Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Review: Honey, I Shrunk the Ultra Wide Lens!

Chris and Jordan are big fans of compact, ultra-wide angle lenses, so they were excited to test out the new Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN Contemporary. How does the lens compare to the other options for Sony E-Mount and L-Mount? We have some answers.
Read Chris's full review: petapixel.com/...
Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
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0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Size and controls
1:40 - Video performance
2:09 - Close-up performance
2:44 - Autofocus
3:20 - Flare and sunstars
3:53 - Chromatic aberrations
4:19 - Bokeh
5:32 - Sharpeness
6:30 - E-Mount alternatives
6:50 - L-Mount alternatives

[@tommey5996]

Love the frequency of new vids ❤

[@tom_nuyts]

thank you very much for the illustrative review of both small format primes! Whereas I don't have any issues with the nifty-fifty, here my impressions and minus points about the 17 mm (translated by< google, pardon for any imprecise wordings therefore...): A short focal length, packed relatively compactly, is a good idea. Although the image quality is very good, except for the strong distortion in RAW (which costs image quality when corrected!), I have two points of criticism - the lens is actually much "too small" - measured against the 20 mm 2.0, its size would have been okay and would have fitted in very well with the series, at least with a speed of 2.8 - Measured by the mechanical aspects and the low "speed", I find the price too high, actually it should be at least 100 € cheaper I don't understand why Sigma (like many or actually all photo manufacturers unfortunately) doesn't ask the users beforehand about their wishes. In any case, I would have said that I find so much compactness for so little speed problematic. A bit bigger, but F 3.5 or 2.8 would have been great! I now use it as a second lens next to, for example, the Canon TS - E 17 mm shift lens - at least the focal length and perspective match So, dear company Sigma: set up a customer advisory board, then everything will be better

[@TeteRecinos]

I guess PPTV could be easily misconstrued

[@martinsauve9932]

Well to be fair that was also the case with DP

[@bmeclipse]

PPTube?

[@TeteRecinos]

@@martinsauve9932 🤣

[@guyjordan8201]

😂😂😅

[@D45Z]

I see what you did there ;)

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

Happy to see you back ! 😊

[@andersistbesser]

L mount gets even more interesting. Very nice lense

[@dimitrypapkov1977]

I actually just tried this lens over the weekend and compared it to the Laowa 15mm f/2 and Sony 20-70 f/4. Sigma is definitely the sharpest of the bunch. With the current AI noise reduction in Lightroom, you actually can get decent milky Way shots with f/4 as well

[@thephotographerscorner]

I have both and the 14mm Gm , the 20-70mm gives great sunstars and the 14mm GM is out of this world. Also have 6 I series lenses and the only negative thing are the sunstars but hey what awesome lenses. Can't wait to get the Nikon ZF to pair them up

[@marin_real_estate_photography]

Wish it had lens stabilization because it would help reduce corner warping when shooting video.

[@Daydream2142]

It happens with other lenses as well. Its best not to go below 20mm when shooting walking shots for now. Panasonic is aware of this issue and hopefully they will fix it in future firmware updates

[@jonathanorleyi6600]

@@Daydream2142 IBIS + digital image stabilization in Olympus/OM cameras fixes this really well... (while you loose a bit of your frame obviously)

[@michaelechteld]

Nice review, but for an ultrawide lens-and its typical applications-I would be much more interested in vignetting and especially distortion. And how much these can be controlled in post. I saw a significant difference in brightness in the corner sharpness test between f/4 and f/8.

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always 👍🤗

[@frankylennonlin]

PetaPixies, haha, love it!

[@kbellanger4140]

Definitely not many ultrawide lenses. Shopping for days. Finally settled on this lens. Getting next week. TY taco

[@jonas_2420]

I love to see you use Noct as a measuring unit. 😍

[@stuartcarden1371]

I'm writing this message to improve your engagement. All hail the mysterious algorithm!

[@Donbros]

So dpreview will be bought again are you comingback there too 😅 maybe mix?

[@theSUBVERSIVE]

the stabilization was a bit weird, not just with the vlogging part but one that Jordan was walking backwards with the S5IIx and shooting handheld.

[@fellowcitizen]

Studio 55: 17mmF4, 18-50mmF2.8, 24mmF3.5, 45mmF2.8, 56mmF1.4 Excellent set for the aps-c Leicas and for any tricky Super35-only video work with the S1/S5.

[@vvlist]

If 17mm is too wide for you Sigma also has the 24 f3.5. I love it! Same features and build quality.

[@unclefart5527]

Have it too. Not finding things not to like other than it needs an aperture ring lock so settings don't get messed with then you change lenses.

[@samspicer396]

Have you ever tried some of the Voigtlander wide angle primes? I use the Voigtlander 21mm for e-mount and it's excellent - so small and light it's always in my bag for the rare occasions that I use a wide angle...

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thanks for the video and hope Peta Pixel is working out for Jordon and you. Saw you mentioned the Sony FE 30mm f/1.8 G but how does it compare to Sigma's own 20mm f/2 DZG DN I Series? Be interested to compare the barrel distortion.

[@sdhute]

Nice to finally have another small prime lens for the L mount

[@POVwithRC]

Man, this could be a POV walk dream come true. FX3 and this will ride all day on a Crane M3. F4 is great too, no need for shallow DOF. Good job Sigma. For context all my walks are usually done with the 14mm GM and RS3 Pro. Great workout 😂

[@AllThingsFilm1]

True. Shallow DOF isn't always needed. Plus, the minimum focus of 4.7 inches is nice.

[@POVwithRC]

@@AllThingsFilm1 I love sneaking up on architectural details and flowers and stuff. Big happy leaves.

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

Samyang 18/2.8 is half the price. For context, I usually use Sony 16-35/4G, which is a lot better lens for a little bit more money.

[@POVwithRC]

@@ElementaryWatson-123 I'm not interested in Samyangs tbh fam. Also not sure why you would be comparing a heavy ten year old optically stabilized zoom with a svelte little prime.

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

@@POVwithRC what are you talking about? Which is "heavy ten year old optically stabilized zoom"?

[@dangn5017]

Your intro is awesome! so is the content 😊

[@neilmarshall9408]

I think this 17mm F4 would be great to put on a Sigma FP and pair it to a gimbal for some sweet creative video work

[@fellowcitizen]

On the fp L with in-line Crop-Zoom it would be a versatile 17-90mm in HD!

[@DynamixWarePro]

I am looking for a good wide angle prime lens for my S5II. I have the Panasonic 14-28mm and it is fine, but I like Sigma lenses contrast, sharper image quality and build quality, not to mention its small size. I might get this when I can afford it.

[@JohnLemieux]

Idk if it’s because nikon is being sheisty with patent law or companies just don’t see enough market for it but I really wish this (and other third party lenses from tamron/sigma/etc) would come out in Z mount. It would take like 10 minutes of engineering, there’s even an adapter for Z mount to E mount so I know it’s possible.

[@RehctubNomis]

Love the look of that camera bag Chris, what is it?

[@GotHotPhoto]

i think, its good to know regarding geometric distortion, when we talk about wide angle lens... other wise all good!

[@kodakkevin]

superb review and spotlight on a lens i didn't even know existed :)

[@luigi_monaco]

Would anyone excuse my ignorance - but what does Noct mean? Is it defined somewhere or is this an abbreviation?

[@unn4medfeel1ng]

Nikkor Noct 58mm f/0.95 was so heavy Chris started using it as a weight measurement

[@luigi_monaco]

@@unn4medfeel1ng

[@1vegasdood]

PETAPIXIE representing!

[@VipulDK]

Would this work on Sony a6700 if I am looking for something close to a 24mm full-frame equivalent? Thank you for the review! This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@jamesr124]

Peta pixies 😂😂😂. Just sounds so natural

[@gabrielmachadobsb]

Definitely flows easier than "DPReview TV Viewers"

[@jamesr124]

@@gabrielmachadobsb I agree... 💯

[@myownirvana]

I was hoping for 'Peta Files'...oh wait, maybe not. 🤣

[@jamesr124]

@@myownirvana I think your on top something. Chris Hansen Could be a special guest.

[@mikolajg1]

Love watching those reviews, even though I'm not in the market for those at all :)

[@ryanehoward]

Wait, PetaPixies? I'm not mad, I just hadn't thought about it before. It totally makes sense.

[@KevinG-159]

What's a Noct? Is that like a Cupid? Oh well, great video as usual from you guys and Sigma lenses are awesome! Thanks for this!

[@Damon_Mah]

Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens (2,000 g / 4.4 lb) US $7,999.95

[@craesh]

Noct... my favorite local unit ❤

[@gordon3988]

In the vlogging test your face/body is a bit narrow (reminded me a bit of the fun house mirrors, but not nearly that extreme), probably a 20 mm a better fit for that, unless as you noted if you are on Sony that does a lot cropping, but otherwise likely a great lens.

[@AaronDanielFilms]

Loved this review, thank you guys! Also appreciated your comparison to the Panasonic 18mm for video. Although the Sigma looks a little nicer in terms of portability, would you still consider the Panasonic the route to go for small-footprint video work?

