It is interesting to see what sort of things companies were trying out, but never ended up pursuing. In this case, I am referring to a couple of patents that have recently surfaced showing two different lens designs for the Sigma 35mm F/1.4 DG, one which features image stabilization.
According to the recently discovered patents, it seems clear that Sigma at one point was playing with the idea of adding OS to their 35mm F/1.4 lens. For whatever reason, that idea was not pursued and the other patent – which seems to feature the design of the current 35mm F/1.4 DG – was chosen over the OS design.
[REWIND: Sigma 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens – Full Review]
In the end, that choice turned out to be a good one, as the 35mm F/1.4 really kicked off Sigma’s current run of form and put them on just about every photographer’s radar. Still, it is interesting to think about what may have been with the 35mm having the addition of image stabilization.
Overall, I feel like image stabilization on a 35mm lens is a bit silly for most uses other than handheld video work. I wonder if the addition of OS effected the optical quality to such a degree that Sigma decided to scrap it and stick with the ultra high performance of the design used in the current 35mm.
What do you think about this? Would you have liked to see the 35mm F/1.4 come out with image stabilization or do you agree with me that it is a little pointless on a 35mm lens? Leave a comment below and lets discuss it!
[via Sigma Rumors]
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