Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN 'Art' lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)

[@christopherfrost]

Correction: The lens's price will be £749 (not £800) / €849 / $899

[@marcp.1752]

Yes, i noticed that 2 days ago. Into Germany, it's 849 EUR, whileas the cheapest Price for the Sony GM 35/1.4 is 1699 EUR, so 200%, double, 2-times as expensive. All World compares this new Sigma ART now with the GM, but the Sony isn't 200% being better than the Sigma, albeit at least into Germany, costing exactly twice the Money. (which one can spent for a nice Photography Journey, or for other Gear & stuff. Great Review as always, Chris. Have already watched it here on Wednesday. /edit One must also say, that the 42 MP Sensor from the A7R II is still way demanding, for any Lens. On a usual A7/II/III Series, and especially A7S Series Body, with -just- 24 MP, or 12 MP, the IQ should even being something really better.

[@zethiel]

I've seen a couple of other reviews on this lens, and other lenses I was interested in and compared the videos. I really mean no harm to anyone, but your reviews are really the best. Objective, straight to the point, no unnecessary back and forth or repeating yourself... Chris, your channel really is the best reference for lenses, even more now that DXO Mark is no longer doing lens reviews for a couple of years now. I really, really appreciate the effort you put into your videos, hopefully sometime in the future I can join your patreon, and maybe help you get a Sony 7RIV to continue the high resolution testing. Cheers from Bolivia

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks! I really appreciate it.

[@rock3times]

I vote for it.. Chris deserves the Sony A7R mark 4 with 61 megapixels... For pixel peeping pleasure..

[@frankluo230]

You could also check out Dustin Abbott his definitive reviews are very thorough. More depth in analysis usually means less entertaining to watch though.

[@janeeightfive7331]

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your lens tests! You're my number one channel to check out for lens quality. :) Thank you for your detailed analysis, Christopher!

[@alphaandomega2709]

Best review in youtube next to Gordon Laing. You actually show the lens and image quality and explain everything very well while showing the lens instead of just talking and talking and talking and talking. Great job 👍🏻

[@cameralabs]

Thanks for the mention!

[@ToneFuentes]

Congratulations, Chris. Everytime I'm on the market for a new lens, I know your reviews are going to be spot-on and completely impartial. The best technical lens review channel out there!

[@debanjanliverpool]

I cannot believe it, I have been a subscriber of your channel for a long time and this is the first time I am noticing the batman logo drawn on the snow 4:57 Excellent review by the way Chris .. cheers

[@thegrayyernaut]

If you watch his review of the 7Artisans 35mm f/1.2, you will learn a bit of "lore" about it ;)

[@christopherfrost]

I talk about it a little in one of my Patreon exclusive videos :-)

[@agentjtravel_walkthru4205]

Gotta say you had the best review of this lens.... But your reviews are always awesome. Thank you for the hard work 👍

[@leeinnes7127]

I'm glad that manufacturers are sending you their latest lenses to review. NIce video as always Chris.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

Am not a pixel peeper and the minor issues Chris found with the lens would not bother me. For some reason, have an aversion to Sony native glass, both apsc and FF & would happily save for this- lighter and top IQ lens. As usual, another practical and excellent review from Chris. Btw: don't let go of your 5100, there are still people who have both apsc and FF!

[@SunnySoCal]

this looks lovely 😊 and for the slightly under $1000 club i will definitely consider it i’ve been looking for a 35mm

[@jeffluo9591]

A great lens from Sigma, bravo. Although if money is not a problem, the 35GM is simply better in every way.

[@JustDavidMinistries]

Thank you for this beautiful review, Christopher. I have just got my Sigma 24-70 f2.8; and since I I Sony 24mm f1.4 GM, I think this one isn’t on my list but again, it’s always great watching your reviews. Blessings!

