{"id":20190,"date":"2025-08-23T14:52:50","date_gmt":"2025-08-23T14:52:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/?p=20190"},"modified":"2025-08-23T14:52:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T14:52:50","slug":"sigma-12mm-f-1-4-dc-contemporary-review-an-absolute-gem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/?p=20190","title":{"rendered":"Sigma 12mm f\/1.4 DC Contemporary Review: An Absolute Gem"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"fluid-iframe\" style=\"max-width: 800px;\">\n<p><iframe title=\"Sigma&#039;s 12mm f\/1.4 is an APS-C GEM!\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l_S1bFwOrqE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The industry desperately needs more lens support for APS-C cameras and it often feels like a neglected market. Full frame is clearly the favored child when it comes to the camera game, but I happen to love smaller sensor cameras, which give a great mixture of compactness and quality. Sigma is on a roll, making sure to give users excellent and affordable optics for Sony E mount, Canon RF mount, and Fujifilm X mount. The latest $629 Sigma 12mm f\/1.4 DC Contemporary lens seeks to cover the ultra-wide arena with plenty of light-gathering potential to boot. <\/p>\n<p>  <center\/> <\/p>\n<h2>Sigma 12mm f\/1.4 DC Contemporary Review: How It Feels<\/h2>\n<p>I love just how compact APS-C lenses can be, and the Sigma 12mm is definitely easy to carry. Weighing only eight ounces (225 grams), this little lens feels barely-there on the end of a compact mirrorless body. At the front, you get a simple plastic hood with a grippy rubber ring and a 62mm filter diameter. I like that Sigma placed a functional aperture ring on such a small lens, which can be adjusted from f\/1.4 to f\/16. The lens is weather-sealed with rubber gaskets around the lens mount, making it rugged enough for some inclement weather. Otherwise, there isn\u2019t anything to comment on about when it comes to the physical appearance of this simple little lens. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_811238\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-811238\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" data-perfmatters-preload=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6297-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A Sigma 16mm f\/1.4 DC DN camera lens is standing upright on a grid-patterned surface with a dark, blurred background. The lens markings and brand name are clearly visible.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-811238\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6297-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6297-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6297-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6297-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6297-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6297-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6297-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-811238\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There isn\u2019t much to say about the handling of such a simple lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_811239\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-811239\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6300-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a Sigma camera lens, showing the aperture ring with f-stop markings from 1.4 to 16, labeled &quot;12mm 1:1.4 DC \u00f862.&quot; The background is blurred with a grid pattern beneath the lens.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-811239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6300-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6300-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6300-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6300-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6300-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6300-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6300-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-811239\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I do appreciate the addition of an aperture ring to control your depth of field.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_811242\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-811242\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6310-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up view of a camera lens lying on its side, showcasing the lens mount and electronic contacts, with a lens cap placed nearby on a black grid-patterned surface.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-811242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6310-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6310-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6310-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6310-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6310-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6310-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6310-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-811242\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You do get some measure of weather sealing and ruggedness.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Sigma 12mm f\/1.4 DC Contemporary Review: How It Shoots<\/h2>\n<p>This lens provides a full-frame equivalent field of view of 18mm with a depth of field similar to an f\/2 lens. Ultra-wide lenses don\u2019t normally need to autofocus quickly, but the stepping motor in the Sigma does a good job of pushing the lightweight elements swiftly. There is a nice manual focus ring, which is quite smooth for the times you want to take full control yourself.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_808284\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-808284\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01135-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A black-and-white photo shows a puddle in an alleyway reflecting buildings, clouds, and a person standing nearby, whose silhouette is visible in the water. The walls and ground are gritty and urban.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-808284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01135-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01135-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01135-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01135-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01135-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01135-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01135-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-808284\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Sigma 12mm is an easy lens to walk around with all day.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_811240\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-811240\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6302-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a black camera lens with textured focus rings and a white &quot;C&quot; marking, set against a dark, blurred background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-811240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6302-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6302-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6302-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6302-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6302-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6302-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6302-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-811240\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Sigma Contemporary line has always combined value with performance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The bokeh of this lens is important to evaluate because the f\/1.4 aperture opens up the possibility for soft backgrounds when you want them. There is a touch of a soap bubble look to the highlights, and the look of them can be a little harsh. However, the overall bokeh is quite pleasant, and I found the backgrounds to be smooth-looking without too much of a distracting edge. