Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN | C

Sony E

Review

The Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN | C is an exciting addition to the lineup for Sony E mount users, providing a versatile focal length that is ideal for a range of photography styles, from street to portraiture to landscapes. Designed with a large maximum aperture of F1.4, this lens allows for excellent low-light performance and provides a beautiful, creamy bokeh that can elevate your images significantly.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Sigma 23mm F1.4 is outstanding, featuring a robust yet lightweight body that feels solid in the hand. It has a sleek and modern design that aligns with Sigma’s Contemporary series, which tends to favor practicality and aesthetics. The lens is weather-sealed, making it suitable for outdoor shooting in various conditions. Overall, the ergonomic design and thoughtful layout of controls make for a user-friendly experience.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN | C excels across the board. Sharpness is impressive, even at wide open apertures, and continues to hold strong throughout the aperture range. Chromatic aberration is minimal, and distortion is well-controlled, ensuring that your images remain true to life. The lens also performs well in challenging lighting conditions, with minimal flare and ghosting due to its advanced lens coatings.

Versatility

With its 23mm focal length, this lens translates to a 35mm equivalent on a Sony E mount camera, making it incredibly versatile for everyday photography. Whether you're capturing breathtaking landscapes, intimate portraits, or dynamic street scenes, this lens covers it all. Furthermore, the fast F1.4 aperture provides the flexibility to work in low light, making it a great option for night photography or indoor settings without flash.

Autofocus System

The autofocus system on the Sigma 23mm F1.4 is quick and accurate. It's both silent and responsive, which is essential for videographers and photographers who need to rely on fast and precise focusing. However, it’s worth noting that in very low-light situations, the autofocus can occasionally struggle, though this is not unusual for lenses in this category.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with weather-sealing
• Outstanding sharpness, even at maximum aperture
• Minimal distortion and chromatic aberration
• Versatile focal length ideal for various genres
• Fast and silent autofocus system

Cons

• Autofocus may struggle in extremely low-light situations
• Larger and heavier than some competitors in the same focal length

Verdict

The Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN | C for Sony E mount is a stellar lens that brings together impressive optical performance, durability, and versatility. While it has a slight hiccup in low-light autofocus performance, the benefits far outweigh this minor drawback. For photographers looking for a go-to lens that delivers high-quality results without compromise, this lens should definitely be at the top of your list.