DPReview TV: Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Review

Introduction

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is a lens from Sigma’s Art series, offering a fast aperture and high optical performance in a compact and lightweight package. It is designed for both full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras, and is available in Sony E and L-mount versions. In this review, we take a look at the features of this lens and evaluate its performance in a variety of shooting scenarios.

Build and Design

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is a well-built lens with a robust construction. It has a metal mounting plate, a metal lens hood, and a plastic lens barrel. The lens has a weather-sealed construction, with seals at the front, sides, and rear of the lens to help keep out dust and moisture. The focusing ring is made of rubber and has a smooth, dampened feel to it. The lens has an aperture ring that can be clicked or de-clicked for smooth, silent aperture control.

Optical Performance

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art offers excellent optical performance. The lens has a bright f/1.4 maximum aperture that allows for a shallow depth of field and great low-light performance. The lens has a rounded 9-blade diaphragm that helps to create smooth, pleasing bokeh.

The lens has two FLD and three SLD glass elements that help to minimize chromatic aberration and provide excellent sharpness and clarity. The lens also has Super Multi-Layer Coating that helps to reduce flare and ghosting.

Autofocus Performance

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art has a fast and accurate autofocus system. The lens has a stepping motor that provides quick and silent autofocus performance. The lens has a focus limiter switch that allows you to set the focus range to either full range or a specific distance range. The lens also has an override switch that allows you to switch to manual focus.

Image Quality

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art produces excellent image quality. The lens has excellent sharpness and clarity, even at its maximum aperture. The lens produces natural-looking colors, with good contrast and saturation. The lens also produces pleasing, smooth bokeh.

Vignetting and Chromatic Aberration

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art has minimal vignetting and chromatic aberration. Vignetting is controlled, with only slight darkening in the corners of the frame at the maximum aperture. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, with only slight purple fringing at the edges of the frame.

Distortion

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art has very little distortion. The lens produces only slight barrel distortion that is barely visible in images.

Conclusion

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is an excellent lens that offers great optical performance in a compact and lightweight package. The lens produces sharp and detailed images with good contrast and color reproduction. The autofocus system is fast and accurate, and the lens has minimal distortion, vignetting, and chromatic aberration. Overall, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is an excellent lens for both full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras.