The 35mm f1.4 DG HSM A is the latest lens in Sigma’s ART series of lenses.
In the wake of Canon’s 50.6 megapixel 5DS / 5Ds R introduction and the well established Nikon D800/ D810 it has become obvious that the high megapixel 35mm DSLR is here to stay. In addition to exceptional resolution, which presents artistic and design opportunities only previously known to the medium format shooter, greater resolution increases the demand placed on the lens. In order to realize the full potential of a 36 or 50 megapixel camera, the lens must be able to successfully resolve the image. In short, the lens needs to be über sharp. While lens quality may be an increasing concern Sigma has recently redesigned its lens line up and continues to develop lenses which stand up to the demands of the high megapixel cameras. Sigma’s 35mm lens is the Flagship of their Art lens series. It is simply one of the sharpest DSLR lenses on the market.
The 35mm f/1.4 lens is exceptionally sharp and its build quality is outstanding. The SLD and FLD glass can be cited for its image quality. The SLD or Special Low Dispersion glass elements greatly reduce chromatic aberrations and the FLD or F Low Dispersion elements per Sigma are “the highest level low dispersion glass available with extremely high light transmission”. FLD performs at a level equivalent to fluorite elements but offers a cost effective alternative. The 35mm f/1.4 lens is a full frame 35mm lens, designated by the DG, designed to deliver superior results when used on a 35mm DSLR. The lens will also deliver exception results when used on APS-C cameras and compatible SLR film cameras. The fast maximum aperture, f/1.4, is ideal for low light photography and provides a shallow depth of field craved by many photographers. Perhaps the greatest strength of this lens is its sharpness at f/1.4. The HSM or Hyper Sonic Motor guarantees that the autofocus is fast and quiet. The exceptional build quality of the lens is due in part to the all-metal barrel giving it a solid and secure feel in the hand.
While there is no such thing as a perfect lens, one of the only drawbacks of this lens is its lack of a rubber weather sealed ring seen on comparable models. The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A lens also presents onion shaped rings in the highlights of the bokeh. This is much more of a personal preference as opposed to a negative or positive. It is a no brainer, if you are in the market for a wide angel full frame DSLR lens, go with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A, it will not disappoint. This lens is available in Sigma, Nikon, Sony, Canon and Pentax mounts.
