Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN ART Review: Optical Brilliance | DA

[@atlantamx3]

Hands-down THE BEST and most thorough lens reviewer on KZbin. The Gold Standard right here, folks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's very kind. Thank you.

[@acouragefann]

The focus lock reminds me of the samyang 24's ability to focus to infinity (or any other point one cares to program into it) by holding the button while turning the camera on. Great to see lensmakers innovating not just in the optical department but with these extras that just make shooting that much more convenient. What an impressive lens at such a reasonable price - it's a great time to be a photographer, even if your wallet isn't that deep.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Completely agree on all points

[@TimCurry04]

I own the Sigma 18-35 1.8, 50-100 1.8 (Nikon) The 35 1.4 DG DN, and 85 1.4 DG DN (Sony)... This will be 20mm will be my next purchase for sure! Good review Dustin.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a solid choice, for sure.

[@phillewis2524]

Excellent review, as always. I have always liked the Sigma Art series for optical performance and with the DG DN series they are coming up with some very useful features as well. I absolutely love my Sony 14mm/1.8GM but it could definitely benefit from the focus lock and aperture lock features. Tamron and Sigma are keeping the competitive pressure on Sony, to our benefit.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Completely agree. That positive market pressure is what makes Sony a more compelling platform than Canon or Nikon right now

[@ZadieBear]

I had the original Sigma 20mm for my Canon 6D. And despite the coma in the corners, I loved the lens. I tried to keep it when I switched to the Sony A7R3, but the AF wasn't that accurate even with a converter. So I upgraded to the Batis 18. I love the size of the Batis 18 on my crop sensor camera, but I missed the bokeh from the Sigma 20. I am now looking forward to switching back to the Sigma 20 sometime soon! Thanks for the review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Sigma bests the Batis in a number of ways, including much lower distortion and better corner sharpness.

[@rickt.8866]

Thanks for the great reviews Dustin! I pre-ordered my Sigma 20mm 1.4 DG DN a few days ago for my Sony A7 IV! The A7 IV is my first full frame camera and I love it!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy your new lens on your new camera!

[@Jwitherow1964]

I just received mine, I sold my old model and bought the new one. Thanks for your amazing review

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy it!

[@AR-vf7vg]

PLEASE : I would like to come across someone having the curiosity to make "back-up" photos of every shot made with the 24mm (at f/1.4, and say f/5.6) also with the 20mm WITHOUT CHANGING DISTANCE to subject ! ..then crop those in post to match as close as possible to the framing of the 24mm shots. (Imagine You could finetune and store the finder's cropping to ouer taste..!) . How does bokkeh, distortion, grain, ..compare?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a big ask of someone...and it would take someone with a lot more time than I have right now!

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I'll do it with my dg dn 14-24 .. (to compare the background "compression", and see the pixelcount reduction in percentage it represents (and maybe still see interesting lens related distortion differences in the borders). But I wondered for the f1.4 with both also..: perhaps the 24 "needs" to be at f1.8 to match the blur of the cropped 20mm'rs blur (the 24th f/1.4 would still be 'unmatched' y the f1.4 of the 20. I know i"ll look like a idiot geek - but I am actually quite as creative, lol)

[@cohoonatube]

Excellent review as always Brother... AND after all these years of watching I finally bought a Sony! Proud owner of an A7IV. Picked up the on-sale 20mm Tamron 2.8 to play with awaiting my other lens... Love the 20mm focal length. Would love to see some settings tutorials from your channel.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy your new camera!

[@alandyer910]

Excellent, thank you! Now the DN version of the 14mm f/1.8 Art can’t be far behind. Just wish the new DN Arts were available for RF mount.

[@NeXMaX]

Same on Z mount. Fingers crossed they happen sooner rather than later.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You and a LOT of other people. I’m really perplexed at Canon and Nikon, as they seem to be driving a lot of people Sony’s way with their policies on third party lenses

[@NeXMaX]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I remember reading an interview with a Canon rep and he mentioned that they see companies like Sigma as competitors. Make of that what you will. I just want to see everyone not on Sony/Pana-Leica-Sigma mirrorless cameras to enjoy these as well.

[@locophoto6881]

@@NeXMaX Just buy the Sony-e to Nikon Z adaptor...works beautifully.

[@nmsantos61]

Awesome review as always Mr. Abbott. How does it compare to the Sony fe 1.8 G?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Sigma is larger and more sophisticated, obviously, but the Sony is still a great lens. I’d give the performance edge to the Sigma, but not by a wide margin

[@josegulias]

Great question for a new video with a comparative of the two lenses :) tanks for all your work Mr Dustin!!

