Mini test: Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art lens
Posted on Aug 26, 2025 by Adam Duckworth
We try out the super-quick standard zoom for APS-C from Sigma, exploring its performance, build quality and versatility
Sigma’s 17-40mm f/1.8 Art lens is a remarkable evolution for APS-C zoom lens functionality and design. Made exclusively for crop-sensor mirrorless systems, it pushes beyond its predecessor – the groundbreaking 18-35mm f/1.8 DSLR lens of 2013 – by offering a slightly broader focal range, while reducing weight by more than 30% and improving overall portability.
A constant f/1.8 aperture across the zoom range elevates it above a more typical f/2.8 zoom, enabling low-light shooting and rich background separation with prime-like rendering. Its image quality is outstanding – particularly sharp in the centre and midfield, even wide open, exhibiting fine detail, high contrast and minimal chromatic aberration thanks to SLD and aspherical elements combined with Super Multi-Layer coating.
If you’re into serious pixel-peeping and test charts, edge and corner performance isn’t perfect wide open, and some longitudinal chromatic aberration can appear in out-of-focus areas of high-contrast scenes. But in practice, especially when shooting video, these limitations aren’t very noticeable or detrimental.
Critically, the lens excels in smooth aperture control and suppressed focus breathing – key attributes for video creators. The stepless aperture ring, or control ring on Canon RF, allows fluid changes in iris, while minimal focus shift ensures stable framing during rack focus moves. AF – driven by the HLA linear motor – is fast, near silent and precise, even in dim lighting. It’s perfect for single-operator gimbal use or run-and-gun shooting.
In terms of handling, Sigma’s use of an internal zoom mechanism keeps length constant when zooming, minimising dust and moisture ingress and enhancing balance, whether used handheld, on a tripod or gimbal.
At just 535g/1.18lb, and with a 67mm filter thread, the lens is travel-friendly, especially compared to its bulkier predecessor and many full-frame zooms. The build quality feels up to pro use, with Sigma’s Thermally Stable Composite housing, dust and splash resistance, a water- and oil-repellent front coating, two assignable AFL buttons and aperture lock switch to prevent accidental iris changes.
The zoom range, covering an equivalent of approximately 25.5-60mm on APS-C systems or 27.2-64mm on Canon RF, delivers flexibility for portraits, events and environmental storytelling without having to swap lenses. Of course, you also get the benefit of the fast f/1.8 aperture that’s great for low light or for creative use of bokeh, to give a real three-dimensionality to your footage.
A useful feature is that the lens maintains a 28cm/11in minimum focusing distance across the entire zoom range. It achieves a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.8 at its longest focal length, increasing depth-of-field and versatility in tight spaces. So you can get in close for some cool effects, especially shot at f/1.8, that other lenses can’t match.
It’s not parfocal, so zooming during a shot might create issues, but fast AF systems can go some way to masking this. In manual focus, you’re on your own, so you’ll need a finely trained hand to get it right. But the user who will love this lens is more likely to be using a modern mirrorless and trusting the advanced AF systems. There also isn’t built-in image stabilisation. Most modern cameras have this via the sensor, which can work with the optical system to remove shaking more effectively. No such luck on the Sigma, but this is typical on many standard-range zooms so is hardly a black mark.
The lens is for APS-C crop sensors so will fit full-frame bodies, but there is significant vignetting below around 28mm. If you use a full-frame camera, make sure to set it to APS-C crop or keep the range above 28mm. This looks the equivalent of a 40mm f/1.8 lens or longer, which is still very nice.
These features make this Sigma 17-40mm unique, with its constant ultra-fast aperture, lightweight compactness, smooth, video-friendly operation, prime-level resolution and professional ergonomics. For filmmakers working with APS-C mirrorless cameras, such as Sony’s popular FX30, who value portability and low-light performance, this lens marks a major leap forward.
£779/$919
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Specifications
- Focal length: 17-40mm
- Mount: Leica L, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF
- Image coverage: APS-C
- Aperture: F/1.8-16
- Aperture blades: 11, rounded
- Construction: 17 elements in 11 groups, including 4 SLD and 4 aspherical elements
- Image stabilisation: None
- Minimum focusing: 28cm/11in
- Filter size: 67mm
- Dimensions (wxl): 72.9×115.9mm/2.9×4.6in
- Weight: 535g/1.18lb
Pro Moviemaker rating: 9/10
Another unique fast zoom from Sigma
- Pros: Image quality, fast aperture
- Cons: APS-C only
This review was first published in the September/October 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker
