{"id":20215,"date":"2025-09-27T19:13:31","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T19:13:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/?p=20215"},"modified":"2025-09-27T19:13:31","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T19:13:31","slug":"sigma-35mm-f-1-2-dg-art-ii-review-compact-lightweight-and-ultra-fast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/?p=20215","title":{"rendered":"Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 DG Art II Review: Compact, Lightweight, and Ultra-Fast"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"fluid-iframe\" style=\"max-width: 800px;\">\n<p><iframe title=\"Sigma&#039;s New 35mm f\/1.2 is the OPPOSITE of What I Expected!\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SF6Swa5ID7A?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>35mm has long been one of my favorite focal lengths, so it\u2019s odd that I never had the chance to use the original <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2019\/08\/19\/review-sigma-35mm-f-1-2-art-for-sony-fe-sigmas-fastest-lens-ever\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 DG Art<\/a> as it would be right in my wheelhouse. Fortunately, when Sigma launched the second version of this optic in both E-Mount and L-Mount, I had a chance to make up for this omission. <!--more--><\/p>\n<p>The Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 DG Art II boasts a reduced size and weight while including all the latest professional features, so I set out on the streets of Calgary to see how it would do.<\/p>\n<p> <center\/> <\/p>\n<h2>Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 DG Art II Review: How It Feels<\/h2>\n<p>The first thing you notice about this lens is the weight. Reduced from 910g down to 745g, the latest version feels downright petite compared to the other 35mm f\/1.2 lenses I\u2019ve tested from Nikon and Viltrox. It didn\u2019t feel unbalanced on the small Sony a7R V I used without an attached grip. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817762\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817762\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" data-perfmatters-preload=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6494-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 camera lens is lying on its side on a grid-patterned surface, with a black background. The lens markings and textured grip are clearly visible.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6494-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6494-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6494-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6494-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6494-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6494-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6494.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817762\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 DG Art II is significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Despite that, this lens still maintains the excellent build quality I expect from an Art series lens. The focus ring is well-damped, an aperture ring is present, the mount is weather-sealed, and the included hood is well-made with a clicking lock.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817763\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817763\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6498-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up view of the metal lens mount and glass elements of a camera lens, positioned at an angle against a dark, blurred background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6498-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6498-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6498-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6498-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6498-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6498-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6498.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817763\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The lens is weather sealed and built to Sigma\u2019s high standards<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In terms of controls, there is a manual focus selector switch, a custom button, a toggle switch for having smooth motion or click stops on the aperture ring, and a switch to lock the aperture into auto mode. The filter diameter is a very common 72mm diameter, a nice change from the more expensive 82mm filters that its precursor required. It\u2019s truly full-featured and feels like a premium optic in the hand.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817761\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817761\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6487-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a black camera lens showing buttons labeled &quot;AFL,&quot; &quot;CLICK OFF\/ON,&quot; and focus settings, with textured grip details and &quot;MADE IN JAPAN&quot; visible on the lens barrel.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817761\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6487-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6487-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6487-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6487-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6487-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6487-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6487.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817761\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Videographers will appreciate the de-clickable aperture and minimal focus breathing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6485-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a black camera lens showing the focus ring, aperture markings (35mm 1:1.2), and a circular emblem with the letter &quot;A&quot; on it.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-817760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6485-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6485-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6485-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6485-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6485-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6485-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6485.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<h2>Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 DG Art II Review: How It Shoots<\/h2>\n<p>Unlike the original version, this lens now sports Sigma\u2019s latest linear motor, which allows the lens to jump almost instantly from minimum focus to infinity. While I doubt this lens will often be used for sports or wildlife work, the f\/1.2 aperture requires incredible precision to consistently hit focus, something this new motor delivers.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817758\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817758\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-In-Hand-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"A man crouches on a paved park path, taking a photo of a white dog on a leash. The dog stands alert, facing the camera. Trees, benches, and people are visible in the background on a sunny day.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817758\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-In-Hand-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-In-Hand-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-In-Hand-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-In-Hand.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817758\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The fast linear focus motor can keep up with the most skittish subjects.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00228-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A tilted &quot;One Way&quot; sign and a &quot;No Parking&quot; sign are attached to a tall metal fence at night. Two people walk behind the fence near a building, and the ground is rough with dirt and rocks.