One of Sigma's finest creations yet, this lens sets a new benchmark for performance, offering quality that exceeds expectations in every way. Designed with a focus on sophisticated optical performance and abundant expressive power, our new Art line delivers superior image quality for high-level artistic expression. This new lens embodies the concept of our new Art lenses. Our Art line delivers high-level artistic quality Sigma is organizing all its interchangeable lenses into three product lines; Contemporary, Art and Sports. Designed with a focus on sophisticated optical performance and abundant expressive power, our Art line delivers high-level artistic expression. Developed with the maximum emphasis on artistic touch, our Art line lenses are designed to meet the expectations of users who value a creative, dramatic outcome above compactness and multifunction. Along with landscapes, portraits, still-life, close-up and casual snaps, they're perfect for the kind of photography that unleashes the inner artist. Ideal for studio photography, they offer just as much expressive scope when capturing architecture, starry skies, underwater shots and many other scenes. The SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM is the first lens from the Art line. Unsurpassed Optical Performance To actualise a high-performance lens, one of the essential elements is aberration correction. This lens incorporates FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have performance equal to fluorite, and SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements, and by optimizing the power alignment of the lens, both types of aberration have been corrected. The lens achieves ultra-high image quality through the entire focusing range. Also, by appropriate alignment of aspheric lenses, astigmatism and field curvature are corrected. The result is superior optimum resolution even in peripheral areas. Attractive blur effect Correction of coma aberration enabled less blur on a point light source in peripheral areas, and the function is best used for astrophotography and illuminations. It is also possible to create an attractive blur to the out of focus areas. The aspheric lens elements used as the first lens have secured peripheral brightness while correcting distortion. The rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image. Flare and ghosting conscious design In order to achieve high rendering on this flagship lens, flare and ghosting were thoroughly measured from an early stage to establish an optical design which is resistant to strong incident light such as backlight. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp and high contrast images even in backlit conditions. Hyper Sonic Motor The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures high speed and quiet AF as well as full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring. With the enhanced AF algorithm, smoother AF is achieved. Brass made bayonet mount This lens incorporates a brass made bayonet mount which has both high accuracy and durability. A special treatment to reinforce its strength is applied to the surface giving it greater strength and making it highly resistant to long-term use. Ease of use The new product lines incorporate rubber for the attachment part of the provided lens hood. For better usability, the design of the lens cap and AF/MF changeover switch have been improved. In order to ensure high accuracy of the product, all metallic parts and the new compound material, TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), which has high affinity to metal parts, are housed internally. Evaluation with Sigma's own MTF measuring system “A1” Sigma used to measure lens performance with MTF measuring systems using conventional sensors. However, they have now developed their own proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system (A1) using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of their quality control inspections. All SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM lenses will be checked using the “A1” before they leave the factory. “Made in Japan” All Sigma's manufacturing, right down to moulds and parts is carried out under an integrated production system, entirely in Japan. Sigma is now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely “made in Japan”. Their sophisticated products have satisfied professionals and lovers of photography all over the world, because the manufacturing is based on genuine craftsmanship, underpinned by the passion and pride of their experts.