Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Reviews Round-Up

Note: for a previously posted video review of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 click here.

Let’s start with The Phoblographer’s first impressions (lots of samples) about Sigma’s latest entry in the “Art” category of its lens line-up, the highly praised Sigma 35mm f/1.4 (price & specs), which has been tested using an EOS 5D Mark II:

Everything about this lens feels super solid. I’ve had other staffers hold it and proclaim that it feels like an entirely metal lens. When putting a Zeiss lens right next to it though, it is clear that this lens’s exterior is not made of metal. However, if you squeeze the lens, it feels even more solid than previous optics made by Sigma.
[…]

So far, I’m still quite head over heels for the lens. The wide open and stopped down performance is really quite good and it’s made me reach for my 5D Mk II much more than I used to. In many ways, its breathed new life into the camera.
The build quality so far is stellar and is the way it feels in my hands. And for the price, I really can’t see anyone going wrong with this lens.

The price is one of the big points of this lens, at $900 it is ways cheaper than the equivalent brand lenses.

Just a few days ago DPreview published its review of the Sigma. In the conclusion they write (emphasis mine):

It’s remarkably sharp, even wide open, outperforming not only its Canon, Nikon and Sony equivalents, but also the far more expensive Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 in lab tests. Chromatic aberration is also impressively well controlled (both lateral and longitudinal), distortion is low and vignetting more-or-less typical for its class. The rendition of out-of-focus regions is generally quite attractive, although complex backgrounds can end up looking rather ‘fussy’. The overall result, though, is a lens that delivers fine-looking images with the minimum of fuss, shot after shot.

It appears as if Sigma made a definitely outstanding lens. Quoting DPreview:

Every now and then we come across a camera or lens that hits a sweet spot of image quality, usability and price that makes it an easy recommendation. The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM is just such a beast – it manages the impressive trick of being substantially cheaper than the camera manufacturers’ equivalents while matching or beating them optically. If you’re after a top quality fast prime at this focal length it should be right at the top of your short list, and it easily earns our top award.

Image credit: ephotozine

Finally, ephotozine (also with sample images) reviewed the Sigma:

Even at f/1.4, sharpness in the centre portion of the frame is excellent, although as you might expect at such a fast maximum aperture, sharpness towards the edges of the frame falls away to just below good levels. This is still very good performance for a lens of this type. Stopping the lens down improves sharpness across the frame with clarity towards the edges of the frame reaching very good levels by f/2. Peak sharpness across the frame is achieved at apertures between f/4 and f/5.6 where the clarity achieved in the centre is outstanding, and sharpness is excellent towards the edges of the frame.

More samples can be checked on the Sigma blog.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Video Review (and comparison with Canon 35mm f/1.4)

 

Learningcameras.com posted a video review of Sigma's much appreciated 35mm f/1.4 lens (click here for price and specs). They also have a video comparison with Canon's 35mm f/1.4 (click here for price and specs).

[via Learningcameras]

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon 35mm f/1.4 price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 product specifications:

  • Aperture Range: f/1.4-16
  • Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM)
  • Floating Internal Focus System
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 11.8″
  • Anti-Flare Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • USB Dock: Adjust AF & Update Firmware
  • Special & “F” Low Dispersion Elements
  • Front Filter Thread Diameter: 67mm
  • SIGMA Optimization Pro Software
  • 9x Circular Aperture Blades

 

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens Review By Roger Cicala

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens Review By Roger Cicala

Lensrental’s Roger Cicala wrote a very positive review about the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens. According to R. Cicala Sigma had some serious quality control issues in the past, issues that now appear to be solved. Quoting:

[…] this lens is built solidly. It really feels more like a Zeiss 35mm than a Canon or Nikon. Sigma says there’s a lot of metal in there, and at 1.4 pounds I believe them. On the other hand, that makes it several ounces heavier than either the Canon or Nikon, but about the same amount lighter than the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4.

It feels solid, too. The manual focusing ring is smooth and accurate, although I found it a bit stiff. Not problem stiff, but certainly not move-it-with-a-fingertip. Autofocus speed was reasonably quick, about on a par with the Canon 35mm. More importantly to me, AF accuracy was good, too, even when we darkened the room down to the point where many Sigma lenses start hunting.

The lens is disassembled and analyzed. An interesting review definitely worth to be read.

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM for Canon mount is currently in stock at B&H for $899 (click here).

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens Review By Roger Cicala
Image credit: Roger Cicala/Lensrentals
[via lensrentals]

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Canon In Stock (USB connectivity)

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Canon In Stock

B&H has the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Canon mount in stock and ready to ship for $899 (click here). This lens can connect to a computer via USB to adjust AF and upload firmware updates. Limited stock available.

