Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN 'C' lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)

[@yapster804]

Gonna add a comment for 2022. This is one of my most used lenses. In my dry cab I have a rf50/1.2, ef35f1.4lii , ef40f2.8, sl50/1.4 , 50cron, sigma's own 35f2, 65f2, and I STILL use this the most! The colors it produced is beautiful. The bokeh is always smooth. It has very good 3D pop, very natural rendering. It doesn't have that slightly plasticky look of some new lenses with very good sharpness but poor microcontrast. It's not super sharp at f2.8, but that's good for portraits. It's not a f1.4 lens but then it's incredibly compact and light. Yes it was very expensive but the price has come down a lot and it's def better than all the other 40mm or equivalent lenses I've had from canon/Fuji/Panasonic even voigtlander's 40mm f1.4 nokton.

[@bijosn]

I second your opinion. I have many GM lenses but this one is on my camera most of the time. F3.2 makes for stunning portraits. Stopped down it makes an excellent landscape lens. At f2.8 it’s close up performance is poor but makes some artful close ups of flowers.

[@artmaltman]

Christopher, your reviews are wonderful. You get right to the most relevant points, not wasting any time, and are always so clear and perceptive and honest. You would be amazed how many reviewers insist on long, useless boilerplate introductions (often very loud music), or torture us with stories about their location and the weather .... Thank you so much!

[@aguywithananimeprofile8950]

Nicest lens I would personally never buy - Chris 2019

[@4lan]

LOL

[@Vantrakter]

I understand the sentiment. It seems like an alluring lense in the sense that it has a rather strong pickmeup-vibe. www.dpreview.com/opinion/2810471127/gear-of-the-year-2019-carey-s-choice-sigma-45mm-f2-8 sums it up, yeah, it's slow for a short prime and sure, it has lots of spherical aberrations close up wide open, but if you prefer a physical aperture ring on a small lens with a nice feel to it and can use that close up softness in a creative way then it might be your kinda ticket.

[@kjltube]

@@Vantrakter I’m sure you’d agree that a lens that focuses closer but needs to be stopped down for sharpness is still way preferable than one that doesn’t focus close :-)

[@HarryPowerColt]

I never understood the hate on this lens. The build quality is outstanding, it's ridiculously small, the image quality is fine from corner to corner (as long as you don't close focus at minimum distance and at maximum aperture), the 45mm focal length feels so natural, it stills let you take photos with a very decent 0.25x magnification, it doesn't suffer from heavy distorsion (unlike the other sigma 'C' lenses, whose wild barrel distorsion look significantly worse without in-camera corrections), it shows almost no coma smearing, it's flare resistant and the bokeh rendition looks beautiful, with a swirly touch. It's close to perfection and now it's very easy to find it dirt cheap at sales (brand new around $250 or 299€ for Sony e-mount just few days ago). Unless you need f1.8 for a very specific use, I see no reason not to buy this fantastic lens.

[@bijosn]

It’s becoming very popular of late. Check up out the forum thread dedicated to this lens on the Fred Miranda forums.

[@thegenius203]

Just picked up this lens used and I’m pleased to say I’m very happy with my 45mm!

[@lamontgilliland9664]

I have this lens and absolutely love it. It fits perfectly between some of my much bigger Sony "G" lenses. The lens is indeed soft at close focus (remaining useable), but then again it focuses much closer than the Zeiss Batis 40mm CF (Close Focus) lens that I just rented for a week. It's a great little street lens, exceptionally sharp at f/4 and above and incredibly low CA. Exceptional build quality and find myself using the aperture ring on the lens most of the time. An absolute joy to use --however, it looks like from reviews and commentary that I could end up being the only person who may end up buying and owning one. ; )

[@mart_photo]

The minimal focus distance of the Zeiss Batis 40mm F2 is 24cm exactly the same as this Sigma 45mm with the difference that the Zeiss Batis 40mm is really sharp at 24cm...

[@IddoGenuth]

And the bonus is that it is 1:3 magnification and not 1:4 like the Sigma. There is also the new 35mm Tamron f/2.8 now with 1:2 magnification with 15cm min focus distance - we hope to test it soon as well - looks like a really nice "semi macro" lens.

[@mart_photo]

@@IddoGenuth the new Tamron 20mm F2.8 looks like a more interesting option to me, I know we have to wait until spring 2020 :) Thanks for your additional information about the magnification factor!

