Finally somebody giving HONEST feedback on gear!! Kudos Alex for your honest review. It’s almost like people are afraid to admit how good Sigma lenses are just bc they’re sponsored by other brands
Agree Leica an Sigma are a great combo! Especially because the Leica body is a bit heavy, lighter Sigma lenses (compared to Leica equivalents) are super interesting! Looking forward to more future comparisons!
Hi Alex, great review and I totally agree. I’ve tried this lens with both the SL2 and the S1R and its a great combo with both. You should also have a look at the 85/1.4 DG DN. Similar qualities. As a Leica user I must say this lens is superior value for money compared to the APOs. However, on a 47MP body the difference is a bit bigger in favor of the APO than with the SL2-S at 24MP. You pay a lot extra for the addition 10% performance though. For every S5/S1/S1R owner this is easily the best 35mm choice. It balances beautiful with the larger bodies of the S1(R)s. Leica owners will have to overcome some pride issues perhaps, but combine this with a pre-owned SL or SL2(-S) and you have a stellar set at a reasonable price.
Hi Jacob. May I ask you? How is the color tone and 3D look of image from Sigma lens? From you experience, is it comparable to image from Leica lens? I am new user of SL2-S. Currently I use SL2-S with Leica M lenses. But I am considering to get auto focus lens as my eyes are getting older. I would appreciate for your advice.
@@thanyawong Hi Peter, when you use an SL2 or SL2-S you’ve probably noticed that the raw colors are a bit more neutral than most other brands (esp. Sony and Fuji). You get more nuances in soft colors and its easier to color grade the DNG files. Even compared to other Leica cameras such as the M10-range (generally a bit warmer and saturated colors). The M11 is again closer to the SL-range. Lenses have only limited impact on that. White Balance and the HSL slider have a far greater impact. The Sigma lenses generally are a tiny bit warmer compared to the APOs. More towards the orange/yellow. For most people that’s not displeasing and it’s only nuances. A casual viewer will probably only see it in a side-by-side comparison and the effects of post processing can fully undo that if needed. Where the APOs shine is in absolute corner-to-corner sharpness, lack of any form of chromatic aberration (esp. longitudinal - the green/purple color fringing) and how they maintain contrast even in the focus transition zone (from in-to-out of focus). That creates this 3D effect. Bokeh of the APOs is beautifully smooth. However, this is mainly up to f4-5.6. Beyond that you’ll notice little difference with the Sigma lenses (esp. the Art series). The downside of the APOs is that, next to the cost, their optical perfection can look a bit clinical. If you e.g. compare the 50 APO-SL with the 50 Summilux-SL or a Summilux-M you’ll notice that the APOs are optically better, but the Lux creates this beautiful smooth and very soft bokeh from f1.4 to f2.8. Beyond that they come closer to the APOs, but they will never reach that level of sharpness and contrast. The Sigmas are more of a compromise. Not as buttery, wide open as the Summilux lenses, not as clinically sharp and perfect as the APOs. When you consider the price though, the Sigmas are a bargain. Well-made, sharp, nice bokeh with good focus transitions, pleasing colors and all below $1,000. When you are very discerning you will see the slightly better performance of the APOs, but only you can decide whether that’s worth 5x the price (or 3.5x when you consider pre-owned). To give you a bit of a clue: I’m a professional fashion and beauty photographer using a/o an SL2. For beauty portraits, I often use the 50 Summilux-SL and the Sigma 85/1.4 DG DN. The APOs can be so sharp, that the retouchers have double the work to fix all the finest skin blemishes. That’s for portraits. For architecture and landscape my choice might be different. Just as long as you know that the differences are nuances and not worlds-apart…
Nice review! Please take a look at the Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg DN. The 35 and 85 combo made me switch from the R5 and rf 50mm 1.2. Just the sheer value and performance you get out of these two lenses, it's outstanding!
Great Review! I personally had the same issues when pairing the Sigma 35 1.4 ART to a Nikon DSRL(D750). It was either front focusing or back focusing all the time. However, I bought the Sigma 50 1.4 ART and it was absolutely tack sharp on my D750. I have since switched over to the Nikon Mirrorless Systems. I own multiple Sigma lenses and all of them are absolutely tack sharp with the mirrorless camera. I own the 35 1.4 ART , 50 1.4 ART , 105 1.4 ART. I used to own the 24-35 F2 ART. The one 105 is my absolutely favorite lens from Sigma. You should do a review on that lens.
