Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Review Fuji X

Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Review Fuji X:

Sigma has steadily invested in the Fujifilm X mount with several offerings.  For those looking for a normal focal length lens that’s in the range of a 50mm equivalent, and they want to try something different than say what Fujifilm has to offer, there is the Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens.  It equates to a 45mm after you factor in the crop from the APS-C sensor.  I tested the L mount version of this lens and I was quite happy with it.  Thanks to a Sigma, I was able to get an X mount version to test.  Here’s my review of it.

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

Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Build Quality:

Starting with build, the 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary is made of TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), giving it a very solid feel overall.  It comes with a brass bayonet mount for precision and durability.  It also has a large rubberized focus ring for easy grip, and there’s rubber sealing on the mount for dust, and splash protection.  Overall, the quality is excellent; it compares very favorably with Fujifilm branded lenses, matching them in terms of quality, and aesthetics.

↑ Heres the Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary mounted on the Fujifilm X-T3.

Size wise, I would say the 30mm f1.4 is about average.  F1.4 lenses tend to be larger than their smaller aperture counterparts for obvious reasons but with that said, it’s similar in size to Fujifilm’s own 50mm equivalent lenses.  The 30mm f1.4 measures 2.6 x 2.9″ / 64.8 x 73.6 mm, and has a 52mm filter thread.  In comparison, Fujifilm’s own XF 35mm f1.4 measures 2.56 x 2.16″ / 65 x 54.9 mm, and also has a 52mm filter thread.  Their 33mm f1.4 measures 2.6 x 2.9″ / 67 x 73.5 mm, and it uses a 58mm filter thread.  Overall, the size of the 30mm f1.4 is reasonable for an APS-C lens of this focal length.  It’s something that is easy to carry around all day, and live with on a daily basis. I say daily because for all you 50mm lovers out there like me, this is something that you can leave on your camera 99% of the time, especially since it’s also not that heavy.

↑ Here’s a top view of the Sigma 30mm f1.4 Contemporary mounted on the X-T3.

In terms of weight, the 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary comes in at just 9.7 oz / 275 g, which makes it a great lens to carry around.  It’s also never front heavy, when it’s mounted on my X-T3, which is what I used to test the 30mm f1.4.  If you compare the 30mm f1.4 to the Fujifilm counterparts, it weighs a little more than the XF 35mm f1.4, which is 6.6 oz / 187 g.  However, it’s lighter than the XF 33mm f1.4, which is 12.7 oz / 360 g, so this means the 30mm f1.4 is right in the middle, in terms of weight.

As for accessories, the 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary comes with a lens hood that is reversible for easy storage.  I found that the size, and overall shape matches well with the 30mm f1.4.  It’s not too large, yet it is still effective at protecting the front element from light impact, and from flare.

↑ The Sigma 30mm f1.4 comes with a lens hood.

Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Autofocus:

What is also great is I found the autofocus to be excellent.  The 30mm f1.4 Contemporary uses a stepping motor that is fast, and essentially silent in operation.  During my time with the 30mm f1.4, I found the autofocus to be completely compatible with the Fujifilm X Series system, and therefore, drama free.

Autofocus is also accurate, which is important, considering the depth of field can be very shallow at f1.4 with a 45mm equivalent lens.  I did not get to do a photo shoot this time around but when I reviewed the L mount version, I did several photo shoots with it.  At f1.4, I was getting tack sharp eyes with each shot I was taking.

Since we’re on the topic of photographing people, face detection also works great with the 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary.  When I was walking around the street testing out the lens, I had my X-T3 set on face detection.  It worked just fine as usual locking on to the subjects and focusing accurately.

Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Image Quality:

As for optics, the 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary performs great, and in my opinion, will produce images that are easily comparable to what Fujifilm has to offer.  Sigma lenses have a good reputation for producing beautiful glass; this one is no exception.

↑ Here’s a photo taken using 160 ISO and f6.4.

