](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ZZE+5zGhL._AC_UL140_SR140,140_.jpg)
I just recently purchased this lens as my first step into "pro level" glass. Optically, it is outstanding, but there a couple issues that I have with it, although not enough to keep me from liking it a lot. This is my initial review, and I plan to update it later after I take more pictures with it.
Optics
Sharp. Holy crap it's sharp. When it nails focus, it gives you contrasty, crispy images. You can zoom way in 2:1 or even 3:1 and still get great detail. I've heard from many reviews from great sources that this the sharpest 35mm money can buy apart from Zeiss and Canon's 35mmL mark ii, both of which are way more expensive. Even wide open at f1.4, it's as sharp or sharper than other lenses at f2.8. It is incredibly helpful to have a sharp lens that can open up to f1.4, because it really allows you to lower your ISO, raise your shutter speed, or both. The f1.4 aperture also makes backgrounds really melt away, even on my crop sensor Canon 70D. The backgrounds will be even more buttery on a full frame camera. Most of the other lenses I own have an aperture of f2.8; this lens is a full two stops faster. Meaning instead of shooting at ISO 3200, I can shoot at ISO 800, for example. I haven't gotten to test the performance in backlit situations or other tough scenarios, but I will update later.
Build
It's really solid, and quite heavy for a prime lens. There's a lot of glass in there. You can really tell that Sigma has upped their game with the ART line. It's probably heavier than I'd like but it balances fine on my 70D, and probably even better on a full frame camera. The manual focus ring is very large and has some resistance to it. I don't manually focus often, but I found no issue when I needed to.
Autofocus
Here's where things get a little tricky. Yes, it probably depends on the copy of the lens. I've heard some who got great results, and some who couldn't get the lens to focus at all. I tried to use the Reikan Focal program (it helps with AFMA) with this lens, but it gave me some results that actually made the focus worse. I believe that because the aperture is so wide (1.4), Focal does have some issues really nailing the focus automatically. I had no issues with Focal on any of my other lenses, although none are as fast as this Sigma. I ended up attempting to manually test and adjust the AFMA myself, but found that different focus distances gave me different numbers. For example, leaving the AFMA at 0 gave me good results at a couple feet, but was terrible at anything further than that. Huh. Frustrating that I couldn't get this lens to work great right off the bat. Enter the Sigma Dock, which you can use with their software to calibrate the lens AFMA at four different focus distances. I got the dock, and after some lengthy manual testing, I believe I have finally found the sweet spots for the AFMA at all four focus distances. I do wish the four different focus distances were adjustable, as my copy had some weird focus issues between 6 feet and infinity, but after tinkering with the settings, I think I have it down anyways. The lens does miss focus sometimes (not terribly often, but you'll definitely notice when is misses), especially wide open. It isn't so often that it is a problem to me, but if I were photographing a wedding, for example, I'd be nervous that I'd miss that one important moment that I can't get back. I do wish it would nail focus every time, but maybe I'm just being too demanding.
Value
While this is an expensive lens, you're getting phenomenal image quality and build. The autofocus issues are the only gripe I have with this lens. I think if you have patience with microadjustments and are willing to get the dock, it's a great value.
I plan to keep this lens on my camera to see what I can get out of it. I am also planning to do a newborn shoot in a couple months, and I will probably use this lens for most of the shots, if I find the focusing trustworthy with further testing.
I will add more to this review in the coming months.
