Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: The Most Versatile and Refined Prime Lens for Artistic Expression and Image Quality?
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is a prime lens for Sony E-mount and Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras. It was announced in April 2023 as a redesigned version of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for DSLRs.
The new Sigma lens aims to deliver superior optical performance, faster autofocus, and better handling for mirrorless users. It is part of Sigma's Art series, which focuses on artistic expression and image quality.
In this article, we will compare the pros and cons of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art in a table format, and provide a brief conclusion at the end.
The Pros and Cons of Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens has some drawbacks and limitations, such as a high price tag, a large size and weight, and a lack of image stabilization. Let's look into it in the table below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent sharpness across the frame even at f/1.4²³⁴ | High price compared to some competitors like the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 or the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 |
| Smooth and creamy bokeh with minimal onion rings²³⁴ | Large size (78.2 x 111.5 mm) and weight (660 g) for a 50mm f/1.4 lens |
| Fast and quiet autofocus with HLA linear focusing motor¹²³ | No image stabilization, which can be an issue for handheld shooting or video recording |
| Weather-sealed construction with brass bayonet mount¹²³ | Some chromatic aberration and vignetting at wide apertures²³⁴ |
| Front and rear touchscreens with high brightness and resolution for easy framing and control¹²³ | No focus distance scale or depth of field markings on the lens barrel |
| Aperture ring with click/de-click switch and AFL button¹²³ | Filter size (72 mm) is larger than some competitors like the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 (49 mm) or the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 (67 mm) |
Conclusion
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is a superb prime lens that offers excellent sharpness, smooth bokeh, fast autofocus, and weather-sealed construction. It is ideal for anyone who wants to capture stunning portraits, landscapes, and all-purpose shots with a bright f/1.4 aperture.
However, it is not perfect and has some drawbacks that may affect its performance and functionality in certain situations. It is also more expensive than some of its competitors, so it may not be the best choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Therefore, before buying the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, you should weigh its pros and cons carefully and compare it with other options on the market.
Further Reading
(1) Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art review | Digital Camera World
(2) Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Specs – Portrait Photographers Miami l …
(3) Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review: Upping the Ante Across the Board
(4) Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens (Sony E) – B&H Photo Video