SIGMA STRIKES BACK! - Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Sony Review

Thanks for having me on your channel Gerald!

I’ve been waiting for like forever for their 70-200 lens for Sony. I’m going to switch to Sony lenses if they don’t act any faster soon! I’ve been a Sigma fan for years, but their new 35mm and 24-70 with the dust issues, and the weird delay with releasing the 70-200 is driving me crazy! I have the 85mm DG DN and I wanted to have a collection of their lenses. Honestly, I’m very disappointed in Sigma…

Maybe the lens just needs calibration. Or you are too close, or autofocus is off? Dustin Abbott showed this to be one hell of a sharp lens. Don't like the flat rendering so much though.

Hi! What do you think of the Samyang 35 1.8 or Sigma 35 f2? Thanks!! 🙂

Would the sigma 35mm be good for sports ? Like gokarts or a race track ?

GPT 4 Summarty:

Pros:
- The Sigma 35mm lens is $500 cheaper than the G Master lens
- More functional build with buttons and switches compared to the Sony f/1.8 lens
- Better light transmittance at f/1.8 compared to the Sony f/1.8 lens
- Minimal distortion and almost no lateral chromatic aberration
- Attractive bokeh rendering with minimal outlining and barely any textures

Cons:
- Terrible focus breathing, almost as bad as the Sony G Master lens
- Heavier and longer compared to the G Master lens
- Image sharpness issues when close focusing at f/1.4 and reduced clarity at minimum focusing distance
- Significant chromatic aberration and generally worse image quality compared to the Sony lenses
- Lackluster sunstars and poor control over flare, leading to reduced contrast and visible glare in images
- Autofocus is slower and less consistent

In conclusion, the Sigma 35mm lens falls in between the Sony f/1.8 and G Master lenses in terms of performance and price, making it a slightly confusing option for buyers. While the lens offers some advantages, it also falls short in several areas, particularly in terms of image quality and autofocus compared to Sony's offerings. The Sigma 35mm lens might be suitable for those who shoot environmental or street-style photos, but users should be aware of its limitations when it comes to close focusing and chromatic aberration.

Sigma 35mm art with built in Orton Effect!

Thanks for a very comprehensive and clear review!
Seeing this trend with more and more lenses these days .. close focussing compromised to get closer to GM infinity performance (and size/weight) at a lower price point. I guess it makes sense looking at typical usage, but I really like to shoot 24 & 35 focal lengths up quite close. Other case being the new Samyang 24/1.8 close focus compared to GM24 .. However that one did less worse compared the GM at an even lower size & price. Not sure what went wrong with the Sigma. Oh well .. luxury of choice is a good thing. 
Edit: Kinda loving the slightly outlined bokeh from the Sigma. Very nice aesthetic!

That tool Jared didn’t apply “Skittles” before sending those files….!?!?

Well I DO want bigger, smoother balls, after all, so I guess it’s the GM.

so basicly you stop it down to 2.8 to match performance of sigma 24-70 2.8 ...so what is the reason of buying prime lens than ?

Very thorough video, but it ruined this lens for me 😅 Considering selling a kidney to get the GM 🙈

Very Good, Thanks 🙏🏼

Started watching the video for the lens. Ended up looking at your watch. Nice piece, Gerald.

Is it good for filming at very low light conditions with Sony fx3 ??

Thank you so much! Getting up close to wildflowers is super important for me and you saved me from an expensive mistake!

my lens was working perfectly till I updated the firmware to Ver.02 now the lens motor never stop keep breathing up and down when its on auto focus (video mood) Is my lens damaged ? any suggestions to solve this ? (on Sony camera )

i have issues with close up shots too!

When i shake The lens without using it, it makes a sound, as if the lens is moving from inside.
“I have Sony 35 mm l.8 lens”
Is that normal?

Can you review the Sigma 24mm 1.4 DG DN please

SIGMA.... The name speaks sweetly for itself!! Awesome video!

Is this lens good for toy photography? Outside shots in particular?

Is this recommended for full frame. Coming from canon the Sony lenses are confusing

Can you please compare it with the sony Zeiss 35mm …

Hard to understand why do you use 35mm if you wanna be closer that much:) l have sigma 35 dg dn and really no need to pay a lot of money for sony g master !!

the last sigma i owned was an 85mm, allowed sand and micro dirt to get in the front lens area. super annoying and i sold it seems like they have quality control issues

Missed an opportunity to call Gordon the O.G-Master:-)

An old review, I know, and I have 35GM, but now looking for Leica mount... I have to ask, what is the purpose of focusing at f1.4 up close? Most often when I get that close, even 5.6 doesn't have enough depth of field. What am I missing?

I think he missed the bokeh rendition quality overall in portaits with nature background. Bokeh is not just about bokeh ball shape. Sony 35mm 1.8 has a very busy and harsh bokeh rendition in lanscape background especially when you take a picture of a subject with trees and leaves in the foreground background transition. I still prefer Sony 1.8 though because of its versatility and it wasn't bought primarily for portraits, but I think his bokeh assessment is incomplete.

For general music video clips, what’s best? Sigma 35mm Art DG HSM, DG DN or Sony 35mm f1.8?

I have a quick question Gerald. What does Focus Breathing mean? Thank you for the content.

Sadge. I almost bought this lens, but the close focuse problem held me off. thanks for saving me money though

Due to SONY having products MADE IN CHINA I will stop purchasing sony products! F China cheap products.

Which is best
Canon 24-105 f4
Or
Sigma 35mm 1.4

Any update on this with production models?

This “Jared” fella sounds like a swell guy

sigma 35mm 1.4 dg dn or sony 35mm 1.8 ?

Angst! Between this, GM and 1.8 for my future A7c. Shooting low light concerts with lots of bright lights and fogmachines...

You should review the Sigma 35mm 1.2

I too love the 35mm focal length. I have to say, the best I've ever used is the Tamron 35mm f/1.4. Granted it was made for DSLRs, but even adapted to mirrorless, I find it's sharper right to the corners than native equivalents. Probably not your best choice for your system and what you do. With all the great improvement in optics in the last few years, it's great to have such an amazing option for my D850.

Hii, is it worthy to buy used 85mm 1.4 DG HSM lens for 555$ usd? Please reply

Lol! Love the ending :) Great video👍

Wasn't confusing for me! 💯

People said you talk abiut focus breathing so I am'watching all your lens videos haha

it seems it isn´t compatible for sony fx3 ?? D:

Usually first product by sigma could be possible to have some issues; Sony GM 1.4 doesn't have right price.... becouse focus breathing doesn't help for video production ,so I prefer to go to sigma even if has similar focus breathing issues , I prefer it becouse it has right price for what it offers ; Sony doesn't have the right price for what it offers

I recently bought the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 'Art' and I was confused b/w the 50mm, 85m, and 35mm. When comparing them with Zeiss Batis and Sony Lenses, the price makes a huge impact because of that 1.4 aperture. Also! It's built like a tank as compared to cheaper Samyang/Rokinon offerings. I tried my hands on both G-Master and Zeiss, if the price wasn't an issue, Zeiss Batis all the way. While as far as G-Master goes, both 35mm and 50mm but not the 85mm, I would rather take either the 1.8 version or the Sigma.

How is it that you only have 285k subscribers? just getting into photography and you are my go-to creator as your videos are super in depth. I have bought any lenses because they are expensive but hoping eventually to afford one

I saw Dustin Abbot's review and his results are far different from yours. For me DA's review had me thinking one of the best 35mm lenses out there.