UPDATE:
Unfortunately the autofocus issues continue to present themselves. The lens focuses extremely well inside of the 3 feet. But between 3 feet and infinity there are some spots where the autofocus is way off. The adjustments I made on the dock cover most focus areas but there are a few key distances where it continuously refuses to focus. My copy was back focusing mostly, but would front focus badly a few areas in that 3 ft. to infinity range. We're talking like more than a few inches of front focusing. This especially seemed to occur in lower light situations, but happened even in good lighting, where I got maybe an 80% hit rate, even at f2; very disappointing. I confirmed this with the Reikan Focal AFMA system; I tested it at one foot increments from 3 feet all the way out to 10 feet, and got wildly different results at a couple focus ranges. I have a Canon 70D which has good cross type focus points across the board so it didn't seem to be a camera issue. The lens is extremely sharp when it does nail focus though. It makes beautiful images with great blurry backgrounds/bokeh, but I really need that reliability with the autofocus. I am more of a spontaneous/candid/street shooter so I would take slightly less sharpness for the autofocus accuracy. If you can take your time to find a good copy, I'd say go for it if ultimate sharpness is your goal. But not for me; I don't want to be taking gambles at getting a good copy and I don't want to send my camera/lens in for adjustment. I am going to return this lens and try out the Canon 35mm f2 IS, a lens renowned for outstanding AF accuracy and very good sharpness at all apertures. Sure, it's slower and not quite as sharp, but it's $300 cheaper, is only about 2/3 of a stop slower according to DXOMark (Sigma has a T stop of 1.6, the Canon's is right at 2.0), plus I get IS and the much smaller size/lighter weight. I wish you the best of luck if you decide to get this lens; if you can get a copy that autofocuses well, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
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| Customer Rating | (1502) | (179) | (481) | (906) | (1554) | (655) |
| Price | $774.99 | $1,999.00 | $799.00 | $428.42 | $799.99 | $1,209.00 |
| Sold By | BluebirdSales | Wholesale Photo | PhoenixPhoto | lookupLLC Ship by FedEx or DHL | Best Seller Deals | Pro Deals! |
| Item Dimensions | 3.7 x 3.03 x 3.03 inches | 4.15 x 3.17 x 3.17 inches | 3.35 x 3.55 x 3.35 inches | 2.48 x 2.91 x 2.91 inches | 3.94 x 3.35 x 3.35 inches | 3.5 x 4.2 x 4.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.47 lbs | 1.68 lbs | 1.00 lbs | 0.96 lbs | 1.80 lbs | 2.00 lbs |
| Lens Type | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | wide-angle-prime | Normal | Normal | Wide Angle |
| Maximum Aperture | 1.4 | f/1.4 | f/1.4 | 1.4 millimeters | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Maximum Focal Length | 35 millimeters | 35 millimeters | 24 millimeters | 30 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 70 |
| Maximum Aperture Range | F1.4 | F1.4 | F1.4 | F1.4 | F1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Maximum Format Size | 35mm full frame | — | Full Frame | APS-C / DX | 35mm full frame | — |
| Minimum Aperture | 16 | 22 | 1.4 | 16 | 16 | 22 |
| Minimum Focal Length | 35 millimeters | 35 millimeters | 24 millimeters | 30 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 24 |
| Minimum Operating Distance | 0.3 meters | — | — | 0.3 meters | 0.4 meters | — |
| Photo Filter Thread Size | 67 millimeters | 72 millimeters | 77 millimeters | 62 millimeters | 77 millimeters | 82.0 millimeters |
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From the manufacturer
35mm F1.4 DG HSM | A
Our True Flagship
The Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM is a state of the art lens designed for full frame cameras but can also be used with APS-C sensors as well. The first addition to the Art category in Sigma’s Global Vision, the 35mm 1.4 DG HSM includes new features based around a unique lens concept and design. The 35mm is a staple focal length in the world of photography, and paired with Sigma technology, this lens can take artistic expression to the next level. The lens is equipped with technology including a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), floating internal focusing system, SLD and FLD Glass elements. The HSM ensures quiet, high speed, accurate autofocusing while the floating focusing system allows for superior optical performance with subjects at a closer shooting distance. The SLD glass elements along with the FLD glass elements, which are equal to fluorite, help correct both axial and chromatic aberration. The large 1.4 aperture make it ideal in low light and the lens is compatible with the Sigma USB dock and Optimization Pro software to adjust and fine tune focusing parameters. The Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM is a must have for any camera bag.
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 77mm x 94mm /3in x 3.7in
Weight: 665g / 23.5oz.
USB Dock Compatibility
Sigma has developed special software (SIGMA Optimization Pro) that can update the lens firmware and adjust parameters such as focus.
About Sigma
Since 1961, and with the recent introduction of Sigma Global Vision, we have worked toward one single, simple goal: To hold ourselves to the highest standard of design & manufacturing of imaging products. Photography is all we do. And it’s all we’ve done. So you can rest assured that it’s something we know extensively and care deeply about. You have a vision. We’ve made it our mission.
- High speed with large aperture
- HSM (Hypersonic motor) and inner focusing system
- Accessories include: Lens Hood (LH730-03), carrying case
I am sure it is a great lens. Just do not buy it used because you may not receive one for the right model camera. We received Nikon but was expecting Canon
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
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Optically Outstanding, But Hope For A Good Copy, Microadjustments With The Dock Are Likely Necessary (UPDATE BELOW)
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 5, 2016Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 20, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 25, 2013
Top reviews from other countries
Nick S
Should i really need to set this up correctly?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 21, 2022Marko Darko
As with the 24mm Sigma, it'll make you want to replace all your lenses!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 19, 2015thenightbeginstoturnyourheadaround
Fantastic on my new Canon R6
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 5, 2021Westernside
Amazing little lens!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 5, 2016
