to build truly future proofed Canon mount lenses. Although it has to be said that they do do chipset upgrades for the original owners.

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