A first look at Sigmas all new 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Sigma expands its DG DN prime lineup with the announcement of the all new 50mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art for Sony E-Mount and L-Mount. 

The new 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art features a brand new design, optimized for mirrorless camera systems. The lens features Sigma’s new HLA autofocus driver, which was introduced in the new 60-600mm DG DN OS Sports lens. Autofocus is quick and silent, making the lens useful for both photo and video. Sagittal coma flare has been improved, which results in rounded star images and clean bokeh thanks to its 11 rounded aperture blades. The internals are composed of 14 elements in 11 groups, including 1 SLD and 3 aspherical elements. 

On the outside, the lens features a dust and splash resistant design, an aperture ring with a click/declick and lock switch, and an AFL button. The lens hood is a newer design with a push button to release the lock. The weight comes in at just over 23oz, and has a 72mm filter thread. With a minimum focusing distance of 17.8 inches, it allows for close quarters photography if necessary. 

During our period of testing this lens (with pre-production firmware), the autofocus performed as expected, and eye-AF worked flawlessly on both humans and animals. Chromatic aberration was minimal and not noticeable in all but a few high-contrast images. Even shooting wide-open, the lens is almost clinically sharp, especially when paired with a high resolution camera like Sony’s A1 or A7R IV. 

The lens feels good in the hand, and is about the size of Sony’s 50mm f/1.2 GM. When compared to the Sony E-Mount version of the Sigma 50mm DG HSM, the lens is a little shorter, and doesn’t feature the pronounced “MC-11 look”. 

Sample photos taken with a Sony Alpha 1. 

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art will start shipping around February 23rd, and will be priced at a reasonable $849 - $100 less than the DG HSM version of the lens. You can Pre-Order the Sony E-Mount and L-Mount versions here