GEAR
MINI TESTS
SIGMA 35MM F/1.4 DG DN ART LENS £749/$899 sigma-imaging-uk.com In the last issue, we reviewed a 35mm Sigma f/2 lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras – and raved about how small, light and relatively inexpensive it is, as well as being a great optical performer. It’s just one of the range of Sigma 35mm lenses, including the £1230/$1499 f/1.2 DG DN Art version, which is the brand’s first f/1.2 wide- angle for full-frame mirrorless. But it’s almost three times the price, more than triple the weight and double the length. However, it is a stop and a half faster, and with a much more complicated optical design built for pure quality, even when wide open. But sitting in the middle is the new 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens, which at £750/$899 costs a lot less and is just half a stop slower than the flagship. With 15 elements in 11 groups, including one FLD, two SLD and two aspherical lenses, it has a slightly less complex optical design than the f/1.2 version. It’s also smaller and significantly lighter. Both of the faster lenses have a separate aperture ring, which can be
de-clicked or locked, along with a dedicated focus mode switch and AFL button to lock focus. The autofocus is via a stepping motor, which is fast and offers almost silent focusing. An 11-blade rounded diaphragm gives smooth bokeh and the lens housing is weather sealed. The lens replaces the legendary 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM, the first of Sigma’s flagship Art series nine years ago, rehoused to fit mirrorless bodies. The new lens is a ground- up redesign, to keep up with advancements. Some independent lenses don’t allow a full range of speeds on Sony cameras, but it worked perfectly for us. It even allowed 30fps on a Sony A1 in stills mode. However, like on most 35mm AF lenses, focus breathing is an issue as
SPECIFICATIONS Mount: Sony E Aperture range: f/1.4-16 Optical construction: 15 elements in 11 groups, one FLD, two SLD
and two aspherical lenses Aperture blades: 11 rounded Close focus: 30cm/11.8in
Filter size: 67mm Dimension (lxd): 75.5x111.5mm/3x4.4in Weight: 640g/1.41lb
IN FOCUS At minimum
you rack focus from infinity to the closest distance of 30cm/11.8in. There is also distortion, but this is negated by Sony’s in-camera compensation. Optically, it’s excellent. Contrasty, sharp and neutral, with maximum sharpness around a stop below maximum. Shoot wide open and obviously it’s not as tack-sharp right across the frame, but is still very good and gives the lovely out-of-focus areas that many use an f/1.4 lens for. As an all-purpose, fast prime lens, the Sigma f/1.4 is a fantastic performer. Its wide aperture lets you throw the background out of focus at will, and the bokeh is very smooth and attractive. It’s more affordable, portable, and lighter than the f/1.2 flagship, so is a better all-round buy for the majority of filmmakers. PROMOVIEMAKERRATING: 8/10 One of the best AF 35mm lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras Pros: Image quality, handling Cons: Some focus breathing
focus distance and set at f/1.4, depth of field is wafer thin
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