Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogMarch 07, 2024Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art review, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art sample images, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art sample photos, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art image quality, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art L-Mount Review, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art L-Mount sample images, Leica SL2-S sample images with Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, Sigma 35mm 1.4 review, Sigma 35mm 1.4 sample images, Sigma 35mm f1.4 sample imagesComment

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, An Impressive Fast Moderate Wide Angle Work Horse Representing Good Value

Here, on the launch day of the new Leica SL3, I am posting 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. Sigma offers an impressive array of lenses for Sigma, Sony, Panasonic, or Leica L-Mount cameras as part of the L-Mount Alliance.

In this review, I will review 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.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, L-Mount, seen on a Leica SL2-S — Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, L-Mount, on a Leica SL2-S

Introduction

Released in the spring of 2021, the 35mm f/1.4 is part of a long list of Sigma DG DN Art series prime lenses. The Art series is Sigma's top tier of lenses, and the DG DN lenses are specifically designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

These lenses are recognized for their fast maximum apertures and provide photographers with a more budget-friendly alternative to native lenses from Sony, Panasonic, and Leica. Here is a list of the 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/1.2 DG DN Art
50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

When this review was posted, the retail price of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art was USD 899.00 in the U.S. or CAD 1,179.95 at Camtec Photo.

A young man with his Coffee Bike is waiting at the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver. Sample image from a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Leica SL2-S. — Beach Drive, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/1.4

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. Still, the weight of 22.6 oz / 640 g, is quite manageable, especially with the large grip on the Leica SL2-S, which gives 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, which is 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.

For a lens this size, there is no shortage of switches. 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 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 lens — 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

Market at Bute Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Leica SL2-S. — Bute Street, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/1.8

In Action

The stepping motor autofocus is silent and fast, and the max f/1.4 f-stop has me using the term “workhorse wide-angle lens” in my headline for this review. While the lens isn’t that heavy, if I were going with a Sigma lens, I would probably pick a smaller option for travel or a daily carry, such as the 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary.

If you shoot events or weddings, however, having the extra f-stop can save the day and provide images with a shallower depth of field while keeping your ISO lower. These types of images 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 an accurate representation of your topic, this is the style of lens you may want to gravitate towards.

The colors look pleasing to my eyes, and I have nothing to complain about regarding 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 toward 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 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.

A boat docked in Vancouver. Sample image from a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Leica SL2-S. — Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/1.8

A boat and docked in Vancouver. Sample image from a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Leica SL2-S. — Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/8

Conclusion

Sigma also has an f/1.2 version of the 35mm DG DN Art lens for even more and arguably better bokeh. The cost is higher at $1.499.00, and it is significantly bulkier at 38.45 oz / 1,090 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 hand, Sigma has the 35mm f/2 Contemporary line lens, which I find pretty interesting and would love to review at some point. This would suit personal work, travel, or 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 must 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.

Update: June 2024

I have now had a chance to review the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN version. You can read my review here:

Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary - Review

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. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at Camtec Photo

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art - Camtec Photo

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