[@Aznfella1]

I was comparing what shutter speed/light I can get out of this 35mm f1.4 vs their 16mm f1.4 APSC lenses, and the results are the 16mm APSC lens get more light in!?!? At f1.4 I got 1/60 vs 1/80, at f2 I got 1/20 vs 1/40 and at f2.8 I got 1/13 vs 1/20. I thought it would be the other way around that the full frame would get more light in, but it’s not with apsc in crop mode. Am I looking at this correctly??? Please enlighten me!

[@expressioneventphotography8780]

Hai Christopher, Thanks for the detailed information..

[@georgek.5491]

Hi Christopher! Is the AF speed improved compared to 35mm 1.4 HSM art? I rented recently the HSM version and the AF speed was horrible compared to native Sony Lenses.

[@nocommentnoname1111]

How about the 35mm f2 iSeries? How does it compare?

[@EugeneKam]

I am annoyed with you! At 6:30 mark you sold me on the Sony. I love 35 for detail shots like rings and that image quality is insanely bad, even compare to old 35mm. Apperantly sigma did state that at close distances the old lens was better. Also subscribed, really nice stuff!

[@lorenzo4262]

Good evening Christopher. If you have to choose one, this or sigma 35 f/2 dg dn?

[@derTommy]

I hope you'll get a new camera soon. The autofocus of modern lenses is soooo much quicker wither newer cameras.

[@breadandcircuses5644]

I would love to see a 100 - 400 f/4 lense from Sony or Sigma. I know it would be expensive, but if you want to shoot wildlife at dusk or dawn on an APS-C camera, I think you need every bit of light.

[@loldart]

Looking at the review you did on the DSLR sigma and this new design. Ther corners have improved and it's clear this lenses is better. I don't think it's worth selling the old one to buy this one. If I didn't have a 35mm f1.4 I would likely grab this one.

[@ToddPangburn]

Really good review again Chris. I enjoy your lens reviews more than any other source. How do you think this compares to the Samyang 35mm f1.4 in terms of IQ? That lens practically lives on my A7iii, and it's a great value.

[@Enmoy]

Hi Christopher! Congrats on your lens reviews, these are so helpfull when making a purchase decision - or just keeping up to date with what's out there. Is there any chance you will review the Sony Zeiss 35mm f2.8 T* ? It's a fairly old lens now but still very pricey (at least here in France) and I'm curious what your thoughts on this would be. Thank you so much!

[@michaelbell75]

Thanks! Another great review. This one or the Samyang 35 1.4 for $300 less?

[@rowenako6590]

Can sigma 18-35mm f1.8 be used on Sony E mount camera? How does it perform?

[@charliemcdougall]

Great review. Regarding the question of competition, would you recommend the Sony 35 mm, f1.8 over this option? Comparing the reviews, the Sony seems the better performer.

[@bauljgd]

Hey can you share the Raw file for the clock shot @06:32 with us? I just wanted to see how much better I can make it in editing. Thanks a lot for the review. Really appreciate it.

[@marcinpasich_dp]

you certainly got the lens with some kind of a defect. The chromatic aberration on your photos is much more visible than the aberration coming from my lens

[@joaovtaveira]

I know you also like to review old vintage lenses. What about the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro (the 1990 non USM version), it would be great to watch a review on that one.

[@NicksHellHole]

just ordered the 18-35mm art lens, can't wait!

[@james647070]

Great lens I'm sure you'll be happy with it

[@Ad3vodE]

Sadly it is not for a FF

[@keving7773]

thank you very much!! Gerald undone did some testing at the minimal focus distance showing significant softness in the image that was not seen with other 35 mm is that something that you could check? I do love 35mm focal length but I do a lot of really close up images and it would be a deal breaker if it is that soft at the minimum focus distance.

[@christopherfrost]

MFD test: 06:28

[@kevinastley2562]

Great work Chris

[@sselh]

Seems like the sigma 35 f2 might be a better option for people who don't need the 1.4 since the blur is slightly busy wide open. Better to get a "smooth" blur at f2 than a slightly "busy" one at 1.4 and the f2 can focus closer too, but that is just me thinking about my own use case.

