SIGMA has just announced the SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens, the world’s first 14mm f/1.4 lens designed specifically for astrophotography. This ultra wide-angle prime lens is compatible with mirrorless camera systems, available in Sony E-mount and Leica L-Mount.

The lens is equipped with various features tailored for astrophotography, including a removable tripod socket, MFL switch for manual focus lock, lens heater retainer, rear filter holder, and a specially-designed front cap with a new locking mechanism and filter storage slots. It offers excellent aberration correction and delivers exceptional image quality, making it potentially the best lens for astrophotography. Its 14mm focal length and F1.4 aperture capture vast starry skies and reduces exposure time. The lens is also durable with a splash and dust-resistant construction, maintaining the high performance and quality standards of the SIGMA F1.4 Art lens lineup.

Beyond astrophotography, this 14mm f/1.4 lens is also suitable for high-end architecture, real estate and landscape photography, thanks to its outstanding optical performance and specialized features.

SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN

New vision. Expanding possibilities

1. Ultra wide-angle 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4 and outstanding optical performance
2. Abundant functions and accessories to support starscape photography
3. Signature Art line features and high build quality

Supplied accessories: Case, COVER LENS CAP LC1014-01, REAR CAP LCR II, TRIPOD SOCKET TS-141, PROTECTIVE COVER PT-41, GUIDE PLATE GP-11

Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount

The world’s first and only* lens that combines an ultrawide angle of 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4.

Introducing the world’s first and only lens that combines an ultrawide angle of 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4, designed specifically for stunning starscape photography. Capturing the beauty of the starry sky is a challenging task for wide-angle lenses, given the multitude of tiny light sources scattered throughout the image. The 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens is the result of our engineers’ passion for achieving the widest, brightest, highest-resolution, and most captivating starscape images imaginable. Leveraging SIGMA’s cutting-edge technology, this lens offers an ultrawide 14mm angle of view paired with an impressive F1.4 aperture. It boasts high optical performance with thorough correction of sagittal coma flare, specialized functions to enhance starry landscape photography, and fast autofocus powered by the HLA linear motor.

With the 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens, you can turn the Milky Way stretching across the night sky and twinkling stars above ridgelines into breathtaking images that surpass the experience. Its exceptional performance in capturing starscapes opens up new possibilities for visual expression and enjoyment across various scenes, including daytime landscapes, architecture, and indoor photography in dark and confined spaces.

* Excluding fisheye lenses, as interchangeable lenses for mirrorless cameras and SLR cameras (as of June, 2023 by SIGMA).

Key features

Ultra wide-angle 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4 and outstanding optical performance

Applying the best of SIGMA’s optical technologies made this world-first performance possible, from the design to the lens manufacturing process. In addition, 19 elements in 15 groups, including 1 SLD glass element, 3 FLD glass elements, and 4 aspherical lens elements, make up a luxurious lens configuration. This allows for advanced aberration correction and a high degree of precision in the lens construction. This allows both advanced aberration correction and F1.4 brightness. In particular, sagittal coma flare, which distorts the shape of stars, has been carefully corrected. Even at the widest aperture, the lens delivers high image reproducibility right to the periphery of the image.

Both optical design and coatings also thoroughly address ghosting and flare. This allows for clear, crisp shooting of starry sky and night scenes. Optimized for starscapes, which require extremely high performance, this lens delivers images that exceed expectations in any scene, including landscapes, architecture snapshots, portraits, and indoor photography.

Abundant functions and accessories to support starscape photography

The 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is equipped with a wealth of features that support starscape photography. This fully backs up the fun of starscape photography.

• Tripod Socket

Includes a detachable tripod mount compatible with Arca-Swiss type. Mounting the 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens on a tripod makes it more stable, as it is heavier on the front side. The shape is designed to prevent interference even when using the lens heater.

• MFL (Manual Focus Lock) Switch

A switch to lock the manual focus at a desired position. Prevents focus shift caused by unintentional operation of the focus ring. This is useful for fixed focus shooting scenarios, such as long exposure photography.

• Lens Heater Retainer

Steps around the front and lens heater retainers prevent the lens heater* from protruding into the front of the lens and causing vignetting on the periphery of the screen.
* A belt-shaped heater wrapped around the lens prevents condensation from forming inside the lens when the temperature drops.

