Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 for X-Mount

Some lenses captivate you the moment you see them — it’s like love at first sight. They’re beautiful, magical, and seemingly perfect — a match made in heaven. Today, I have the privilege of introducing the new, made-in-Japan lens. Its the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 zoom lens for X-mount.

Unfortunately, it didn’t share the same heartbeat as what I described earlier. It wasn’t love at first sight. It was something different — more pragmatic, more grounded. And that, in its own way, led to a deeper affection for this lens.

Like all great love stories, it wasn’t instant. It was a journey — a test of time that  revealed its challenges, imperfections, and ultimately, the birth of something real and lasting. That’s the story of the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 zoom lens. If you’re not into true love, feel free to exit now. But, if like to give true love a opportunity — may I invite you to join me on this little love story. It all began in late spring, in Hokkaido, Japan.

I had this lens for almost 2 weeks as I travel to some amazing Hokkaido landscapes. In a nutshell, it’s a family holiday with 2 other friends. I was the Executive driver; Chief Porter and last but not least; the holiday photographer! Before I start, do have a preview of some snaps taken with this zoom lens.

The First Date
I must admit, it wasn’t great. The size and weight didn’t quite meet my expectations. But hey, I wasn’t looking for a supermodel from the Ford Models. Since this is a zoom lens with no real competition, my natural comparison was with the gold standard zoom from Fujifilm — the XF16-55mm F2.8 WR II. The Sigma is about 20% longer and roughly 20% heavier: 535 grams versus 410 grams.The saving grace? It has a smaller diameter — 67mm compared to the XF16-55mm’s 72mm.

As I mentioned before, this lens doesn’t really have direct competition. If I look at it for what it truly is — a 17-40mm lens with a fixed F1.8 aperture — I really shouldn’t  complain about the size and weight. In fact, credit is due. After all, it’s an F1.8 zoom lens. Oh, and did I mention it’s an internal zoom? That means the lens doesn’t extend when you zoom in or out, which is a nice touch. 

The build of this lens is excellent—definitely feels like premium plastic. Near the end of the barrel, there’s a section of bare polished metal, which is a really nice touch and adds to the overall aesthetic. I do have one gripe, though: the rubber zoom ring is thinner than the focus ring. Personally, I wish it were the other way around. It’s a small thing, but worth noting. That said, it is what it is.   

All Love; comes with a Price.

As much as I wish this lens was lighter and smaller; and have more focal range. Through the lovely days in Hokkaido; I begin to understand the strength of this lens. In a nutshell, this lens is a F1.8 zoom lens. Period! It sits in its own category. Even though it has only a 17-40mm focal range; I am still able to enjoy this new zoom relationship. The picture shot with this lens just pops more! I think this could be the new gold standard for zoom lens. 

True love is never perfect.

Perfect lens doesn’t exist. If you know of one; do share on the comment below. But I am certain along our journey as a photographer; from time to time we will encounter a lens that may not be be perfect but its may be perfect for our individual needs and shooting style.. And this is my encounter with this Sigma zoom lens.  

Is the focal range of 17-40mm enough? In full frame term; 25.5mm to 60mm. I think it’s still very useable. Of course it fall short of the standard 24-70mm general purpose zoom. In return we we get a F1.8. At the far end of 40mm; at F1.8 I am able to get some lovely portraits and lovely close-up lifestyle shot, as the minimum focusing distance is pretty close.  

On the wide end; even though it not 24mm; at 25.5mm, it’s not a deal breaker for me. I am able to snap some landscape with it and more. Dust and splash proof comes standard in this relationship. I am not familiar the exact ability 

of this definition. Is it similar to Fujifilm WR (weather resistant)? As for general usage I think thisndust and splash should be able to weather some drizzle. This lens does not have stabilisation Which is ok as most X-series cameras comes with IBIS. 

What about the glass? 

There are some noticeable signs of chromatic aberration when viewed up close under strong lighting. The good news is that this issue is easily corrected in post-processing with any photo editing software. Sharpness is above average — don’t get me wrong, this lens is definitely sharp, just not clinically sharp. And to me, that’s a good thing. It strikes a nice balance between technical sharpness and character. This is exactly where my appreciation for this zoom lens deepens.

Made in Heaven?

In conclusion; there is no such thing as a perfect lens. But as a general-purpose zoom, the Sigma 17-40mm works well for me. Autofocus is quick and silent. To me, the Sigma 17-40mm feels like having five prime lenses in one. In full-frame terms, it covers 25.5mm for landscapes, 28mm and 35mm for everyday or street photography, 50mm for documentary work, and 60mm for portraits—all effectively at f/1.8. Can it handle street photography? Absolutely. Though personally, I still prefer using a fixed prime for that kind of work.

If you’re the kind of photographer who dislikes changing lenses often, this Sigma 17-40mm is a very attractive option. Over two weeks in Hokkaido, I’ve learned to look past its size and weight, and instead embrace its strengths. The Sigma is a highly capable, all-purpose zoom—a true “one lens to do it all.” And for me, this relationship works; at least for now.

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