Love these small prime lenses and recently acquired that 90 mm from Sigma for the Sony. It really is astonishing, however that how good the best zooms have become...I've also considered that excellent 24-70 GMII, but always go for the primes as they are so much lighter with the camera and far less obtrusive than a big and heavy zoom. And yes, I find that Sony's new 50 mm 1.4 GM particularly tasty, too although for most purposes the 2.5G is just good enough (and really small and light). But yet again, it is indeed good to have lenses to choose from, cannot complain...thanks for a great video again, Hugh! 👍
Oy, I started seriously looking at an I-series set to be able to have a compact auto focusing prime set for my SL2 and who knows, as a lower cost alternative since there are still SL primes I'm looking at getting. Looking at the 24mm (both), 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm, I'm looking at three different filter sizes. 55mm, 58mm and 62mm filter sizes are so close, I wish they'd standardize. That's a little detail Leica gets right in their SL lineup: All the Summicrons are E67, and the Varios and Summilux are E82.
rather stupid from Sigma, which in this regard a stuck with the traditional amateur photo world ... and don't anticipate that many users would prefer e.g. 62 mm, or at least only 2 filter sizes...
One other factor about the I-series that really appeals to me , and joy of use and tactility is very important - for me at least -, is the functioning aperture rings. Fuji have em. The Sigma I Series have them. Most others dont. Not even the Leica SL lenses. Such things matter. To some of us, at least. Another excellent video. Go well, Hugh.
I've dumped all the heavy stuff for I Series lenses and the Sigma 16-28 / 28-70. I'm using them on my A7RIV. I haven't noticed any drop-off that has made a difference. Sigma makes these lenses for the Sigma FP L which is also 61MP so that is why I originally decided to give them a try. I also have the 45mm f2.8 I Series for L Mount. I just wish Sigma had an answer for Tamron's 70-180 or even just a 70-200 for E.
I found myself wishing I'd made a small grid or spreadsheet to keep track of all the lens combos you were describing. My recent lens life includes the following… I used an SL 601 for 5 years and now and SL2 for 18 months. Hands down the 35 APO SL was the sharpest CA-perfect lens however way too heavy for my arthritic neck. Of the lenses I've shot on my SL2 apart from the 35 APO SL I've found the 35 APO TL lens to be the best followed by the 23 ASPH TL. I am also now using the new 35 non-APO which is an OK lens from f2.8 and up. Nice to have one full frame vs. APSC crop for my SL2. Lastly I just shot a bunch of landscape work in Zion Nat'l Park with my M10R and 21 Summilux at f2. Magic.
@@3BMEP If you're inclined to try one lens out I'd recommend the 35 APO TL which is about a 50mm equivalent. Wide open at f1.4 that lens is magic. The wife who is well into her 70s hates this lens for the amazing detail it records.
Thank you again for your well thought out review and the usual side tracking. I did enjoy your thoughts, even though I try to stay within M and Fuji X mount space.
Really I just want a less chonk version of my 50mm Summilux SL. And for Leica and Sigma to extend their partnership to make a more compact version of their superb 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (35mm Noctilux?).
thank you very much for the illustrative review of both small format primes! Whereas I don't have any issues with the nifty-fifty, here my impressions and minus points about the 17 mm (translated by< google, pardon for any imprecise wordings therefore...): At first I want to ask about your test procedure - what was the shooting distance ? Many lenses have different qualities across the distance range... and all lenses actually are optimized for the middle range onwards to infinity... but now my points: A short focal length, packed relatively compactly, is a good idea. Although the image quality is very good, except for the strong distortion in RAW (which costs image quality when corrected!), I have two points of criticism - the lens is actually much "too small" - measured against the 20 mm 2.0, its size would have been okay and would have fitted in very well with the series, at least with a speed of 2.8 IMPORTANT: that's why the classic B+W S-Pro filters (clear / UV) don't fit - the tube on which the lens hood is attached using a bayonet lock is narrower than the broader filter. Consequence: the filter protrudes slightly over the edge, the attachable bayonet hood no longer fits in! So I had to buy a new B+W Master Clear Filter for 40 E, which makes the following point even more important: - Measured by the mechanical aspects and the low "speed", I find the price too high, actually it should be at least 100 € cheaper I don't understand why Sigma (like many or actually all photo manufacturers unfortunately) doesn't ask the users beforehand about their wishes. In any case, I would have said that I find so much compactness for so little speed problematic. A bit bigger, but F 3.5 or 2.8 would have been great! I now use it as a second lens next to, for example, the Canon TS - E 17 mm shift lens - at least the focal length and perspective match So, dear company Sigma: set up a customer advisory board, then everything will be better
See the Zoom call with Jordan Drake, Ted Forbes, Gordon Laing, Dave Schloss and yours truly talking about the demise of DPReview on “Dave Tries This” channel.
