Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG DN Art Lens for L-Mount: A Comprehensive Review
The Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG DN Art lens for L-Mount is a highly anticipated addition to the L-Mount Alliance’s lens lineup. Designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, this lens promises exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and a robust build, all while maintaining a relatively compact and lightweight design. This review will delve into the various aspects of the Sigma 35mm 1.4 L mount lens, exploring its features, performance, and suitability for different photographic genres.
Overview of the Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG DN Art Lens
The Sigma 35mm 1.4 L mount lens falls under Sigma’s Art line, known for its emphasis on optical performance and artistic expression. The DG designation indicates that it’s designed for full-frame cameras, and the DN signifies that it’s specifically optimized for mirrorless systems. The 1.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field effects, making it a versatile choice for various subjects.
Key Features and Specifications
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Lens Construction: 15 elements in 11 groups
- Aperture Blades: 11, rounded
- Minimum Focus Distance: 11.8 inches (30cm)
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Weight: 22.4 oz (635g)
- Mount: L-Mount
Build Quality and Design
Sigma has consistently impressed with the build quality of their lenses, and the Sigma 35mm 1.4 L mount is no exception. The lens features a combination of metal and high-quality polycarbonate, providing a solid and durable feel. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise manual focusing. An aperture ring is also included, offering tactile control over the aperture setting. This ring can be de-clicked for smooth aperture adjustments during video recording. An aperture lock switch prevents accidental changes to the aperture setting.
The lens is also dust and splash-resistant, making it suitable for shooting in challenging environments. While not fully waterproof, the weather sealing provides peace of mind when shooting in light rain or dusty conditions. The compact size and relatively light weight make it comfortable to use for extended periods, even on smaller mirrorless bodies.
Image Quality and Performance
Image quality is where the Sigma 35mm 1.4 L mount truly shines. The lens delivers exceptional sharpness across the entire frame, even at its widest aperture of f/1.4. Colors are vibrant and accurate, with excellent contrast. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, even in high-contrast situations. Distortion is minimal, and easily corrected in post-processing if necessary.
Sharpness
The sharpness of this lens is remarkable. Center sharpness is excellent wide open, and the corners are impressively sharp as well. Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 further improves sharpness across the frame, but the differences are subtle. The lens resolves fine details with ease, making it suitable for high-resolution cameras.
Bokeh
The 11-blade rounded aperture creates a pleasing bokeh effect, rendering out-of-focus areas smoothly and naturally. The bokeh is creamy and smooth, without harsh edges or distracting artifacts. This makes the lens ideal for portraits and other subjects where background blur is desired.
Autofocus Performance
The Sigma 35mm 1.4 L mount lens utilizes a stepping motor (STM) for autofocus, providing fast, accurate, and silent focusing performance. The autofocus system is responsive and reliable, even in low-light conditions. It’s also well-suited for video recording, as the STM motor minimizes focus noise. Eye-AF is supported, allowing for precise focus on the subject’s eyes, which is particularly useful for portrait photography.
Compared to Other 35mm Lenses
The L-Mount alliance offers several other 35mm lenses, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a brief comparison:
- Panasonic Lumix S 35mm f/1.8: A more affordable option, but with a slightly slower aperture. It’s smaller and lighter than the Sigma, making it a good choice for travel.
- Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH: A premium lens with exceptional image quality, but significantly more expensive and manual focus only.
- Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary: A smaller, lighter, and more affordable option, but with a slower aperture.
The Sigma 35mm 1.4 L mount strikes a good balance between price, performance, and size. It offers excellent image quality and fast autofocus, making it a compelling choice for many photographers.
Who is This Lens For?
The Sigma 35mm 1.4 L mount is a versatile lens that’s suitable for a wide range of photographic genres, including:
- Portrait Photography: The wide aperture allows for shallow depth-of-field effects, creating beautiful bokeh and isolating the subject from the background.
- Street Photography: The 35mm focal length is a classic choice for street photography, providing a natural perspective and allowing you to capture the scene without being too far from the action.
- Landscape Photography: The excellent sharpness and minimal distortion make it a great choice for landscape photography, capturing wide vistas with stunning detail.
- Event Photography: The fast aperture and accurate autofocus make it well-suited for shooting events in low-light conditions.
- Astrophotography: The wide aperture and excellent sharpness make it a good choice for capturing the night sky.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Robust build quality
- Aperture ring with de-click option
- Dust and splash-resistant design
Cons:
- Relatively large and heavy compared to some other 35mm lenses
- Price is higher than some alternative options
Sample Images
(Include sample images taken with the lens here. This would greatly enhance the review.)
Conclusion: Is the Sigma 35mm 1.4 L Mount Worth It?
The Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG DN Art lens for L-Mount is an outstanding lens that delivers exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and a robust build. While it’s not the smallest or lightest 35mm lens available, its performance more than justifies its size and weight. If you’re looking for a high-quality 35mm lens for your L-Mount camera, the Sigma 35mm 1.4 L mount is an excellent choice. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit, and its exceptional image quality will undoubtedly impress.
The Sigma 35mm 1.4 L mount’s optical prowess combined with its user-friendly design makes it a top contender in the L-mount lens market. For photographers seeking a blend of artistic expression and technical excellence, this lens is a worthwhile investment.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase the Sigma 35mm 1.4 L mount depends on your individual needs and budget. However, if you prioritize image quality, autofocus performance, and build quality, this lens is definitely worth considering. It is a lens that will undoubtedly provide years of enjoyment and deliver stunning results.
[See also: Best L-Mount Lenses for Landscape Photography]
[See also: Sigma Art Lenses: A Comprehensive Guide]
