Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review: The Value Champion
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art review for mirrorless. Exceptional optics at an unbeatable price. Complete analysis with sample images.
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is designed from the ground up for mirrorless cameras. At $899, it competes with lenses costing twice as much.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Elements | 15 in 11 groups |
| Blades | 11 (circular) |
| Min Focus | 0.30m |
| Filter | 67mm |
| Weight | 645g |
| Mounts | Sony E, L-mount |
Optical Quality
Sharpness
The DG DN Art delivers stunning sharpness:
| Aperture | Center | Corners |
|---|---|---|
| f/1.4 | Excellent | Very Good |
| f/2.0 | Excellent | Excellent |
| f/2.8+ | Excellent | Excellent |
Wide open, center sharpness rivals lenses costing $1,500+. Corners are slightly softer but improve quickly by f/2.
Bokeh
The 11-blade aperture creates beautiful bokeh:
- Smooth, creamy backgrounds
- Circular highlights
- Pleasant rendering
Aberrations
- Minimal lateral CA (well-corrected)
- Some longitudinal CA at f/1.4 (normal)
- Vignetting ~1.5 stops wide open
Build Quality
Sigma’s Art build is excellent:
- Weather-resistant mount
- Solid metal construction
- Smooth focus ring
- AFL button included
At 645g, it’s heavier than some competitors but feels balanced on full-frame bodies.
Autofocus
Using a stepping motor:
- Quick and accurate
- Near-silent operation
- Reliable tracking
- Good for video
Compared to Alternatives
| Lens | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art | 645g | $899 |
| Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM | 524g | $1,398 |
| Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L | 756g | $1,549 |
The Sony GM is lighter and sharper at f/1.4, but costs $500 more. For value, Sigma is unbeatable.
Who Should Buy?
Ideal for:
- Street photographers
- Portrait photographers on a budget
- Documentary shooters
- Anyone wanting quality without premium price
Verdict
Rating: 9.2/10
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art offers flagship-quality optics at a mid-range price. It’s one of the best values in photography.
Price: $899 | Check on Amazon
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