Sigma describes their Art lenses as “engineered for those who see photography as a critical expression of self, our Art line offers sophisticated optical performance and abundant expressive power to deliver faithfully on your artistic vision” But which Art lens is best for you and why?

What are Sigma Art lenses?

When we think about art in general, we think about all the details. The tiniest details of a painting or any work of art are imperative if you want to completely and accurately tell your story. This is exactly what Art lenses are for. They are lenses created to produce images that give the sharpest details a photographer can hope for. They also have higher apertures – f/1.4 to f/2.8.

In terms of photography specifically, Art lenses, even with the widest openings, demonstrate outstanding focal plane sharpness. The Sigma Art series produces images with the truest colours and finest detail.

The Sigma Art series is intended to help photographers create their best images. This is why these lenses offer the best optical performance. The HSM (hypersonic motor) makes focusing virtually silent.

Type of Sigma Art lenses

Sigma’s Art line is divided into the following categories:

● Wide-angle lenses

● Large-aperture lenses

● Macro lenses

● Ultra-wide angle lenses

● Fish-eye lenses

Sigma Art lenses are ideal for a multitude of photography styles – including portrait, macro/close-up, landscape, still life, architecture, commercial, and studio photography.

The best Sigma Art lenses for 2022

If you’re a photographer looking for an art lens, we've rounded up some of the best Sigma Art lenses on the market.

Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG HSM Art lens

Available with either a Canon EF fit, Nikon FX, Sony E-mount or Panasonic L-mount, Sigma’s 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens is one of the best in the lineup. With its incredibly wide aperture, the Sigma 50mm gives an excellent performance, beautiful bokeh and sharp images. This Sigma Art lens is ideal for events and weddings as well as portrait and travel photography.

Key Features of the Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG HSM lens

● One Moulded Glass Aspherical Element

● Three Special Low Dispersion Elements

● Super Multi-Layer Coating

● Floating System & Large Diameter Design

● Hyper Sonic AF Motor

● Rounded Nine-Blade Diaphragm

● Thermally Stable Composite Material

● Brass Bayonet Mount

Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG HSM ART Lens

As with the 50mm, the 20mm f1.4 DG HSM art lens is available with four mounts. This ultra-wide-angle prime lens with an extra fast maximum aperture is ideal for photographers whose focus is on events, architectural and landscape photography, environmental, portrait, indoor or low light photography.

Key features of the Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG HSM lens

● Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16

● Two FLD Elements and Five SLD Elements

● Two Aspherical Elements

● Super Multi-Layer Coating

● Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override

● Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

● TSC Material, Brass Bayonet Mount

● Built-In Petal-Shaped Lens Hood

● Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG HSM ART Lens

Ideal for high megapixel cameras, the 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM is one of the best portrait photography lenses. Whether you are a beginner or a professional photographer, its compression quality is exceptional and gives you a great focus with just the right amount of background blur. The Sigma 85mm Art lens has a shallow depth of field, making it easy for your subject to stand out, especially with a blurred background.

Key Features of the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG HSM ART Lens

● Aperture Range: f/1.4 to 16

● Two Low Dispersion Elements

● One Aspherical Element

● Super Multi-Layer Coating

● Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override

● Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

● TSC Material, Brass Bayonet Mount

● Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS

HSM Art lens is a versatile, high-performance lens which is perfect for any event. This lens is a dust and splash-proof, high optical performance lens intended specifically for high megapixel cameras. Some of its best features are an optical stabiliser function to help minimise camera shake and high-speed autofocus. This lens is an ideal everyday lens that works extremely well for weddings and events as well as sports, portraits, cityscapes and travel.

Key features of the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens

● Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22

● Six FLD Elements, Two SLD Elements

● Three Aspherical Elements

● Zoom lock switch

● Lens hood with a lock

● Mount with dust- and splash-proof structure

● Compatible with the Lens Aberration Correction

Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 DC HSM Art Lens

If you shoot with an APS-C camera and are looking for a quality wide-angle at a reasonable price, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens offers the perfect solution. It’s incredibly sharp for a zoom lens, let alone a wide-angle lens. It essentially covers the focal length of

three prime lenses and maintains sharpness throughout. The glass is a Special Low Dispersion (SLD) type that helps to reduce distortion, even at the widest angle. The wide f/1.8 maximum aperture is excellent for shooting in low light and creating incredible bokeh shots.

Key features of the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 DC HSM Art Lens

● Fast Constant Maximum Aperture

● 28.8-56mm (35mm Equivalent)

● Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16

● Five SLD Elements

● Four Aspherical Elements

● Super Multi-Layer Coating

● Hyper Sonic Motor AF System

● Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

● Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

These third-party lenses produce sharper, more detailed, and true-to-colour images than those of their competitors. Even for amateur photographers, a Sigma Art lens can be an excellent choice to get amazing artistic shots effortlessly.

We’ve got great deals on new and used Sigma Art lenses; visit one of our stores in London, Essex or Stevenage or take a look online. You'll also find a huge range of photography equipment at amazing prices as well as expert advice. All our advisors are passionate about photography and always happy to pass on their wealth of knowledge.