ISSUE 127
48 / GEAR
TESTED: SIGMA 35MM F/1.4 DG II ART
Thirty-five and thriving!
£849 sigmauk.com Sigma’s iconic prime gets a lighter body, faster focus and a sharper edge
focus design. At just 525g, it is ideal for handheld work or gimbal use. Build quality is classic Sigma Art – solid, premium and confidence- inspiring. The updated lens uses a mix of aluminium and thermally stable composites, with dust and splash resistance for real-world shooting. For working outdoors or in unpredictable environments, that matters. Controls are also video-friendly. Previous versions already featured a de-clickable aperture ring, custom buttons and weather sealing, and Sigma has continued to refine that tactile, mechanical feel. It feels like a tool, not a toy. Autofocus performance is a key upgrade. The new version uses Sigma’s HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor, delivering faster and quieter focusing. That translates to smooth transitions and minimal focus noise, which is crucial for dialogue scenes or run-and-gun shooting. Equally important is Sigma’s effort to reduce focus breathing, a common issue with fast primes. This makes the lens more usable for video work, where subtle reframing during focus pulls can
The fast 35mm prime has long been one of the most important
lenses in anyone’s gadget bag. It sits in that sweet spot between wide and natural, offering an angle of view many say is equivalent to the human eye, giving context without distortion and intimacy without compression. With the 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art, Sigma revisits one of its most iconic lenses and refines it for today’s hybrid shooters. The result is an impressive lens that feels purpose-built not just for photographers, but for filmmakers who desire speed, reliability and cinematic rendering in a compact, practical form. One of the biggest changes with the Mark II is its reduced size and weight. Sigma has managed to make the lens around 20% lighter and significantly shorter than its predecessor thanks to a redesigned optical system and floating
otherwise be distracting. Manual focus is well damped and precise, making it viable for controlled set-ups. But image quality is where the Sigma really shines. Sharpness has always been a strength of the Art series, but the Mark II pushes it further. There
is sharp centre detail even wide open at f/1.4, with excellent contrast and clarity. That sharpness falls off slightly at the corners – but not by much. This level of consistency across the frame is critical, especially when composing for wide shots or shooting in high- resolution stills or video formats. Stopping down improves contrast slightly, though the key takeaway is the fact that you can shoot wide open with confidence – just what you want from a fast prime. A 35mm lens isn’t usually chosen for extreme background blur, but at f/1.4, the Sigma offers strong subject separation and smooth bokeh. The 11-blade aperture delivers rounded highlights and a more refined rendering than previous versions. Out- of-focus areas feel natural rather than too stylised, which suits documentary and narrative work alike. This translates to a cinematic look that feels polished without being distracting. It is ideal for interviews,
SPEEDY SIGMA From street candids to low- light interiors and architecture, the Art lens is a great choice
Specifications
Mount Sony E, Leica L Image coverage Full-frame Aperture f/1.4-16 Aperture blades 11 rounded Construction 15 elements in 12 groups with 2 SLD and 4 aspherical elements Minimum focusing 28cm Filter size 67mm Dimensions (wxl) 73x96mm Weight 525g
CLASS GLASS The f/1.4 Sigma is a great match for full-frame mirrorless cams in E or L-Mount
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