Sigma lens "Art" vs "Contemporary" tiers?

Are the Sigma "Art" lenses for m43 (19mm, 30mm, & 60mm f2.8) in a higher optical quality tier in Sigma's product lineup than Sigma's "Contemporary" lenses for m43 (16mm & 30mm f1.4)?

Anyone know?

Sigma would like you to think so but they fill very different needs in my mind.

I can't think of any direct comparisons.

At least for μ4/3 (and Sony E-mount) primes, their tier system has failed due to early errors and now it is beyond correction.

The 19/2.8 and 30/2.8 were developed before Sigma announced their 'Global Vision' tier system. Then Sigma has changed design of the 19/2.8 and 30/2.8, and re-branded them as 'Art'. The 60/2.8 has followed. Announcement of F1.4 lineups (16mm, 30mm, 56mm) happened after the 'F2.8 Art' primes.

Sigma's definition might be true in terms of some optical figures like telecentricity, but I do not think people will convinced because those things are rarely considered when people look the product list up and down.

Its the othet way around, the f1.4 lenses are superior in every way to their cheaper, slower counter parts.

Miguel-C said:

Its the othet way around, the f1.4 lenses are superior in every way to their cheaper, slower counter parts.

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Except we don't know about the 56F1,4 yet. The 60F2,8 was outstanding and I hope, the 56 will have similar IQ to the (huge) 16mm.

Peter

eques said:

Miguel-C said:

Its the othet way around, the f1.4 lenses are superior in every way to their cheaper, slower counter parts.

Click to expand...

Except we don't know about the 56F1,4 yet. The 60F2,8 was outstanding and I hope, the 56 will have similar IQ to the (huge) 16mm.

Peter

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I have the 60mm, too, and agree. It is an exceptionally good lens.

eques said:

Miguel-C said:

Its the othet way around, the f1.4 lenses are superior in every way to their cheaper, slower counter parts.

Click to expand...

Except we don't know about the 56F1,4 yet. The 60F2,8 was outstanding and I hope, the 56 will have similar IQ to the (huge) 16mm.

Click to expand...

My brief experience with the 56 suggests it's an excellent lens.

The trio of f2.8 m43 lenses were originally branded "Art" from what I remember and then the rubber focus rings were dropped for the curious designed smooth surface but no other changes and reference to Art was dropped. Today Art means Sigmas highest quality as well as unique usually very high aperture speed and usually very large size and weight. So the m43 trio does not fit the Art tradition. But optically they arguably do qualify as Art. The current "Contemporary" 16mm and 30mm (and forthcoming 56mm f1.4) are considered a cut below Art (in ultimate wide open speed design and construction mainly) but are very good and a great balance of IQ and cost. So the f2.8 trio are sort of orphaned from a historical design and marketing philosophy. If you want affordable and very good IQ, they are an excellent choice, especially if you don't mind changing lenses between all three vs a zoom like the Panasonic Leica 12-60mm f2.8-f4.0 (which will still cost more than all three Sigmas). If you have just a 14-42 kit zoom, then two of the Sigmas, 60mm and either 19 or 30mm, make a good and affordable upgrade. If you want high speed f1.4, the newer Contempory designs are a good way to get into that without selling a kidney!

dscottsatx said:

Are the Sigma "Art" lenses for m43 (19mm, 30mm, & 60mm f2.8) in a higher optical quality tier in Sigma's product lineup than Sigma's "Contemporary" lenses for m43 (16mm & 30mm f1.4)?
Anyone know?

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Art? lol its all marketing, irrespective of the price point, built quality, max aperture etc.

Good lenses though, all of them even the budget priced f2.8`s.