FINALLY Sigma is making Nikon Z lenses… three, in fact!

Sigma Contemporary X-mount lens trio
(X-mount variants for illustrative purposes) (Image credit: Sigma)

At long last, Sigma has joined Nikon's mirrorless revolution! Sigma has announced its very first Z-mount lenses in the form of three super-fast prime lenses: the 16mm, 30mm and 56mm f/1.4 Contemporary.

While these are DX lenses designed for Nikon's growing roster of APS-C Z-series cameras – the Nikon Z50, Nikon Z fc and Nikon Z30 – they should be compatible with FX Z-series cameras too, which will automatically crop to accommodate them.

• Read more: Best Nikon lenses 

Fans of the Big N and Sigma optics have had to wait over four years for anything Z-mount related to appear from the Kawasaki-based lens giant. And with this announcement, we hope that this is the start of a full-fledged Z-mount-compatible line-up. 

While we’re awaiting detailed specifications, the trio of lenses are already available for Canon EF-M, Sony E, Fujifilm X and L mounts – and the Canon variants performed very well on test – so we have a pretty good idea of what to expect. 

Each lens features a super-quick maximum aperture of f/1.4 and sits within Sigma's Contemporary range, which the Japan-based manufacturer cites as, "featuring the very latest technology, and combining optical performance with compactness". 

The trio of primes boasts nine-bladed apertures, and according to Sigma, "control algorithm including AF drive and communication speed optimization has been developed specifically for Z Mount interchangeable lenses." Where supported, you can expect in-camera aberration correction, while rubber-sealed mounts provide some protection from the elements.

Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN | Contemporary

With an equivalent focal length of 24mm, this wide-angle prime is ideal for landscapes. (X-mount variant for illustrative purposes)  (Image credit: Sigma)

The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN | C received a perfect score when we reviewed it for Canon's EF-M mount, so we’re expecting big things from this comparatively small wide-angle prime in its Nikon Z-mount form.

This lens provides an equivalent 24mm focal length (with an 83.2° angle of view), ideal for landscapes, architecture and stylized street shots. It comprises 16 elements in 13 groups and features a stepping motor for silky smooth AF. It’s a useful tool for wide-angle close-ups, too, with a very respectable minimum focus distance of 9.8in (25cm). The Nikon variant is set to weigh slightly more than existing versions at 14.8oz (420g), likely to accommodate the super-wide Z mount.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN | Contemporary

Essentially a super-fast 'nifty fifty' that should prove ideal for street photography, photowalks and much more. (X-mount variant for illustrative purposes)  (Image credit: Sigma)

This compact standard prime’s Canon EOS M variant earned an impressive 4.5 stars in our review, where we praised its good image quality, small and lightweight build and reasonable pricing.  

The 30mm f/1.4 DC DN | C will provide an equivalent focal length of 45mm on Nikon’s Z-series cameras (with a 50.7° angle of view), making it a very usable standard prime that’s essentially a nifty fifty. It’s constructed from 9 elements in 7 groups and features a decent minimum focus distance of 11.8in (30cm). Expect a super-light optic that will make an ideal street or photowalk companion, once again weighing slightly more than other variants at 10.1oz (285g). 

Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN | Contemporary

This lens provides a near-85mm equivalent focal length, a favourite of portrait photographers. (X-mount variant for illustrative purposes) (Image credit: Sigma)

Sigma has called previous incarnations of this minute 56mm prime the "smallest mid-tele lens in its class". And with all current variants weighing in at 10.1oz (285g) or below, it’s not hard to believe. That said, the Nikon lens will weigh in slightly heavier at 10.4oz (295g).

This neat little prime provides an equivalent focal length of 84mm (with a 28.5° angle of view), making it a fantastic choice for portrait photographers looking for that coveted 85mm look, and aided by the super-fast f/1.4 aperture. The lens is built from 10 elements in 6 groups and has a decent close-focusing distance of 19.7in (50cm). 

Just like its wide-angle 16mm f/1.4 DC DN | Contemporary counterpart, the Canon variant of this lens earned a perfect score on test, where we praised its premium build quality and impressive image quality across the board.

Read more
Best Nikon Z lenses
Best lenses for the Nikon Z50
Best 50mm lens
Best lens for street photography

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Mike Harris
Technique Editor

Mike is Deputy Editor for N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, and brings with him over 10 years experience writing both freelance and for some of the biggest specialist publications. Prior to joining N-Photo Mike was the production editor for the content marketing team of Wex Photo Video, the UK’s largest online specialist photographic retailer, where he sharpened his skills in both the stills and videography spheres.  


While he’s an avid motorsport photographer, his skills extend to every genre of photography – making him one of Digital Camera World’s top tutors for techniques on cameras, lenses, tripods, filters and other imaging equipment, as well as sharing his expertise on shooting everything from portraits and landscapes to abstracts and architecture to wildlife and, yes, fast things going around race tracks.