The newly announced Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG DN is the updated version of the previous and popular DG HSM version. With a greater number of elements, more aperture blades, and weather-sealing, all contained in a lighter design, the new lens seems like it could be a brilliant option. However, how does it compare with some of the other options on the market?
In a recent video, Gordon Laing from Camera Labs reviews the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG DN lens. As part of the review, Laing compares the new Sigma lens to the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM, the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 and the Sigma 35mm f/2 lenses. The comparison highlights some of the keys differences between all of the lenses, including, size, weight, and image quality.
Laing uses the new Sony a1 camera to test all of the lenses, which should help demonstrate the best that each can offer. Autofocus is one of the areas that Sony does really well; however, it seems that third-party lenses can't seem to make full use of the autofocus features in the Sony a1.
For this reason, many photographers may wish to continue using first-party Sony lenses. Having said that, the price difference between the new Sigma lens and the Sony GM lens may be the key difference for many photographers.
Nonetheless, it's great to see so many 35mm lens options from Sigma. We now essentially have a 35mm lens to serve almost any budget from the company.
Check out the full video linked above to see each compared to the others.
I'm surprised Sony and others haven't dropped the prices of their lenses. The 3rd party lenses are at worst, almost as good in every way, and sometimes better in some aspects but for far less money. This wasn't true 20 years ago. Sigma pro glass was nowhere near as good as Nikon and Cannons best. Other than speed, that high end sigma glass performed like kit lenses.
*I love his reviews. But it's odd to throw the Sigma f2 in there without adding in a test of the Sony f1.8