Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary

The Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is a wide-angle prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras, available for Sony E, Fujifilm X and Canon RF. It corresponds to about 22.5mm in 35mm terms, and to about 24mm on Canon RF according to Sigma. It suits street photography, travel, video and night skies, and Sigma presents it as the successor to the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary.

Optical design

Sigma lists 13 elements in 11 groups, including one FLD, three SLD and three aspherical elements. According to Sigma, the design improves edge performance compared with the 16mm and suppresses sagittal coma flare. The rounded diaphragm has 9 blades and stops down to F16. The angle of view is 86.9 degrees on Sony E and Fujifilm X and 83.6 degrees on Canon RF. Minimum focusing distance is 17.7 cm at 1:7.9 magnification, and the filter thread is 58mm.

Autofocus and handling

A stepping motor drives the autofocus, with face and eye detection AF and video AF supported, according to Sigma. The design is meant to keep focus breathing low for video. Sony E and Fujifilm X versions have an aperture ring, the Canon RF version a control ring that can be assigned other functions. There is no built-in stabilizer. Hood, caps and a pouch are supplied.

Build and size

On Sony E the lens weighs 220 g and measures 64.0mm by 64.8mm. The Fujifilm X version weighs 225 g at 65.1mm length, the Canon RF version 240 g with a 69.0mm diameter and 62.8mm length. Against the 16mm F1.4 DC DN, Sigma quotes roughly 30 percent shorter and 50 percent lighter. The structure is dust and splash resistant, the front element has a water and oil repellent coating, and Sigma notes that the lens is not waterproof.

Where it fits

The predecessor is the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary. In the same systems, alternatives include the Sony E 15mm F1.4 G, the Fujifilm XF 16mm F1.4 R WR and XF 18mm F1.4 R LM WR, and on Canon RF the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM, a slower full-frame lens. Sigma's APS-C F1.4 series also has 12mm, 23mm, 30mm and 56mm primes.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 220 g on Sony E, light for an F1.4 wide-angle
• F1.4 aperture and close focusing from 17.7 cm
• Dust and splash resistant, water repellent front coating
• Native versions for three APS-C systems

Cons

• No built-in image stabilization
• Fixed focal length, about 22.5mm equivalent
• Quality claims come from Sigma, independent measurements are still needed

Verdict

A compact, light F1.4 wide-angle for APS-C users who want a large aperture without much weight. According to Sigma it improves on the 16mm in size, weight and edge performance.