Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art

The Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art is a full-frame 35mm prime with an F1.2 aperture for Sony E and Leica L-Mount. It succeeds the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art from 2019, which Sigma describes as the first F1.2 35mm lens for mirrorless cameras. The new version is aimed at photographers and video shooters who want the largest aperture in this focal length and wish to keep size and weight in check.

Optical design

Sigma lists 17 elements in 13 groups, including 1 SLD and 4 glass-molded double-sided aspherical elements. According to Sigma, axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare are corrected thoroughly, with the aim of clear rendering and bokeh without color fringing or double lines at F1.2. A floating focus design moves the lens groups independently. The diaphragm has 11 rounded blades and the smallest aperture is F16. The closest focus distance is 28cm with a maximum magnification of 1:5.3.

Autofocus and handling

Two focus groups are each driven by their own HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), which Sigma calls the dual HLA system. Focus breathing is said to be suppressed for video use. The lens has an aperture ring with a click on/off switch and a lock switch, plus an AFL button that can be assigned functions on compatible cameras. The lens has no stabilizer. A petal-type hood with a locking mechanism is supplied.

Build and size

Sigma quotes 745g and 113.4mm for Sony E and 755g and 111.4mm for L-Mount, with an 81mm diameter and a 72mm filter thread. According to Sigma, this is about 30% lighter and 20% shorter than the previous model. The body combines aluminum and TSC polycarbonate, is dust and splash resistant and has a water and oil repellent front coating.

Where it fits

Within the Sigma line, the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art is the predecessor, and the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art and the Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN Contemporary give up light in exchange for less size. The newer Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art is a further step down in size. For Sony E, the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA is another F1.4 option.

Pros and cons

Pros

• F1.2 aperture at 35mm
• About 30% lighter and 20% shorter than its predecessor, per Sigma
• Dual HLA autofocus and suppressed focus breathing
• Dust and splash resistant, aperture ring with lock and click switch

Cons

• At 745 to 755g, still a heavy 35mm lens
• 72mm filters and an 81mm diameter
• No built-in stabilization

Verdict

The Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art is for photographers who want the brightest 35mm available for their system and accept the size that comes with it. It is a lighter and shorter answer to the original F1.2 Art, with a feature set that also suits video.