Sigma 35mm f1.4 review HSM Lens

Sigma announced the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM lens in Photokina 2012. This lens has 35mm focal length with maximum aperture F1.4, minimum F16. Hypersonic Motor (HSM) drive the focusing with full-time manual override. The closest focus is 0.3m. It is available for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony mounts.

 

Sigma 35mm F1.4 HSM Lens

Preview/Hands On

 

 

The features of the lens are summarized as follows:

• Aperture Range: f/1.4-16
• Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM)
• Floating Internal Focus System
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 11.8"
• Anti-Flare Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Special & "F" Low Dispersion Elements
• Front Filter Thread Diameter: 67mm
• 9x Circular Aperture Blades
• Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

Rating

DxOmark rates this lens mount on a Canon 5D Mark III as "Excellent" with the following conclusion extracted from DxOmark website:
" It is clear that Sigma has done something very special with the 35mm f1.4 DG HSM A, they have produced a lens that performs better than Canon’s own 35mm lenses and better than a Carl Zeiss 35mm f1.4. When an independent manufacturer’s lenses can do this, it must make the customers think carefully about their buying decisions. It is also good to see a manufacturer recognise the demand for optics that provide pleasing bokeh and to address this specifically.
There are really only two contenders where 35mm lenses for Canon are concerned. If you want the best then Sigma is the choice for you and if you want a bargain, then Canon’s EF 35mm f2, launched in 1990 could be a good alternative."

Specification Focal Length	35 mm
Aperture	Maximum: f/1.4 Minimum: f/16
Format Compatibility	35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor DSLR (APS-C Sensor)
Angle of View	63.4°
Minimum Focus Distance	11.81" (30.00 cm)
Maximum Reproduction Ratio	1:5.2
Groups/Elements	11/13
Diaphragm Blades	9

Image Stabilization	No
Autofocus	Yes

Filter Thread	Front: 67 mm
Dimensions (DxL)	Approx. 3.03 x 3.70" (7.70 x 9.40 cm)
Weight	23.46 oz (665 g)