Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens | Sony E

The 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E-mount cameras stands out as the lightest in its category and the most luminous option within Sigma's 50mm prime series. This lens is meticulously crafted for daily applications. It is powered by Sigma's dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motors, ensuring both silent and rapid operation. This advanced focusing mechanism contributes to a more streamlined design, resulting in a lighter lens compared to its peers. The classic 50mm focal length, combined with an exceptionally wide f/1.2 maximum aperture, enables users to effortlessly photograph a diverse range of subjects. Additionally, the lens features physical function buttons and switches that enhance usability and reliability in various shooting conditions. To minimize ghosting and enhance contrast, a super multilayer coating is applied to the glass elements.

Impressively Smooth Bokeh

Featuring a maximum aperture of f/1.2, this 50mm prime lens delivers exquisite and vibrant bokeh. This characteristic not only enhances the artistic quality of your images but also enables you to capture intricate details even in challenging lighting situations. The lens is equipped with a newly designed 13-blade rounded diaphragm, a first for Sigma, which preserves a circular form, thereby producing smooth and rounded bokeh effects even when the aperture is reduced.

Close focusing

This model achieves a minimum focusing distance of 40 centimeters from the sensor, translating to approximately 8 inches in front of the lens hood. This distance is 3 inches closer than the F1.4 variant, which may seem negligible in theory, yet it significantly impacts my experience. When paired with an F1.2 shallow depth of field, the results are remarkably distinctive. While focusing on a human subject at 8 inches may not yield the most flattering results, other subjects exhibit extraordinary qualities. Flowers appear stunning and ethereal, while animals display sharp eyes and a pleasing focus fall-off. Although it does not reach macro levels, it embodies the essence of art.

Low Light

With an aperture setting of F1.2, a larger volume of light is permitted to reach the image sensor, facilitating the use of a lower ISO across various photographic scenarios. This leads to a decrease in noise within the final image. However, this benefit is particularly pronounced only if the lens is capable of focusing effectively in low-light situations, a feat that this specific lens achieves with remarkable proficiency. Fortunately, this lens does not demonstrate any focus-hunting tendencies and excels in low-light environments. It has been evaluated in complete darkness, illuminated solely by a Nanlight Pavotube or a dim streetlight, and it consistently delivered precise autofocus. This feature allows for photography in settings that were previously too dark or restricted for my other lenses, such as clients' residences, while maintaining my established aesthetic and style in the resulting images.

Direct light / backlighting

An additional observation made during the evaluation of this lens pertains to its performance when exposed to direct light. Specifically, aspects such as flare, ghosting, and the appearance of sun stars were examined. Despite extensive attempts, this lens consistently refrained from producing any ghosting effects when directed towards a light source. Even when aimed directly at the sun, the result was merely a pleasing halo of light in a limited area of the image, without any haze or diffusion commonly associated with other lenses. Furthermore, at narrower apertures, this lens is noted for creating exceptionally beautiful sun stars, making it not only suitable for capturing sunlight but also for enhancing nighttime photography of headlights and urban lights.

Exceptional Build

Designed with user convenience as a priority, the 50mm f/1.2 lens features various functions to enhance your shooting experience. It includes an AFL button that helps maintain focus at a specific distance. Some camera models offer the option to customize the AFL function according to user needs.

The lens is constructed to be dust- and splash-resistant, and the front lens element is treated with a water and oil-repellent coating, ensuring its durability and reliability in various shooting conditions.

Additionally, the aperture ring can be locked and adjusted to either click or de-click based on individual preferences.

Additional Features

• Lens construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
  
  
• Petal lens hood with locking mechanism
  
  
• Rounded 13-blade diaphragm
  
  
• Weight: 1.6 lb
  
  
• High refractive index glass and four aspherical lens elements
  
  
• Compatible with AF Assist functions on compatible E-mount cameras