Sigma 23mm F/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens Review

[SECTION]INTRODUCTION[/SECTION]

The Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens completes a quartet of compact f/1.4 mirrorless lenses, the others being 16mm, 30mm and 56mm. High quality and a compact form factor are the aims, to match the ergonomics of APS-C mirrorless camera bodies. The lens is available in L mount, Sony E Mount and soon Fujifilm X mount as well. 23mm on APS-C is a “35mm-format equivalent” of around 35mm, so, in fact, it has the field of view of a “wide standard” prime lens. To try out the lens and run it through its technical paces, we are using the 24MP Sony A5100 body, so let’s get straight to that and see how it fares.

Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Handling and Features

The body used is quite compact, more so than many later offerings, so the new lens does in fact seem relatively large. Measurements are 65.8 x 76.9mm (L Mount), 65.8 x 78.9mm (E Mount) or 65.8 x 79.2mm (X Mount). The lens weighs in at a modest 340g (L Mount) or 330g (E Mount), the X mount weight not yet being available. There is a provided petal lens hood that clips neatly into place and has no need for a locking catch to keep it there. A hood may not seem exciting, but in fact, on closer look, this one is a rather nice piece of engineering. Within the bayonet fit for the hood is a standard 52mm filter thread.

There is a wide, slickly operating electronic manual focus ring that in this E Mount version supports all the usual Sony focusing modes, including DMF and AF+MF. The various modes are selected using the camera menus. The L Mount version is compatible with the Sigma USB Dock UD-11 and both linear and non-linear focusing can be selected. AF is delivered by a fast, accurate and almost silent stepping motor. Focusing is down to 0.25m, or 9.8 inches, for a maximum magnification of 1:7.3. This is usefully close, but could always be closer and users used to very close focusing zoom lenses may feel slightly constrained.

There are no other controls on the lens, and any aperture setting, AF/MF setting or IS will have to be controlled by or supplied by the camera. The well-made brass mount has a dust and splash-resistant structure. Sigma’s explanation of this dust and splash resistance makes no reference to any general weather resistance, so sensible caution would seem appropriate.

Optical construction is 13 elements in 10 groups, including 3 SLD (Super Low Dispersion) and 2 Aspherical. The diaphragm comprises 9 blades and a rounded aperture with the aim of enhancing bokeh. Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating is there to handle flare.

The very lack of features, buttons and switches underpins what a straightforward prime lens can be all about. Simplicity. It is in a sense the freedom that the lens reviewer has with every lens received, that is to go out and shoot images without having to consider changing lenses and carrying large amounts of kit. One lens. One purpose. Just using a prime standard lens could be an ideal way for any photographer to approach many different genres of photography; a purist’s approach, say, to street photography or travel. The 23mm, being as it is a 35mm equivalent, is considered the “wide standard” lens, and this has been traditionally preferred by many street photographers for decades. It allows a normal-looking result, but enables a slightly closer approach, bringing the photographer into the action rather than being a remote observer. This can be described as the lens becoming a part of the photographer’s vision and not a barrier between artist and subject.

[SECTION]PERFORMANCE[/SECTION]

Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Performance

Central sharpness is excellent from f/1.4 to f/11 and very good at f/16. The edges are excellent from f/1.4 to f/8, very good at f/11 and good at f/16.

Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary MTF Charts

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is well controlled, not eliminated, but is still unlikely to be a problem. Further corrections can be made in software if required.

Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Chromatic Aberration Charts

Distortion measures -2.93% Barrel, certainly visible at the edges, particularly with architectural subjects. Correction in software is always an option if it is required, but for many subjects, it may not be an issue.

Bokeh is relaxed and pleasing although longer lenses will usually make for better out-of-focus backgrounds.

Flare is very well suppressed and even the severe lighting test failed to generate any artefacts.

Vignetting is obvious, particularly at wide apertures and as we focus closer. Some corner darkening can be an advantage in highlighting the main subject, but if it is too much then correction in software could be the answer.

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Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Sample Photos

Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC 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 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary|Sigma+lens[/AMUK] lens is priced at £449. There seems to be nothing directly comparable for Sony E Mount.

As an X mount version is on the cards, the only means of comparison found could be:

• [AMUK]Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4R LM WR|Fujifilm+lens[/AMUK], £819

It would seem that crop sensor wide standard prime lenses have been somewhat neglected in mirrorless camera ranges.

This leaves Sigma’s new range as sound value for money as it stands, although it is missing a few of the features that the more expensive Fujinon has.

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Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Verdict

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