Specs:

  • Aperture Range: f/1.4-16
  • Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM)
  • Floating Internal Focus System
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 11.8″
  • Anti-Flare Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • USB Dock: Adjust AF & Update Firmware
  • Special & “F” Low Dispersion Elements
  • Front Filter Thread Diameter: 67mm
  • SIGMA Optimization Pro Software
  • 9x Circular Aperture Blades

 

Sigma Announced Price Of 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens ($899, pre-order option)

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Sigma announced the price of the new 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM, part of the company’s “Global Vision” line-up (category “Art”). The price will be around $899. The specifications:

  • Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM)
  • Floating Internal Focus System
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 11.8″
  • Anti-Flare Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • USB Dock: Adjust AF & Update Firmware
  • Special & “F” Low Dispersion Elements
  • Front Filter Thread Diameter: 67mm
  • SIGMA Optimization Pro Software
  • 9x Circular Aperture Blades

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM pre-order options: B&H

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Sigma’s press release:

Ronkonkoma, NY, November 7, 2012 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce that the first lens of its new Global Vision lineup, the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM, is now available for the street price of $899.

The 35mm F1.4 DG HSM, is designed for photographers who want to achieve creative, dramatic effects in their photographs. As the first lens released under Sigma’s new Art line, it will feature a new matte finish and overall new design concept, which includes a clearly defined category label on every new lens. This 35mm wide-angle lens with a maximum aperture of 1.4 ensures outstanding performance in low light, and a stunning bokeh background effect to emphasize the subject.

“We’re thrilled to break into this category of lenses with a product from our new Global Vision,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “We’re confident that our A1 quality control system, coupled with the industry’s first USB dock, will differentiate our lens in the category. Since it’s so versatile – ideal for scenes including landscapes, portraits, close-ups and studio photography – we think that it will be a hit.”

Other features of the new 35mm F1.4 DG HSM include:

One “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass lens and four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass lenses to ensure exceptional correction of lateral and axial chromatic aberration, the latter of which cannot be corrected in post production

A floating inner focus system to provide extremely high optical performance for close-up photos

Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting and provide sharp and high contrast images even in backlit conditions

A HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) that ensures high speed, accurate and quiet AF

Rubber incorporated into the attachment part of the lens hood, and an improved redesign of the lens cap and AF / MF changeover switch have been improved

Thermally Stable Composite (TSC), which has high affinity to metal parts, that are housed internally, increases overall functionality, lifespan, and quality of the lens

A rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image

A newly developed USB dock, which will be sold separately and exclusively for new product lines, can be paired with new Sigma Optimization Pro software to update the lens firmware and adjust parameters, such as micro focus adjustment

All of Sigma’s manufacturing – right down to molds and parts – is carried out under an integrated production system, based entirely in Japan. Sigma is now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are solely made in Japan. Every 35mm F1.4 DG HSM will be checked using Sigma’s own MTF measuring system, “A1,” as will all new lenses under the Global vision categories. This system uses 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors to pick up previously undetectable high-frequency details for quality control inspections.

The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM will be available in Sigma, Sony (D), Nikon (D), Pentax and Canon mounts.

[via DPreview]

 

[Photokina] Contemporary, Art and Sports: Three New Sigma Lenses For Your Photographic Needs

Sigma announced three new lenses at Photokina, the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM and the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM. These lenses aim at three different “photographic categories”: Contemporary, Art and Sport.

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM (contemporary)


Mainly used for general-purpose photography, this everyday lens covers a range equivalent to 25.5-105mm on a 35mm camera. A large-aperture lens that opens up to F2.8, it’s surprisingly compact in size. Great for treasured snapshots of travel or family occasions, it also handles shots that are a little bit more creative. Designed to be the kind of lens you carry around with you all the time, it delivers simplicity and is so user-friendly it’s sure to satisfy even the most demanding of users.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM (art)


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

Many avid photographers will definitely prefer this 35mm lens to the more conventional 50mm. Using a leading-edge design and state-of-the-art production technology, we’ve honed its performance to the point where it can do full justice to the expressive power of the very latest digital cameras. At low apertures, for example, it can perform like a wide-angle lens, while if it’s opened up to F1.4, it will give the background a pleasing bokeh effect and make the subject pop like a mid-range telephoto lens. What makes this lens so desirable is the wide scope it provides for artistic expression.

Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM (sport)

Although high-function digital cameras now deliver improved picture quality at high-ISO settings, adjusting your lens to a large aperture is still the most effective strategy for action shots. And even if you have to take the shots from a less-than-ideal position, as is so often the case when shooting sports or on-stage action, this zoom lens, with its maximum focal length of 300mm, lets you open up the aperture all the way to F2.8. In other words, when conditions are difficult, this high-performance lens gives you more scope to express yourself in the shots you take.