Sigma has announced the launch of a new “Contemporary” lens, a long-awaited ultra-telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras. For now, that means Sony E-mount and Leica/Panasonic/Sigma L-mount lenses, but these designs may eventually be modified for the RF mount a Z mount as well, given enough time and R&D.

While this new lens might look similar to its previous 100-400mm lens, the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary has been designed “from the ground up for mirrorless camera systems.” The state-of-art optical design technology ensures edge-to-edge high-resolution and high-contrast image quality throughout its entire focal range. This new lens achieves high image quality which rivals that of standard zoom lenses such as the SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | Art, ensuring a perfect match with these lenses while shooting.

The new lens—Sigma’s 5th “DG DN” mirrorless lens—is being hailed as a “Handy Tele Master.” Optically, it’s made up of 22 lens elements in 16 groups, with one Low Dispersion (FLD) and four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements to tackle aberration. In terms of AF, the lens incorporates a stepping motor that has been “optimized to the latest algorithm,” and Sigma goes out of its way to point out the “Dual Action Zoom” feature that lets you zoom using the focus ring or by simply pulling and pushing on the lens hood trombone-style.

At 100mm it has a minimum focusing distance of 112cm (44”) and at 400mm it has a minimum focusing distance of 160cm (63”). The lens measures in at 86mm (3.4”) diameter, 197mm (7.8”) long and weighs 1,135g (40oz). OS in the lens name means the lens is also optically stabilized, promising up to 4 stops of pitch and yaw correction.

While this isn’t one of Sigma’s highly acclaimed “ART” series lenses, the company maintains that the 100-400 DG DN delivers “uncompromising image quality” across the focus range, from the center to the edges of the frame.
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is currently available to pre-order for Sony E-mount and L-mount for $950. The first units should start shipping on July 10.

More info on Sigma’s website.