More than once, we've called the Sigma 14mm F1. 8 DG HSM | Art lens an astrophotographer's dream lens. From the moment it was announced, we were dying to get our hands on it; and once we did, it did not disappoint.

But what's the big deal? Why pay $1,600 for this lens when the very capable Samyang/Rokinon 14mm F2. 4 will cost you half as much and resolve nearly as much detail (if not more)?

Light. . . that's why. A point explained beautifully by photographer Alyn Wallace, who recently took the 14mm F1. 8 Art out for a spin in the night. After managing to take a hand-held photograph of the Milky Way—an insane and somewhat-pointless but also kind-of-fun experiment to see what F1. 8 can really do—he pops the lens onto a tripod for some proper astrophotography and is immediately blown away.

"This lens is a light vacuum," he says. "It's like I've stuck a black hole on the front of my camera. "

DPReview's Dale Baskin felt similarly after shooting the Aurora with the Sigma 14mm F1. 8 Art, writing in his Gear of The Year post, "Once I tried the Sigma 14mm F1. 8 it was game over. I knew I had found the one. "

Of course, the lens isn't perfect, and Wallace gets into that as well, looking closely at the corners and revealing where pushing this lens to F1. 8 is going to cost you. To see his results and drool a bit over a piece of glass that may make its way onto your very own "treat yourself" list this holiday season, check out the full video up top.

2017-12-5 23:08