Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review (L-Mount)
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, An Impressive Fast Moderate Wide Angle Work Horse Representing Good Value
On the launch day of the new Leica SL3, I post my first L-Mount lens review. It was, however, done with the new to me, Leica SL2-S and not the SL3. I will have more on this topic later but before going into my recent camera shake-up, I have had the pleasure of using a very nice wide-angle lens from Sigma in the last few days.
One of the benefits of this recent camera change is the ability to test, review, and perhaps even get Sigma lenses for my kit at some point. As part of the L-Mount Alliance, Sigma offers an impressive array of lenses for either Sigma, Sony, Panasonic, or Leica L-Mount cameras.
In this review, I take a closer look at the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art in collaboration with Camtec Photo. They kindly sent me the lens to test for a week. I have received no directions from either Camtec Photo or Sigma and the opinions in this review are mine.
Introduction
Released in the spring of 2021, the 35mm f/1.4 is part of a long list of DG DN Art series prime lenses from Sigma. The Art series is the top tier of Sigma lenses and the DG DN lenses are specifically designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
These lenses are known for fast maximum apertures and giving photographers a more affordable alternative to native lenses, from Sony, Panasonic, and Leica. Here is a list of current Sigma DG DN Art prime lenses.
14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
20mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art
35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
At the time this review was posted the the retail price of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art was USD 899.00 or CAD 1,179.95 at Camtec Photo.
Handling
By the size of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, 3 x 4.4" / 75.5 x 111.5 mm, I was afraid this was going to be a cumbersome lens to lug around but the weight of 22.6 oz / 640 g, is quite manageable, especially with the large grip on the Leica SL2-S giving you a secure handle on the camera/lens combo. For an f/1.4 lens, the 67mm filter size is also reasonable.
You cannot fault the overall build quality as the lens feels solid in the hand. One of the main positive selling points is the aperture ring, clickable in thirds of a stop, or de-clickable for video. The included plastic lens hood snaps into place with no issue and compliments the lens nicely in the looks department.
There is no lack of switches for a lens this size. You have a focus mode switch, an AFL button, an aperture ring click switch, and an aperture ring lock. As for weather sealing, Sigma lists it as being dust and splash-proof.
I enjoyed having the aperture ring as this is how I have been using my manual focus lenses and Fujifilm cameras for years. The aperture ring turns effortlessly and is not easily moved inadvertently.
Focus mode switch, AFL button, and aperture ring click switch on the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
Specs
35mm focal length
Stepping-motor autofocus
Metal construction
Aperture range: f/1.4 - f/16, clickable in third stops
15 elements in 11 groups
SLD, ELD, FLD, and aspherical elements
Super multi-layer and resistance coating
11 rounded aperture blades
Filter size: 67mm
Minimum focusing distance: 11.8" / 30 cm
Dimensions: 3 x 4.4" / 75.5 x 111.5 mm
Weight: 22.6 oz / 640 g
In Action
The stepping motor autofocus is silent and fast and the max f/1.4 f-stop had me use the term “workhorse wide angle lens” in my headline for this review. While the lens isn’t that heavy I would probably pick a smaller option for travel or a daily carry such as the 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary if I was going with a Sigma lens.
If you shoot events or weddings, however, having that extra f-stop can save the day and provide images with a shallower depth of field while keeping your ISO lower. These are the types of images that can set your work apart and the extra cost and effort of carrying a bulkier and heavier lens may be worth your while.
The Leica SL2-S is a solidly built camera and I appreciated that the Sigma 35mm felt like a good match for it. At no point did it feel like a flimsy lens was added to a higher-quality camera.
Image Quality
Images from the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art are more clinically correct than with lenses I have tested recently (Voigtländer) which tend to have a hint of vintage, more film-like look. There is nothing wrong with a clinically correct image and if you are on a gig going for a true representation of your topic, this is the style of lens you may want to gravitate towards.
The colors look good to my eyes and I have nothing to complain about when it comes to sharpness. It appears sharp right into the corners, even when shot wide open. Vignetting is also very well controlled.
The topic of bokeh is often very subjective. While some will love it others may be looking for a slightly different style. In the case of the Sigma 35mm Art lens, it is certainly smooth but perhaps also devoid of character. The bokeh balls are somewhat oddly shaped mid-frame and lean towards cats-eye bokeh balls near the edge of the frame.
Below are two images, one captured at f/1.8 and then at f/8
Please make sure to click on the sample images to view sizes up to 2500 pixels depending on your monitor size or pinch zoom if on your mobile phone.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/1.8
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/8
Conclusion
For even more and arguably better bokeh, Sigma also has an f/1.2 version of the 35mm DG DN Art lens. The cost is higher at $1.499.00 and it is significantly bulkier at 38.45 oz / 1090 g and takes 82mm filters. You may need more time in the gym to enjoy this lens but kidding aside, if portraiture is your main game you may also appreciate better performance in the lower f-stop range.
On the other scale, Sigma has the 35mm f/2 Contemporary line lens which I find quite interesting and would love to review at some point. This would be more in line with something to use for personal work, travel, or as a daily carry. If you want an even smaller and lighter lens look for a wide range of manual focus lenses that are easily adapted.
In the middle, we have the 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art which I believe will hit a sweet spot for many photographers, especially working photographers who have to keep an eye on excessive spending on photography gear. At an affordable price point, it offers a blend of excellent image quality, autofocus, and last but not least a fast f-stop allowing you to tackle various scenarios with confidence.
Pros
Affordable fast f-stop prime lens
Good weight-to-performance ratio
Fast and quiet autofocus
Excellent build quality
Cons
Debatable bokeh quality
Price / Availability
Thank you for reading my review. I hope you found it helpful. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support our site you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the link below.
Check availability and current price at Camtec Photo
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art - Camtec Photo
Thank you for your support.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Sample Images
Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Lightroom. Some photos are slightly cropped.
Please click to view larger images.
Leica and L-Mount Alliance Reviews
Leica M10
Leica SL2-S
Leica SL2-2 First Impressions
Leica Q vs. XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR
Panasonic Lumix S5 II
Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro
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