Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Review: Smaller, Lighter, Smarter

The Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art Lens is a major update that fixes problems with the first version while making it lighter, smaller, and more practical for long shoots. If you’ve ever struggled with heavy glass during a wedding or event, this redesign is worth paying attention to.

Coming to you from Matt Johnson, this detailed video focuses on the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art Lens. Johnson points out how the original 35mm f/1.2 was groundbreaking but came with compromises. It was oversized, weighed down rigs, and demanded massive 82mm filters. The new model trims 20% off its length and drops nearly 30% of the weight, bringing it under 27 ounces. The filter thread is now 72 mm, which makes buying filters less costly. That size reduction makes it manageable on handheld setups and even compact gimbals without draining your arms during a long day.

The autofocus system is also a major shift. Johnson explains how the first generation struggled when racking from near to far subjects, often failing to refocus without switching into manual. With the DG II, Sigma’s enhanced magnetic autofocus motors solve that. In testing, it tracked subjects in both low and bright light without hesitation. Focus breathing is present but minimal, especially for a third-party lens without Sony’s breathing compensation feature. For video shooters, that stability can make a big difference in fluid transitions.

Key Specs

• Focal Length: 35mm

• Maximum Aperture: f/1.2

• Minimum Aperture: f/16

• Lens Mount: L-Mount, Sony E

• Format: Full frame

• Minimum Focus Distance: 11 in / 28 cm

• Magnification: 0.19x

• Optical Design: 17 elements in 13 groups

• Aperture Blades: 11, rounded

• Autofocus: Yes

• Image Stabilization: No

• Filter Size: 72 mm

• Dimensions: 3.2 x 4.4 in / 81 x 111.4 mm

• Weight: 26.6 oz / 755 g

The lens’ optical performance holds up to scrutiny, producing sharp images with smooth background blur at wide apertures. Johnson notes the bokeh is one of the standout qualities, especially paired with the versatile 35mm field of view. Unlike a 50mm, it gives a wider perspective while still offering shallow depth of field, which makes it useful for both cinematic sequences and tighter shots. That flexibility explains why he often relied on a 35mm for an entire wedding day.

Another practical upgrade is the consistency in controls. The DG II keeps the customizable button, aperture ring with click-stop and de-click options, and the AF/MF switch. If you’ve used Sigma Art lenses before, the familiarity is immediate. With the added improvements in weight, filter size, and autofocus, Sigma has kept what worked while addressing the pain points of the original. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Johnson.