Sigma 14mm f1.8 DG HSM Art First Impressions L Mount:
There have been a lot of cool wide angle lenses that have been released for L mount lately. Many of them are compact, and designed for more general use. While those are great options, especially for travel or daily use, sometimes, one needs something that is a bit more specialized. This is where something like the Sigma 14mm f1.8 DG HSM Art comes into play. It might be larger, and heavier than your typical daily user but in addition to Art series optics and build, it comes with a large f1.8 maximum aperture. Thanks to Sigma, I was able to get a copy to test. Here’s my first impressions of it.
I get a small commission from purchases made through the links mentioned here, which in turn, helps support this site but it will not cost you anything extra. Thank you!
Being that this is an Art series lens, the 14mm f1.8 DG HSM Art is suppose to be the cream of the crop, and it definitely shows in more ways than one. The 14mm f1.8 is well-built and a very solid lens, thanks in part to the barrel being made of Thermally Stable Composite material. The lens mount is also constructed from brass for long-term durability. In addition, the mount incorporates rubber sealing so the lens is dust and splash resistant. This is especially important give how many photographers will use this lens for landscape.
As for the ergonomics, there is no doubt that this is a larger, and heavier lens. The dimensions are 3.76 x 4.96″/95.4 x 126 mm, and it weighs 2.6 lb/1170 g. It also has a huge bulbous front, and an integrated front lens hood. However, the overall size, and weight are to be expected considering this is a 14mm focal length lens with an f1.8 maximum aperture. Plus, it has the build, and optics expected from an Art series lens. As I said earlier, the 14mm f1.8 DG HSM Art is a specialized lens for those who needs features like this. If you do a lot of low light work or even astrophotography, and you need an ultra wide angle lens, there’s really no substitute.
As for optics, the 14mm f1.8 is a great ultra wide angle lens that I am so glad is available for L mount. Even at wide open aperture, you’re getting excellent sharpness in the center. Edges are a bit softer but stopping down does improve overall sharpness. Flare also seems well-controlled. There is some distortion but it’s not something major for an ultra wide. Overall, I am extremely happy with the performance of the 14mm f1.8 DG HSM Art. In my opinion, the 14mm f1.8 lens is worth its asking price of $1,599.
It’s also just so great to have an option like this for L mount. Thanks to lenses like this one, the L Mount Alliance has grown into a pretty awesome system that can cater to photographers with many different needs.
So, a full 14mm f1.8 review is in the works as we speak. You can expect it shortly. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend everyone!
I get a small commission from purchases made through the links mentioned here, which in turn, helps support this site but it will not cost you anything extra. Thank you!