[@frankluo230]

I also feel this 35mm f1.4 not enough especially considering Sony FE mount competition. 35GM is a strong first party option. While 35mm F2 i series is facing a lot weaker FE 35mm F1.8 lens. Beyond that, heavy focus breathing and stepping motor are also debatable choices.

[@JustinPinedaMedia]

Right as the 35mm GM releases 😂 I’m interested in hopefully seeing the 50mm variant.

[@johnadams3038]

GM 35 was released much earlier than this.

[@JustinPinedaMedia]

@@johnadams3038 It was initially supposed to release in February but got delayed until late April.

[@MJAdams-js7np]

Yes please

[@zenjitsuman]

I searched for your review of the 35mm Sony GM lens released 3 months ago, I guess you have not reviewed.it. Now I seen your Sigma DG DN review and hope you do a GM review alone or comparison with the DG DN

[@nicedward7544]

Do you think this is worth the extra cash over the Samyang equivalent?

[@flikflak24]

Is on a lens is always nice to have ( lens is plus camera is on top for hand held video. And on a older camera that doesn't have build in is then it's always nice to have is)

[@WillBloodfarm]

Excellent reviews all across the board. One request might be to include a little snippet of the video quailty in a simple daylight setting. I think that's the only thing you neglect to cover, and for a video novice like myself, would really improve my comprehension of it's abilities. Thank you ;)

[@japerlm8150]

Is his a fullframe lens for sony Fe ?

[@jasmijnariel]

What does DG DN means?

[@JamesClark1991]

We're getting closer to that Sigma 50mm DG DN Chris...

[@rock3times]

As for me, I am waiting for the 40mm f1.4 DG HSM A and 135mm f1.8 DG HSM A to become DG DN, to see if they shed any weight before jumping in.. Just bought the 85mm f1. 4 DG DN A, half the weight and I am mighty glad.

[@zgmiimt9085]

Is a RF mount version coming up ?

[@christopherfrost]

I hope so - ask Sigma :-)

[@networm64]

@@christopherfrost Better to ask Canon to see when they are ready to fully open up the mount for third-party manufacturers. And it won't be soon cause then they will lose a gigantic profit from their overtly priced lenses.

[@powerlurker]

I expected a lot of heft reduction for the gndn version，but it didnt

[@rock3times]

The "A" is Art designation which is hefty.. the C stands for Contemporary but I like to think as Compact.. Pick the C.. They are smaller and lighter..

[@KevinZJR]

@@rock3times This theory is not correct. Look at the 85mm dg dn art.

[@rock3times]

@@KevinZJR check the specs. I own both the old DG HSM Art and the new made for mirrorless DG DN Art.. over 1 kg vs 600 grams.. I sold the old and keep the new. Both are the A line, the C only offered in 65 mm f2 DG DN C . I am waiting if Sigma offers the 85mm version. Speaking here about 35mm F2, the new DG DN C version is much lighter than any A version at the expense of slower F2..

[@TomatenDK]

I read several ppl complaining about dust inside the glass ? :/ Think Im going with the Samyang.....

[@Tzadeck]

Seems like a better option than the Sony 35mm 1.8, which I refrained from buying because I wasn't so thrilled about how the bokeh looks and because of purple fringing. At least with this one you get the wider aperture, although the bokeh doesn't seem so beautiful here either. Now, should I get this or the Sony GM version, hmm... Money, money, money.

[@tvdlfilms]

Which one did you end up getting?

[@Tzadeck]

@@tvdlfilms I'm planning to get the Sony GM 35mm 1.4. The reason I haven't bought it yet is that for some reason it's selling for more than retail here in Japan--about 1700 USD. So I'll either wait for the price to go down, or pick it up when I'm in the states.

