Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogApril 10, 2024Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review (L-Mount), Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review (L-Mount) review, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review (L-Mount) sample images, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 art review, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 art sample images, Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art review, Sigma 50mm 1.4 art sample photos, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 image quality, Sigma 50mm 1.4 review, Sigma 50mm f1.4 review, Sigma 50mm 1.4 samples, Sigma 50mm 1.4 sample images, Sigma 50 1.4 reviewComment

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review

Reviewing the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art just as the f/1.2 Version Was Announced

It was exciting and a bit anti-climactic that Sigma announced the 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art the day before the Purolator guy delivered a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art for a review.

The questions popped up right away. Would the f/1.4 version be a viable option after the f/1.2 introduction? How do they differ? Should you feel bad about your f/1.4 version now that a new kid is on the block?

We probably won’t see the f/1.2 version until the end of April, and unfortunately, I did not have access to it for comparison. Instead, this review will focus on handling, specs, and sample images from the f/1.4 version. I will also point out potential reasons why you may pick one over the other or something entirely different.

Thanks to Camtec Photo, who kindly sent me the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art to test for this review. I do not get to keep the lens and have already shipped it back. I haven’t received directions or a narrative from Sigma or Camtec Photo, and I aim to give you an unbiased opinion.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, L-Mount, seen on a Leica SL2-S — Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, L-Mount, on a Leica SL2-S

Introduction

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art was introduced in February 2023. It is part of a long list of Sigma DG DN Art top-tier series prime lenses.

The Art Series lenses are known for fast maximum apertures, giving photographers a more affordable alternative to native lenses, especially Sony GM and Leica SL lenses. 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/1.2 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 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art was USD 849.00 or CAD 1,189.95 at Camtec Photo.

A "Say Peace" sign on display Bean Around the World Coffee in Vancouver. Sample image from a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Leica SL2-S. — “Say Peace”, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/1.4

Handling

After reviewing the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art a few weeks ago, there were no real surprises when handling or looking at the 50mm f/1.4. They are almost identical, but at 23.6 oz (670 g) compared to 22.6 oz (640 g) for the 35mm lens, the 50mm lens is a tad heavier, but not enough that you would notice it.

It would have been nice if the filter size had been the same, but the 50mm f/1.4 takes 72 mm filters, whereas the 35mm f/1.4 takes 67mm filters.

The 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art has the same excellent aperture ring, which is clickable in thirds of a stop, or you can de-click it for video use. I mostly used both lenses without the hood. However, I cannot complain about the included plastic hood, which clicks into place without a wobble.

Both lenses have a focus mode switch, an AFL button, an aperture ring click switch, and an aperture ring lock. As for weather sealing, Sigma lists them as dust- and splash-proof.

On my outings, the 50mm f/1.4 felt like a solid piece of kit. I did not find it too large for the few sessions I did, but I would perhaps be worried that it would be too large for a travel lens where you carry your gear for days, weeks, or months.

Focus mode switch, AFL button, and aperture ring click switch on the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens — Focus mode switch, AFL button, and aperture ring click switch on the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Specs

50mm focal length
HLA Linear Focusing Motor
Metal construction
Aperture range: f/1.4 - f/16, clickable in third stops
14 elements in 11 groups
Aspherical & SLD glass elements
Super multi-layer and resistance coating
11 aperture blades
Filter size: 67mm
Minimum focusing distance: 17.7" / 45 cm
Dimensions: 3.1 x 4.3" / 78.2 x 109.5 mm
Weight: 23.6 oz / 670 g
Price: $849.00

A portrait of a smiling woman. Sample image from a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Leica SL2-S. — Lorraine, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/2

In Action

The 50mm focal length has been my go-to option for travel and street photography ever since I started with a Canon AV-1 and FD 50mm f/1.8 (a long time ago). I have used various Fujifilm X-Pro cameras and the XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens for years, giving you a 53mm full-frame equivalent field of view.

If you plan for long-term travel, you should consider bulk and weight. The Leica SL2-S and 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art pictured in this review weigh more than twice the weight of my X-Pro2 and XF 35mm f/1.4 R combo.

The grip on the SL2-S somewhat alleviates the extra weight, but there is no beating around the bush—it’s a heavier and bulkier setup. Of course, there are other options for an SL2-S at the 50mm focal length, and I will get into this later in this review.

f/1.4 on a full-frame camera will give you a more shallow depth of field than f/1.4 on an APS-C camera, so that is another feature to consider.

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art was a pleasure to use in the field. Its autofocus was fast and silent, and it was very nice to handle.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and lens hood, L-Mount, seen on a Leica SL2-S — Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, L-Mount, on a Leica SL2-S (with the lens hood)

Image Quality

I was happy with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art images I produced for this review, but the overall image quality never completely blew me away.

As mentioned above, I reviewed the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art a few weeks ago, and while these two lenses appear similar in performance, I would give a slight edge to the 35mm lens.

f/1.4 on a 50mm lens gives you plenty of opportunity to blur backgrounds, and while the photos are plenty sharp, I do, however, miss a bit of character in some of the images.

While the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art delivers very usable images at its price point, I may have been looking for a wow factor, which we may see in the newly announced 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art. It is essential to mention that this potential wow factor will come at a roughly 65% higher cost of $1,399.00.

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 you are using a mobile phone.

Old historic LP album covers on display at Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver, Canada. Sample image from a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Leica SL2-S. — Polygon Gallery, North Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/1.8

Conclusion

Before I had even tried the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, I pre-ordered the new f/1.2 version the day it was announced. I did this based on my experience with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and a brief test of the 35mm f/1.2 Art version.

I believe these f/1.2 lenses have extra magic that can set your images apart in a vast sea of photos. Yes, the cost is higher, and the 35mm f/1.2 Art lens is considerably bigger and bulkier.

The new Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art lens, however, is almost identical in size to the f/1.4 version. It has 13 rounded aperture blades (11 on the 1.4 version) and four aspherical elements, which will likely improve the image quality.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, side view — Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, L-Mount, on a Leica SL2-S

As it played out, I ended up canceling my Sigma 50mm f/1.2 pre-order a few days later when I spotted a used Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 at Camtec Photo.

I had been looking for the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm for a while, and at almost half the weight, considerably less bulk, and about half the cost of a new Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art, it will be a better fit for my travel kit. With that said, I hope I will get a chance to review the Sigma at some point. I would love to do a side-by-side test.

Before the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art gets lost in my decision-making process, it is important to stress that this lens still represents good value at its price point, especially if you can find a used copy.

I found one on my local buy-and-sell for $690.00. At this price point, it may be hard to justify the new f/1.2 version at $1.399.00.

Either way, you cannot go wrong with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, the new f/1.2 version, or the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2. Your priorities for size, weight, desire for overall image quality, feature set, and cost should dictate which direction to take.

Pros

Affordable, fast f-stop prime lens
Good weight-to-performance ratio
Fast and quiet autofocus
Excellent build quality

Cons

Debatable image quality compared to the newer f/1.2 version

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 links 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 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art - Camtec Photo
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art - B&H Photo

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