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_808294\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-808294\" style=\"width: 533px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01205-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A pink cocktail with ice, a lime wedge, and a straw in a mason jar labeled &quot;Leopold's Tavern,&quot; sits on a wooden table with colorful lights blurred in the background.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-808294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01205-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01205-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01205-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01205-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01205-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-808294\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bokeh is decent for such a compact lens. No need to fear soft backgrounds with this lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_808469\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-808469\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Bokeh-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison of colorful bokeh lights, with the left image labeled &quot;f\/1.4&quot; showing larger, softer circles, and the right image labeled &quot;f\/4&quot; showing smaller, more defined circles.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-808469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Bokeh-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Bokeh-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Bokeh-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Bokeh-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-808469\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The specular highlights are quite clean, with just a touch of harshness.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01197-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of yellow dandelion flowers in sharp focus with a tall, modern apartment building blurred in the background, set against a partly cloudy blue sky and green trees.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-808293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01197-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01197-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01197-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01197-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01197-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01162-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A rusty, blue-green metal gear shift sits on a bed of coffee beans, arranged inside a bicycle chainring on a carved wooden surface. Blurred background includes a can, a bike image, and other colorful objects.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-808289\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01162-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01162-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01162-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01162-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01162-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Sigma also handles flare very well. There is a little bit of bleed from bright light sources, but contrast is well maintained. I didn\u2019t notice any issues with ghosting at all, even at tighter apertures. The sun stars also look quite dramatic, with clean star shapes and long, well-defined points. I think any photographer looking to shoot sunny landscapes, city night lights, and architectural interiors will enjoy the results from this little lens.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_808291\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-808291\" style=\"width: 533px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01173-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A vibrant mural of a child's face with spiky hair is painted on a building wall, with a bright sunburst overhead and a modern high-rise in the background under a partly cloudy sky.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-808291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01173-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01173-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01173-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01173-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01173-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-808291\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Flare is well-controlled, and the sunstars are dramatic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01211-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"View looking up at a blue sky with clouds, framed by leafy branches, two modern buildings, and a large yellow &quot;CENTRAL&quot; sign above an outdoor area.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-808295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01211-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01211-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01211-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01211-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01211-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01177-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A black-and-white photo of a tall building framed by leafy trees, with sunlight shining through the branches, and a streetlamp in the foreground.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-808292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01177-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01177-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01177-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01177-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01177-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The appearance of longitudinal chromatic aberrations, otherwise known as LoCA, was very minimal. There are some slight color casts in front of and behind the point of focus, but nothing that was distracting or difficult to deal with. Even shooting close-ups of text or details, I noticed only slight color shifts. Speaking of close-up photography, the ultra-wide nature of this lens allows for some pretty macro-like shots. The working distance is terrible, of course, so it can be a challenge to keep your own shadow off the subject, but the lens is very sharp at minimum distance. You can achieve some dramatic-looking close-ups with the background way off in the distance.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_808290\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-808290\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01164-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of an old, sepia-toned technical drawing showing detailed diagrams of a vintage bicycle, including wheels, frame, and mechanical parts, with numbered labels and annotations.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-808290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01164-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01164-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01164-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01164-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01164-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01164-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01164-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-808290\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I didn\u2019t notice any major LoCA issues.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01158-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A collection of colorful vintage skis is lined up against a wall behind a brown patterned sofa, next to a window with sheer floral curtains and green drapes. Sunlight streams in, casting shadows on the curtain.