[@IddoGenuth]

All 3 are interesting and we hope to test all of them (this time on an A7R IV not A6500 :)). It is more of a personal choice what focal length works best for you - I never liked 20mm for APS-C - I need to see how much I will like/dislike it for FF but regardless they are all 1:2 and that is actually really cool (many people complained that these are "only" f/2.8 lenses - personally - I have no problem with that - I really like that they are small and inexpensive and if the IQ is good - than we can certainly recommend them).

[@lamontgilliland9664]

@@mart_photo, what you mention here is exactly why a rented the Zeiss Batis 40 and did some direct comparison close focus tests. Maybe a difference in the 40mm vs 45mm field of view, but the resulting images appeared significantly closer with the Sigma. Not faulting the Zeiss Batis - it's an amazing lens.

[@janfrosty3392]

I am using this lens on my Leica SL and love it. Sigma please make other small f 2.8 lenses in 20mm and 28mm.

[@collinmclaren6608]

A small sigma lens?? Imagine my shock!! Hopefully they're finally clueing in that not every lens needs to be an unwieldy mass of glass.

[@jancovanderwesthuizen8070]

But I like unwieldy masses of glass...

[@CharlieVN]

The 14-24 and 24-70 f2.8 are the smallest in class as well.

[@aravindvinayakan]

Sigma recently talked about wanting to create more lenses like the one seen in this video. If we could get something fast, with the same build quality and size, I would be sold

[@fellowcitizen]

re-designed 85mm DG DN out now and half the weight of the SLR predecessor :)

[@ShashankKatiyar0]

They did go little too far with 35mm 1.2, didn't they 🤔

[@zachary1616]

I can't wait to see this on a Foveon full frame!

[@sans6956]

Always love your structured and informative reviews! Lovely pictures too. God bless

[@axtran]

I feel silly buying one of these this week because I already have the Sigma 40/1.4 (sharpest thing I've ever owned), however I have little ones that are a little too mobile, so a 45/2.8 should definitely help a bit with them. I usually shoot f/4 and so far, this has been just delectable to use. Very unique use cases, and I love the focal range since it's "normal" and simple to use on the go.

[@edjefferson9175]

Out of nowhere this has become my favorite walk around lens. I'm totally digging it at f/8. Images have a "post card" look out of my S5. And it hits the sweet spot between 35mm - 50mm so I no longer have to decide. And it was

[@tomasgold8317]

I wish you could compare it with the new small Sony 40 and 50mm 2.5 G lenses. Thank you for this enjoyable review!

[@bijosn]

The 40/50 G are sharper lenses. The 45 makes more attractive portraits and has smoother bokeh. Build quality and AF performance of the 40/50G is superior to the 45.

[@mangoldm]

Love the bit of swirl on this lens’ bokeh.

[@daxshell242]

i know a lot of people do, and i use it because people seem to like it, but i cant stand it. my eyes struggle to not go cross.

[@zacharypump5910]

I'd give anything for more Sony e-mount autofocus lenses with a proper physical aperture ring!!

[@christopherfrost]

It is very cool (even though I don't end up using them)

[@thegenius203]

A lens you wouldn’t buy at the “new” price is fair. However, I’m happy to have picked it up used for half its original price. Much better value! Picked it over the sony 40mm cause I prefer the look of the portraits taken with the 45mm.

[@jonathanraecrisanto5912]

For "L-MOUNT ALLIANCE"!!!

[@Ni5ei]

Yeah yeah, we hear you Jared ;)

[@yapster804]

Btw with newer bodies like a Panasonic s5 the "slow" aperture doesn't matter as much as the IBIS + high iso capability compensate for it. Also, rem pros often shoot with f2.8 zoom in less than ideal situations too

[@harrydang9]

Will you be testing the new Tamron E-Mount primes?

[@christopherfrost]

Yup, hopefully

[@jtes1442]

Might make a great lens for group portraits where you don’t usually use aperture wider than F/4 ?

[@rumporridge1]

Was thinking the same thing.

[@bijosn]

Yes it does. Check out Fred Miranda forum for his review on this lens, he has a couple of group portraits shot at f3.2

[@julietabasanta8515]

I've read in the instructions that aperture ring doesn't synchronize with all cameras, but I can't find anywhere the list of cameras it should work with. Can anyone tell me?

[@banepus]

I have a sigma f/1.4 50mm, wonderful, but i’d like a smaller one so i dare to bring it out more often, this may be it!

[@CanditoTrainingHQ]

There's also a 50mm F2 that's the same style as this lens.

