SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom  
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

All lenses in SIGMA's Art Line are captivating because they are not only convenient and useful, but also designed with a completely new standard of value. While SIGMA has been expanding F1.4 lens lineup these days, the 20mm F1.4 for Canon's EF mount is the latest addition to the F1.4 series and this is the world's first 20mm lens for 35mm full frame to have the F1.4 brightness. Yes, this lens has made a splashy entrance as an only one lens in the world. How much can a photographer feel the effect of F1.4 with an ultra-wide angle? And, what did SIGMA envision to do by trying to realize the world's first? Let's check the samples.

( Photography & Text : T.Nakanishi )

The angle of view of 20mm swallows wider area than you expect. This means, if you shoot carelessly, the composition can get imprecise. Still, I'd just try to include everything without thinking too much. Just capture the scene thoroughly trusting in the wonderful 3D production of the lens.

This lens is highly resistant to backlight, considering the ultra-wide angle of view. It sometimes generates ghosts, but it's not a big deal because the contrast and clarity is high enough.

The distance to the subject was tens of centimeters. I'm surprised at how the focal peak pops out even though it's an ultra-wide angle lens because ordinary 20mm lenses tend to score low in 3D feeling. I see. This is the world SIGMA wanted to express and it's simply dazzling.

The F1.4 brightness changed my notion of the time of shooting. In this dark situation, it's hard to shoot with an ordinary zoom lens. But with this lens, I can shoot even handheld without a problem. Rendition can't be sharper. Look at how minutely it captured the shape of the flying bird.

It captures widely while producing big bokeh. This is the worldview that we had never imagined to see with conventional lenses. It's easy to imagine the hardship SIGMA had been through to make this lens come true, but I understand why they wanted to do it when I see this output.

It's sharp wide open, and of course becomes sharper at smaller apertures. It looks so realistic that I can almost trace to the veins of the small autumn leaves.

Perfect tonal continuum, contrast, and sharpness, even in this severe backlit condition with the sun in the frame.

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At the moment I looked at the large front element, I was convinced of the image quality. Although the barrel is hefty because of the large diameter, it has a great balance with the body. More importantly, a lens with such a superb performance is rare. Actually, no other 20mm lenses can generate the big bokeh and 3D feeling like this F1.4 lens. While so many cameras and lenses are being produced these days, did we have such an exciting and surprising lens? This exciting lens will capture the new world and the only way to experience it is to get it.

( 26.11.2015 )