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-817752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00228-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00228-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00228-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00228-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00228.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Longitudinal chromatic aberrations, or LoCA, are often present in very fast aperture primes. This is where a color shift can be seen between the background and foreground areas. It\u2019s quite distracting and, unfortunately, quite difficult to remove in editing. While not terrible, I did find that these color shifts could occur on this lens when shooting wide open. If you have a lot of high-contrast foreground and background elements, it\u2019s worth stopping the lens down to even f\/1.8 to minimize this effect.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00159-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A white dog with light brown eyes and a pink nose stands outdoors on a leash, looking to the right. The background is blurred with green trees and hints of buildings and people.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-817746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00159-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00159-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00159-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00159-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00159-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00159-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00159.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>When shooting at bright light sources, some minor flare can be observed. While the image retains contrast very well in these situations, there are some issues with ghosting. You will find small blobs of light that are slightly visible at f\/1.2 and become more defined upon stopping down. Overall, flare will rarely be an issue, but it\u2019s worth checking to make sure ghosting is not impacting any important parts of your composition.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817751\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817751\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00214-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A man with short hair and a beard stands outdoors at night with his arms crossed, wearing a light patterned shirt. Blurred streetlights and trees appear in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00214-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00214-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00214-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00214-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00214-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00214-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00214.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817751\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Night portraits are very possible thanks to the f\/1.2 aperture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817750\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817750\" style=\"width: 533px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00206-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"Black and white photo of a person with long hair sitting at a table in low light, arms crossed, wearing a striped shirt. A single overhead light casts shadows, leaving the person's face mostly in silhouette.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00206-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00206-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00206-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00206-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00206.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817750\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nothing like a fast prime for moody indoor portraits.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00203-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A woman in a blue patterned dress stands outdoors in a grassy field, smiling softly at the camera with sunlight illuminating her and a blurred landscape in the background.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-817749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00203-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00203-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00203-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00203-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00203.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>One reason many photographers will be looking at this lens is for the shallow depth of field it makes possible. Because of that, the appearance of the bokeh, or out-of-focus areas, is very important. The Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 DG Art II boasts lovely bokeh, with extremely smooth transitions from the in-focus to out-of-focus areas. Specular highlights are smooth, with no soap bubble effect and minimal onion rings. The only possible complaint is that cat\u2019s eye or oval specular highlights will be visible toward the edges of the frame until the lens has been stopped down significantly to even f\/2.8. But cats-eye does not bother me, so I loved the look I could achieve shooting subjects close, wide open.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817745\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817745\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00152-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of tree branches wrapped with green wires and small yellow string lights, with a blurred background showing hints of cars and buildings.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817745\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00152-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00152-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00152-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00152-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00152-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00152-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00152.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817745\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Specular highlights are clean, but you\u2019d better like cat\u2019s eye bokeh.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00151-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of vibrant purple petunias in bloom, with some wilted flowers among them. The background is blurred, featuring soft red and green tones, suggesting an outdoor setting with sunlight.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-817744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00151-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00151-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00151-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00151-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00151-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00151-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00151.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>As I am frequently shooting video, I wanted to see how the breathing performance was on this lens. Breathing is where the field of view shifts depending on your focus distance. Substantial breathing can be very distracting when pulling focus while recording video. Fortunately, while there is a slight change in the field of view when shifting focus dramatically, it is very well controlled and would rarely be noticed in a conventional focus pull. This, along with the small size and fast focus, makes this lens a great choice for videographers and cinematographers.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817742\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817742\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00145-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Sunlight shines through the green leaves of a tree, creating a lens flare and bright rays. The branches and foliage fill the image, suggesting a sunny and vibrant day.