Sigma 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Review L Mount:
Almost every manufacturer out there has a 50mm in the f2 range because it’s a lens that a lot of photographers look for in a system. The focal length is great for a variety of subjects, f2 is plenty fast for low light situations, a shallow depth of field can also be produced, and the lens is usually pretty compact and light. Best of all, it’s not incredibly difficult to make a 50mm f2 with great optics, and it’s usually one of the cheaper lenses that you can purchase in a system. So, it makes sense that the Sigma 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary lens is added to the I Series collection. Thanks to them, I was able to get a pre-launch sample to test. Here’s my full review.
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Sigma 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Build Quality:
Let’s talk about the exceptional build quality first. This lens feels so solid thanks in part to the barrel being made of all metal. Like the rest of the f2 I Series lenses, the 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary features an arc-type AF/MF switch. The focus ring is smooth when operated, and the aperture ring clicks solidly in third stops. The aperture ring, in particular, is a bonus to me, since my Leica SL lenses don’t have this feature. It’s something I do miss from my Leica M days. Getting back to the build, there’s also a brass bayonet mount with rubber sealing making this lens dust, and weather resistant. Build overall is fantastic, and the lens just feels so great in the hands.
↑ Here’s the 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary attached to the Panasonic S5.
Besides image quality, focal length versatility, and price, what really makes a 50mm f2 so great is it’s usually a pretty compact, and light lens. I’m happy to report that Sigma did not disappoint here when designing their mirrorless version. The dimensions for the 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary are 70mm x 68mm/2.8 in. x 2.7 in. with the weight being just 350g/12.3 oz. The filter size used is a 58mm. When compared to the amazing 50mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens, the 50mm f2 is 37% shorter length, and 48% lighter in weight yet it is only a stop slower than its larger sibling. That’s pretty amazing if you ask me.
In the field, the 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary is pretty much perfect. In terms of ergonomics, it’s exactly what I want from a 50mm f2. This lens is very easy to live with. It doesn’t take up much space in my bag, and it’s compact enough to be discreet when I need it to be. At the same time, I can walk around all day long and not feel tired at the end of it because the lens isn’t heavy. The size and weight really add to the lens’ overall versatility making it easy to shoot everyday photography, portraits, candid work to even landscape. In other words, the 50mm f2 makes a fantastic everyday lens because you can literally leave it on the camera 24/7.
In addition, there are a couple of nice accessories that come with the 50mm f2. For one, you get a magnetic lens cap along with the snap on one. The magnetic lens cap is made of metal, and the inside part is felt lined, so you won’t scratch your lens. There is also a metal lens hood that works great, and matches the lens in term of size. In other words, it’s not overly large or anything. It’s a simply twist on, and lock type. It can be reversed as well to save space in a bag.
↑ A magnetic lens cap is included along with the standard clip on type.
↑ Here’s the magnetic lens cap attached to the 50mm f2.
↑ A lens hood is included as well.
Sigma 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Autofocus:
In terms of the autofocus, a stepping motor is used to produce focusing that is essentially silent in operation. I mainly used my Panasonic S5, and found the autofocus to be fast and accurate. This lens’ autofocus capabilities are pretty much in line with all the I Series lenses that I’ve tested so far in that it is trouble free.
I also used the face detection feature of my camera a lot with the 50mm f2, and I found it worked great as well. What I really wanted to do was schedule a photo shoot with the 50mm f2. However, my model was sick last minute, so I used face detection mostly on the street. It worked quite well for me even when lighting conditions weren’t ideal.
Sigma 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Image Quality:
As for image quality, the 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary ranks up there with the best of what Sigma has to offer, at least this is how I feel. Sigma says the 50mm f2 delivers performance comparable to the 50mm f1.4 DG DN Art, and I don’t doubt it. This is truly an exceptional optic here.
↑ Here’s a photo taken with f16 and 320 ISO.
↑ This photo was taken with f2 and 100 ISO.
↑ This was taken using f8 and 100 ISO.
↑ Here’s a photo taken using f8 and 100 ISO.
For one, if you’re a fan of ultra sharp lenses, the 50mm f2 is a lens for you. At f2, sharpness in the center is excellent with even the corners performing extremely well. Stopping down improves sharpness overall slightly but I doubt one would even notice much of a difference in the real world. I found it to be really that sharp. In other words, this is a lens that has an f2 aperture that can be exploited quite a bit. Stopping down is really only to increase depth of field here rather than trying to improve image quality. You’re going to get superb results no matter what aperture you use every time.