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-808288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01158-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01158-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01158-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01158-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01158-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01158-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01158-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01136-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Black and white photo showing high-rise buildings reflected in glass. The words &quot;31 SOHO TATTOO&quot; appear on the glass, with a round ceiling light above and a cloudy sky in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-808285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01136-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01136-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01136-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01136-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01136-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01136-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01136-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>This is a truly sharp lens as well, with excellent detail in the center of the images at f\/1.4. There is a little loss of contrast, but this goes away when you stop the lens down slightly. Corners are also surprisingly good, with some vignetting but nice detail at the widest apertures. Stopping the lens down slightly helps to sharpen the whole frame, but I was very pleased with the look of my shots at any chosen aperture. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_808470\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-808470\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Center-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison of two camera test charts with grayscale bars, color swatches, circular patterns, and currency details, labeled &quot;f\/1.4&quot; on the left and &quot;f\/4&quot; on the right.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-808470\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Center-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Center-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Center-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Center-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-808470\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The center detail is excellent without needing to go to a tighter aperture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_808471\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-808471\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Corner-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Comparison image showing a Canadian one-dollar bill and a focus chart viewed through a lens at f\/1.4 (left) and f\/4 (right); focus and sharpness improve noticeably at f\/4.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-808471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Corner-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Corner-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Corner-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sigma-12mm-Corner-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-808471\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Corners have some vignetting, but the detail is still good.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_808297\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-808297\" style=\"width: 533px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01214-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"Bright pink flowers in a garden bed with green leaves, set against a background of tall, modern buildings and a blue sky.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-808297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01214-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01214-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01214-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01214-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01214-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-808297\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I love the up-close sharpness and the consistency from corner to edge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01212-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A vibrant garden with pink and purple flowers in the foreground, a statue in the center, and modern blue buildings and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-808296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01212-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01212-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01212-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01212-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01212-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01151-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A low-angle view of a street signpost in front of tall buildings, including a red and white tower, against a cloudy sky. The perspective emphasizes the height of the signpost and surrounding architecture.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-808286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01151-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01151-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01151-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01151-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC01151-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A lot of cinematographers will appreciate this lightweight lens for handheld vlogging purposes or as a compact prime for gimbal usage. The lens breathing is minimal, meaning that your field of view changes only slightly when focusing the lens. If you are looking for an ultra-wide field of view, with a bright aperture, and ideal coverage for APS-C video cameras or super 35mm mode on full-frame bodies, this is a darling little piece of glass.<\/p>\n<h2>Sigma 12mm f\/1.4 DC Contemporary Review: Good Things in Small Packages<\/h2>\n<p>This is an absolute gem of a lens, and it leaves me with almost nothing to complain about. You really get a complete package with few issues to speak of. Frankly, there aren\u2019t a lot of alternatives either. You can find plenty of lenses that go this wide, but they\u2019re usually of a slower aperture. The $629 Sigma 12mm f\/1.4 Contemporary is providing plenty of light without any nasty compromises, and it is filling a role that sorely needs filling.<\/p>\n<h3>Are There Alternatives?<\/h3>\n<p>The choices are few, especially in X mount or RF mount. Sony makes a nice 11mm lens, but it has a slower f\/1.8 aperture. Viltrox does offer a 13mm lens with a similar f\/1.4 aperture for a similar price, and would be well worth a look, too.<\/p>\n<p> <center><br \/><\/center> <\/p>\n<h3>Should You Buy It?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. This Sigma ultra-wide is cheap and cheerful, with no real shortcomings to speak of. <\/p>\n<p> <center\/>\n      <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The industry desperately needs more lens support for APS-C cameras and it often feels like a neglected market. Full frame is clearly the favored child when it comes to the camera game, but I happen to love smaller sensor cameras, which give a great mixture of compactness and quality. Sigma is on a roll, making [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20191,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DSC_6297-800x533.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-20190","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20190","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=20190"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20190\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/20191"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20190"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20190"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20190"},{"taxonomy":"offerexpiration","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fofferexpiration&post=20190"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}