Sigma has just announced the 17-40mm f/1.8 DC DN Art lens, and it’s already turning heads. Designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, this ultra-fast standard zoom boasts a constant f/1.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, something previously unheard of in APS-C zooms. It offers an equivalent focal length of roughly 26–61mm, making it ideal for everything from wide environmental shots to tighter portraits. The lens is priced at $919 in the US and €999 in the EU.
The 17-40mm f/1.8 is the spiritual successor to Sigma’s legendary 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art, launched back in 2013. That lens redefined what was possible for APS-C shooters, offering prime-like sharpness in a fast zoom. More than a decade later, Sigma has not only managed to bring that concept to the mirrorless world, they’ve improved it. The new lens extends the zoom range, retains internal zoom (the barrel doesn’t extend when zooming), and still manages to be roughly a third lighter than its DSLR predecessor (weighing 535 grams vs 810 grams).
I remember back in January 2018, when I bought the Sony a6300, Sigma was about to complete what photographers often called the “prime trinity” for APS-C: the 16mm f/1.4 (announced in 2017), the 30mm f/1.4 (2016), and the 56mm f/1.4, which would be announced later that year. Those lenses were a game-changer for many of us who wanted quality glass without moving to full-frame. Fast forward to today, and Sigma now offers eight dedicated APS-C lenses. The addition of the 17-40mm f/1.8 shows that Sigma is treating APS-C as a serious format, not just an entry-level option. The Art designation reinforces that commitment to high performance.
And they’re not done. If the rumors are true, a 12mm f/1.4 is on the horizon, a lens that could be perfect for astrophotography. If that materializes, it would cement Sigma as the go-to lens maker for APS-C creatives who want pro-level tools in a smaller format.
All of these lenses are available in multiple mounts, including L Mount, a system shared by Sigma, Panasonic, and Leica. With Panasonic covering both Micro Four Thirds and full-frame and Leica stepping away from APS-C development, Sigma may have a clear path to introduce its own APS-C L Mount camera. It would be a strategic move, giving its lenses a native home within the L Mount Alliance.
The question now is: will Sigma take the chance?