↑ This was taken with wide open aperture and 100 ISO.
↑ Here’s a 100% crop of the photo above.
↑ I used f2.8 and 100 ISO here.
↑ Here’s a 100% crop of the photo above.
↑ This was taken using f8 and 100 ISO.
↑ Here’s a 100% crop of the photo above.
Additionally, there are other features that make the 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary extremely well-rounded in the optics department. As you can see, color rendering and contrast are excellent. I didn’t have any trouble with flare but keep in mind I never purposely try to make a lens flare for the sake of a review. I just shoot the way that I normally do because if I tried hard enough, I could make any lens technically flare ;). Moving on, there’s also nice depth in the images. Subjects have nice pop to them. At f2, there is some vignetting. However, stopping down by just one stop significantly reduces it. Plus, the vignetting actually seems to add to the image, for me, at least. Overall, this is, in my opinion, one of the best lenses to come from Sigma so far, and it’s priced at just $639.
↑ Here’s a photo I took in the morning using f8 and 250 ISO.
↑ I used f6.3 and 250 ISO to take this photo.
↑ I used f8 and 100 ISO here. I converted it to black and white using Capture One.
↑ Here’s a photo taken with wide open aperture and 100 ISO. I just love the detail this lens is able to retrieve at f2.
Sigma 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Bokeh:
As for the bokeh, Sigma knew that many will use this lens for portraits, so they paid particular attention in designing a lens that would produce beautifully smooth bokeh. I feel they have definitely succeeded. At f2, backgrounds simply melt away. There’s nothing that looks distracting or that is super harsh in the backgrounds of my photos. The bokeh isn’t quite as dreamy as the 50mm f1.4, and that makes sense but I feel the 50mm f2 can still hold its own. I don’t think anyone would be disappointed with what the 50mm f2 can produce.
↑ Here’s a photo taken using f2 and 250 ISO.
↑ This photo was taken with wide open aperture and 100 ISO.
↑ Here’s another with the same settings as above.
↑ Here’s another with the same settings as above.
↑ Here’s another with the same settings as above.
↑ Here’s another with the same settings as above.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
- Build quality is excellent.
- Dust and weather sealed.
- Size, weight, and overall ergonomics are pretty much perfect.
- Excellent autofocus.
- Superb image quality.
- Bokeh is smooth and inviting.
- Priced well.
Cons:
- Maybe lack of image stabilization for some but in my opinion, it’s needed with this lens.
Sigma 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary Verdict:
As some of you know, I love 50mm lenses, and so this one was really a treat for me. I feel the new 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary is one of the best lenses to come from Sigma for the L mount system so far. It has all the features I expect from a decent 50mm f2. It’s compact, light, easy to live with, and produces great image quality. It’s also made extremely well, and the autofocus is decent. Lastly it’s priced at $639, which I feel is quite reasonable for what you’re getting. Like any good 50mm f2, this lens is a great choice for anyone from the beginner looking for their first lens to a seasoned pro that’s looking for a dependable 50mm, especially one so compact, and producing such exceptional images.
↑ Here’s a photo taken using f8 and 100 ISO.
↑ This photo was taken using f4 and 200 ISO. I added grain to the photo thanks to Capture One.
I’m sure many who are considering this lens are also considering an f1.4 version (my Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens review here). It’s true you won’t get the same blown out, dreamy effect of an f1.4 lens at wide open aperture. You also won’t have that extra stop, which can sometimes be very helpful in dimly lit situations. However, some may find shooting at “only” f2 is enough, and the trade off worth it, especially when you consider the savings in weight, size, and price. These savings are significant too. As I said earlier, the 50mm f2 37% shorter in length, and 48% lighter in weight than the 50mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens. Those are big differences. Trust me, your shoulders will thank you, especially when you start walking around all day. The 50mm 1.4 also costs $849. In the end, it really comes down to what works best for you.
↑ This was taken using f2 and 100 ISO.
↑ This last photo was taken using f8 and 100 ISO.
Bottom line is if you’re in the market for a 50mm f2 lens that just checks off all the right boxes, the 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary should really be on your short list of lenses to buy. It is one of the best 50s I’ve tested. It’s a brilliant design, and something I highly recommend to anyone.
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What your thoughts are on the differences between this and the Lumix 50 1.8 relating to rendering?