Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review

[SECTION]INTRODUCTION[/SECTION]

One of Sigma’s Premium compact prime I series lenses, the new 17mm f/4 shares the Contemporary concept of compact, light and affordable lenses. In many respects, it also seems to aspire to the high standards of the Art range, with its all-metal construction and pursuit of the highest possible optical quality. It is a full frame design, intended from the start for use on mirrorless cameras and available in L and FE mount. The designers claim to have gone one step beyond what they needed to do, so let’s find out how that actually works out in practice, using the FE mount version on the 42MP Sony A7R III body.

Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN Contemporary Handling and Features

Starting our tour of the lens at the front, there is a supplied bayonet fit lens hood that clicks very smoothly into place and is totally secure without any need for a locking catch. Within the bayonet fit for the hood is a conventional 55mm filter thread. This thread size is also shared by other I series lenses, so far comprising this 17mm, plus focal lengths of 24mm, 45mm and 90mm. Unusually, the lens cap itself needs a mention as not one but two are provided, one plastic clip-on in the usual way, and one metal magnetic one. This is pitched at being supplied for “better integration” and also seems to be there because it’s a super cool idea, but in practice, it has a downside of being a very powerful magnet that could be a hazard to credit cards if for example stored in a pocket along with a wallet. The credit card hazard is now duly noted in the instruction leaflet, but this still begs the question why do it at all?

The lens is well made, using Aluminium and even having a brass bayonet mount. It is light and compact, weighing in at just 225g (L mount) or 220g (FE mount) and measuring 64.0mm x 48.8mm (L mount) or 64.0mm x 50.8mm (FE mount). The lens is also dust and splashproof, but of course, this does not mean waterproof.

The well-gripped focusing ring is compatible with all the usual Sony focus settings, such as AF, MF and DMF (Direct Manual Focusing, where MF tweaks can be made during active AF) and these are set in the camera menu as usual. The L mount version, which is compatible with Sigma USB Dock UD-11, gives a choice of linear or non-linear focus ring settings.

AF is driven by a fast and virtually silent stepping motor. Focusing is down to 12cm, or 4.8”, for a maximum magnification of 1:3.6. This is excellent for a 17mm lens and opens many possibilities for powerful ultra-wide foregrounds.

There is an aperture ring, which operates beautifully, being smooth and almost silent. The click stops are at one-third of a stop intervals, with an additional A setting should we wish to control the aperture setting from the camera. Gorgeous though the engineering is, there is a chance that the ring can be knocked off A and a locking catch would be a good idea. The only other control is an AF/MF selector switch.

Optical construction is 9 elements in 8 groups, including 2 SLD (Super Low Distortion) and 3 Aspherical. The diaphragm comprises 7 blades, designed to produce a rounded aperture. The coating is Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating.

This is a very appealing lens, being small, light and unobtrusive. One of the suggested applications is street photography, and it will certainly let the photographer become immersed in the action, rather than being a distant observer. This could be great in really crowded situations, such as the Whitby Goth Weekend. It also has potential as a vlogging lens. Equally well, the more traditional uses such as landscape, travel and architecture all fall within its purview.

Let’s have a look now at the performance in the technical tests.

[SECTION]PERFORMANCE[/SECTION]

Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN Contemporary Performance

Central sharpness is excellent from f/4 through to f/16, and very good at f/22. The edges are very good from f/4 to f/11, good at f/16 and fair at f/22.

That is a great result for a 17mm lens and enables sharp, punchy images right across the field of view.

Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN Contemporary MTF Charts

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is virtually banished at the centre and held well under a pixel even at the edges. It is unlikely to be an issue as it is not really visible in any but the most demanding circumstances. Further correction in software is always possible if desired.

Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN Contemporary Chromatic Aberration Charts

Distortion measures +0.05% pincushion, which is so close to being rectilinear as makes no difference. Even at the edges, straight lines will remain as straight lines, making it an excellent choice for architectural shots.

Bokeh is relaxed and pleasing to the eye, even though wide-angle lenses are usually not where we are looking for out-of-focus backgrounds.

Flare performance is excellent and contrast is well maintained against the light. Even in the most demanding lighting, it is not easy to produce any artefacts.

Vignetting is obvious wide open, but there are plenty of shots where corner darkening can be a benefit, even though it is technically a defect. Once stopped down by even one stop this clears to a much more modest level.

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Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN Contemporary Sample Photos

Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN Contemporary Aperture range

You can view additional images in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

[SECTION]VERDICT[/SECTION] 

Value For Money

The [AMUK]Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary|Sigma+lens[/AMUK] lens is priced at £549.

There are not many options for compact prime lenses around 17mm, but for L mount users:

• [AMUK]Panasonic Lumix S 18mm f/1.8|Panasonic+lens[/AMUK], £799

For Sony FE users:

• [AMUK]Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro|Laowa+lens[/AMUK], £529
• [AMUK]Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D|Laowa+lens[/AMUK], £899
• [AMUK]Samyang AF 18mm f/2.8|Samyang+lens[/AMUK], £345
• [AMUK]Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8|Samyang+lens[/AMUK], £549
• [AMUK]Sony FE 14mm f/1.8GM|Sony+lens[/AMUK], £1399
• [AMUK]Voigtlander Super-Wide Heliar 15mm f/4.5 III|Voigtlander+lens[/AMUK], £699

Considering the quality and the great handling as well as the competitive price, value for money is sound.

For more lens options, have a look at our lens top lists which feature optics we’ve reviewed and compiled into easy-to-read lists so you can make more informed decisions. 

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Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN Contemporary Verdict

Own this lens? Let us know what you think of it in the EQDB. 

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