Reviewed this and wondering how you feel Sony’s new 24-50/2.8 G compares to the Sigma I-Series lens at 24, 35, and 50mm even though the zoom is a stop slower. I own the Sony 24-70/2.8 GM II AND the Sigma f/2 primes here and now the new small 24-50/2.8 G which I admit is easy to carry and keeps my A7CR small. Any opinions? Always enjoy your videos. Thank you and take care.
IQ edge goes to the Sigma; size and weight go to the Sony. I actually found myself using the 40/2.5, but all three of the super- compact G’s are great!
Thank you for yet another excellent review. Given that you have the Sigma 65 f/2, would you also purchase their new 50 f/2? If you didn’t have the 65, would you instead get the new 50? How does the new Sigma 50 f/2 compare to the recently introduced Leica SL 50 f/2 ASPH (non-APO) and the nosebleed expensive Leica APO Summicron-M 50 f/2? The Sigma 17 f/4 is interesting, especially given its compact size (& light weight) and that Leica has yet to offer wide angle prime lenses. I agree that the Leica APO SL 35 ASPH is a go to (reference quality) lens.
indoors I prefer the 50 mm, outdoor the 65 mm - according to the specific space situations for headshots and some details in opposition to my 24 2.0 i.series Sigma lens
Hello Hugh! Yes Sigma is doing great with this i series. Far better than the lumix 1.8 series. The 17mm is certainly a good way to save space in the bag and weight on the shoulder when traveling instead of taking the 16-35 Leica with me though the Leica Vario is really impressive. The 35 f/2 DG DN surprised me and I will try to compare it to the APO Summicron SL 35 one day. This last one being incredible ,too. With this series Sigma is creating problems to Leica, reason why Leica launched recently their non APO Summicron series… and giving 1000€ back in case of purchasing a SL2 in kit with one of these lenses… In a SWOT analysis, Sigma is clearly a Threat to Leica.
@@AIP404 yes the Lumix series is designed for video but as a photographer I didn’t appreciate that much It very good that the L mount gives us that variety of choice depending on our affinity. A great global approach
Off topic Hugh, but when is Hasselblad going to lend you an X2D, and equally as importantly, the new XCD f/2.5 lenses? On topic, I really like Sigma's prioritisation of compact size, reduced weight, but high build quality and manual controls offered in this line, ergo, a particular interest in your in hand experience with the new XCDs.
@@darrenhaken Well that really depends. The Sigma Looks much more clinical sharp. The Sony a little more "Dreamy". Both have their downsides. :) So chose whatever fits your Style!
A few ago, I rummaged in my Pentax box and pulled out a pouch, containig a 90mm Sigma Macro f 2.8 (T4 interchangeable mount). It was a super shoot. Great sharpness, good colours. Film! So comparing to all that technical whatever, leaves me cold. These huge Mp numbers require more and more better lenses, bigger memory cards, ultimate tripods and way bigger memory drives! I guess for me, parting of the path.. 50mm lenses that are size of 200m! I see crazy, sorry. With so many now, easier to media post with a Phone! Love Leica's long distance phone numbers for prices! All the best.
I love the Sigma primes, but the choice is getting overwhelming on FE. I can’t decide between the 45mm f/2.8, Voigtlander 50mm f/2 Apo-Lanthar, the new Sigma 50mm f/2 or the Sigma 65mm f/2.