[@vanjasimunko708]

Hi Dustin, great review as always! I also wanted to know how it compares to Sony 20mm G since I own one. So besides the obvious advantages (aperture, features…), altogether, would you say it is worth changing it or if I already have Sony and am happy with it (I am, very much so), it is not worth the trouble

[@Vlaakster]

This is such a wonderful and useful review. One thing I'm wondering; does the focus lock work even when you power down the camera? Meaning, if I focus on the stars, and then shut off the camera and power it back on, will the focus still be the same? Or does the lock only apply to a same power cycle?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I believe that it holds it even when the camera is powered down.

[@JACKnJESUS]

It's tempting..but since the Sony 20mm still wins in the corners and that seems fairly important for my astrophotography...I'll hold off. Nice lens though.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, I’m not sure that the Sony wins in the corners, but it remains an excellent lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, I’m not sure that the Sony wins in the corners, but it remains an excellent lens.

[@cdavey7654]

From most reviews I saw, the Sony does usually win in the corners - seems to be some significant variances in copies of the Sigma.

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

I think most of your subcribers are looking forward to seeing the comparison of this lens with Sony 20 mm f1.8 G. Thanks for a very good review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Unfortunately I don't have either lens on hand anymore.

[@Larnuse]

I am surprised that Tony Northrup's review was so different, and he really bashed this lens. In comparison he said that Sony's 20mm 1.8 was much sharper, but maybe splitting hairs, but gave that the sigma had better flare control. Chance there is lens variation, I also saw he had a scuffed up lens on his table, as he often gets stuff used from KEH. I liked how Dustin had a lot more real world shots, which is what matters most at the end of the day.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s odd, as my findings are consistent with what the MTF suggests.

[@dangerpig]

Dustin, thank you for the review. I’m trying to decide on either the Sigma 20mm F1.4, or the Sigma 20mm F2. I keep watching both of your definitive reviews but since they are not compared head-to-head it’s difficult to know which one you feel is better between the 2. Price and weight is not a concern for me, so which one of these 2 lenses would you say is the better overall winner???

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The 20mm is really spectacular optically, so that's the way I'd lean if you don't care about weight.

[@brianc7646]

Thank you for the review Dustin. I look forward to the 24mm review! Hopefully compared against the venerable GM

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I’ll release that at the beginning of next week.

[@IanHobday]

Great review! How do you find it compares overall to the 20/1.8G? I'm unlikely to change as the G is great and so much smaller, but would love to see a comparison between them. Regardless it's so good to see Sigma bringing out more DN ART primes! Great news for Sony shooters, and a big loss for any other mount.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That obviously would be a popular comparison, but unfortunately I don’t have either lens actually on hand anymore.

[@djmarzek]

excellent review, this lens is a must, now we need a 50mm 1.4 update also, please sigma!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely.

[@BracaPhoto]

Learned about this new offering yesterday now here's Dustin with the Deets 👍😁

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do what I can!

[@mordavian]

Between this one and Tamron 24-70 g2. I need a good wide angle lens. The sharpness of this 20mm is really attracting me but G2 is more versatile. 20mm is also too wide for me. G2 has 24,35 and 50mm. What is your opinion?

[@acouragefann]

Careful, thats a 28-75, not a 24-70 (if we're talking Sony Tamron zoom). And primes and zooms (particularly midrange vs wide) are a completely different beast. One is meant largely for landscape, architecture and emphasizing foreground objects, the other is a jack of all trades from landscape to film and event work as well as portraits. Almost like deciding between a 60mm macro and a 100-400mm.

[@Smoothblue90]

Look at the Sigma 24 mm.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I will be releasing my review of the Sigma 24mm F1.4 next Monday. That may be the best bet for you with what you are saying.

[@mordavian]

@@DustinAbbottTWI i heard that new sigma came for only sony. I am canon user.

[@davematthew21]

Hi Dustin, been a long time fan of your work! May I only ask in terms of optical performance (not focal length) with regards to Astro photography between the Samyang 24mm AF f1.8 lens vs this new Sigma 20mm f1.4 which would you say has a better performance for capturing the stars with minimal coma,astigmatism and fringing ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would call the two fairly similar when it comes to Astro performance.