[@thomasgunn4146]

Great review! I was planning on getting this lens because I was looking for something that wasn't as expensive or as big as my $1000+ heavy glass. Now we also have the new Tamron 35mm f/2.8 for Sony E mount. Would like to see you do a review of that too! That might help me make a decision lol

[@keepcoding1]

The soft close-up image quality is not a "nasty surprise", it was a deliberate design choice by the optical engineer to achieve better bokeh. For more background information on this lens, read this article from Sigma: www.sigma-sein.com/en/ohsone/45mm-f2-8-dg-dn-contemporary/

[@christopherfrost]

Still a nasty surprise, though, whether it was deliberate or not!

[@kosmidts]

@@christopherfrost It wouldn't be a surprise when Sigma issued a statement about the lens philosophy or read more before a lens test.

[@carlporter2239]

Can you please review the Voigtlander 40mm f2.0 ultron ? Maybe compared to the new f1.2 FE / Leica mount ? Thanks !

[@PaulSafford]

Love your videos! I wish you could get your hands on some of the digital "medium format" lens for testing. Curious between the modern crop who's got the sharpest system...

[@purewolfking4146]

Hi Chris, is that close up image quality issue perhaps focus related ?.

[@sudipsaha3689]

Hey Chris , please do a review of Tokina opera 16-28 2.8 lens. There are very less video on KZbin about this lens.

[@future62]

Just got my Samyang for 300. What a lens. Tack sharp on my A7R2 in the center and the bokeh is as creamy as the CV 40 1.2. Awesome lens

[@raylightace]

Just bought this lens. Love the design. Anyone finding that it drains battery power too fast? Any solutions?

[@brunorosa8582]

Chris, between this and the Samyang 45 1.8? I'm more inclined with the Samyang, especially because of the price vs 1.8 / 2.8. Cheers and ty once again by another useful review as always!

[@brunorosa8582]

And this was mid through the review ;P Samyang it will be!

[@carpediem5008]

What is the MFD that the subject gets very sharp wide open @f2.8 ?

[@christopherfrost]

Probably about 1 meter or so

[@shakumoto_jpeg]

nice review, nice lens...i will buy it.... & i want that Sony makes, in the time i use this sigma, a 45mm F2 lens with 25cm minimum Focusdistance :)

[@moedergroe4239]

6:58 Where did you take that picture?

[@christopherfrost]

The abandoned Dinorwic slate quarry, Wales - one of my favourite locations

[@JanneRanta]

Nice sexy lens. Can you check if it exhibits infrared hotspots?

[@Chris-ey7zy]

This is like a Leica but with autofocus. The 90mm is amazing with zero focus breathing

[@enriqueteixidor3375]

Could you please do a review of the new Irix 45mm?? An intriguing lens...

[@christopherfrost]

Hopefully I can review that lens soon

[@enriqueteixidor3375]

@@christopherfrost Thanks!

[@rolis.j]

any good for a6400?for video?

[@antistiolabeo8950]

I'll have to buy the Zeiss 40 CF instead...I low to use my normal primes at close focus...

[@ekevanderzee9538]

Seems that it will have a heck of a time competing with nifty fifties and the 40mm pancacke lenses. Especially with those prices.

[@chamodmalalathunga6920]

Do you recommend to use full frame lenses on apsc?

[@christopherfrost]

Depends on the lens

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I was disappointed by this lens. I doubt this lens on a 24MP full frame could provide sharper picture quality than the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 on a 24MP APSC.

[@kurgo_]

I doubt anyone would use the Sigma 30 on full frame so...who cares? The 45 is not an aps-c lens.

[@Chris-ey7zy]

30 1.4 not full frame

[@AUS-NewbiTLorD]

I still sit here Chris wondering how you make boring things look great in photos. I'd never think to just take a picture of random crochet stuff... I need to change up my photo style!

[@dandanu2526]

So ,for the landscape is good.

[@rusinsr]

At only F2.8, you have to get close for the same amount of Bokeh, but since close-up shots have ghosting, that isn't a solution. I have the Samyang f1.8 45mm, and at 1.8 it is a very competent lens for portrait photography. Also good for astro. Although the Sigma appears to have smoother bokeh, I wouldn't give up that whole stop of aperture. Considering the Samyang can be bought for around half the price, it's the better option imho.

[@Chris-ey7zy]

Selling for 250$ now at Adorama

[@TheJudge064]

I really wanted to see how leica's L glass work. I know it'd be a huge hassle and you have to get a company to rent it to you along with an l mount camera, but can you please look into it.

