When I heard the rumors about a 24-35mm F2 zoom from Sigma, my first thoughts were how that doesn’t seem like a very useful zoom range. With only 11mm between the widest and longest ends of the focal range, why not just buy a prime?

But that’s the intention behind the Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM ART: it replaces the three common focal lengths of 24mm, 28mm and 35mm and at a prime-like maximum aperture of F2. A photographer’s choice usually goes something like this: buy multiple primes with F1.4 apertures or get a zoom which has at least a F2.8 aperture but is a lot more convenient than carrying three lenses. The Sigma 24-35 closes that gap by a full stop with a F2 aperture, making it the fastest full frame zoom lens…in the world.

Sigma previously impressed with the excellent 18-35mm F1.8 ART for APS-C sensors so it should be safe to say that the 24-35mm will continue the ART line’s trend of high quality optics and build quality. The 24-35mm F2 ART will be roughly the same size as Canon’s 24-70mm F2.8L II but slightly heavier at 941 grams (compared to the Canon’s 805 g).

Insider are 18 elements in 13 groups, including one “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) element, seven Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements, and two aspherical elements. A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quick, silent autofocus. There’s also a video-friendly focusing system which eliminates front-lens rotation for greater lens stability and the ability to use circular polarizing filters.

Pricing and availability weren’t yet announced at press time.

RONKONKOMA, NY — June 19, 2015 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading DSLR lens and camera manufacturer, today announced the Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens, the market’s first full-frame zoom lens offering a wide-open, constant aperture of F2 throughout the zoom range. Pricing and availability are pending.

With the development of this latest Global Vision Art lens, Sigma was determined to develop a zoom for 35mm full-frame sensor cameras that enables the same sharpness and resolution as a fixed focal length lens. To do this, the company’s engineers built upon the concept of Sigma’s ground-breaking 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens, which is designed for APS-C cameras and is the first zoom to offer a fast F1.8 aperture value throughout the zoom range. The 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art allows photographers to carry one lens that can do the work of three popular fixed focal length lenses – the 24mm, 28mm and 35mm — with F2 brightness and top optical performance comparable to Sigma’s 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art and 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art.

“Now, rather than switching between three high-performance, fixed focal length lenses, photographers and videographers can simply zoom and know that the results will be of prime caliber,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “There’s nothing like this lens on the market today; we’re thrilled to arm photographers with yet another unique, innovative and versatile lens that features the incredible image quality that has become the hallmark of our Art line.”

The new 24-35mm lens incorporates the latest Sigma technology, including an optimized autofocus (AF) algorithm for smooth, fast, and accurate focusing, as well as manual focus (MF) override functionality. As with many Sigma Global Vision lenses, Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material is used, which has a high affinity to metal parts, consistently performs well at extreme temperatures, and reduces the size and weight of the lens. In addition, its Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, and provides sharp and high-contrast images, even in backlit conditions. It’s ideal for close-up shooting, portraits and deep-focus landscape photography.

The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens will also feature:

• Large-diameter, aspherical lens elements, which require advanced technologies to produce, one “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, and seven Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements with two aspherical lenses. The advanced optics and optimized lens power distribution minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature, resulting in outstanding optical performance
• A video-friendly, inner focusing system that eliminates front-lens rotation, enhancing the lens’ stability and allowing use of circular polarizing filters
• A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures a silent, high-speed AF function. Smoother AF is achieved when the this AF algorithm is optimized
• Full-time MF by rotating the focus ring of the lens while auto focusing
• A nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image
• Specifications: Lens construction containing 18 elements in 13 groups; a weight of 33.2 ounces; a diameter and length of 3.4 inches by 4.8 inches, respectively; a minimum aperture of F16; and angle of view (35mm) of 84.1° to 63.4°; minimum focusing distance of 11 inches; and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4

This lens is compatible with Sigma’s USB DOCK, which allows photographers to update the lens’ firmware, adjust focus points and customize full-time MF function settings by using Sigma’s Optimization Pro software. Sigma’s exclusive Mount Conversion Service, which enables users to easily convert the lens’ camera mount between supported versions, is also available for a fee. The lens will be available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts. Timing, pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.

As with all new lenses under the Global Vision categories, every 24-35mm will be tested using Sigma’s own modulation transfer function (MTF) measuring system, “A1,” in the company’s factory in Japan. Other lenses in the Art line include: 35mm F1.4 DG HSM, 30mm F1.4 DC HSM, 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM, 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, 50mm F1.4 DG HSM, 24mm F1.4 DG HSM, 19mm F2.8 DN, 30mm F2.8 DN and 60mm F2.8 DN.

For information about Sigma, go to www.sigmaphoto.com or follow the company on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.