Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Sony E
Review
The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens for Sony E mount is a remarkable piece of glass that caters to photographers seeking a wide-angle option with a fast aperture. This lens is part of Sigma’s highly regarded Art series, known for its exceptional optical quality and build.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you'll notice about the Sigma 20mm F1.4 Art lens is its robust construction. The lens is made of high-quality materials, providing a premium feel that is hard to ignore. With a weight of about 1.45 lbs (650g), it feels solid in hand but may be a bit heavy for all-day shooting. The matte black finish adds a touch of elegance, and the large focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise manual focus adjustments.
Additionally, this lens features a weather-sealed design that makes it suitable for outdoor photography, providing some peace of mind against dust and moisture. The front element is coated with a special material to repel water and oil, which is a thoughtful addition for those shooting in inclement weather.
Optical Performance
One of the standout features of the Sigma 20mm F1.4 Art lens is its optical performance. The lens incorporates a series of specialized glass elements, including aspherical and low-dispersion glass, which work together to minimize aberrations and distortion. The result is stunning image quality, characterized by sharpness across the frame—even wide open at f/1.4.
Chromatic aberration and barrel distortion are well-controlled, making this lens an excellent choice for landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography. Bokeh also impresses, with the large aperture creating a creamy out-of-focus rendering that effectively separates subjects from the background.
Autofocus Performance
The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides quick and quiet autofocus performance. This feature is particularly beneficial for videographers, as it minimizes noise during recordings. In practice, the autofocus is reliable and accurate, although there may be occasions where the lens struggles to lock onto subjects in low-light conditions.
One thing to note is that the lens can feel a bit sluggish in terms of focus speed compared to some native Sony lenses. However, for most applications, particularly in still photography, the performance will be satisfactory.
Compatibility and Versatility
Being a wide-angle lens, the Sigma 20mm F1.4 Art is highly versatile. It suits a variety of photography styles, from landscapes and architectural photography to environmental portraits and night sky photography. The fast f/1.4 aperture also allows for excellent low-light performance, making it an ideal choice for indoor events and night shooting.
However, its focal length may not suit everyone. Those used to longer focal lengths might find the 20mm a bit too wide for certain compositions or when photographing distant subjects.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional optical quality with sharpness across the frame
- Robust construction with weather sealing
- Fast f/1.4 aperture for low-light performance
- Smooth and precise manual focus ring
- Suitable for various photography styles
Cons
- Heavier compared to other wide-angle options
- Autofocus can be slow in low-light situations
- Not the ideal choice for those preferring longer focal lengths
Verdict
The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens for Sony E mount is a fantastic choice for photographers seeking a high-quality wide-angle lens. Its superb optical performance, coupled with a solid build and versatile capabilities, makes it an excellent investment for both enthusiasts and professionals. While it may not be the lightest option on the market, the benefits certainly outweigh the drawbacks, making it a must-consider lens for anyone looking to expand their wide-angle options.