Japanese lens manufacturer SIGMA has introduced three lenses as an addition to their “C | Contemporary” line of photographic lenses, but has categorized them additionally under what they are calling the “I Series.”

Pairing both for exceptional optical performance and stylish, compact design, the three new lenses – the 24mm F3.5 DG DN | Contemporary, 35mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary, and 65mm DG DN | Contemporary – join the previously released 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary to establish a new benchmark in compact performance lenses. Featuring all-metal construction for durability and cutting-edge optical designs, the I series lenses are available in L-Mount and Sony E-mount.

“When it comes to mirrorless cameras, striking the proper balance between performance and size is even more crucial. We believe there is a growing demand for compact, high-performance, high-quality lenses,” reports SIGMA America President Mark Amir-Hamzeh. “The introduction of the I series of full-frame mirrorless-exclusive lenses answers this call. The I series represents a new option: premium compact primes that are stylish in appearance with impressive specifications and optical performance.”

“I” stands for three words the company uses to define the line: Identity, Iconic, and Instinctive.

Key I series Lens Features:

• All I series lenses feature an all-metal body, with high-precision metal internal parts, and a metal lens hood. The 24mm F3.5 is a petal-type hood.
• All I series lenses feature a manual aperture ring and knurled surfaces for an enjoyable tactile experience.
• The 35mm F2 and 65mm F2 lenses feature a newly-designed arc-type auto/manual focus mode switch.
• The 24mm F3.5, 35mm F2 and 65mm F2 lenses all feature a dust and splash-proof mount
• The three new lenses each ship with both a plastic lens cap and a magnetic metallic cap.
• An optional magnetic cap holder (model CH-11, MSRP $29) features a mini-carabiner for clipping to a camera bag, jacket or belt loop, and has a donut-style center hole to easily remove the cap when it is time to place it back on the lens.

The 24mm F3.5 DG DN has a total of 10 elements, which include both SLD and aspherical glass. The special elements, along with Sigma’s ‘Super Multi-Layer coating’ help to reduce ghosting and flare. The 24mm F3.5 has a minimum focus distance of 11cm (4.3″) and a max magnification of 1:2 (0.5x). The lens weighs in at just 225 grams (7.9 ounces) and includes a petal-type lens hood.

Here some sample pictures:

Next up is the 35mm F2 DG DN. The 35mm f/2 DG DN is made of 10 elements in 9 groups and uses three high-precision glass-molded aspherical lenses to correct spherical aberration, field curvature, and fluctuation of aberration at the time of focusing. Sigma also claims the lens provides “good” correction of sagittal coma aberration making it a solid choice for night sky photography.

Here some sample pictures:

Lastly, we have the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN, which is comprised of 12 elements in 9 groups and uses two glass-molded aspherical elements. Sigma claims that in addition to the beautiful bokeh effect thanks to the control of spherical aberration, the reduced vignetting effects “help curb lemon-shaped or swirly bokeh and give photographers greater control over the out of focus areas of their images.” Additionally, the Sigma anti-ghosting and anti-flare technology ensure high-end performance in backlit conditions.

Here some sample pictures:

All three lenses come with both metal lens caps that attach magnetically and with conventional plastic pinch-type lens caps. Sigma will offer a magnetic lens cap holder that’s attached to a carabiner.

All three new I Series lenses are slated for release in January 2021. The Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN will be available for $639, the 65mm f/2 DG DN will be available for $699, and the 24mm f/3.5 DG DN will be available for $549. All three lenses are available for pre-order now.

More info on Sigma’s website.