Reader Question: Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art
Roy P writes:
BTW, what do you think of the new Sigma 35/1.2?
Since I have the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art, I don’t have the need for a 35mm prime, and I don’t know if f/1.2 makes a noticeable difference over f/1.4 at a 35mm focal length. Do you plan to review this lens?
DIGLLOYD: the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is an all-new optical design optimized for mirrorless. The “DN” designation means that it is designed for mirrorless cameras, meaning Sony mirrorless and L-mount mirrorless for now (unclear if other mounts will follow).
The existing “HSM” designation for Sigma DG HSM Art means the lens is a DSLR optical design, even if some of them are now available in ungainly mirrorless forms—an inch or so of empty tube to take up the the backfocal difference.
The Sigma 35/1.2 will be one of those key lenses I intend using to prove out the Sony A7R IV, because I expect very high performance from it (and I'm hoping for no focus shift too). Similarly, I expect the all-new optical design of the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art to excel.
I am deferring all lens reviews on Sony until I have my Sony A7R IV in September, as it will be a much more demanding camera with its 61 megapixel sensor than the Sony A7R III.
Update: first impressions of the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art are not good.