Sigma redesigns classic 35mm f/1.4 Art lens for E and L mounts

Sigma’s new 35mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art lens, shown without end caps and lens hood. (Source: Sigma.)

The new 35mm f/1.4 has been totally redesigned to take advantage of the short back focus and wide mount of mirrorless cameras and is made in Sigma’s factory in Aizu in Japan. Small and light enough to feel well-balanced on a mirrorless camera body, it boasts an array of professional features including ultra-fast AF, a de-clickable and lockable aperture ring and a customisable AFL button. It is ideal for professional projects as well as for casual outings, and as well-suited to video as it is for shooting stills. The optical design (shown below) comprises 15 elements in 11 groups and includes two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements, an Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) element, an ‘F’ Low Dispersion (FLD) element and two aspherical elements, and as well as other high-performance glass.

The optical design of the 35mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art lens, showing the positions of the exotic glass elements. (Source: Sigma.)

Advanced optical construction and state-of-the-art optical design technology, minimises all types of aberration including axial chromatic aberration, which cannot be corrected in-camera. The lens is also able to control sagittal coma flare extremely well even wide open, stopping bright points of light from flaring out near the edges of the frame. This will be particularly appealing to night sky photographers. Eleven rounded diaphragm blades produce smooth bokeh, while to Sigma’s anti-ghosting and anti-flare technology ensure it performs very well in backlit conditions.

Autofocusing is driven by a stepping motor that controls a focusing lens group composed of a single, lightweight element, which makes it is responsive and quiet, and able to keep track of moving objects very effectively. Manual focusing is smooth and precise, but with the right amount of resistance for film-makers. The new lens is also dust and splash resistant and has a water and oil repellent coating on its front element to keep it free of grime. Click here for full details of the new lens.