• Rear Filter Holder

A rear filter holder is provided as standard equipment at the lens mount for attaching a sheet-type rear filter. A lock mechanism is also provided to prevent the filter from falling out.

• Special front cap with locking mechanism and filter slots

Includes a cover-type front cap with locking mechanism. It also has a newly developed filter slot that can hold two rear filters depending on the application. The cap is specially designed for the 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art to protect the sheet filters from scratches and dirt while ensuring that they are not mistakenly taken out or forgotten.

Signature Art line features and high build quality

In addition to functions specifically designed for shooting starscapes, the lens is equipped with various functions to assist in shooting, including an AFL button to which any function can be assigned and an aperture ring. The body is dust and splash resistant. The frontmost surface of the lens has a water- and stain-repellent coating, so you can shoot outdoors in harsh environments with peace of mind. The HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) enables high-speed, quiet, and highly accurate autofocusing.

In order to maintain performance while supporting a lens with a large aperture, the lens has a robust internal structure and uses lightweight materials such as polycarbonate TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), which has a thermal shrinkage rate equivalent to that of aluminum, and magnesium in appropriate locations to reduce weight while ensuring robustness. The lens body is built with the high build quality of the Art line specifications, allowing the user to fully enjoy the unique performance of the lens in any environment, including shooting starscapes.

Additional features

• Lens construction: 19 elements in 15 groups (3 FLD, 1 SLD, and 4 aspherical elements)
• Inner focus system
• Compatible with high-speed autofocus
• HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
• Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction
  • Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections and auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.
  • On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON’ (AUTO).
• Supports DMF and AF+MF
• Compatible with AF assist (Sony E-mount only)
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element)
• Aperture ring
• Aperture ring click switch
• Aperture ring lock switch
• AFL button
• MFL switch
• Rear Filter Holder (compatible with GUIDE PLATE GP-11)
• Lens Heater Retainer
• Focus Mode Switch
• Support for switching between linear and nonlinear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only)
• Dust and Splash Resistant Structure
• TRIPOD SOCKET TS-141 supplied
• Special front cap with locking mechanism and filter slot: COVER LENS CAP LC1014-01 (NEW)
• Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
• Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
• Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system
• 11-blade rounded diaphragm
• High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
• “Made in Japan” craftsmanship

Key specifications

The figures below are for the L-Mount version:

Lens Construction:                                       19 elements in 15 groups (3 FLD, 1 SLD, 4 aspherical)

Angle of view:                                                 114.2°

Number of diaphragm blades:                  11 (rounded diaphragm)

Minimum aperture:                                       F16

Minimum focusing distance:                     30cm / 11.9 in.

Maximum magnification ratio:                  1:11.9

Filter size:                                                       Rear filter only

Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length):        101.4 x 149.9mm / 4.0 x 5.9 in.

Weight:                                                            1170g / 41.3 oz.

For more information, visit Sigma.

The entries for the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year are in and the shortlist has been revealed. 

Each year, it encourages photographers to capture stunning images taken in Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.

And, in its 20th year running, this year is no exception. 

In 2023 the competition, which is owned and produced by the South Australian Museum, drew 2,182 entries from 550 photographers across 10 countries.

But the shortlist could only be made up of 95 images. 

South Australian Museum acting director Justine van Mourik said this year’s judges, Mike Langford, Adjunct Professor Wayne Quilliam and Jackie Ranken, faced an epic task.

And this year it was even harder, with a new category attracting awe-inspiring images. 

“This year we introduced the well-received macro category, with photographers submitting incredible larger-than-life-sized images of nature’s smallest scenes,” Ms van Mourik said. 

That meant there were 10 categories this year:

• Animals in Nature
• Urban Animals
• Macro
• Landscape
• Threatened Species 
• Monochrome 
• Our Impact
• Junior
• Portfolio

The South Australian Museum will announce the overall winner, category winners, runners-up and the Portfolio Prize in August. 

Until then, here’s a look at the shortlisted images in the Animals in Nature, Macro and Urban Animals categories. 

Animals in Nature

Macro

Urban Animals

Believe it or not, I have been a freelance photographer for six years. Looking back on it, I have been struggling to make it, truly learning the meaning of the term starving artist. I wish I would have received this bit of advice so many years ago.

