Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review L Mount

Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review L Mount:

If you are an L mount user like I am, and you’re looking for an ultra wide angle lens with a large maximum aperture, I have good news for you.  Today, Sigma has announced two new lenses that will be added to their collection: the 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art, and the 24mm f1.4 DG DN Art.  Thanks to them, I was able to get review samples of both before their release date, so that I could test them out.  I wrote two reviews, and if you’re interested, you can find the 24mm f1.4 review here.  In this one, I’ll be talking about the 20mm f1.4 Art, and what I think of it.

Thanks for taking the time to read my review!  If it helped, please consider purchasing from any of the links mentioned in this post, which in turn, helps support this site.  I get a small commission but it will not cost you anything extra.  Thank you!

Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art Lens Build Quality:

For those who have visited my site before, you probably know that when I talk about a new lens, I like to start off with the build first, which by the way, is excellent here.  In every way, this lens is built for professional use.  The 20mm f1.4 is very solid with a nice, robust feel to it, thanks in part to it’s use of aluminum and Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) materials.  It has a brass bayonet mount, and a dust and splash proof structure.  There’s also a water, and oil repellent coating on the front element of the lens for added protection against the harsh elements.

↑ Here’s a photo with the Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens attached to the Panasonic Lumix S5.

To top it off, there are some great features that only enhance the shooting experience with this lens.  For example, there’s an aperture ring that clicks in third stops.  Before I was a Leica SL shooter, I was an M shooter.  My SL lenses don’t have aperture rings, and it’s one thing I do miss from my M days.  What’s great is the aperture ring on the 20mm f1.4 is also de-clickable and lockable.  Furthermore, there is a manual focus ring, which is smooth in operation.  Additionally, there is a rear filter holder, which can fit sheet-type filter material for different effects.  The front of the lens can also fit an 82mm filter, and yes, both filters can be used simultaneously, which can be especially useful in astrophotography.  Moreover, there is an AFL button, and a new Manual Focus Lock (MFL) switch that disables the focus ring, so you can ensure focus never changes.  Lastly, there is a Lens Heater Retainer, which is a curved lip at the front of the lens that’s meant to keep a lens heater from slipping in front of the optic.

↑ Here’s a photo of the rear filter holder.

↑ Buttons and switches on the left side of the lens.

↑ The right also has a switch.

As for ergonomics, it’s compact, and light considering this is a 20mm lens designed to be at the top of its class optically, with pro build, and autofocus all while also having a large, maximum f1.4 aperture.  The dimensions for the L mount version are 87.8 x 111.2mm (3.5 x 4.4 in.), and it weighs in at 635g (22.4 oz.).  While the front element of the 20mm f1.4 is larger, and has an 82mm filter thread, which can’t really be helped considering this is an ultra wide angle, I’m happy to report that the overall length, and diameter are actually pretty close in size to the 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art (review here).  Just for your information, the 35mm f1.4 measures 3 x 4.3″/75.5 x 109.5 mm.  That’s really great, in my opinion, because I found the 35mm f1.4 to be pretty compact when I reviewed it a while back (review here).

↑ Top view of the 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art.

So, the Sigma 20mm f1.4 Art can definitely be carried around all day, and used regularly.  In fact, I was testing this in July, which is a time in New York City where the temperature gets pretty high.  I walked around in the city carrying not only this lens but also taking along with me the 24mm f1.4 DG DN Art as well.  Getting back to the 20mm f1.4, it feels great on my camera.  It balances nicely, and has a stable feel when mounted to my camera.

↑ Here’s just a size comparison between my 45mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary vs. the new 24mm f1.4 DG DN Art vs. the new 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art.

Overall, it’s worth noting that the design of the lens in general is very good.  The lens has an understated appearance, which I love, and it has essential features but never goes overboard with things you don’t need.  The overall build is designed to match closely with other DG DN Art f1.4 lenses as well, so there’s a sense of unity.  For instance, the diameters of the aperture, and focus rings were aligned with those of the 35mm f1.4.  Also, features like the aperture ring, click switch, aperture lock switch, and lens hood lock button have all been retained from the 35mm f1.4.

Speaking of, 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art does come with a petal shaped lens hood that has a locking mechanism, so it will stay securely on the lens.  There’s also a rubber grip area on the lens hood, so you can easily attach or remove it even in less than ideal weather.  The lens hood is also reversible, which makes storage much easier.

↑ The 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens does come with a lens hood.

Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art Lens Autofocus:

As for focusing, the 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art uses a stepping motor to deliver fast and silent autofocus.  Autofocus will also depend on the camera that is being used, and with that said, I didn’t have any issues here.  The autofocus was quite quick and predictable.  There was no drama here whatsoever.

Of course, speed isn’t the only feature we need for great autofocus.  Accuracy is also important, especially when you consider this lens can produce a thin depth of field with its large maximum aperture.  With that said, I’m happy to report that the 20mm f1.4 really scores high in this category as well.  I tested this lens in many different environments and light settings; I felt the 20mm f1.4 really kept up with my shooting.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that the minimum focus distance of the 20mm f1.4 is 23cm (9.1 in.).  While ultra wide angle lenses are not traditionally used for macro photography, the close focusing capabilities still make this lens more versatile, and can open you up to more creative opportunities.  Plus, you can take more advantage of the f1.4 aperture, and produce photos with an even more shallower depth of field, since you can get very close to your subject.

Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art Lens Image Quality:

As for image quality, let me put it to you this way: the Art Series is made up of pretty much the best lenses that Sigma makes, and there is no doubt in mind that the new 20mm f1.4 definitely belongs in this group.  I’ve tried a lot of fast ultra wides similar to this one, in terms of specs, and the Sigma 20mm f1.4 is easily one of the best regardless of manufacturer.

↑ This was taken inside the Oculus.  The settings were 640 ISO and f5.6.

↑ I woke up early to shoot everyday to beat the heat.  It was so hot in July, and I’m not a fan of this kind of weather unless I’m on a tropical island :).  The settings here were f8 and 500 ISO.

↑ Here’s another photo I took in the morning.  The settings were f11 and 500 ISO.

It starts with the sharpness, which is pretty incredible.  This lens seems to just capture every little detail imaginable.  At f1.4, I found center sharpness to be excellent with even corners, and edges not too far behind.  In other words, sharpness is pretty uniform throughout the image at wide open aperture, which is very impressive considering this is an ultra wide angle lens.  As you stop down, sharpness steadily improves but not by much, since it’s already pretty great at wider aperture settings.  So, this is definitely one of those lenses where you don’t have to worry about what aperture setting you’re using because you’re going to get top quality results regardless.  Just shoot and enjoy :).

↑ This was taken with the camera set at 100 ISO, and the lens set at f1.4.

↑ Here’s a 100% crop of the photo above.

↑ This was taken using f8 and 125 ISO.

↑ Here’s a 100% crop of the photo above.

↑ This was taken with the same settings as above.

↑ Here’s a 100% crop of the photo above.

Topping off sharpness are other features like great color and contrast rendering.  There’s also such nice pop, and depth in the photos.  At least from what I photographed, the 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art is highly resistant to flare.  Distortion seems well under control as well.  There is some vignetting at f1.4 but this is not out of the ordinary for this type of lens.  Stopping down by one stop reduces it significantly, and by f4 it’s pretty much gone.  Overall, this is a really impressive ultra wide angle that just plain out delivers the goods when it comes to image quality.  For my type of work, I don’t use these kinds of lenses often anymore (meaning ultra wides), so in a way, the 20mm f1.4 helped remind me of just how downright fun it is to use something like this again.  This lens has such high capabilities.  In the right hands, the shots will be epic.

↑ Here’s a photo I took with the settings being f11 and 250 ISO.

↑ I wanted a long exposure shot but did not have a tripod.  So, I shot this using f16 to drop the shutter speed down to 1/10s.  I used 100 ISO.

↑ Here’s a photo taken using f8 and 100 ISO.

Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art Lens Bokeh:

Since this is an ultra wide angle, don’t expect to achieve that very thin depth of field you might see from a longer focal length like a 50mm, for example.  With that said, when you do achieve a thin depth of field, the bokeh quality is beautifully smooth and rich.  It’s like pretty much every Sigma lens that I’ve tested so far.  The bokeh is just inviting with no real distractions that might take away from the overall image.  The way the sharpness transitions into the smoothness of the background is also done in a very natural way.

↑ This was taken using f1.4 and 100 ISO.

↑ The settings are the same as above.

↑ Here’s one more with the same settings as the two photos above.

Pros And Cons:

Pros:

• Excellent build.
• Weather and dust sealed.
• Compact and light for this type of lens.
• Great autofocus.
• Superb image quality.
• Great bokeh when you can achieve it.
• Priced reasonably.

Cons:

• While size is kept down to a minimum, if you don’t need the f1.4 aperture, the more compact 20mm f2 DG DN Contemporary might be another option to consider.

Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art Lens Verdict:

As I said earlier, the Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art is one of the best lenses I’ve tested in this category.  The build is excellent, which only inspires confidence in using it.  The autofocus is also great, so it’s not something I ever have to worry about.  Lastly, the image quality is just out of this world good.  I’m impressed and what is actually more impressive is that it retails for $899.  Yes, that is still a lot of money but considering this is reference level in pretty much all aspects, I think it’s actually a steal for this price.

↑ This was taken with the settings f5.6 and 1600 ISO.

↑ Here’s a photo taken with f4 and 1250 ISO.

↑ This was taken using f5 and 200 ISO.

Now, Sigma also makes a 20mm f2 DG DN Contemporary, which is more compact (you can read my full review here).  This is another fantastic lens that I love and rave about.  It’s also a good option if f1.4 is not needed.

↑ I used f8 and 640 ISO here for this photo.

↑ I used f5.6 and 250 ISO here.

↑ Here’s one last photo of the Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art with the Panasonic Lumix S5.

But I have to admit, I just love the 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art, and if I were in the market for an ultra wide, I think I would pick this one over the f2 version.  The f2 lens will produce awesome images, and it is so compact but it’s really nice to have the extra stop from the f1.4 version.  Sometimes, there’s just no substitute for a faster lens, especially one that is also this good overall.  Plus, I think Sigma did a great job with the ergonomics of the 20mm f1.4, and at the end of the day, I feel like it has something extra special :).  For me, this new 20mm f1.4 is up there with one of my other favorites, the 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art.

So, I highly recommend the 20mm f1.4 Art for those looking for a fast ultra wide angle.  In my opinion, this is one of the best lenses that Sigma has released so far, and it will make a great addition to any L mount collection.

Thanks for taking the time to read my review!  If it helped, please consider purchasing from any of the links mentioned in this post, which in turn, helps support this site.  I get a small commission but it will not cost you anything extra.  Thank you!

Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG DN Art at B&H Photo