Contemporary Lens: I've noticed several manufacturers who list a particular lens as "Contempoary", such as the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens. What exactly is a...

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

I've noticed several manufacturers who list a particular lens as "Contempoary", such as the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens. What exactly is a contemporary lens and how does it differ from non-contempoary ones? Thanks.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

foxfirerodandgun wrote:

I've noticed several manufacturers who list a particular lens as "Contempoary", such as the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens. What exactly is a contemporary lens and how does it differ from non-contempoary ones? Thanks.

It's a marketing term Sigma uses to designate one of their lens series. They also make "sport" and "art" lenses. I don't believe any other company uses the term.

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

JohnSwanda wrote:

It's a marketing term Sigma uses to designate one of their lens series. They also make "sport" and "art" lenses. I don't believe any other company uses the term.

Other than the names, contemporary, sport, art, what are the main differences between them?

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

foxfirerodandgun wrote:

Other than the names, contemporary, sport, art, what are the main differences between them?

Performance (optical quality, including maximum aperture, focusing speed) as well as $$$.

Bill_de Loc: US

foxfirerodandgun wrote:

Other than the names, contemporary, sport, art, what are the main differences between them?

The Contemporary is lower priced and lower quality in the Sigma line. Some, maybe all, lack weather sealing.
That doesn't mean they are terrible. I have one Sigma Contemporary lens, a 100 - 400, which has given me decent results.

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foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

Bill_de wrote:

The Contemporary is lower priced and lower quality in the Sigma line. Some, maybe all, lack weather sealing.
That doesn't mean they are terrible. I have one Sigma Contemporary lens, a 100 - 400, which has given me decent results.

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Thanks!

That's the kind of information that I was looking for. I take it the the SIGMA ART lenses are higher quality for their line of lenses?

Bill_de Loc: US

foxfirerodandgun wrote:

Thanks!

That's the kind of information that I was looking for. I take it the the SIGMA ART lenses are higher quality for their line of lenses?

As camera manufacturers began making some lower end lenses to compete price wise, independent lens makers started making higher end lenses. In reality, when compared to 20 or so years ago, the lower end and high end are getting closer on image quality. Of course you still have to pick and choose no mater what brand or price.

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eadler

Bill_de wrote:

The Contemporary is lower priced and lower quality in the Sigma line. Some, maybe all, lack weather sealing.
That doesn't mean they are terrible. I have one Sigma Contemporary lens, a 100 - 400, which has given me decent results.

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FYI. Just purchased the new Sigma 56mm. It does have weather sealing.

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

foxfirerodandgun wrote:

I've noticed several manufacturers who list a particular lens as "Contempoary", such as the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens. What exactly is a contemporary lens and how does it differ from non-contempoary ones? Thanks.

Sigma language translated:

Contemporary - common folks, peons, surfs, el cheapo, the masses, value, econo
Sport - upper middle class, refined, some $$$ in the bank, 2 or more credit cards in the wallet
Art - bourgeois, upper class, elite, rich, AMEX Black Card

duck72 Loc: Laurel Ridge, PA

I often shoot with the Sigma 17-70 "Contemporary" lens (D7200). It is my understanding that it is a "notch below" Sigma's so-called "Art" line, their premium lenses, but has less weather resistance, etc., "better optics" than a so-called standard lens. A manufacturer's distinction for marketing purposes. The lens should stand on its own merits and features.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

As the owner of several Sigma ART lenses, I can say that they are some of the best made and best performing, at any price.

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

Thanks everyone for your input. I now have a pretty clear understanding of the cost levels & optics quality of the Sigma "named" lenses. Chrisg-Optical your analogy is quaint and humorous. ;~)

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

The Sig-Art is truly remarkable glass. I shoot Canon FF. But wanted add something smaller (aps-c), non griped. My choice was Sony by default. The first used poor-boy priced. Looking around at 2/3 market levels. I saw a 30mm Sigma Art. It was at a Pawn Shop. They said most likely it was broken as it went clukedy-clunk. I put in a search engine that problem and discovered that it lens has a floating element that moves if there is no power. I bought the lens that had a filter on it for 20 USD. I have since added a 19mm & 60mm Give Sony's 1.5 multiplier this is a nice spread. I love my poor boy kit and the Art lens are great.

J. R.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

"Contemporary" is similar to "New and Improved!". Mostly a marketing ploy to get people to buy.

DenAG

I have the 150-600 Contemporary lens. The reason I got that and not the sport was weight. Even so, with my 5Ds and that lens they tip the scales at 8 lbs. I am very happy with the sharpness.