Thanks for this ! I need a solution for a Summilux lens on my SL2-S. I tried using the M mount pre FLE and didn't really like it for the price . You have now created GAS.
From the reviews for this lens on Sony it seemed that the 35mm f1.2 Art is even better but of course its larger and heavier. The other 3 “special” lenses that Sigma has released recently would be 65mm f2 I series 85mm f1.4 Art 105mm f2.8 Macro Art
the sigma art lens on the nikon dslr was a common problem, users were complaining about the focus being off and that's why they made the lens dock in hope to fix the issue. some claim that it worked flawless after using the the dock, some claim it didnt work. for me it worked some but would be off again. canon didnt have that problem though, it was just nikon. nice review on sigma lens on the sl2. I believe it's a good alternative option to the leica lens.
Nice review. Do you still like it? I have the 85mm 1.4 art and I really like it. After listening to your recommendation I ordered the 35mm f1.4. Thank you. 🙏
Great review Alex I have an Leica Sl2-s and upto now been using manual focus M lenses extremely happy However I want to have a 35mm autofocus lens in my bag as going to Vietnam soon 35mm is my favourite focal length. My Q is, taking out the APO Leica, regardless of price will this be the best 35mm for street. landscape and portrait Vietnam photos thanks again
You are the second reviewer (whose reviews i respect) who has gone GaGa about this lens for both quality and image character. Makes me want to give it a try. Have you tried it on a Sony to compare results across those two cameras’ sensors? Craig
Great video as always! Have you tried the Panasonic/Lumix lenses?. I’ve been trying to find a 35mm that I really like, the Lumix 50mm 1.8 is my favourit L-mount lens so far. As a former Canon shooter I like it way better then the RF50mm 1.8 and I even prefer it to the RF50mm 1.2 and Lumix 50mm 1.4(Not amazing enough compared to the small Lumix 50mm 1.8). I love 35mm and I wish I would have been as blown away with the Lumix 35 as with their ”nifty fifty”, Very few comparison videos with the Lumix 35mm 1.8, I think I prefered the Canon EF35mm 1.4ii and the RF35mm 1.8 with the EOS R. Anyways.. your video made me consider selling my Leica Q and the Lumix 35 to buy Sigma glass for the S5. I was hoping you would pick up the Lumix 35 and make a video first 😂
I've shot with this lens now extensively on the Panasonic S5, along with the 85mm 1.4 DG DN, and not sure if its the sensor or the lenses, but i see something strange in the highlights that i've never seen on Canon or Nikon sensors. In bright light, the highlights are just burnt, hard to adjust in post. Also the images look a bit flatter, not as 3 dimensional as i'm used to from Canon. Please let us know if you noticed the same or similar issues.
I just got Leica SL2-S after watching your last video about your first impression with the camera. Here is my first question. In term of color science and 3D look, is Sigma different from Leica APO 35mm at both F2 ? Looking only color from both lenses, can you tell the difference? And one more question, what is your recommendation for telephoto portrait lens for SL2-S? I appreciate for your advice.
So Leica claimed they made the apo so amazingly well, the f2 renders like f1.4 so there is no reason to make the f1.4. So based on this video, that is a lie? 😜
There was comparison of an 85mm sigma dg dn 1.4 vs 90mm apo summicron 2.0. It isn't completely true that the apo will replace a true 1.4 but the performance of the apo surpasses the sigma 1.4 by a mile in terms of sharpness, rendering and colours (ignoring weathersealing, durability, etc.). however, the f2 depth of field of the summicron vs the f1.4 depth of field of the sigma art will not be replaceable, the 1.4 will provide more bokeh / falloff
Finally somebody giving HONEST feedback on gear!! Kudos Alex for your honest review. It’s almost like people are afraid to admit how good Sigma lenses are just bc they’re sponsored by other brands
Agree Leica an Sigma are a great combo! Especially because the Leica body is a bit heavy, lighter Sigma lenses (compared to Leica equivalents) are super interesting! Looking forward to more future comparisons!
Hi Alex, great review and I totally agree. I’ve tried this lens with both the SL2 and the S1R and its a great combo with both. You should also have a look at the 85/1.4 DG DN. Similar qualities. As a Leica user I must say this lens is superior value for money compared to the APOs. However, on a 47MP body the difference is a bit bigger in favor of the APO than with the SL2-S at 24MP. You pay a lot extra for the addition 10% performance though. For every S5/S1/S1R owner this is easily the best 35mm choice. It balances beautiful with the larger bodies of the S1(R)s. Leica owners will have to overcome some pride issues perhaps, but combine this with a pre-owned SL or SL2(-S) and you have a stellar set at a reasonable price.