[@Azeemmerchant]

Please do Review Sony 35mm f1.8 fe lens... Thanks alot for ur amazing videos 🙏🏼🌹

[@mrbaiser4133]

A comparison of the affordable 35mm lenses would be interesting. Sony f1.8 and f2. 8, Tamron and Samyang f2.8

[@lyspec]

Oh mannn... I wish that would be a f 1.8 .... 😟 It would be Awesome at that Build Size.

[@JoseTheRover]

I don’t understand why this lens exist. It doesn’t perform in a outstanding manor and it’s way darker than the competition. What is the point of this lens?

[@JoseTheRover]

@SwitchRich great point

[@pandeluckymahardika3354]

its for L MOUNT ALIANCEEEEEEEE

[@paulrein2015]

It's also partly to sell Sigma's new full frame camera

[@ChrisM-yq2pq]

These lenses have their own look and super sharp. It’s smaller line that the big heavy 1.4 lenses. If you use it on gimbal it’s nice and light. Great for videos. I own the 90mm 2.8 and it’s so beautiful. You have to own one to understand and appreciate this line

[@tdc_2021]

@@ChrisM-yq2pq the 90mm is superb. A hidden gem I don’t want others to find out about 😅

[@daniellefernandes8423]

I can buy the Sigma 45 and Samyang 45 for the same price, and I simply cannot choose which one to get

[@aerokurt1]

Is it worth for $290 new?

[@bijosn]

It’s worth more

[@chicodesviado1944]

🆚 sigma trio 16-30-56 1.4 👏

[@falentinowoxy8454]

Sigma 35mm f1.4 FE sony emount😫🙏🙏💓

[@joeymccallion]

Thought it rendered all your landscape images beautifully. However the focal length isn't very appealing for landscapes

[@P_Waldo]

That's not true. Many fl lenses can be treated as best for landscape, including tele. All depends on your vision of the image.

[@Lesterandsons]

f/2.8 ?

[@keystonebrotherb]

$250 on Adorama today!

[@edmundsdemonds8309]

His optimism 5 years ago that this would be on RF or Z mount soon hurts my soul. I want these I series lenses so bad but I'd rather something that can shoot faster than the Sony a7 series for action work, without having to afford an a9 III or a1! Nikon, Canon, pretty please? Your bodies look so much better for what I want when I upgrade from DSLR, just your lens selection is so poor I might have to go with Sony......

[@potapotatpot]

The lens to throw your camera in the coat

[@daxshell242]

these lens reviews are starting to sound more and more similar. wide open, decent center, okayish corners. stop down a few times for peak performance. if its small and compact for its class, be ready for some distortion. if it doesnt have those things, the price/seize is unwieldly

[@HGQjazz]

You ain't wrong. It's true for every lens really. But while theyre all a little softer in the corners, by comparison to each other one is sharper than the next. I do like that he compared the lens to likely competition (Samyang 45mm) though.

[@bijosn]

These reviews miss the mark as they don’t look at each lens on its own merits. When assessing corner sharpness at wide open apertures for instance , this should only be checked at infinity. Also closeup performance at wide open apertures is a pointless test as most lenses are optimized for info Katy when wide open.

[@momchilyordanov8190]

£500+ for a slow prime. What a tempting proposal! Not...

[@magicalsnek]

That's what Tamron goes for as well. Quite highly priced their 20/24/35 f2.8 lens lineup... I tried the 24/2.8 and it had horrendous barrel distortion and a very slow (but reliable) focus on my a7ii - all of that considering a price of ~430€.

[@QuietOC]

I'd rather handle composites and rubber. I am seeing a lot of purple fringing wide-open.

[@kentmemories]

This lens or Canon 35/1.8, which one has better IQ? Thank you

[@christopherfrost]

You mean the Canon RF lens? Well, if you stop down the Canon RF lens to f/2.8 then image sharpness is very similar

[@josecore1974]

😊👍 superb thank you But sigma disappointed 😪

[@joshz6975]

And for the L MOUNT ALLLLIANCEEE

[@Francisco_Otero]

Joshiewowa YESSSSSSSS i cant ever not say that in my mind. Go for fro.

[@bestamerica]

' nice len but bad blur focus and bad depth of field really not good

[@iyzyz]

I don't see the point of this lens. It's not that compact compared to other f2.8 primes. It's not very affordable. It doesn't have anything special going for it like close focusing or fast aperture. Meh.

[@Laight4work]

"the nicest lens I would never buy". !!

[@Yupthereitism]

This will never show up on canons system, they’re too greedy

[@no15minutecities]

gee where are you getting all these lenses?? You a millionaire???

[@christopherfrost]

As I said at the beginning of the review, I had it on loan for a week for testing