Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary: Budget Jewel of the L-Mount Alliance
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- At $550, it's expensive compared to faster, plastic-fantastic nifty 50s from Canon, Nikon and Sony -- but it's a steal compared to what's on offer from Panasonic and Leica in this classic focal length. Buy: geni.us/BxeXhQ
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I enjoy using this lens. Compact size and great performance, I think the hood is actually really cool.
Whenever I watch your videos, I see and hear a slightly more articulate Jeff Goldblum. This, my friend, is the highest of compliments.
Brad Enlow 🙏🏻🙏🏻😊
kenneth Bradley OK I cant unmake that mental image. Brilliant!
@@3BMEP do you think f2.8 is enough light for street photography in low light? I"d like to have a light lens and this field of view is perfect for me, there are other options for a sony user like me that i have to consider?
@@mattiafalappi5516 how often do you shoot at or above ISO 12,800?
@@3BMEP i don't shot often at iso 12800.
I asked myself these questions before I bought the 45mm Sigma DG DN - but if you look at it closely the compactness is the best in its class - it is lighter and smaller than any zeiss lens and even more compact than the samyang 45mm. But this alone wasnt the selling point for me - if you are a vintage shooter like myself than you know what happens if you can go really close. The F-stop is not that important on this kind of lenses - 50 years ago the pros had mostly F2.8 to work with and the modern possibility to go really close - even if you have to stop down - it gives you a very interesting look. Than again Dustin Abbott did a review on this lens and the bokeh really is superior in smoothness once you manage to get it. The final nail to my purchase was the perfect autofokus with my sony a7III - which makes it suitable for fast action. I mostly shoot manual but once something fast happens on the street this lens is nice. You don't really feel limited with this lens if you know how to work aperture and depth of field. It gives you a lot freedom for its size and price. It is a wild lens - for wild photographers and it is also good in video with minimal focus breathing and superb C-AF. Let me know if I am wrong :) - There are some really good slow vintage lenses - with a maximum aperture of F4.5 - Like the Meyer Görtlitz Primagon 35mm. What matters is the character of the image - not an insane amount of shallow depth of field. I guess many photographers missing the point today with insane lenses available on the market now. It gets flat after some time - learn again to make an image and not to achieve as much bokeh as possible - I think the Sigma 45 deserves more love :)
Thanks for such a rich contribution to the conversation!
I have the e-mount version on a sony a7r ii, and really love it. In fact it is probably my used lens along with a voigtlander. This lens has further renewed my respect for Sigma, and the choices they made towards rendering instead of following popular metrics. I particular I like it for forest scenes with rich tones. - mushrooms, ferns, after the rain, and anywhere i need to create separation. I also very much appreciate its usable closeup qualities, which is one of the reasons it tends to stay on my camera, or at least always in a bag - and the focus transitions make for some beautiful flower shots. It is not a perfect lenses (although some times it is), but wow! Some people will get rid of it in 2 weeks, and some will cherish it, particularly as the eye is refined.
Personally I like the lens hood on it. A downside as you mentioned is the softness wide open - in some types of shots that is a negative, and for others not so much as its rendering compensates. At least for the e-mount on the older a7r ii, it does misfocus at times, enough so that it cannot always be trusted, and requires a few shots to make sure that focus is nailed. Not sure if the same problems would persist on newer bodies. Using the latest firmware.
I also have the Samyang 45mm, which is sharper wide open (with more CA), and a decent lens, but the sigma in my opinion is in another league, and far superior build. It is fun, and a joy to use - like a voigtlander with auto-focus..
Initially i was turned away from this lenses through a few reviews, however, an interview with the sigma lenses designer stayed with me. When it popped up for $250 on a one day sale, i gave it a chance, and very glad i did. There was a small piece of white lint in the front lens element that made no difference to image quality, which then fell away after a few weeks. I suspect the price was for returned copies?.
Exactly my thoughts. The sigma 45 is a gem to those who understand it.
