Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E Summary

Arriving as the fifth prime ART lens redesigned for full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E mount delivers beautiful optical performance in a smaller and lighter body. With a classic 50mm focal length this compact lens is ideal for a range of subjects including portrait, wedding, street, landscape and family photography, as well as video recording.

The optical design renders even better results than the original Sigma lens, along with the addition of an aperture ring, AFL button and smoother bokeh thanks to an 11-bladed aperture design. As an Art series Sony mirrorless lens, the 50mm f/1.4 DG DN provides professional results with excellent handling for enthusiasts and professional photographers, with noticeably sharp results and well controlled image artefacts.

Key Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN | Art Lens Features

• All-new design exclusively for mirrorless cameras
• Outstanding optical performance from the latest optical design
• Low light excellence with ultra-wide f/1.4 aperture
• Nicely rounded bokeh with smooth defocus areas from 11-bladed aperture
• Newly developed ultra-fast HLA Autofocus motor compatible with high-speed Sony AF Assist
• Compact, robust design with a dust and splash-resistant structure
• Manual aperture ring with de-click switch
• Customisable AFL button and Focus Mode switch
• Super-smooth rubberised focus ring
• Minimised flare and ghosting

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E in More Detail

Outstanding optical performance

This new full-frame mirrorless lens delivers even sharper results across the frame, particularly towards the edges, than the existing SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art which is known for being one of the highest-performing standard zooms on the market.

In order to achieve this, the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art employs the latest optical technology, with 14 elements in 11 groups. This formula includes one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) element and three aspherical elements. These deliver significant improvements to sagittal coma flare whilst effectively suppressing aberrations including astigmatism and field curvature, which cannot be corrected digitally. Even when working wide-open at F1.4, photographers can be assured of razor-sharp edge-to-edge results.

Low light mastery

The 50mm standard prime lens boasts an ultra-wide f/1.4 aperture, making it ideal for low-light photography and interior shoots, which can include concerts, interiors and weddings. It also renders an extremely shallow depth-of-field with high background blur, which is perfect for creating portraits which pop. The bokeh is smooth and attractive with nicely rounded bokeh balls, thanks to the lens’s 11 diaphragm blades.

Sigma’s latest ultra-fast AF motor

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens is the first mirrorless Art lens to incorporate Sigma’s new HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) autofocus motor technology. This delivers fast, accurate and near-silent focusing, with exceptionally fast tracking performance, despite an ultra-wide aperture. Sigma’s optical engineers were able to use a single double-sided aspherical element as the focusing lens, due to the power of the new HLA motor. This has delivered autofocus and optical design benefits, which is faster in every way.

Compact and robust build quality

During its development, every effort was made to reduce the thickness of the 50mm F1.4 DG DN lens barrel by reducing the weight of the focus lens and optimising the layout. This allowed Sigma to create a compact and lightweight design, weighing just 670g, which feels well-balanced when mounted on full-frame mirrorless cameras. The superb build quality meets the high standards expected from a Sigma Art line lens, whilst simultaneously complementing the high optical performance.

Designed for outdoor use

The 50mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is suitable for use in difficult shooting conditions, thanks to a dust and splash-resistant structure, rubber seal around the E-mount and a water and oil repellent front-element coating. The outer barrel is constructed of TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), which has a similar thermal expansion rate to aluminium. This means the metal inner barrel and the TSC outer barrel behave in a similar way as temperatures change, ensuring a consistent performance in all environments. Both materials are very light, with the lens weighing just 670g.

As with all Sigma lenses, the 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is crafted using cutting-edge manufacturing technology at Sigma’s factory in Aizu in Japan. Every single lens is evaluated with a proprietary MTF measuring system before leaving the factory, ensuring consistently excellent products that photographers can rely on.

Professional ergonomics

Aside from a manual aperture ring, with Click switch, the lens barrel is equipped with a range of useful functions. Having a de-clickable aperture allows users to switch between stepped, third-stop increments and a smooth, click-free action. This is useful for videographers who need to adjust the aperture silently while filming. The aperture ring can also be locked with lock switch. The lens also features a customisable AFL button, which can be programmed to control a variety of different functions (depending on camera model).

You’ll also find a Focus Mode switch, rubberised focus ring with a smooth, fluid-like movement and a robust, petal-type lens hood with lock button to support professional workflows. The hood also has a rubberised grip for easy attachment and removal.

Other features

• Internal focus system
• Compatible with high-speed autofocus
• Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction

• Support for DMF and AF+MF
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Water- and oil-repellent coating (front element)
• AFL Button

• Aperture Ring
• Aperture Ring De-click Switch
• Aperture Ring Lock Switch
• Focus Mode switch
• Designed to minimise flare and ghosting
• High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
• ‘Made in Japan’ craftsmanship
• Every single lens is evaluated with Sigma’s proprietary MTF measuring system

What’s in the box

• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E Mount
• Case
• Petal Type Hood with lock (LH782-02)
• Front Cap (LCF-72 III)
• Rear Cap (LCR II)

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E Specifications

Sample images

Maike Wittreck. Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens mounted on Sony A7R IV. Camera settings: 1/160 sec. f/1.6. ISO 100

Elliot Aubin. Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens mounted on Sony A7 III. Camera settings: 1/800 sec. f/1.4. ISO 200

Etsuko Aimu. Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens mounted on Sigma Fp L. Camera settings: 1/2000 sec. f/1.4. ISO 100