Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN | Art
Amateur Photographer|May 09, 2023
Is Sigma's new designed-for-mirrorless fast prime a worthy successor to its ground-breaking predecessor? Andy Westlake finds out
Andy Westlake
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN | Art

When Sigma released its 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art for full-frame DSLRs back in 2014, it redefined our expectations of how large-aperture primes could perform. By using a large, complex optical design, it delivered stunning levels of sharpness, and rapidly became considered a modern classic. Now we have a DN successor that's specifically designed for mirrorless cameras, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN | Art. It's fair to say that expectations are high.

Compared to its illustrious predecessor, the DN version sports an all-new design with completely revamped optics. Physically it's lighter but a little longer, and it now boasts an aperture-control ring and weather-sealed construction. It's available in Sony E and L mounts.

With its 50mm focal length, this is a general-purpose optic that's suited to a wide range of subjects. Its f/1.4 aperture makes it particularly well suited to shooting in low light, or in situations when you wish to isolate your subject against a blurred background.

At £849, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN is considerably more affordable than either the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM (£1,499) or the Panasonic Lumix S Pro 50mm F1.4 (£2,000), and it's not much more expensive than the Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE II (£599). On paper, it surpasses the Samyang, thanks to its aperture ring, and offers similar features to the Sony and Lumix lenses. So could this be the best-buy 'fast fifty' for full-frame mirrorless users?

Features 

Sigma has built the 50mm F1.4 DG DN using an optical design with 14 elements in 11 groups, including one Super-Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element and three aspherical elements to suppress aberrations. The aperture diaphragm employs 11 curved blades with the aim of delivering attractive bokeh, while Super Multi-Layer Coating suppresses flare and ghosting.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 09, 2023-Ausgabe von Amateur Photographer.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 09, 2023-Ausgabe von Amateur Photographer.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERAlle anzeigen
Calling The Shots: A Queer History of Photography
Amateur Photographer

Calling The Shots: A Queer History of Photography

Offering an unprecedented view of photographic history through a queer lens, this is a wonderful and powerful book, says

time-read
1 min  |
November 26, 2024
Large-aperture standard zoom, too
Amateur Photographer

Large-aperture standard zoom, too

SONY has also revealed a new premium standard zoom, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM.

time-read
1 min  |
November 26, 2024
Super-fast, high-res Sony Alpha Ai II
Amateur Photographer

Super-fast, high-res Sony Alpha Ai II

SONY has announced its new professional full-frame flagship camera, the Alpha A1 II.

time-read
1 min  |
November 26, 2024
39 awesome accessories
Amateur Photographer

39 awesome accessories

Our round-up of the best accessories we've used and reviewed this year, along with some old favourites. There's something here for every budget, starting from just £7, including tripods, bags, filters and much more

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
November 26, 2024
Such a thing as society
Amateur Photographer

Such a thing as society

This autumn sees the launch of a major new book and exhibition devoted to examining the multiplicities of photography during 1980s Britain. Peter Dench finds out more

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 26, 2024
Join Club
Amateur Photographer

Join Club

The sociable Canvey Island Photographic Club is keen to grow its in-person meet ups

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 26, 2024
Capturing flight
Amateur Photographer

Capturing flight

Winners and finalists of Bird Photographer of the Year share their tips for success with Hollie Latham Hucker

time-read
10 Minuten  |
November 26, 2024
140 years of change
Amateur Photographer

140 years of change

AP has become the world’s oldest surviving consumer photo magazine because we have moved with the times, says Nigel Atherton

time-read
2 Minuten  |
September 24, 2024
Preserving history in platinum
Amateur Photographer

Preserving history in platinum

A deep dive into the meticulous art of platinum printing, and the collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society and Salto Ulbeek. Mike Crawford explores how they brought historical photographs to life with enduring beauty and precision

time-read
7 Minuten  |
September 24, 2024
Life in the past lane
Amateur Photographer

Life in the past lane

What was life like for an amateur photographer in 1884? John Wade takes a trip back in time

time-read
3 Minuten  |
September 24, 2024