Canon’s RF mirrorless system has been missing something important: affordable prime lenses for its APS-C cameras. The Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN fills that gap, offering a bright, compact option for shooters looking for a standard wide angle prime.
Coming to you from Gordon Laing, this thorough video examines the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN and how it compares to Canon’s own RF 24mm f/1.8 STM. The Sigma is slightly narrower and heavier, but it comes with weather-sealing and a lens hood, while the Canon features optical image stabilization and a custom control ring. Both lenses cost about $600.
Laing highlights an important limitation for Sigma: Canon restricts its autofocus coverage to a smaller area in continuous mode, whereas Canon’s own lenses utilize the full sensor. The video also compares sharpness, autofocus, and bokeh. The Canon edges out the Sigma in sharpness, especially in the corners, while the Sigma offers a smoother manual focusing experience. When it comes to background blur, the Sigma’s f/1.4 aperture provides a slight advantage over the Canon’s f/1.8. However, at equal apertures, their rendering is quite similar. The Canon has an additional benefit with its built-in stabilization, which helps on bodies without IBIS, like the EOS R10.
For those considering an upgrade, the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 STM is compatible with full frame cameras, making it a flexible option. The Sigma, on the other hand, is strictly for APS-C, but it delivers a wider aperture at the same price point. Canon’s own 24mm f/1.4 L lens is another alternative, but at $1,500, it’s in a different category. If you’re invested in APS-C and want an affordable f/1.4 lens with autofocus, Sigma remains one of the few viable options. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Laing.