[@tvdlfilms]

@@Tzadeck Ah okay. Yeah, that’s the thing: In Germany it’s 1700EUR (2000USD)! Because it’s more than double the price of the Sigma, I will go for the DG DN. Do you think it performs well, considering the price difference to the GM? Because I shoot cars, I’m often fairly far away from my subjects.

[@Tzadeck]

@@tvdlfilms Yeah the Sony is super expensive, for sure, haha. I think the Sigma is fine. I've probably taken about 400,000 photos over the years on 35mm lenses, making it by far my most used focal length. And while I love it, almost all of the ones I've used have had less-than-pleasing bokeh, and some problems with chromatic aberration. My issue with the Sigma is just that, while it does perform a bit better than the 35mm Canons that I've mostly used, it ultimately doesn't solve the same old problems I've experienced for a decade. Most of the time I really just want to shoot on a 35mm or an 85mm, so I want to have one of each that is as good as it gets, hence why I'm gonna splurge on the Sony eventually. I actually have the Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG DN and it is fantastic. It's my favorite 85mm--actually, maybe my favorite lens I've ever owned. But for the 35mm I'm going for Sony, haha.

[@tvdlfilms]

Tzadeck Definitely understandable. I think the Sigma will do for now and if I’m in the US in a few years or discover 35mm isn’t my favorite, I can always buy something else and haven’t spent too much until then :D Thanks for answering!

[@shafayettasin4270]

can u make a video of samyung 35mm f1.4 FE with ur a7rii

[@mauiuaui]

Christopher sigma 500mm f4 sport review please.

[@RandomWalker1995]

I am really hoping u get your hands on some legendary Nikon G glass (the 1.4 -expensive ones) these cause they are from nikon have really old you tube videos (some 10 years old ) I would really hope to see your review one these now you have a Nikon camera

[@thebaulgd1569]

Hey can you give me the raw file for the close up f 1.4 shot at @0635 in your video?

[@leagueop2399]

Can I just say something. The minimum focus distance test looks mis focused. The number 55 is a lot sharper than the stopped down images. So I’m not sure the test is an accurate depiction.

[@morsl8550]

As far as I heard this lens has sharpness issues at the minimum focus distance, maybe that’s the reason?

[@Blackmachismoo]

What about Z mount

[@seanfan1500]

Still peeved at Sony for not loaning you the GM to compare and review. Nice review here, though!

[@jeroenvdw]

The Sony is sharper but costs a lot more though. This one is comparable to the older model, just a tad sharper I think.

[@heinrichbergolt2336]

I was very surprised to see the Greek text of John 1 at 7:49

[@stephencodekas3745]

Logos!

[@MeowjinBoo]

why is this lens not on Z mount???

[@dilip1958]

Is it usable for nikon d5300

[@rock3times]

The DN designation is for mirrorless, DG for full frame, so with proper adapters , yes, but the images will be cropped.

[@dilip1958]

@@rock3times thanks

[@rock3times]

@@dilip1958 if you want sigma lenses for crop sensor like 5300, pick DC designation.

[@dominic-ryan]

Anyone using this for Astrophotography? How does it perform for CA at wide open apertures for this?

[@chanjeff4406]

This lens has better lens flare control than its bigger brother 35 1.2 DN. But this lens has heavier focus breathing than the 1.2 lens. And the sharpness and CA are worse than that lens too. Apparently, there are some trade-offs in between the price, quality and portability the two lenses.

[@chamithathukorala1985]

Please try sony 200mm 600mm

[@Illuminationsfromtheattic]

I want this for Nikon Z mount.

[@rockhardo76]

this one VS Tamron´s!

[@EpitomePax]

Seems like you may have gotten a slightly better copy than Gerald undone & JP 🤔

[@christopherfrost]

I've no idea (not even seen their reviews although I gather GU was less positive)

[@EpitomePax]

@@christopherfrost true 😂; you definitely make it seem like a more viable option ✌🏽

[@AdreJanzur]

Does Sigma fix back focus issue on this new lens ?