[@paullafleur6112]

What wrist strap is Chris using? It looks quite neat

[@ulimuller7892]

+1 still have not found anything that satisfies me. Could even se a video on accessories

[@paullafleur6112]

@@ulimuller7892 Same here. Chris, Jordan, maybe add this topic to your video content calendar?

[@unn4medfeel1ng]

The S5 II surprisingly didn't do very well in the vlogging test, quite a lot of focusing on the backgroud

[@jameshenry6855]

I didn't see any focusing on the background. Can you point to where? I did see a lot of warping of the edges though, is that what you meant.

[@unn4medfeel1ng]

@@jameshenry6855 on 2:06 it's focused on the background for quite a while. It isn't that noticeable because of large depth of field but still concerning for me - I want to move from Fuji to Panasonic mostly because of the AF.

[@jameshenry6855]

@@unn4medfeel1ng thanks I see it now. I wonder if it's because it's a Sigma lens? It shouldn't be but I wonder if there's a drop in performance. I've watched a lot of vids on the S5II and while it's not perfect it seems solid for most situations.

[@RobinEdgar]

I *could* be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure that 1:3.6 life size reproduction ratio is just *above* 1:4, just as 1:2 is and 1:1 is. . . This does seem like a great wide angle lens.

[@raffypasalo]

wished my pentax 15mm limited is a full frame lens, that would be nice

[@D3lor34n]

Love your content

[@kruelos]

17mm crop sensor or full frame?

[@kruelos]

Thank you for the answer guys.

[@benldr]

FE is full frame and E is crop sensor. This is a full frame. ​@kruelos

[@tt-ew7rx]

With both systems having kit zooms starting from 20mm, is 17mm wide enough for a UWA to go with these zooms?

[@nikoforu]

Looks like a serious rival to the Canon RF 16mm f2.8. I'd pick the Sigma in this case. The S5II didn't come out too hot in this video though. Very wobbly vlogging and walk and talk. Yeah, ultra wides can be hard to stabilize in video, yeah, but still the observation stands.

[@DigiDriftZone]

Sony seems to be in a class of its own when it comes to stabilising ultra wide walking shots. I just sent my Fuji X-S20 back for a refund because it has this jello problem too with the Viltrox 13mm F1.4.

[@Heart0rHead]

How's the vignetting?

[@benparilis1081]

Genuine question; Who measures weight in nocts?

[@EnerGeezerSquirrel]

My opinion couldn't be simpler: I *want* one!

[@Mk99987]

What do you mean by 1/8 Noct? i know about the Nikon f.9 but what does this have to do with it?

[@thesestillmoments]

Would love a shootout video soon!

[@말랑말랑멍몽이]

We need more I series lenses!

[@sulev111]

How does it compare to sigma 16-28, tamron 17-28 and Samyang 18@f4?

[@DigiDriftZone]

Is this for full frame or APS-C? - that's jello galore on this body, so wobbly and warpy, seems this doesn't happen on a Sony body?

[@ulimuller7892]

Chris is rocking a jacket where its lining matches the color of his shirt? Flashy 😅😊

[@fabian_99]

its a bit frustrating that the sigma lenses act so weird in video when paired with the lumix s5 / s5 iI ... the wabble gets out of hand with the sigma 14-24mm ... its only the wide focal lengths ... anything under 20 mm

[@robertsaca3512]

Should have compared to the Nisi 15, which is spectacular.

[@atomycal]

It would be amazing if you would compare a second hand Canon EOS R vs a new Canon EOS R50, they are very similar in price.

[@chirsd666]

Well, if I didn't already own the Sony 16-35 f4 PZ, I would be all over this one.

[@StrangelyIronic]

Sigma and Panasonic still carrying l-mount, and that will probably continue to be the case for the life of the mount. Nothing wrong with that, I just think it's kind of funny when I see Leica bodies with Sigma/Panasonic lenses because even if they wanted to drop a down payment on a car for a lens, they couldn't. Not a hater either, I have an M10-D and CL (both bought at all-time lows in price, M10-D got super cheap due to a friend with buyer's remorse realizing they couldn't go without a screen) and love them.

[@jackrussellt2211]

Is the Lens Weathersealed?

[@martin9410]

yes

[@HwL01]

wow this is an amazing wide lens

[@Master-Grammar]

I'm a little surprised the two of you didn't start your own channel. We'll follow you wherever you go but your own channel would have been great.

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

and who woulda pay their salaries?

[@RHelenius]

Will you only be reviewing new products?

