Sigma Unveils 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art APS-C Zoom for Mirrorless Systems
Sigma has announced the 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art, a wide-to-standard zoom lens designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Positioned as a successor to the popular 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art released in 2013, this new lens offers an extended focal range and an overall reduction in size and weight. It is Sigma’s first Art-series lens for APS-C since 2016 and will be available for Fujifilm X, Sony E, Leica L, and Canon RF mounts.
Firstly, the Japanese company’s newest release weighs 535 grams, representing over a 30% weight reduction on its predecessor, the 18-35mm, and features a 67mm filter thread, down from the 18-35mm’s 72mm.
The lens’ 11-blade rounded diaphragm features a constant f/1.8 aperture throughout its zoom range, equivalent to approximately 25.5–60mm on most APS-C cameras. The design uses 17 elements in 11 groups, including four aspherical and four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements, aiming to reduce chromatic aberrations and suppress flare and ghosting. Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating is applied to further control reflections.
Autofocus is handled by a high-response Linear Actuator (HLA) and focus breathing is minimal, which benefits video recording by reducing the change in angle of view when racking focus. The minimum focusing distance is 0.28 meters, with a maximum magnification of 0.2×.
Two AFL buttons are built into the lens barrel—placed on the side and top—allowing control in both landscape and portrait orientations. These buttons can be reassigned through the camera’s menu.
One of the major changes of the 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art, when compared to the original 18-35mm, is the adoption of an internal zoom design, which prevents the lens from extending during use. This design choice, along with dust- and splash-resistant construction and a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front element helps improve reliability and ease of use in outdoor environments. The lens remains physically constant in length while zooming or focusing, a practical advantage also for gimbal work or handheld video shooting.
Different versions of the lens have slightly different physical controls. Most mounts include a physical aperture ring, which can be de-clicked and locked to avoid accidental changes. The Canon RF version replaces the aperture ring with a programmable control ring in line with Canon’s specifications, which does not include a click or lock mechanism. On the Fujifilm X-mount version, the lens lacks an AF/MF switch; instead, the switch toggles between AF Lock and AF On functions, reflecting Fujifilm’s design standards. L-mount users can customize the focus ring behavior, choosing between linear and non-linear response and have access to Sigma’s USB Dock for firmware updates and settings adjustment.
Here are some sample pictures, courtesy of Sigma. All of them have been shot by Naoki Miyashita.
The 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art is scheduled for release on July 10, 2025, for the Fujifilm X, Sony E, and Leica L mounts, with the Canon RF version expected in August. The lens will be priced at $919 in the United States and £779 in the UK, including VAT.
