Sony FE 14mm f/1.8! Amazingly Compact Wide-Angle Lens

Sigma has offered a 14mm f/1.8 lens for several camera mounts since February 2017. Loved by many astrophotography and landscape photographers this autofocus lens performs well. The only real downside to the Sigma is the large size and weight and some noticeable coma when shot wide open. Coma is exhibited as wings or smears on brighter stars, especially near the edges of the lens. One additional issue I always had with the Sony version of the Sigma is the extended rear collar, making a large lens just that much longer and a bit more awkward in the bag and on the camera. The 14mm f/1.8 that sony just announced is noticeably smaller and from earlier reviews seems to have very little coma.

Sony 14mm f/1.8 Specs and comparison to Sigma 14mm f/1.8

Weight: 1.01 lbs (460g) Vs Sigma 14mm f/1.8 2.7 lbs (1225 g)
Size: 3 3/8” x 4” (83mm x 99.8mm) Vs Sigma 14mm 3.7” x 4.9” (95mm x 126mm)
Minimum Focus: 9.8”
Aperture Blades: 9 (clean sunstars starting at f/6.3)
Focus: TWO XD Linear Motors for fast and reliable autofocus even at f/1.8
Filter Size: Rear gel (template included)
Dust & Moisture Resistant: Yes
Price: $1598 vs Sigma 14mm f/1.8 $1599

Additional features include aperture control ring with Auto mode, Click/De-click switch for aperture, AF/MF switch, and Customizable focus hold button.

Why so much comparison vs the Sigma? Easy, no other manufacturer offers a 14mm f/1.8 lens. Canon has a 14mm f/2.8 lens that costs $2100 and weighs more than this lens! Sony really has done impressive work with this lens! I am looking forward to reviewing on upcoming astrophotography workshops.

Preorder Wed, Apr 21 - Shipping in mid-May- B&H Photo Link

I love astrophotography and have lots of reviews of wide-angle lenses. I love the performance of the Sigma but I never wanted to commit to carrying around such a large heavy lens. This Sony release is quite amazing - significantly smaller and lighter, about a 1/3rd of the weight!! And the performance looks excellent. The sample shots I was provided show very little if any, coma and sharpness is excellent from edge to edge. If you are a sony photographer looking for the best performing wide, wide-angle lens - here it is.

Preorder Wed, Apr 21 - Shipping in mid-May- B&H Photo Link