Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Weighing in at 405g and measuring 9.23cm in length, the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN C is quite a compact lens given its fast f/1.4 aperture. As seen in the photos below, it complements a camera like the new Panasonic G9 very well. Edge sharpness is also creditable, being very good from f/1.4 to f/2.8, excellent at f/4 and f/5.6 and then very good at f/8 and f/11. Results are softer at the edges at f/16, but can still be described as good. Normal type. Protector is developed to protect the lens surface from dirt and dust as well as scratches. It is an ideal filter for regular use as it is completely colorless so does not affect color reproduction. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test. Focusing is down to 0.25m, or 0.82 feet. This gives a maximum magnification of 1:9.9, which is about what would be expected of a traditional 35mm or so wide standard lens.
In summary, an excellent overall performance and a very fine lens, living up to its claim to be almost on a par with the Sigma Art range. In this review, we’ll go over anything and everything you’ll ever need to know about this legendary wide angle. As I expected, the out-of-focus area had a nice creamy feel. Please take note, you Micro Four Thirds naysayers, this is smooth, creamy bokeh and a shallow depth of field achieved with a wide-angle lens! Did the Images Stand Up to Inspection?I shoot with a wrist strap and was able to handhold & carry my setup around for a while without any hand fatigue. French photographer Pierre-Emmanuel Delétrée talks about his impression on the SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary, 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary and 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary for Nikon Z mount cameras and his life being a photograher. In addition, a Behind the Scenes video of his visit in SIGMA’s Aizu factory is available as well. Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners!
The blue column represents readings from the centre of the picture frame at the various apertures and the green is from the edges. Couple that with the fact there are virtually no faults besides distortion and you’ve got yourself an optically near-perfect lens. So sharpness is absolutely bonkers, but what about any optical quirks and flaws like distortion, CA, vignette, or flaring? Moderate Distortion Still, the Rokinon can be a solid choice if you enjoy manual and want to save a lot of money (oh, and it’s the best lens for astro like I mentioned earlier). In any case, the Sigma 16mm F1.4 is an absolute legend of a lens. Conclusion
Sharing its development concept with the SIGMA 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary, the 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary features a lens structure with 16 elements in 13 groups and includes the finest materials. This lens effectively minimizes optical aberrations and offers superb resolution at wide-open aperture and throughout the aperture range. The optical design and stepping motor deliver smooth autofocus during video shooting, while the mount features a special sealing for a dust- and splash-proof design. Size-wise, it measures a fairly long 3.63in (9.2cm) and it even gains an extra 1.5in (4cm) when the lens hood is attached. The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN | C is available in EOS M mount, Sony E mount and Micro Four Thirds mount (Image credit: Matthew Richards)
This is a super lens. It’s a well-made bit of equipment, pleasant to use, and the photos taken with it look good. f/1.4 is fast. The images from it across the range of apertures are usable, but there is a substantial difference in sharpness across that range, and I had hoped that wide open, it would have been sharper. Unfortunately, none of the lenses in Sigma’s trio offer stabilization which is rather unfortunate for video users.
Get the latest photography news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter. Newsletter Signup
Great Deal 
New Comment