AF lenses In IQ order: 1) 50/1.4 DG DN Art; 2) 65/2; 50/2; 45/2.8. I own the 65 and 45, AND the 50 APO Lanthar. Excellent IQ, well-built. Outperforms my gen 5 Summicron-M 50 wide open, but differences narrow to insignificance by f/5.6 or 8.
@@3BMEP Yep. A wealth of riches would be an understatement. I'm leaning Sigma 65mm f/2 for the unique focal length and/or 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar because I can get an absurd deal on one.
Maybe this new Sigma 50mm f/2 is in sweet spot for size, weight, and price vs. the 1.4 & 1.2 50s, and the Sony 50 2.5G & Sigma's own 45 f2.8. Or Maybe it's sitting in no man's land. Will be interesting to see how the market responds to it.
There's no sound between 7:01 and 7:50... was this intentional? I only ask because it sounded like you had more to say there... Otherwise great review, thanks!
Oh Dear! Dear Hugh, it must be: "Die Neuen Leica Ms", as lens (das Objektiv in German) is nutral gender in German and for the plural you would use "Die". Therefore: DIE Neuen Objektive, ergo: Die Neuen M&Ms. Or so. Thanks for your youtubechannel, btw.
Hugh, that cityscape that you showed here is amazing.
😊
Love these small prime lenses and recently acquired that 90 mm from Sigma for the Sony. It really is astonishing, however that how good the best zooms have become...I've also considered that excellent 24-70 GMII, but always go for the primes as they are so much lighter with the camera and far less obtrusive than a big and heavy zoom. And yes, I find that Sony's new 50 mm 1.4 GM particularly tasty, too although for most purposes the 2.5G is just good enough (and really small and light). But yet again, it is indeed good to have lenses to choose from, cannot complain...thanks for a great video again, Hugh! 👍
Always a pleasure!
Sigma 50mm F/2 or Sony Zeiss 55mm F1.8? Considering the Zeiss used is about the same price or cheaper.
The 17mm f/4 looks great for shooting interiors, I hope the sharpness and overall IQ is even better than the Sony 16-35 f/4 PZ.
The Sony 24-70 f/2.8 II is every photojournalist's dream.
Oy, I started seriously looking at an I-series set to be able to have a compact auto focusing prime set for my SL2 and who knows, as a lower cost alternative since there are still SL primes I'm looking at getting. Looking at the 24mm (both), 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm, I'm looking at three different filter sizes. 55mm, 58mm and 62mm filter sizes are so close, I wish they'd standardize. That's a little detail Leica gets right in their SL lineup: All the Summicrons are E67, and the Varios and Summilux are E82.
rather stupid from Sigma, which in this regard a stuck with the traditional amateur photo world ... and don't anticipate that many users would prefer e.g. 62 mm, or at least only 2 filter sizes...
One other factor about the I-series that really appeals to me , and joy of use and tactility is very important - for me at least -, is the functioning aperture rings. Fuji have em. The Sigma I Series have them. Most others dont. Not even the Leica SL lenses. Such things matter. To some of us, at least.
Another excellent video. Go well, Hugh.
As far as I know every Sigma DN lens uses a linear focus motor. Maybe you meant a certain type of linear motor or linear manual focus response?
Great video but when are the Sigma I lenses coming to the Nikon Z mount?
No clue - but it’s a great question. 😊
That 24 70 mm f2.8 ii from sony is a lens from another galaxy.
😉
I've dumped all the heavy stuff for I Series lenses and the Sigma 16-28 / 28-70. I'm using them on my A7RIV. I haven't noticed any drop-off that has made a difference. Sigma makes these lenses for the Sigma FP L which is also 61MP so that is why I originally decided to give them a try. I also have the 45mm f2.8 I Series for L Mount. I just wish Sigma had an answer for Tamron's 70-180 or even just a 70-200 for E.
Same here for my Lumix cameras, the; 16-28, 28-70, 65, 90 and I too am ‘waiting’ for a longer zoom…
I found myself wishing I'd made a small grid or spreadsheet to keep track of all the lens combos you were describing. My recent lens life includes the following…
I used an SL 601 for 5 years and now and SL2 for 18 months. Hands down the 35 APO SL was the sharpest CA-perfect lens however way too heavy for my arthritic neck.
