Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary

Sony E

Review

The Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary lens for Sony E mount is a versatile prime lens that excels in various photographic scenarios. Known for its excellent optical performance and robust build quality, this lens is designed to cater to both amateur and professional photographers alike.

Design and Build Quality

The lens boasts a sleek and modern design typical of Sigma's Contemporary line. It features a metal construction which gives it a premium feel, and the polished surface not only enhances aesthetics but also adds durability. Weighing around 405 grams (0.89 lbs), it remains lightweight for a prime lens, making it a great option for on-the-go shooting.

In terms of ergonomics, the lens has a comfortable grip and smooth focusing mechanism. It also comes with a well-positioned aperture ring that allows for quick adjustments, which is particularly beneficial for videographers. The weather-sealing feature allows you to work confidently in various weather conditions, albeit not being fully weatherproof.

Optical Performance

The Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary excels in image quality. With a fast aperture of F2, it is capable of producing stunning images with beautiful bokeh and subject isolation. The lens showcases impressive sharpness across the frame, even when shot wide open. The color rendering is vibrant, and the contrast is commendable, making it an excellent choice for portraiture, street, and landscape.

One of the highlights of this lens is its minimal chromatic aberration, which is often a common issue with lenses in this focal length range. Flare is controlled well, ensuring that when shooting against bright light sources, you won't be overwhelmed with unwanted artifacts.

Compatibility and Use Cases

This lens is compatible with full-frame Sony E-mount cameras as well as APS-C models. On APS-C bodies, it effectively acts as a 97.5mm equivalent focal length, making it a great option for portraits and detail shots. This versatility allows photographers to easily switch between genres without changing lenses.

The Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary is popular amongst various shooting styles, from street photography to more posed studio work. Its ability to produce high-quality images in low-light conditions is a definitive plus for nighttime photography enthusiasts.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent sharpness and optical performance
• Fast F2 aperture for low-light shooting and beautiful bokeh
• Solid build quality with weather-sealing
• Versatile focal length for various shooting styles

Cons

• Some users might find the focal length a bit limiting for certain wide-angle applications
• The focus ring could benefit from more resistance for finer focus control

Verdict

Overall, the Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary lens for Sony E mount stands out as an outstanding prime lens for anyone looking to elevate their photography. With its exceptional image quality, solid construction, and versatility across different shooting scenarios, this lens proves to be worth the investment. Whether you're capturing portraits, street life, or detailed landscapes, this lens will not disappoint.