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00145-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00145-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00145-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00145-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00145-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00145-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00145.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817742\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ghosting is particularly noticeable when stopped down.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00163-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A bronze bust of Jos\u00e9 Mar\u00eda Morelos y Pav\u00f3n on a stone pedestal with a plaque, set outdoors on a grassy area, with trees, parked cars, and buildings visible in the background.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-817747\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00163-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00163-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00163-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00163-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00163.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>While I had never used the original Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 DG Art, I was aware of its reputation for requiring a bit of stopping down for maximum sharpness and contrast. Upon looking at our test charts, I was extremely impressed with central performance. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817755\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817755\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-Center-Sharpness-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison of two camera test charts, labeled f\/1.2 (left) and f\/2.8 (right), featuring color bars, grayscale, resolution patterns, and images of a woman and currency.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-Center-Sharpness-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-Center-Sharpness-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-Center-Sharpness-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-Center-Sharpness.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817755\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There is incredible detail in the center, even wide open. Stopping down slightly improves contrast, but there are no benefits to resolution<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The middle of the frame is extremely sharp and contrasty even at f\/1.2. Stopping down to f\/2.8 marginally improves contrast, but it is certainly not required. Looking at extreme corners, there is some softness wide open, but by f\/2.8, the frame is sharp from center to corner. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817756\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817756\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-Corner-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"A Canadian one-dollar bill, a black triangle, a sharpness test chart, and a LUMIX focus chart are shown in two side-by-side images labeled f\/1.2 (left) and f\/2.8 (right) for lens comparison.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-Corner-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-Corner-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-Corner-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sigma-35mm-Corner.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817756\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Corners require some stopping down to achieve maximum sharpness and contrast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This is particularly impressive as the a7R V\u2019s 60MP sensor is extremely demanding, and the lens could easily deliver results to make the best of that resolution. <\/p>\n<h2>Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 DG Art II Review: Great Images From A Small Package<\/h2>\n<p>A 35mm f\/1,2 is not the kind of lens I\u2019d typically think of bringing with me all day, but this new lens from Sigma makes a compelling case for doing just that. I love the look of a moderate wide-angle with shallow depth of field, and the Sigma can truly deliver some unique images. The improvements to the AF performance mean you will be rewarded with more keepers, especially for candid portraits, and the lens feels like a luxury optic. While size and weight are not a major concern with this lens, price might be. <\/p>\n<p>Coming in at $1,550, it is more affordable than Nikon\u2019s offering but considerably more expensive than the recent and <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2025\/04\/16\/viltrox-35mm-f-1-2-lab-review-another-budget-winner\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">very impressive Viltrox 35mm f\/1.2<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_817743\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-817743\" style=\"width: 533px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00146-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"A man walks past the entrance of a modern building labeled &quot;Drake&quot; at 1500, with bike racks, a scooter, and a motorcycle parked outside on a sunny day.\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-817743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00146-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00146-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00146-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00146-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/DSC00146.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-817743\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">35mm is a classic street photography focal length for good reason.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Are There Alternatives?<\/h3>\n<p>In L-Mount, the only alternative is the previous version from Sigma. This update is the same price, but smaller, lighter, faster, and sharper wide open. Unless you can find a killer deal on the original, version II is the way to go.<\/p>\n<p>In E-Mount, the $1,600 Sony 35mm f\/1.4 G Master is the closest first-party competitor. While it is also compact and outstanding optically, it is not that it is two-thirds of a stop slower. <\/p>\n<p> <center\/> <\/p>\n<p>More directly competitive is Viltrox\u2019s excellent, but bulky, 35mm f\/1.2 LAB lens. It offers noticeably better corners wide open and is far less expensive. However, it\u2019s 350g heavier, substantially larger, and with a very finicky aperture ring. Sigma\u2019s latest offers a better shooting experience, but the Viltrox is capable of seriously impressive images if you don\u2019t mind dragging it around.<\/p>\n<p> <center\/> <\/p>\n<h3>Should You Buy It?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, if you want a 35mm capable of incredible subject isolation in a relatively small package, the Sigma is the best choice out there. Hitting the streets and looking for unique images is a pleasure, not a burden, thanks to Sigma\u2019s latest technology.<\/p>\n<p> <center\/>      <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>35mm has long been one of my favorite focal lengths, so it\u2019s odd that I never had the chance to use the original Sigma 35mm f\/1.2 DG Art as it would be right in my wheelhouse. Fortunately, when Sigma launched the second version of this optic in both E-Mount and L-Mount, I had a chance [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20216,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/09\/untitled-6494-800x533.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-20215","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\/20215","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=20215"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20215\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/20216"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20215"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20215"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20215"},{"taxonomy":"offerexpiration","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fofferexpiration&post=20215"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}