Thank you! Just picked up a used Sigma 45 based on your recommendation.
Enjoy!
Just got it as a first af lens for my a7Rm2 :) can't wait to start shooting with it.
Until now was using Helios 58 f2 (44-2) with it's amazing light bending effect
Total joy to watch as always, real passion masterfully delivered with some lovely photographs
Thank you for this video! I just got this lens and I couldn't be happier!
Enjoy!
5min into the video I finally realized it's not B/W this time :D Thanks for the video and your hard work!
Kai 😄
Finally a reviewer who has the same appreciation for this little gem. I purchased the e-mount version of this lens for my Sony A7M3 and it quickly became one of my favorites, even above my "G" and Zeiss glass. Exceptional build quality, tiny, incredibly sharp for street and landscapes, and a creamy bokeh (even for a f/2.8) - not to mention decent close up shots. My only disagreement with what you share is that actually love the lens hood : ) Your reviews are greatly appreciated - thanks!
Lamont Gilliland 😉
I have a Sigma 35mm f1.4 for Leica L on it way, I look forward to playing with it first on my S1R. Bigger and heaver then this, but faster. Then I may go for a much higher prime like a 105 when they have one for the L mount. Thank for the review, I still put it on my wish list.
I'm relatively new to digital photography. I bought a 15" Dell XPS for LR and PS, but I have to say, your videos look fucking AMAZING on this OLED screen!! Thanks for your detailed and pragmatic approach.
Cheers
TroutBrookFarms Thanks!
Hi Hugh. After endless hours of studying Fuji XH2 and LUMIX S5II and going through the most generic purpose use cases for 99,999% of the time 😊, i was praised with the possiblility of purchasing a LUMIX S1R albeit used but in excellent condition. 15 thousand clicks for a rough 1700euros.
Your video helpful as always shows I can trust my venture with the l mount and sigma. T🙏
Enjoy!
Came to see about the lens, stayed because of the amazing video and audio quality!
Nice looking images . The optics on this lens were designed with similar characteristics to many of the old Nikkor non ai f/2 lens .
Check out the Nikkor- O 35mm f/2 . I think it’s the -O . I live this lens
I’m delighted to see lenses like this coming on to the market. The 1.2/1.4 behemoths are things of wonder, very desirable in their own way, but who is going to cart two of those round the streets all day? They are bigger and heavier than my 200 2.8 and they LOOK like telephotos. I like what Tamron are doing with their new 2.8 primes, too. Will you get to review them?
Funny you should ask, Simon. I've got the 24 and 35 in-house as I write this!
Good morning , I think for price it would be a great lens if the critical imaging isn't the priority of the shoot , it would be a good memory type lens like say at a Birthday, vacation ect. Btw im loving the G7 as im learning all the caveats and menu and setting , Im so blessed to have found your channel as i learn so much , as any photographer no matter yrs shooting you always learning
I think I can honestly say that the day I spent walking round New York back in 2018 with my Fuji XT2 and 18-55 kit lens was the most enjoyable experience. From the people, the architecture and history. It will stay in my memory for ever.
I understand. 😊
First time here, but will be back! Thanks for the lovely review.
Mighty Tripod Acting Studio Welcome!
Portraits look great! Video was well done.
🙏🏻😊🖖🏻
I wish we'd drop the aperture ring for a linear focus clutch, far more useful imo.
'Happen to have exhausted your funds on a body with no funds for a lens. Yes that's me with the new Lumix S9 so thanks for this. I now have this lens :)
Enjoy!
Nice, the S1R is getting a bit cheaper and the Sigma would be a good start.
Were I to choose FF instead of Fuji MF to complement my Fuji APSC Cameras I would probably start here.
I would love for you to review Meike MK-25mm F1.8 or/and any of their CINE 12/16/25/35mm lens selection. Sigmas are ridiculously priced. They're crazy!!!! I don't care how good they think they are.