[@christopherfrost]

As I said in the review, the autofocus is accurate. Inaccurate AF is generally a thing of the past in the age of mirrorless cameras

[@future62]

Wish this was a 40 instead, pretty sure there are about 14 other 35mms available.

[@harukikou2382]

Sigma already have 40 1.4 though

[@future62]

@@harukikou2382 they already have a 35 1.4 too. What's the difference....

[@harukikou2382]

@@future62 I didn’t actually finish the video, just came in for a glimpse. I don’t know if there’s any glass improvement, but it seems as if this time it’s not just a dslr lens with adapter forged in. Also 35 Art was the first lens that they released, it’s sorta due to an update

[@rock3times]

@@harukikou2382 yes, but that one is DG HSM A very heavy.. I wish Sigma could come up with 40mm F 1.4 DG DN A, since this is built specifically for mirrorless, hopefully it will be lighter.. I stay away from Sigma so far because the weight..., 👹

[@patrick.991]

Any Nikon Z lens reviews in planning? I'm waiting for them as eagerly as for christmas :)

[@christopherfrost]

I might ask to borrow a copy of their 14-30 :-)

[@peteT269]

@@christopherfrost I would love you to review the 24-200, if you get a chance!

[@johnadams3038]

IMO the size and weight is a bit of disappointment, also Gerald Undone showed that there is pretty bad optical quality when shooting wide opened and close to the subject. Kind of makes sense if you compare it to the GM 35 with it's higher asking price.

[@chesslover8829]

Personally, I would use, as a reference point, the reviews from Christopher Frost and Dustin Abbott. Undone relies too much on close focusing chart testing. If you want even better performance close up, use a macro lens.

[@frankluo230]

I really hope Sigma next DGDN ART is 50mm

[@MJAdams-js7np]

Yes please

[@haridj8532]

They already have one for Sony E Mount. I have it, it’s fantastic

[@MJAdams-js7np]

@@haridj8532 That would be a DG HSM lens, not DG DN.

[@frankluo230]

@@haridj8532 the DSLR one with an MC11 welded at the back? I'd rather buying the Canon EF mount and adapter separately for the same price, weight and size, but flexibility to use the lens on other camera or to adapt other EF lenses.

[@oliverlison]

Not sure what do think of it. I find it expensive. Sharpness? Yes it is there. Tamron SP35 mm F/1.8 Di USD Sony seems a better option for me. I only shoot @f2 and more anyway.

[@OccultDemonCassette]

Really surprised they didn't start out their DG DN series with a compact 50mm f1.4. there are too few autofocusing third party designed for mirrorless nifty 50s around at f1.4. Though I think I would prefer a compact Tamron 50mm f1.4 as I like their high quality plastic body design cause it's so light weight and compact. Seems like they could make something just a little bigger than the vintage 50mm f1.4 lenses instead of the behemoths they're making these days.

[@GiacomoZonco]

SIGMA. JUST. MAKE THEM. FOR CANON RF!! Jokes aside, I really wish they would start pouring some R&D money for RF, since the user base is growing fast and cameras are finally very competitive too! :)

[@victorlim5077]

The Bokeh looks quite busy. That's one of the points of such a wide aperture lens, right?! (Having smooth Bokeh)

[@GhosTigre]

Yes

[@exitar1]

The other day I was just saying to myself if only I had a 1LB 6.6oz 35 mm lens wouldn't that be great.

[@davefernando1161]

Sigma DG DN 35mm 1.4 has severe barrel distortion.

[@theautomationchannel6920]

Well really geting upset from all these lenses....very strange why should you buy a lens 1.4 where basically you have to push it to 2.0 2.8 to get the required performance..I think I should stick with my sigma 24-70 which is nearly perfect @2.8 and in almost every situation with minimum focusing distance.... Dying to find perfect 35mm prime lens with purple fringing and ghosting at minimum focusing distance...It seems only sony 35 gm ...with over priced tag

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

Sigma just can't crack the 35mm code. The sigma 85mm f1.4 outdoes the sony gm but the 35mm sigma is not near as good as the 35mm sony gm

[@chanjeff4406]

The 85 gm is an older lens that is pending update. But I do think that Sigma did a a better job on the 85 DN lens than this lens overall

[@tvdlfilms]

However, the GM’s doubled price compared to the Sigma has to be considered. Will order mine this week

[@navpreetsingh8156]

Half the price however

[@definitemylife]

First among other review~

[@brentschmgbert3578]

Bought it for 750 freedom units new!

