Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review (Sony E-Mount)

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens for Sony E-mount is a testament to Sigma’s commitment to delivering top-notch optics for mirrorless systems. As a versatile prime lens, it balances stunning image quality, fast aperture, and robust build, making it ideal for a wide range of photography styles, including portraits, street photography, landscapes, and even videography. This updated version of the classic 35mm f/1.4 has been redesigned from the ground up to meet the demands of modern mirrorless cameras.

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Features / Specifications

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is packed with features aimed at both enthusiasts and professionals:

Focal Length: 35mm, offering a natural perspective for various shooting scenarios.
Maximum Aperture: f/1.4 for exceptional low-light performance and depth-of-field control.
Lens Construction: 15 elements in 11 groups, featuring:
- 2 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements.
- 1 ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) element.
- 1 FLD (F Low Dispersion) element.
- 2 aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions.
Minimum Focus Distance: 30cm (11.8 inches).
Maximum Magnification: 0.19x.
Autofocus: Stepping motor (STM) optimized for quiet, fast, and accurate focusing.
Aperture Blades: 11 rounded blades for creamy bokeh.
Filter Thread: 67mm.
Weather Sealing: Dust- and splash-resistant construction.
Weight: 645g (22.8 oz).
Dimensions: 75.5mm x 109.5mm.

Build Quality

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is solidly built, exuding a premium feel typical of Sigma’s Art line:

Materials: A combination of high-grade metal and polycarbonate ensures durability while keeping the weight manageable.
Weather Sealing: The lens is designed for outdoor use, with seals around the mount and key points to protect against dust and moisture.
Controls:
- An aperture ring with a click/detent switch for smooth operation.
- A customizable AFL button for added versatility.
- A focus mode switch for quick toggling between AF and MF.

Size, Weight, and Dimensions

Sigma has successfully optimized the size and weight of this lens for mirrorless systems:

Compact Design: At 645g, it’s lighter than DSLR equivalents while still maintaining a robust feel.
Balanced Handling: It pairs beautifully with Sony’s mirrorless bodies, offering a well-balanced setup for both handheld and tripod-mounted shooting.

Image Quality

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art excels in delivering sharp, vivid, and distortion-free images, making it one of the best lenses in its class.

Sharpness

Center Sharpness: The lens is incredibly sharp wide open at f/1.4, delivering exceptional detail even in low light. By f/2.8, the sharpness reaches peak performance.
Edge Sharpness: While slightly softer at the edges at f/1.4, stopping down to f/2 improves uniform sharpness across the frame.
Overall Consistency: Excellent sharpness throughout the aperture range and across the entire frame.

Color Rendering and Contrast

Color Accuracy: The lens reproduces colors beautifully, with natural tones and vibrant saturation.
Contrast: High contrast levels are maintained even in challenging lighting, aided by Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating, which reduces flare and ghosting.

Bokeh

Background Blur: The 11-blade diaphragm creates smooth, creamy bokeh with minimal distractions in out-of-focus areas.
Highlight Rendering: Rounded and natural, with little to no onion-ring effects, even when shooting specular highlights.

Optical Aberrations

Chromatic Aberration: Virtually nonexistent due to the use of high-quality optical elements. Any remaining aberrations are minimal and easily corrected in post.
Distortion: Barely noticeable barrel distortion, easily corrected in-camera or during editing.
Flare and Ghosting: Excellent resistance to flare, even when shooting directly into strong light sources.
Vignetting: Slight vignetting at f/1.4, particularly in the corners, but it diminishes significantly by f/2.

Autofocus

The autofocus system is fast, reliable, and nearly silent:

Speed: Quick focus acquisition, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Precision: Highly accurate, ensuring sharp focus on subjects.
Tracking: Performs well with Sony’s real-time Eye AF and subject tracking features, making it excellent for dynamic situations.

Performance in Photography and Videography

Photography

Versatility: The 35mm focal length is perfect for portraits, landscapes, street photography, and environmental shots.
Low-Light Performance: The f/1.4 aperture allows for exceptional low-light shooting and creates stunning subject isolation.
Close-Up Photography: With a minimum focus distance of 30cm, the lens can handle detailed close-ups, adding to its flexibility.

Videography

Autofocus Performance: The stepping motor provides smooth and near-silent focusing, ideal for video recording.
Focus Breathing: Minimal focus breathing enhances its suitability for professional video work.
Manual Focus: The focus ring is well-damped for precise manual focus adjustments, making it ideal for cinematographers.

Use Cases

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is a highly versatile lens suitable for:

Portraits: Perfect for environmental portraits with subject isolation.
Street Photography: Compact and discreet for capturing candid moments.
Landscapes: Wide enough for sweeping views without distortion.
Events: Excellent in low-light scenarios, making it great for weddings and indoor events.
Videography: Smooth focus transitions and minimal breathing for professional video production.

Price

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is priced at approximately $899 USD, making it an exceptional value for its performance. It’s a more affordable alternative to Sony’s native lenses while delivering comparable image quality and build.

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is a standout lens in the mirrorless market, offering premium image quality, robust construction, and excellent performance at a competitive price. Whether you’re a photographer or videographer, this lens will meet and exceed expectations across a wide range of applications.

Conclusion

Rating

Our overall rating: 9.3/10

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is a stellar choice for those seeking professional-grade optics without breaking the bank. Its blend of performance, quality, and affordability makes it a must-have for anyone serious about their craft.