Sigma, the Japanese company renowned for its high-quality lenses and unconventional camera designs, made waves in the photography world yesterday with a series of exciting announcements. The star of the show was the Sigma BF, a minimalist full-frame mirrorless camera that redefines simplicity and functionality. Alongside the BF, Sigma also introduced a versatile APS-C 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 lens, a powerful 300-600mm F4 lens for wildlife and sports photography, and a refreshed lineup of nine I-series prime lenses. These releases underscore Sigma’s commitment to innovation and its ability to cater to a wide range of photographers, from enthusiasts to professionals.
The Sigma BF: A Camera That Prioritizes Simplicity
The Sigma BF is a bold departure from traditional camera design, stripping away the unnecessary to focus on the essentials. This 24.6-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera is milled from a single block of aluminum, giving it a sleek, industrial aesthetic with flat, angular edges. While its minimalist design may not be the most ergonomic, it includes a thumb rest on the back for added comfort during use.
The BF’s controls are equally streamlined, featuring haptic buttons and a lack of text for a clean, uncluttered look. The back of the camera houses a high-resolution display, a pill-shaped status monitor, a menu navigation dial, and a few essential buttons. The top of the BF is even more pared down, with just two microphones and a shutter button. This design philosophy reflects Sigma’s belief in simplicity and functionality, though it may take some getting used to for photographers accustomed to more traditional layouts.
One of the most groundbreaking features of the Sigma BF is its built-in 230GB SSD, which replaces traditional CFexpress or SD card slots. This internal storage solution can hold more than 14,000 JPEG files, 4,300 uncompressed RAW images, or 2.5 hours of high-quality video, eliminating the need for external memory cards. The SSD also supports fast data transfer speeds, making it ideal for handling the large files produced by the BF’s full-frame sensor.
The BF is compatible with L-mount lenses, offering photographers access to a wide range of high-quality optics. Its 35mm full-frame sensor delivers exceptional image quality and supports 6K video recording at up to 120 frames per second, with HEVC encoding for efficient file compression. Additionally, the camera includes several color modes, such as standard, rich, and color-specific settings like powder blue and sunset red, allowing for creative experimentation straight out of the camera.
A Versatile Lens Lineup for Every Need
In addition to the BF, Sigma unveiled a range of new lenses designed to meet the needs of diverse photographers. The APS-C 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 lens is a do-it-all optic that covers a wide focal range, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography. Its versatility allows users to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to distant subjects without needing to switch lenses.
For wildlife and sports photographers, Sigma introduced the 300-600mm F4 lens, a powerful telephoto optic designed to deliver stunning image quality and performance. This lens is perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects at a distance, making it a valuable tool for professionals in these fields.
Sigma also refreshed its I-series lineup of prime lenses, releasing nine new models that combine compact designs with exceptional optical performance. These lenses are ideal for photographers who value portability and image quality, offering a range of focal lengths to suit various shooting scenarios.
Join the Discussion
Following yesterday’s announcements, DPReview is inviting photographers to participate in discussions about Sigma’s new gear. For those interested in the Sigma BF, a dedicated discussion thread is available to share thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback. Similarly, threads for the new 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 and 300-600mm F4 lenses are open for enthusiasts to engage with the community.
DPReview’s editors are on the ground in Japan, where they will be getting hands-on experience with Sigma’s new products. As a result, they will be able to answer some of the community’s questions and provide insights into the performance and capabilities of the BF and the new lenses.
A Bold Step Forward for Sigma
With the Sigma BF and its new lineup of lenses, Sigma has once again demonstrated its ability to innovate and push the boundaries of photography equipment. The BF’s minimalist design and built-in SSD storage represent a bold step forward in camera technology, offering a unique option for photographers seeking simplicity and performance. Meanwhile, the new lenses cater to a wide range of shooting styles and needs, further solidifying Sigma’s reputation as a leader in optical innovation.
As the photography community eagerly awaits the release of these products, one thing is clear: Sigma continues to challenge conventions and deliver tools that inspire creativity. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a content creator, or an enthusiast, Sigma’s latest offerings are worth keeping an eye on.
For more information and to join the discussion, visit DPReview’s forums and stay tuned for updates from their editors in Japan. The future of photography is here, and Sigma is leading the way.
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