↑ This was actually taken with the Leica CL, and came from my Sigma 30mm f1.4 L mount review (here).  I put this in here because I wanted to at least show how this lens performs with fashion/portraiture.  The settings were f1.4 and 100 ISO.

↑ The settings here were 160 ISO and f6.4.

Sharpness, for one, is excellent.  Images produced using wide open aperture are tack sharp in the center with only a slight lost in details in the corners, which is not out of the ordinary.  Stopping down helps to sharpen up the image a bit overall with f5.6 to f8 being the aperture range that I feel produces the best results.  But I am talking pixel peeping here; in reality, you can use this lens throughout the aperture range, and produce stellar results.

↑ Here’s a photo taken with f1.4 and 160 ISO.

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

↑ This was taken using f6.5 and 160 ISO.

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

↑ This was taken using f8 and 160 ISO.

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

In addition to sharpness, the 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary has other features that help make it a great optic.  Contrast and color rendering are great.  Flare is well controlled thanks to its Super Multi-Layer Coating.  There’s slight barrel distortion but nothing that is an issue: there’s also some vignetting at wide open aperture but this is not out of the norm.  Stopping down to just f2 helps to eliminate most of it.

↑ I used f5 and 640 ISO here.

↑ I took this with 800 ISO and f1.4.

↑ This was taken using f8 and 160 ISO.

Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Bokeh:

With an f1.4 maximum aperture, and a focus length that equates to a 45mm, the 30mm f1.4 is able to produce a thin depth of field.  So, if you’re a portrait photographer, for instance, and you want to be able to throw the background out of focus to isolate your subject further, this lens can definitely do it.  The good news too is that the bokeh is velvety smooth, thanks in part to its rounded nine-blade diaphragm.  I know everyone has their own preferences when it comes to bokeh but at least to me, there’s nothing that is harsh or distracting to the eyes.

↑ Here’s a photo taken with wide open aperture and 160 ISO.

↑ The settings are the same as above.

↑ The settings are the same as above.

Pros And Cons:

Pros:

• This is a solid lens that is well-made.
• Compact and light considering its focal length and maximum aperture.
• Balances beautifully with Fujifilm X Series bodies:
• The autofocus is excellent.
• Great image quality.
• Smooth and inviting Bokeh.
• Good price for this lens.

Cons:

• Lack of image stabilization for some maybe but even Fujifilm’s own counterparts don’t have IS.
• Very slight barrel distortion

Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Verdict

If you’re looking for a normal focal length lens for your Fujifilm X Series camera, the Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary offers quite a lot, and there, is a great option to consider.  It’s well-made, compact, light, and has the performance to match.

↑ The settings here are 160 ISO and f8.

↑ The settings are the same as above.

↑ This was early in the morning.  The settings are the same as above.

There are, of course, many normal focal length lenses made for the X Series. For example, Fuji currently offers two choices, which are the XF 35mm f1.4 and the XF 33mm f1.4. Both are fantastic options, and I even own the XF 35mm f1.4, which I bought many years ago.  With all this said, I feel the features that the Sigma offers are comparable to these two mentioned but with one major difference: price. The XF 35mm currently retails for $599, while the XF 33mm f1.4 retails for $799.  The 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary goes for $339 but with current rebates, it is $264.  Again, the two Fuji lenses are spectacular, so I have nothing against them.  It’s just the Sigma is also excellent but is a lot easier on the wallet :).  That means if you’re new to the Fujifilm X Series system, you can save a bit, and maybe even buy another lens.

↑ The settings here are 200 ISO and f8.

↑ One last photo of the Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary mounted on the Fuji X-T3.

The bottom line is the Sigma 30mm f1.4 offers quite a bit for the Fujifilm X Series user.  It’s a fantastic option that also comes in at a great price all from a lens manufacturer that is highly respected, and known for making excellent glass.  If you’re in the market for a normal focal length lens, this should definitely be something you consider.

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

30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary at B&H Photo