Sigma AF 23mm f/1.4 Lens Review – X Mount

Intended for the Fujifilm X fit crop sensor APS-C format cameras, this new version of Sigma’s 23mm f/1.4 lens has the “35mm equivalent” field of view of the classic 35mm lens. For many, this is the ideal reportage/street lens, a “wide standard” that allows a little more in the frame compared to the traditional standard lens. It is versatile, usable for virtually all genres and styles be it architecture, groups, environmental portraits, travel or landscapes, as well as being an ideal street companion. Let’s find out how well the lens performs on location as well as in the studio technical tests, using the 26MP Fujifilm X-S10 body.

Sigma AF 23mm f/1.4 DC DN – Handling and Features

The only control is the generously sized manual focus ring. Selection of AF/MF is controlled via the camera, as is the aperture value. Fujifilm’s own lenses are often designed with excellent aperture rings, so it is possible that some Fuji users may find the absence of such a ring disappointing, but if that is the case then there are other alternatives. In reality, it may be a minor consideration. AF is provided by a stepping motor, which is fast, accurate and quiet. Focusing is down to 0.25m (9.8”), for a maximum magnification of 1:7.3. This is usefully close, but of course nowhere near macro distances.

There is a rubber seal on the mount, which would indicate that the lens has at least some degree of dust and splash resistance. The extent of this is not specified, except to mention the usual caveat that the lens is not waterproof. It is good to note that the metal mount is Sigma’s usual high quality, rather than the increasingly common use of plastic at this price point.

Optical construction is 13 elements in 10 groups, including 3 SLD (Super Low Dispersion) and 2 Aspherical. The diaphragm comprises 9 blades to help produce a rounded aperture to improve bokeh. There is no inbuilt IS, this being provided by the camera body.

Handling the lens is seamless in every respect, as there is very little to it. Everything is controlled by the camera, and the ergonomics of the Fujifilm design are logical and efficient. With such an inconspicuous lens, approaching street photography is less confrontational and has a welcome simplicity. Combined with the crop format of the Fujifilm cameras, the opportunity is there, and has been grasped fully, to produce smaller, lighter lenses suited to fast working and travelling light. Zoom lenses may be more versatile in many ways, but the small, fast prime lens has its own very real advantages, especially in low light situations. One of these areas of advantage might be considered to be the expectation of the highest optical quality, so let’s turn our attention now to see how the technical tests worked out.

Sigma AF 23mm f/1.4 DC DN – Performance

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is virtually banished centrally. The edges do show some colour fringing, but for most images this is not too obtrusive. Further correction could be made in software if desired.

Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fujifilm X Mount) Chromatic Aberration Charts

Distortion measures at +0.24% pincushion, a very satisfactory result that is unlikely to need any further correction, even for architectural shots, where it is vital that straight lines are rendered as straight lines.

Bokeh is helped considerably by the wide, bright maximum aperture, and is generally smooth and pleasing.

Flare is also well under control, even in the most severe testing conditions.

Vignetting is modest, and held so throughout the aperture range.

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Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fujifilm X Mount) Sample Photos

Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Fujifilm X Mount) Aperture range

You can view additional images of the SIGMA 23mm F1.4 on our equipment database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

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Value For Money

The Sigma AF 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens in Fuji X fit is priced at a very reasonable £449.

There are quite a few choices in Fuji X fit, all being more expensive if we want the speed.

• [AMUK]Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR|fujifilm+23mm+f1.4[/AMUK], £819
• [AMUK]Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR|fujifilm+23mm+f2[/AMUK], £415
• [AMUK]Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R|fujifilm+23mm+f1.4[/AMUK], £799
• [AMUK]Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 CF APO|laowa+argus+25mm[/AMUK], £649
• [AMUK]Voigtlander Nokton 23mm f/1.2|voigtlander+23mm[/AMUK], £629

The VFM of the new Sigma lens is clearly sound.

Sigma AF 23mm f/1.4 DC DN – Verdict

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