New Lens – New Instagram Shot
I’m not one to obsess about my photography gear. Of course, I love to geek out every now and again, but in general I just enjoy having the necessary tools to get a specific job done. This weekend though I found myself in a slightly unusual position of having one of the first copies of the newly released Sigma 24mm 1.4 Art lens. The company had just begun to start shipping them and I was lucky enough to find one heading my way before working in the mountains over the weekend.
I generally put my camera equipment through a fair deal of stress, with large percentage of my work taking place in the alpine environment. This particular copy of the Sigma 24mm started its life hanging from my neck for a one hour hike, whilst getting into my position for the Verbier stage of the Freeride World Tour. I’ve been intrigued with the Sigma Art lenses since playing with the 50mm whilst in Germany for the Photokina event. The word on the street during the show was that Sigma have started to produce big, bold prime lenses that have incredible optics. Image quality is certainly the sweetener but the price seems to seal the deal with the lens range coming in substantially cheaper than the Canon or Nikon equivalents.With a 50mm and 35mm already out in the market, I was keen to try the 24mm as soon as I heard that production was underway. Having visited the UK Photoshow the previous week where I spent a little time with the new lens, I was quick to place an order that arrived just in time on Friday. First things first, I love the build quality. At 665g it’s not the heaviest lens but it provides a reassuring weight. Sat on a pro series body it feels well balanced and comfortable to work with.
I was shooting a skiing event that required a lens with a longer reach for the action, but I was quick to change to the Sigma 24mm as often as I could. With a morning hike to the top of the mountain I simply threw the camera around my neck, trying out various settings on the fly. The lens will come into its own as we move out of the Winter season and into Spring, with it ideal for a number of up and coming assignments. Until then, it’s nice to have a new piece of kit, especially one that not many people have got their hands on yet.Here’s a couple of shots from the event.
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