Of the lenses I've shot on my SL2 apart from the 35 APO SL I've found the 35 APO TL lens to be the best followed by the 23 ASPH TL. I am also now using the new 35 non-APO which is an OK lens from f2.8 and up. Nice to have one full frame vs. APSC crop for my SL2.
Lastly I just shot a bunch of landscape work in Zion Nat'l Park with my M10R and 21 Summilux at f2. Magic.
Looks like you're having fun -- and you know what you know. YESSS!!!! :)
@@3BMEP If you're inclined to try one lens out I'd recommend the 35 APO TL which is about a 50mm equivalent. Wide open at f1.4 that lens is magic. The wife who is well into her 70s hates this lens for the amazing detail it records.
@@garydmorris owned it and agree - sold it after I bought the APO SL 35 and Claudia went Nikon!
Thank you again for your well thought out review and the usual side tracking. I did enjoy your thoughts, even though I try to stay within M and Fuji X mount space.
Really I just want a less chonk version of my 50mm Summilux SL. And for Leica and Sigma to extend their partnership to make a more compact version of their superb 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (35mm Noctilux?).
thank you very much for the illustrative review of both small format primes! Whereas I don't have any issues with the nifty-fifty, here my impressions and minus points about the 17 mm (translated by< google, pardon for any imprecise wordings therefore...):
At first I want to ask about your test procedure - what was the shooting distance ? Many lenses have different qualities across the distance range... and all lenses actually are optimized for the middle range onwards to infinity...
but now my points:
A short focal length, packed relatively compactly, is a good idea. Although the image quality is very good, except for the strong distortion in RAW (which costs image quality when corrected!), I have two points of criticism
- the lens is actually much "too small" - measured against the 20 mm 2.0, its size would have been okay and would have fitted in very well with the series, at least with a speed of 2.8
IMPORTANT: that's why the classic B+W S-Pro filters (clear / UV) don't fit - the tube on which the lens hood is attached using a bayonet lock is narrower than the broader filter. Consequence: the filter protrudes slightly over the edge, the attachable bayonet hood no longer fits in! So I had to buy a new B+W Master Clear Filter for 40 E, which makes the following point even more important:
- Measured by the mechanical aspects and the low "speed", I find the price too high, actually it should be at least 100 € cheaper
I don't understand why Sigma (like many or actually all photo manufacturers unfortunately) doesn't ask the users beforehand about their wishes. In any case, I would have said that I find so much compactness for so little speed problematic. A bit bigger, but F 3.5 or 2.8 would have been great!
I now use it as a second lens next to, for example, the Canon TS - E 17 mm shift lens - at least the focal length and perspective match
So, dear company Sigma: set up a customer advisory board, then everything will be better
love the vidio, no video about DPRiew?
See the Zoom call with Jordan Drake, Ted Forbes, Gordon Laing, Dave Schloss and yours truly talking about the demise of DPReview on “Dave Tries This” channel.
@@3BMEP i will after this, thanks :)
Reviewed this and wondering how you feel Sony’s new 24-50/2.8 G compares to the Sigma I-Series lens at 24, 35, and 50mm even though the zoom is a stop slower. I own the Sony 24-70/2.8 GM II AND the Sigma f/2 primes here and now the new small 24-50/2.8 G which I admit is easy to carry and keeps my A7CR small. Any opinions? Always enjoy your videos. Thank you and take care.
They’re all good optically, but the convenience of the 24-50 cannot be overstated - it’s terrific!
I really would like to see a comparison between the Sigma 50 f/2 and the Sony 50 f/2.5. Small, light, primes are what I have been using lately.
IQ edge goes to the Sigma; size and weight go to the Sony. I actually found myself using the 40/2.5, but all three of the super- compact G’s are great!
Thank you for yet another excellent review.
Given that you have the Sigma 65 f/2, would you also purchase their new 50 f/2? If you didn’t have the 65, would you instead get the new 50?
How does the new Sigma 50 f/2 compare to the recently introduced Leica SL 50 f/2 ASPH (non-APO) and the nosebleed expensive Leica APO Summicron-M 50 f/2?
The Sigma 17 f/4 is interesting, especially given its compact size (& light weight) and that Leica has yet to offer wide angle prime lenses.