[@el-drk]

Thank you for an impressive review! Also the location from the photos looks beautiful (23:45), which area in Canada were they taken in?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec

[@cdavey7654]

I would have liked to see some comparison with the Sony 20mm f/1.8 (rather than the Sigma 24mm) - as most of the reviews I have seen so far show the Sony being actually sharper, and less coma than the Sigma. (Seems to be some significant variance between copies of the Sigma also, where as the Sony 20mm seems more consistently good)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It really comes down to what I have on hand at the time.

[@cdavey7654]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yeah, makes sense.

[@heathwirt8919]

Great lens, great review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@edeto16]

Would you chose this over the Sony 20mm 1.8 G?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s a good question. That depends on how important the larger aperture and bigger feature set would be. I think that I might, actually, though I think the Sony is an incredibly good lens.

[@arian12300]

There seems to be a great deal of sample variation in the Sigma lenses lineup... sonyalpha blog got to test this lens and it didn't seem to be performing well in the corners... personally, I have Sigma 105 dg dn macro and it lacks consistent sharpness in one corner of the image...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm very surprised by that, as the MTF charts suggest strong corner performance...which is what I saw.

[@terencemorrissey4413]

I am going to buy one.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy. It’s a great lens

[@soffici1]

I wonder how this lens compares to the Nikkor 20/1.8 in terms of sharpness Couldn’t find a comparison video anywhere Can anyone here point me in the right direction?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't tested the Nikkor, so I can't comment. I'd be shocked if it exceeded this lens, however, as it is excellent.

[@soffici1]

@ thanks, Dustin, for reaching out. Some of your fellow professional photographers on YT have praised the Z 20/1.8 sharpness, but I reckon a head to head (hood to hood, rather) comparison is the only way of finding out who the winner is. I’m sure someone has made or will make that comparison video, but I can’t find it…

[@77raph]

Nice review, thanks! What about the rear filters? Do the filters for the Sigma 14-24 DGDN fit in there?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think they definitely would on the new 24mm F1.4, but I’m less sure in the 20mm which operates on more like a slot

[@NeXMaX]

The first Sigma lens that I actually want pretty badly on the Nikon Z system. It fits exactly what I was looking for in an ultrawide prime lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It will definitely cause some system envy. It’s that good

[@NeXMaX]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yeah, when I first heard of the DN version coming with an 82mm filter thread, I already felt like this would be the one. Looks like it really is. Now they just need to bring it to the Z-mount...

[@dannyli9424]

@@NeXMaX Since all my E-mount lenses work so great with the Magadad adapter, even AF works, not that care for AF on a lens that I will be using for Milky Way though, I kind of gave up my hope they will introduce any Z moutn and RF mount any time soon and just keep on buying and using E-mount lenses on my Z9. already pre-ordered this one too.

[@NeXMaX]

@@dannyli9424 Oh right, that option exists. How’s adapting E-Mount lenses on Z been lately? I haven’t caught up with it much.

[@nat-lj8kt]

​@@NeXMaX I'm annoyed with Nikon lens policy. Almost switched all my mirrorless kit to Sony Gm and Voightlander FE lenses. I don't like closed systems and my next body will probably be a Sony. Megadap works allright but I don't like losing weather seal or introduce one more point of failure. Just one nitpick, 50mm F1.2 GM makes a buzzing sound when battery is medium/low probably due to 4x focus motors drawing too much power. Tested lens on sony body and it's ehisper quiet.

[@blotafton]

Nice review looks like a capable lens. I was less impressed by the sharpness of dprevirew samples of the 24mm. I have yet to pixel peep the 20mm.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Of the two I found the 20mm the sharper, though, to be fair, the 24mm is within a few percentage points of the Sony GM at a price point of $600 less.

[@blotafton]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes I need to see more samples to make a better judgement. And $600 is not a small amount.

[@dentonator96]

Maybe someday I can get one for my RF mount Canon.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Wouldn't that be nice!

[@quincylee2276]

came in with a keenness to buy a new ultrawide lens...left with a fantomwallet purchase instead...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The good people over at Fantom will be delighted about that :)

[@timelapsebylkunl72]

Great review. This is the lens i waiting for.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think there will be plenty like yourself

[@JLCinelens]

Hi, I have a lot of flare with my sigma dg dn art at f1.4, even when the sun is not in my field of vision I still see flare in the corner...Is this normal? Thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I actually found flare resistance quite good on the copy I reviewed in my tests, so I would say that's not normal. You should follow up with Sigma.

[@JLCinelens]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you...I will ask for an exchange in store. my problem...kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4Okn3iYbt-ohq8

[@K9malinois_dog_love]

Will it work with adapter on the RF mount?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not with any adapter I’ve seen, though there are a lot of new adapters coming to market.