[@jrmajorsantana2631]

sigma could bet on more specific focal lengths, like 85/200mm f2.8 art, 35/80mm f1.8, 85mm f2 macro real and 135mm f1.8 macro real😊 ❤

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

Sigma isn't making lenses that are of much interest to most people. Apart from 85/1.4 there isn't really anything interesting in their current lineup. What Sigma needs is to resurrect the 24-135mm lens. Make it f/2.8 and there will be immediately a long line to get one.

[@alphatoinfinity777]

Me: I want it Me 2: you have the Sony 20mm 1.8 Me: I know. So? Me 2: ok I think there’s still room for one more lens in the dry box…

[@demazy]

Peta Pixies… nice!

[@VLSavin]

I like it lens. Look at compact and useful.

[@zball_6396]

likely the best lens sigma released during the past half a year

[@ilanhoward]

Are you going back to dpreview now that it is alive??

[@abhishekvsmalyala]

Welcome back PETA Pixies!!! 😂

[@TonyWang]

I'm a pixie 🥰

[@tomariko]

In Thailand it is almost the same price as tamron 17-28 hard choice

[@ekjellgren]

So you went to the bokeh shop?

[@theDanDeleon]

If I'm a fan of this channel...does that make me a Petaphile?

[@philmartin5689]

At last an attempt at small moderate aperture lenses, which are light and perfect for landscape. The lens industry has been pandering to the bokeholics for far too long now, who needs a prime the size of a Campbells soup tin when you're mostly shooting at f/8? Let's hope some narrower lenses will now be in the pipeline?

[@Alex_564]

Too bad they don't make this in Fuji X mount cause this is near perfect for what I am looking for. I wonder how much bigger it would have been if it was a F3.5.

[@curtisbme]

Can we please drop the Noct weight joke on every lens review?

[@gusatvoschiavon]

It would be amazing if they launched this lens on MFT just for the sake of it

[@megatryn]

Chris would love that, as it would be almost equal his favourite focal length 😆

[@oneeyedphotographer]

What advantage would it have over the Panasonic Leica F1.7?

[@D1N02]

Your new board is already out of date. You have a king now ;)

[@villagranvicent]

Since when a "noct" is a standard for comparing weight?

[@yokken]

Chris and Jordan have been using it for years! Welcome to the family.

[@NickCheng93]

@@yokken What does it mean though? Is it related to the Noct lens?

[@unclefart5527]

@@NickCheng93 I believe it refers to a boat anchor Nikon released a year or two ago.

[@villagranvicent]

@@yokken for years? Dont think so

[@GetSkillStudio]

Amazing

[@ekjellgren]

No video review from the big J?

[@arnewoodman]

"Honey, I shrunk the ultra wide lens!" oh, you mean just like the SMC Pentax 17mm f4 from about forty years ago?

[@namesurname5256]

1:48 Panasonic AF incoming

[@ulimuller7892]

Sometimes it needs to remind you of the goooooood ol 'days

[@messagedeleted1922]

Love the lose focal distance.

[@dvdaltizer]

Give me a 28mm at this size and we’re in business.

[@mangeshdhore]

And guys from Pakistan are thinking pptv is just some new channel of ptv 😂

[@GrantSR]

What the holy heck is a Noct?

[@Damon_Mah]

Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens (2,000 g / 4.4 lb) US $7,999.95

[@GrantSR]

@@Damon_Mah So they created a unit of weight based on the weight of some high-dollar lens? But, isn't 4.4 lb pretty heavy for a lens? Or maybe it takes a lot of glass to make a high quality, f/0.95 lens. Thanks.

[@VoltLover00]

I'm a PetaPixy

[@BobK58]

Pentax!

[@decke220]

I don't know how I feel about being called a petapixie 😆

[@MarkTessier-f6o]

Not very good in the snow. Significant magenta color shift on the left and right sides with a Panasonic S1r.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

What camera did you use? If an S5 II, then the AF test is irrelevant to all other Lumix S cameras.

[@alwinbenjamin]

👏🏻⚡️

[@jerzyjablonski1432]

Pentax made 15mm Limited long time ago and it is both smaller, lighter and better looking. Small UWA, what's new?

[@AndrewDaddy]

The noct joke was cute but it’s run it’s course, because maybe 1 in 10,000 photographers has held one to have any sort of reference point. Great content overall.

[@ddolde]

You’re really banging out the reviews maybe they pay you per review 😂

[@cameraprepper7938]

The built quality of the i-series Sigma Lenses are nice, but I do not like that they are so dependent of software for correction Lens flaws. I hope Sigma in near future will do their homework better and make better optical quality that do not need software to perform, I will pay more for a Sigma i-series Lens if they get better ! I am waiting Sigma, thank you.

[@alangillis8817]

Jeez you guys, leave Chris's Noct alone. And don't play with it in public Chris.You're just asking for lens flare.