Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary

The Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is an ultra-wide prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras, available for Sony E, Fujifilm X and Canon RF. The 12mm focal length corresponds to about 18mm in 35mm terms (19mm on Canon RF). According to Sigma, it offers the widest angle of view among F1.4 autofocus lenses for APS-C cameras as of August 2025. It targets landscape, astro, travel and street shooters as well as vloggers.

Optical design

The lens has 14 elements in 12 groups, including 2 SLD and 3 aspherical elements. Sigma says the aspherical elements are double-sided and that sagittal coma flare is corrected so that point light sources in night scenes stay crisp toward the edges. The diaphragm has 9 rounded blades, the smallest aperture is F16, and the angle of view is 99.6° on Sony E and Fujifilm X (96.4° on Canon RF). The closest focus distance is 17.2cm, with a maximum magnification of 1:8.4.

Autofocus and handling

A stepping motor drives the autofocus, and Sigma states that focus breathing is suppressed for video. The lens has an aperture ring; on Canon RF it is replaced by a customizable control ring. Dust and splash resistance and a water and oil repellent front coating are part of the specification. There is no optical stabilizer, which is typical for lenses of this focal length.

Build and size

Sigma quotes 225g and 69.4mm long for Sony E, 235g and 69.7mm for Fujifilm X and 250g and 67.4mm for Canon RF, with a diameter of 68mm (69mm on Canon RF) and a 62mm filter thread. Sigma notes that the lens works with shooting grips and gimbals.

Where it fits

The lens extends the Sigma Contemporary F1.4 line for APS-C, which already includes 16mm, 23mm, 30mm and 56mm. In the database, the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary is the next focal length up. The Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN offers a zoom with a wider angle but less light. The Sony E 11mm F1.8, the Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 (Sony E, Fujifilm X) and the Fujifilm XF 16mm F1.4 R WR are the closest prime alternatives in the respective systems.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very wide 12mm angle with a bright F1.4 aperture
• Light at 225 to 250g
• Close focusing down to 17.2cm
• Dust and splash resistant, aperture ring (except Canon RF)

Cons

• No optical stabilization
• Single focal length, so no framing flexibility

Verdict

The Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is a compact ultra-wide for APS-C owners who want a fast lens for night skies, interiors, street scenes and wide vlogging. Its small size and F1.4 aperture are the main arguments.