[@K9malinois_dog_love]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I hope they do, and thank you.

[@waldemarvanzyl7414]

Good evening Mr. Abbot. I would love to hear your opinion is regards to the Sigma 20mm 1.4 DG DN and the lens that I think would be the strongest competitor, the Sony 20mm 1.8 G ? I know that the difference in aperture is one point but optically I would say the Sony has the Sigma beat? Thanks in advance for your reply and thank you for your hard work. Greetings from South Africa.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

No, I wouldn't say that the Sony has the Sigma beat. The Sigma is definitely sharper in the corners.

[@waldemarvanzyl7414]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you Sir! in the market for a 20mm. Could not decide between the Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN and the Sony... and now with this new 1.4 the choice has been made that much harder 😅

[@ainjuhl4509]

@@waldemarvanzyl7414 wouldn’t have made it simpler? If you want native lens and ever so slightly faster auto focus or focus breathing than Sony 20mm 1.8 but if if you want head to head specs and 1 stop shallower depth of field for a extra unique look than Sigma 20mm 1.4 and if you want light weight I believe if not cheaper than Sigma 20mm 2.0

[@IamUke]

Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome, and thanks for the donation.

[@arnesl929]

Hope it comes to rf.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed.

[@elbagre71]

Great review, thank you very much. Do you know if Sigma will release this lens for Canon cameras? Thank you very much

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It seems like Canon is completely closed to third party lenses right now.

[@elbagre71]

@@DustinAbbottTWI It's a shame. Thanks a lot for your answer.

[@curtisb1824]

Great review on this 20mm Sigma lens ! I purchased the 40mm 1.4 Art lens for my aps-c sensor camera and am blown away by the lens Images quality and performance ! I would love to see if Sigma makes this 20mm in a Conan EF mount !

[@guidoknopp4399]

10 Deutsche Mark :D Die hab ich ewig nicht gesehen ;)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I get a lot of positive responses on seeing the old banknotes.

[@gitithadani]

6 years ago I don't recall any real design for prime mirrorless UW. The earlier sigma was much more a DSLR adaption. Now there are several prime lenses for 20mm FE at different price points - weight size, features & magnification. What I find very interesting in new sigma lines is that they are giving both the compact & art. The art being, faster. heavier, larger - more features - optically superior at a higher price point but giving equivalent value. The compact being lighter, smaller etc- more ergonomic with optical compromises but correctable with software. That's also the laws of optical physics - front mm 82 to 62 & the sony at 67. Though I will not get it it does show what Sigma intends with its art series for mirrorless. It would be very interesting what they do with longer focal lengths.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I agree that the big improvement in many of the recent mirrorless ART lenses is that Sigma is finally giving some consideration to size an weight as a part of their design. I think Sony deserves some credit for that, as they have proven you can do both with recent GM releases.

[@gitithadani]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Agree that the newer GM lenses set a certain design + AF & optical standard & in the context of 20mm I still think that the sony 20mm f1.8 raised the bar. I also think that what we now have is signature lens lines from several companies in terms of the sony eco system.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

The controls are impressive. It seems like this lens was designed with astrophotography in mind.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That certainly seems to be Sigma’s intent

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That certainly seems to be Sigma’s intent

[@oldDan-l1c]

if sigma released smaller versions of their 28 and 40 I would switch to sony tomorrow

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I suspect those lenses are coming.

[@jurban3a]

$899 US Pre-order today. 8/8/22

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely a strong price point for this lens

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely a strong price point for this lens

[@fellowcitizen]

'Twenty-millimetre DN Art: Resistance is Futile'

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - maybe not quite Borg level, but this is a great lens, for sure

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - maybe not quite Borg level, but this is a great lens, for sure

[@Badonicus]

You haven't aged a day Dustin, apart from a sprinkling of pepper

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you. I don’t always feel that way!

[@spidersj12]

Another reason to force you to buy Sony since they're are free that will buy Leica. I use Canon, so I won't be getting this lens unless they come out with an R mount lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Canon and Nikon are doing a very good job of pushing people towards Sony by their insistence on keeping third party lenses out

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Canon and Nikon are doing a very good job of pushing people towards Sony by their insistence on keeping third party lenses out

[@spidersj12]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I'm buying mostly Sigma EF lenses and using the EF to RF adapters. I don't need the absolute best lenses, I'm not a pro and Canons L series RF lenses are too expensive though they are great glass.

[@codeofcodedotorg]

First