I agree that the Leica APO SL 35 ASPH is a go to (reference quality) lens.
indoors I prefer the 50 mm, outdoor the 65 mm - according to the specific space situations for headshots and some details in opposition to my 24 2.0 i.series Sigma lens
Hello Hugh!
Yes Sigma is doing great with this i series.
Far better than the lumix 1.8 series.
The 17mm is certainly a good way to save space in the bag and weight on the shoulder when traveling instead of taking the 16-35 Leica with me though the Leica Vario is really impressive.
The 35 f/2 DG DN surprised me and I will try to compare it to the APO Summicron SL 35 one day. This last one being incredible ,too.
With this series Sigma is creating problems to Leica, reason why Leica launched recently their non APO Summicron series… and giving 1000€ back in case of purchasing a SL2 in kit with one of these lenses…
In a SWOT analysis, Sigma is clearly a Threat to Leica.
@@AIP404 yes the Lumix series is designed for video but as a photographer I didn’t appreciate that much
It very good that the L mount gives us that variety of choice depending on our affinity.
A great global approach
Off topic Hugh, but when is Hasselblad going to lend you an X2D, and equally as importantly, the new XCD f/2.5 lenses?
On topic, I really like Sigma's prioritisation of compact size, reduced weight, but high build quality and manual controls offered in this line, ergo, a particular interest in your in hand experience with the new XCDs.
Got it this week!
Finally they did this
I’m torn between getting this or the Zeiss 55mm 1.8. Does anyone have input?
The Sigma should be better in every single technical way. But: it has its Special (kinda Vintage) Picture look
@@RTReview. do you think the look is a negative?
@@darrenhaken Well that really depends. The Sigma Looks much more clinical sharp. The Sony a little more "Dreamy". Both have their downsides. :) So chose whatever fits your Style!
according to their MTF graphics the sigma is a newer generation / iteration of a nifty city and better for higher megapixel ...
@@tom_nuyts you’d go for that then?
A few ago, I rummaged in my Pentax box and pulled out a pouch, containig a 90mm Sigma Macro f 2.8 (T4 interchangeable mount). It was a super shoot. Great sharpness, good colours. Film! So comparing to all that technical whatever, leaves me cold. These huge Mp numbers require more and more better lenses, bigger memory cards, ultimate tripods and way bigger memory drives! I guess for me, parting of the path.. 50mm lenses that are size of 200m! I see crazy, sorry. With so many now, easier to media post with a Phone! Love Leica's long distance phone numbers for prices! All the best.
I love the Sigma primes, but the choice is getting overwhelming on FE. I can’t decide between the 45mm f/2.8, Voigtlander 50mm f/2 Apo-Lanthar, the new Sigma 50mm f/2 or the Sigma 65mm f/2.
High quality problem to have, right? 😊🖖🏻
AF lenses In IQ order: 1) 50/1.4 DG DN Art; 2) 65/2; 50/2; 45/2.8. I own the 65 and 45, AND the 50 APO Lanthar. Excellent IQ, well-built. Outperforms my gen 5 Summicron-M 50 wide open, but differences narrow to insignificance by f/5.6 or 8.
@@3BMEP Yep. A wealth of riches would be an understatement. I'm leaning Sigma 65mm f/2 for the unique focal length and/or 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar because I can get an absurd deal on one.
Maybe this new Sigma 50mm f/2 is in sweet spot for size, weight, and price vs. the 1.4 & 1.2 50s, and the Sony 50 2.5G & Sigma's own 45 f2.8. Or Maybe it's sitting in no man's land. Will be interesting to see how the market responds to it.
There's no sound between 7:01 and 7:50... was this intentional? I only ask because it sounded like you had more to say there...
Otherwise great review, thanks!
Baie dankie!
Oh Dear! Dear Hugh, it must be: "Die Neuen Leica Ms", as lens (das Objektiv in German) is nutral gender in German and for the plural you would use "Die". Therefore: DIE Neuen Objektive, ergo: Die Neuen M&Ms. Or so. Thanks for your youtubechannel, btw.
Thank you for the correction! 😊🖖🏻👍🏻