Ever since Sigma first started making lenses for Fujifilm X, I had one wish: “Please, Sigma—bring a proper Art lens to Fujifilm!” After a long wait, it finally happened. Well, sort of. The Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 Art is an Art lens for Fujifilm cameras, but it is a zoom—one of the lens types I have never quite warmed to. I had pictured something like a 135mm f/1.8 or a 100mm f/1.4. Instead, we get a wide standard zoom with a constant f/1.8 aperture. That is remarkable. But is it enough to change how I feel about zooms? Let’s find out.
Build quality and controls
Sigma delivers the familiar high standard of its Art series. I do not personally need a full-metal body on a zoom; here, high-quality plastic is paired with grippy, rubberised zoom and focus rings. Even the lens hood feels solid and well made.
The lens is weather-sealed and includes switches to:
- turn the aperture-ring clicks on or off
- lock the zoom range
- switch autofocus on or off
A zoom with an aperture ring that reaches f/1.8 is unusual enough. Better still, the maximum aperture stays at f/1.8 throughout the range. The 17–40mm range is not huge, but it is extremely useful.
Can an f/1.8 zoom be any good?
Short answer: very good.
I am genuinely impressed by the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 Art. I used it almost every day on a family holiday by the Baltic Sea in Denmark, even though I had brought a wide selection of lenses, from a 16-300mm to an 85mm and a fast 24mm. The Sigma covered almost everything: the beach, a walk around town and a day trip to Aarhus.
It produces excellent wide-angle images as well as intimate moments with attractive subject separation. The quality is surprisingly high. I have used zooms where the maximum aperture was barely usable and you had to stop down by one or two stops for good sharpness. Not here: at f/1.8, images are already sharp and contrasty. Even against the light, I saw no obvious loss of contrast, distracting flare or ghosting.
There is some mild distortion. It is noticeable with architecture and straight lines, but it is not a problem in everyday situations or family photos.
My verdict on the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 Art
At last, a Sigma Art lens for Fujifilm—and it is “only” a zoom? Quite the opposite: the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 Art for Fujifilm is a real highlight. Image quality leaves little to be desired, and the lens is especially useful in everyday situations where I want to stay flexible. It is an excellent companion for travel, family photos and spontaneous moments.
For me, it is much better suited than the also very capable Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8. The 17-40mm f/1.8 Art is available for Fujifilm X, Sony E and Canon RF mounts.
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