Hi Jacob. May I ask you? How is the color tone and 3D look of image from Sigma lens? From you experience, is it comparable to image from Leica lens? I am new user of SL2-S. Currently I use SL2-S with Leica M lenses. But I am considering to get auto focus lens as my eyes are getting older. I would appreciate for your advice.
@@thanyawong
Hi Peter, when you use an SL2 or SL2-S you’ve probably noticed that the raw colors are a bit more neutral than most other brands (esp. Sony and Fuji). You get more nuances in soft colors and its easier to color grade the DNG files. Even compared to other Leica cameras such as the M10-range (generally a bit warmer and saturated colors). The M11 is again closer to the SL-range. Lenses have only limited impact on that. White Balance and the HSL slider have a far greater impact.
The Sigma lenses generally are a tiny bit warmer compared to the APOs. More towards the orange/yellow. For most people that’s not displeasing and it’s only nuances. A casual viewer will probably only see it in a side-by-side comparison and the effects of post processing can fully undo that if needed.
Where the APOs shine is in absolute corner-to-corner sharpness, lack of any form of chromatic aberration (esp. longitudinal - the green/purple color fringing) and how they maintain contrast even in the focus transition zone (from in-to-out of focus). That creates this 3D effect. Bokeh of the APOs is beautifully smooth. However, this is mainly up to f4-5.6. Beyond that you’ll notice little difference with the Sigma lenses (esp. the Art series).
The downside of the APOs is that, next to the cost, their optical perfection can look a bit clinical. If you e.g. compare the 50 APO-SL with the 50 Summilux-SL or a Summilux-M you’ll notice that the APOs are optically better, but the Lux creates this beautiful smooth and very soft bokeh from f1.4 to f2.8. Beyond that they come closer to the APOs, but they will never reach that level of sharpness and contrast.
The Sigmas are more of a compromise. Not as buttery, wide open as the Summilux lenses, not as clinically sharp and perfect as the APOs. When you consider the price though, the Sigmas are a bargain. Well-made, sharp, nice bokeh with good focus transitions, pleasing colors and all below $1,000. When you are very discerning you will see the slightly better performance of the APOs, but only you can decide whether that’s worth 5x the price (or 3.5x when you consider pre-owned).
To give you a bit of a clue: I’m a professional fashion and beauty photographer using a/o an SL2. For beauty portraits, I often use the 50 Summilux-SL and the Sigma 85/1.4 DG DN. The APOs can be so sharp, that the retouchers have double the work to fix all the finest skin blemishes. That’s for portraits. For architecture and landscape my choice might be different. Just as long as you know that the differences are nuances and not worlds-apart…
@@jacobh5817 I really appreciate for your kind detailed answer. 👍
Nice review! Please take a look at the Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg DN. The 35 and 85 combo made me switch from the R5 and rf 50mm 1.2. Just the sheer value and performance you get out of these two lenses, it's outstanding!
That’s next on my list!
@@ABarrera yesir, thank you for all the work you put into this channel!
Great Review! I personally had the same issues when pairing the Sigma 35 1.4 ART to a Nikon DSRL(D750). It was either front focusing or back focusing all the time. However, I bought the Sigma 50 1.4 ART and it was absolutely tack sharp on my D750. I have since switched over to the Nikon Mirrorless Systems. I own multiple Sigma lenses and all of them are absolutely tack sharp with the mirrorless camera. I own the 35 1.4 ART , 50 1.4 ART , 105 1.4 ART. I used to own the 24-35 F2 ART. The one 105 is my absolutely favorite lens from Sigma. You should do a review on that lens.
Thanks for this ! I need a solution for a Summilux lens on my SL2-S. I tried using the M mount pre FLE and didn't really like it for the price . You have now created GAS.
From the reviews for this lens on Sony it seemed that the 35mm f1.2 Art is even better but of course its larger and heavier.
The other 3 “special” lenses that Sigma has released recently would be
65mm f2 I series
85mm f1.4 Art
105mm f2.8 Macro Art
The 85mm is next on my list
the sigma art lens on the nikon dslr was a common problem, users were complaining about the focus being off and that's why they made the lens dock in hope to fix the issue. some claim that it worked flawless after using the the dock, some claim it didnt work. for me it worked some but would be off again. canon didnt have that problem though, it was just nikon.
nice review on sigma lens on the sl2. I believe it's a good alternative option to the leica lens.
