Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art

Sony E

Review

The Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art lens for the Sony E mount is a remarkable addition to the lineup of high-performance lenses designed for both amateur and professional photographers. As a part of Sigma's acclaimed Art series, this lens is engineered to deliver exceptional optical quality while maintaining a robust and aesthetically pleasing build.

Build Quality and Design

The lens features a solid construction, made from a combination of durable metals and high-quality plastics, giving it a premium feel in the hand. Its weather-sealed design makes it ideal for outdoor shooting, ensuring that you can confidently use it in various weather conditions. The large focus ring is smooth, providing a tactile feedback that photographers will appreciate when fine-tuning their focus in both manual and autofocus modes. Additionally, its relatively compact size for a fast 35mm prime lens makes it a comfortable fit for mirrorless systems.

Optical Performance

One of the standout features of the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art is its outstanding optical performance. With a maximum aperture of f/1.2, the lens offers shallow depth of field, enabling stunning bokeh and isolating subjects beautifully. Images produced with this lens are incredibly sharp across the frame, even wide open, with excellent detail retention. Additionally, the lens has minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, making it suitable for landscape and architectural photography.

Autofocus System

The autofocus system in the Sigma 35mm F1.2 is quick, quiet, and accurate, thanks to its stepping motor. It works particularly well for both stills and video, offering reliable performance in various lighting conditions. While it may not be the fastest lens for tracking fast-moving subjects, it performs admirably in most scenarios, making it versatile enough for street photography, portraits, and events.

Versatility and Use Cases

This lens stands out as an all-around performer, ideal for various photography disciplines. Whether you're capturing portraits with dreamy backgrounds, wide-angle landscapes, or street scenes in low light, the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art excels in all environments. Its fast aperture is particularly beneficial for low-light situations, allowing you to capture stunning images without compromising on shutter speed.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional optical performance with sharpness across the frame.
• Fast f/1.2 maximum aperture for beautiful bokeh and low-light capabilities.
• Solid build quality with weather-sealing.
• Smooth and precise autofocus performance.

Cons

• Heavier than some other 35mm options, which may not suit all photographers.
• Premium price point may deter budget-conscious buyers.
• Slightly larger size compared to traditional 35mm lenses, potentially affecting portability.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art lens for Sony E mount is an impressive piece of glass that showcases Sigma's commitment to quality and performance. While it does come with a higher price and a heavier build, the outstanding optical quality and versatility make it a worthy investment for serious photographers looking to elevate their craft. If you are in the market for a fast, high-quality prime lens that delivers exceptional results across various applications, this lens should undoubtedly be on your short list.