GEAR MINI TESTS
SIGMA 23MM F/1.4 DC DN £449/$549 sigma-global.com
Sigma’s 23mm f/1.4 prime has come at the perfect time to match up with Sony’s new APS-C A6700 mirrorless. Until now, the latter’s focus on crop- sensor cameras has dwindled, with its pro mirrorless and cinema range all going upmarket into full-frame. But there is a place for the traditional Super 35 sensor – and this new Sigma is in an ideal place to capitalise on it. This might be a 23mm lens, but on a crop sensor it’s roughly equivalent to a 35mm optic – a classic wide that packs more into the frame without looking too obviously like a distorted wide-angle view. It’s part of Sigma’s Contemporary collection of lenses, which are smaller and lighter than the legendary – and pricier - Art series. The Contemporary lenses are reminiscent of stills primes – compact and relatively light with tactile metal focusing rings. This particular optic definitely fits that look, especially with the classic 35mm angle of view. There’s a classy brass bayonet mount and the lens is both dust- and splash-resistant, too. A 52mm front filter thread also harks back to lenses of yesteryear. But it’s no super-lightweight, thanks to the metal build and lots of glass inside. There are 13 elements in ten groups, including three SLD and two aspherical. The fast f/1.4 setting and nine- bladed aperture are designed to not only work well in low light but give a very shallow depth-of-field when shot wide open, with pleasingly soft bokeh. This new Sigma certainly delivers on those promises, helped by the seriously decent 25cm/9.8in close focus ability. However, unlike Sigma’s recent full-frame Contemporary primes, there are no MF/AF selector, distance markings or aperture ring. And there’s
SPECIFICATIONS Focal length: 23mm Mount: Sony E Image coverage: APS-C Aperture: F/1.4-16
Aperture blades: Nine rounded Construction: 13 elements in ten groups, with three SLD and two aspherical elements Image stabilisation: None Minimum focusing: 25cm/9.8in
Filter size: 52mm Dimensions (dxl): 65.8x78.9mm/2.6x3.1in Weight: 330g/0.73lb
certainly no AF lock button with manual focus override, or an MF lock switch to disable the focus ring as on Sigma’s Art range. All this has to be controlled via the camera menus – which is a bit of a pain for filmmaking. Used in AF, the lens is fast and quiet thanks to its internal focusing system and stepping motor. The only external control is a focusing ring which controls the focusing motor. This fly-by-wire control is never great for filmmaking, but Sigma’s implementation is actually reasonable for manual focusing in video. Using it also activates the zoom-in mode in the viewfinder to aid focusing. When shooting the lens wide open and up close to your subjects, bokeh is smooth. And like others in the range, the colours are neutral and sharpness is good wide open, improving when you go down one stop. Even then, you still have a rapid lens that’s ideal for low light. Wide open, there was some fringing in bright areas, but the lens
“Like others in the range, the colours are neutral and sharpness is good wide open”
resolved details brilliantly right across the frame. The Sigma also controls flare well. Overall, it’s a phenomenal, fast wide-angle prime for APS-C Sony camera users. And with the launch of the A6700, it should find a good home for moviemakers wanting something small that gives great image quality. Shame about the lack of external controls, though. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 8/10 A fast, yet affordable wide-angle lens for Sony’s growing APS-C line Pros: Image quality, fast aperture Cons: No image stabilisation or external controls
NO FRILLS Few external
controls makes for a sleek and classy design
BOKEH BLITZ Such a shallow depth-of-field is addictive and lets you get in close, too
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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