Are you in the market for an autofocus lens that handles low light well with sharp, contrasty images? Check out my short review of the Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG HSM lens.
If you’re reading this then you’re probably in the market for a 35mm lens or just wanted to see real life image samples from the Sigma lens. Feel free to check out the images, but pay attention to the captions as they have camera setting information and some commentary.
ISO 80, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/200th sec. I haven’t used a fixed 35mm lens since the beginning of the year and I needed a wide angle lens that would be able to capture images in low light. I decided to bite the bullet and try out the Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG HSM lens rather than the Nikon 35mm f1.4 lens.ISO 80, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/200th sec. One reason I bought this lens was because it was half the retail cost of the Nikon 35mm. The Nikon version has been out forever, but I believe the Sigma lens has been out since late 2012. Technology is always changing and the Sigma lens is the most recent version with the latest hardware upgrades.ISO 160, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/125th sec. I decided to stop by Steelmill Gym located in the Heights to visit Mikey Nguyen, co-owner of Steelmill Gym.ISO 250, 35mm, f/1.8, 1/160th sec. The first few images taken with the lens were impressive. Focus was sharp and on point without calibrating. Image quality (IQ) was contrasty and had a “cinematic” look to it. Mikey got a little shy and decided to cover one of his bare nipples.ISO 250, 35mm, f/1.8, 160th sec. Mikey shows off the Steelmill Gym hoodie sweatshirt in Houston, TX. The shallow depth of field (DOF) from the Sigma lens makes your subjects stand out if you need to isolate them.ISO 125, 35mm, f/1.6, 1/160th sec. A focused Mikey at Steelmill Gym in Houston, TX. To be honest, the Sigma lens is aimed for the photojournalist or ‘editorial’ style.ISO 320, 35mm, f/2.8, 1/500th sec. Mikey does a few curls at Steelmill Gym in Houston, TX, 2016. Thanks Mikey for being the first few test shots.ISO 1000, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/200th sec. Luke Le, Houston, TX, 2016. I then decided to visit Hai and Josephine of TheJHFilms.ISO 1000, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/200th sec. Luke Le, Houston, TX, 2016. The lens in low light still has a bit of trouble focusing, but once locked onto your subject, the lens performs like it should.ISO 1000, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/1000th sec. The close up range for macro shots is not that close, but you can get away with cropping images because the lens is so sharp.ISO 1000, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/1000th sec. Luke plays with his toys.ISO 1000, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/1000th sec. Glued to the ipad.ISO 1000, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/200th sec. Saw these 2 guys chilling and watching some movies.ISO 2000, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/160th sec. Meet the newest addition to the Le clan, James.ISO 1000, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/100. James Le, Houston, TX, 2016. Gotta represent the Steelmill Gym while lifting babies.ISO 2000, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/160th sec. Bugatti model in front of some Star Wars toys.
For the price, it’s hard to find a 35mm AF lens with such an impressive IQ. The autofocus in low light could be a little better, but that may be user or camera setting errors (oops). Also, note that the lens maybe be plastic and non-weather sealed, but the build quality is not bad. Either way, if you don’t have the $1900 budget to get the Nikon 35mm f1.4G lens, I would recommend the Sigma 35mm f1.4 just because it’s a great everyday lens to shoot with.