In photography, I have this saying: “if it pays, it stays.” What I mean by that is I will grab any paying jobs to keep my dream alive. Those jobs could be real estate, insurance claims, race photography, or any mindless, non-creative paying gig. Much of the time, they are mindless opportunities for which my passion is not aroused.

It’s great in the short-term, because who doesn’t love paying bills? It does lead to a lot of distraction from what one is passionate about. Eventually, it leads to this never-ending loop of passionless photo jobs one dreads to do.

This is what happened to We Eat Together. He bopped around a variety of photography categories but never really found a foothold. Until one day, he discovered passions outside of photography. In turn, he used his camera as a tool to express his passions. By doing so, he got away from the passionless gig loop and gained traction in his photography career.

Photography is a daunting career choice because everyone has become one with their phone. The way to break through the noise is to combine passion, creativity, and focus. Perhaps you could save yourself a decade and the feelings of failure by becoming one of the best photographers in your passionate niche.

The Camp Verde Community Library is featuring a new exhibit, “Double Take,” showcasing the collaborative art of husband and wife team Larry and Debbie Gallagher. 

The show consists of nature and landscape photographs taken by Larry paired with acrylic paintings by Debbie that reinterpret the photos and are displayed side by side. 

Debbie said that she always had a love of art and won her first art contest in the third grade. She studied fine arts at the University of Portland and later became a teacher. She painted with oils before turning to watercolor, creating what she called non-traditional portraits and focusing on color. About five years ago, she switched from doing portrait work in watercolor to landscapes in acrylic. 

Larry took up photography around 1980 when he purchased a basic film camera, which he kept using until the 1990s when his work became more time-consuming. He didn’t return to shooting until he retired three years ago and taught himself how to use a digital camera. He mainly photographs landscapes, or small scenes within a landscape. 

“I love being out in the early morning and late afternoon in the blue hours looking at how the world wakes up and goes to sleep,” Larry said.

Both of the Gallaghers find inspiration in nature. Larry observed that nature simplifies your life with its calming and centering aspects. “I’m just amazed at nature, the complexity and interrelationships of everything, how they are so delicately balanced and then when they’re thrown out of balance the effects can be pretty dramatic,” he said. 

“We love to camp and hike and Arizona is just so beautiful,” Debbie said. “I started using Larry’s photographs for resource information and that’s kind of how we started doing our collaborative work together.” 

While for some, creating art is a solitary endeavor, the Gallaghers have been exploring a more collaborative process. Debbie had done collaborative art before with another artist, passing a painting back and forth with each of them taking turns adding to it. 

“With that kind of collaborative art you have to have a lot of trust and have to be able to really let it go,” Debbie said. “It was very powerful.” 

While Larry photographs an area, Debbie will sketch or paint plein air. Later, she will look through Larry’s photographs and choose one to reinterpret with her own palette and in her own style. He gives her the photos in black and white, as she does not want to be influenced by their colors. 

“It’s important in that process of having that level of trust in the person and for me to say to Debbie, I don’t care what you do with the photograph I give you,” Larry said. “I’m really just waiting to see what interesting, colorful and unique ways you can create some derivative piece of art from it. The photographer has to completely release their preconceptions of what would be done with it and say, I can’t wait to see what you do with it.” 

The Gallaghers feel that this collaborative form of art and trust has strengthened their relationship even more. 

“I do think it brings us closer,” Larry said. “We have a similar interest and so that makes the time for us to be together to do things, but also that exchange of information builds trust, not that we didn’t have it to begin with, but it’s just another layer of it.” 

The Gallaghers moved to Camp Verde in 2003 and recognized the importance of meeting other artists. Debbie joined a group of fellow painters, feeling that meeting other artists broadens your perspective and encourages you to keep painting as well as to experiment. Both Debbie and Larry are members of El Valle Artists Association, which brings together artists in the Verde Valley. 

On the photography side, Larry said, “Get out and experiment. Don’t wait till you feel like you’ve learned everything. Get out there and start learning by doing it.” He facilitates the Verde Valley Photographic Society, which meets monthly at the Camp Verde Community Library. He stressed the importance of being able to talk to other photographers and to see their work, of learning from and being inspired by others with a similar passion. 

“It gets you that connection to other people who like doing what you do, and you both get better by doing that together,” Larry said.