[@rallysardegna]

At 7.57 i see a terrible Focusshift

[@Antoink18]

I've never been earlier before

[@Shaari]

A topnotch lens optically but the design leaves much to be desired. It's larger, heavier and uglier than all its competitors. I like the direction Nikon is taking with the compact f1.4 primes although the image quality is superior on the Sigma.

[@Dieztrict]

Nice move sigma

[@MichaelMa]

To be honest, it looks quite average. Maybe even slightly below average for 35mm 1.4 these days when compared to the Tamrom SP , Canon EF Mark II, and Sony 35mm 1.4 G Master.

[@ejschiro]

ghostbusters LOL

[@theizza68]

Shame, the bokeh is pretty busy with this one.

[@TheLogicalphycopath]

L mount lmfaooooooooooooo where’s the RF GLASSSSSS

[@bikingmoments]

For anybody who’s considering Samyang 35mm AF f/1.4 FE as a budget alternative, DON’T buy it! My copy of the 35mm Samyang has serious auto focus issue: it is totally not usable in AF-C mode; its focus motor is frequently stuck at min distance! Totally garbage!!!

[@GreenDvL]

Its a common problem that was fixed by Samnyang years ago, you just have to update your lens with the Samyang dock

[@bikingmoments]

@@GreenDvL newest firmware V4..0!! No fix at all!

[@GreenDvL]

@@bikingmoments Thats weird, I had that lens, it had that problem, I did some research and came to that conclusion, then bought the dock and updated my lens and it worked fine after that

[@bikingmoments]

@@GreenDvL That’s why I’m totally disappointed. After all, it’s a $500 thing. Do you get in-focus shots for continuous af mode? I never...

[@GreenDvL]

@@bikingmoments yeah, AFC worked fine after the update. I have to say I ended up buying the Sigma 35mm 1.4, I dropped the Samyang (not a drastic fall by any means) and it stopped working lol

[@kifley19]

Too heavy.

[@ramonarias1234]

Highly recommended?? A lot cromatic aberration, horrible focus breathing, poor closeup image quality wide open... but still highly recommend? I think your standards are goin bit down here...

[@natanaelbenino498]

for 899$ do you have any better recommendation for 35mm f1.4?

[@chanjeff4406]

@@natanaelbenino498 Tamron 35 1.4

[@natanaelbenino498]

@@chanjeff4406 not available for sony

[@natanaelbenino498]

@@raf-bw for Sony body = Sony zeiss distagon 999$, Sony GM 1399$, cheaper option is samyang for 499$. Unless you already have the older version sigma, this newer version is okay compared to others.

[@ramonarias1234]

@@natanaelbenino498 Yep, I that is correct. "is ok" should be the conclussion... not "HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"... that was my only complaint.. ;-)

[@capricorndgf]

Sorry my friend,this lens should not be ''highly recommended''! This review was not one of your beloved children !!! Next...

[@christopherfrost]

Why not? For £750 it's excellent

[@zenjitsuman]

@@christopherfrost If you have an L mount camera this is the best value option. I have both Sony FE and Leica SL2 and I am debating getting the substantially more expensive G master lens. Hoping you review it soon because I believe its a better lens for my FE mount Sony A9.

[@KevinZJR]

Too heavy~~

[@rosedwilson402]

not bad, not quite perfect

[@tvdlfilms]

For a considerable good price though

[@GangstasCat]

"perfect sharpness and high contrast on 1.4". seriously?