Thank you for this! I just ended up purchasing one for my S5!
Thank you for the review. I purchased Sigma 35 1.4.
Nice review. Do you still like it? I have the 85mm 1.4 art and I really like it. After listening to your recommendation I ordered the 35mm f1.4. Thank you. 🙏
Great review Alex I have an Leica Sl2-s and upto now been using manual focus M lenses extremely happy However I want to have a 35mm autofocus lens in my bag as going to Vietnam soon 35mm is my favourite focal length. My Q is, taking out the APO Leica, regardless of price will this be the best 35mm for street. landscape and portrait Vietnam photos thanks again
You are the second reviewer (whose reviews i respect) who has gone GaGa about this lens for both quality and image character. Makes me want to give it a try. Have you tried it on a Sony to compare results across those two cameras’ sensors? Craig
I have tried the Sony in a different occasion. I did not see a big enough difference to justify the increase in price over the Sigma.
Great video as always! Have you tried the Panasonic/Lumix lenses?. I’ve been trying to find a 35mm that I really like, the Lumix 50mm 1.8 is my favourit L-mount lens so far. As a former Canon shooter I like it way better then the RF50mm 1.8 and I even prefer it to the RF50mm 1.2 and Lumix 50mm 1.4(Not amazing enough compared to the small Lumix 50mm 1.8). I love 35mm and I wish I would have been as blown away with the Lumix 35 as with their ”nifty fifty”, Very few comparison videos with the Lumix 35mm 1.8, I think I prefered the Canon EF35mm 1.4ii and the RF35mm 1.8 with the EOS R. Anyways.. your video made me consider selling my Leica Q and the Lumix 35 to buy Sigma glass for the S5. I was hoping you would pick up the Lumix 35 and make a video first 😂
The L ART DG DN Lenses are incredible for the money.
Comparing sigma 35 f2 vs panasonic 35 1.8. Almost same price. Which is better? Video mostly 😊
Using Panasonic s5 II
I've shot with this lens now extensively on the Panasonic S5, along with the 85mm 1.4 DG DN, and not sure if its the sensor or the lenses, but i see something strange in the highlights that i've never seen on Canon or Nikon sensors. In bright light, the highlights are just burnt, hard to adjust in post. Also the images look a bit flatter, not as 3 dimensional as i'm used to from Canon. Please let us know if you noticed the same or similar issues.
Interesting! I am now using the same lens on Sony and loving the results. Tons of 3D pop at 1.4
Hey Alex,
If you had to choose between the Sigma 35 mm and 28-70 mm as an Allround Lens on a Sony A7 iii. What would you prefer?
Thank you 🙏🏼
28-70 is way more versatile
I just got Leica SL2-S after watching your last video about your first impression with the camera. Here is my first question. In term of color science and 3D look, is Sigma different from Leica APO 35mm at both F2 ? Looking only color from both lenses, can you tell the difference? And one more question, what is your recommendation for telephoto portrait lens for SL2-S? I appreciate for your advice.
I honestly think the Sigma is 90% there with the option to go to 1.4. The Sigma 85 1.4 is a killer lens or the 75mm APO.
@@ABarrera Thank you 😊
Any chance of actually putting the lens on the camera next time.
Thank you Alex! I hope I did not missed this , but how smaller is compared with the old sigma 35 art?
It is smaller I believe.
@@ABarrera thank you!
SL2-S review coming out?
hi Alex, do you try on Leica CL ? i want to buy it , but i m not sure , he is really good on my leica cl .thank you , jmarc france
Never tried it on a CL, I am sure it’s still great.
So Leica claimed they made the apo so amazingly well, the f2 renders like f1.4 so there is no reason to make the f1.4. So based on this video, that is a lie? 😜
I think I should make a comparison, hang in tight.
There was comparison of an 85mm sigma dg dn 1.4 vs 90mm apo summicron 2.0. It isn't completely true that the apo will replace a true 1.4 but the performance of the apo surpasses the sigma 1.4 by a mile in terms of sharpness, rendering and colours (ignoring weathersealing, durability, etc.). however, the f2 depth of field of the summicron vs the f1.4 depth of field of the sigma art will not be replaceable, the 1.4 will provide more bokeh / falloff