The lens came with my SigmaFP, and I was really surprised by it, in a pleasant way.
Coming from, and still shooting Fujifilm cameras, I loved the manual aperture ring. I also love the stout feel of the lens, with its metal construction that goes all the way to the lens hood. There is nothing plasticy or cheap feeling about it. And lastly, the images I get from it are really nice as well.
While it just came along for the ride as it were, with a Sigma camera body, I think it'll be a lens I keep around. It's such a "nice" little piece of kit that you don't feel like you need to baby, performs really well, and by all indications will out last me. If someone is interested in it, I highly recommend they at least take a look at it, and better still, pick up and hold it. It really does punch above its weight IMHO.
Good, you said it, chromatic aberration bothers you; excellent. I am pretty much at the stage that if some celebrity UA-camr says "some chromatic aberration but you can remove that in post" then I delete their channel. I delete chromatic aberration in Credit Card; I don't buy it and if I find it in a lens I own I sell it. No I wont trade sharpness or resolution for image quality; its a very poor trade indeed. Some of my richest lenses aren't that sharp, my Voightlander 28mm f2 comes to mind (something Leica used to understand,my best lens is my Leica 23mm f1.7 AF Summilux). None of my primes are troubled by lens aberrations, most being formulated for film use. Zeiss these days seems plagued by chromatic aberration; purple fringing now seems almost a Zeiss hallmark. It is noticeable that my superb Zeiss 35mm f2.8 on my Sony A7 is free of purple, probably because its an updated classic design; make more of them Zeiss. If Zeiss re-made the stunning 50mm f1.8 Planar and 135mm f4 Tele-Tessar I had on my Rollei 35SL in the 70s with modern glass like the 35mm then I would buy it like a shot (yes I know the modern digital 50mm f1.8 Planar has purple fringing but then, that's modern Zeiss, non of my 70s Kodachrome slides has any fringing). I cant put together a decent lens kit like that from any of the full frame manufacturers now and they wonder why the market has collapsed. Fortunately crop sensor lenses are excellent and available in abundance; the Olympus Premier lenses are in a class of their own. Unless people start speaking out and complaining about this rubbish (as you have just done) then manufacturers will continue to cut costs and dump the responsibility for defect maintenance onto software. Well I wont be buying it and I doubt many others will either. We need high quality human scale optics; I dont mind paying a premium for them and I bet they would sell like hot cakes, they might even start selling full frame cameras again, I would buy a Panasonic S1 like a shot if I could find a decent compact three prime AF set. I wont be holding my breath - winks
As always, Vici, such a thoughtful post. Thank you!
Love your content Hugh! Been bingeing your videos. Trying to decide between this Sigma and the Sony 40mm G for a smaller walk-around lens on my A7IV compared to my 35GM. What would you choose?
I really like the 40/2.5 for the Sony - better AF, a touch but meaningfully wider field of view.
@@3BMEP Thanks Hugh. Just ordered one, looking forward to getting out with it. All the best.
Just know, that if the walls preventing me from spending money on L-Mount gear give way, you’ll be partially responsible for that! LOL! That S1R is close to perfection for my needs. I never even considered Leica camera bodies before.. But that SL2 is one beautiful, piece of kit...
When I shot FF and needed a wide to medium zoom, it was Sigma. Amazing images and great value. I especially loved their 24-70mm f/2.8 for events.
Happy for more, excellent, budget-friendly lenses are coming to L-Mount. Yeah, we don’t need to be super-serious all the time.
Ricardo Gomez 😉
Hey maa look! I found an underrated channel
I just bought a used SR-1 and I just knew you’d have some guidance for me re: lenses.
Congrats! Sigma DG DN i-series and art primes; LUMIX S-Pro 24-70/2.8…
I really like my Sigma 40mm 1.4. However, I do think Sigma should include a free burro to help pack it around. 🤠 Enjoyed your review!
Richard Bonine, Jr. 😉
Richard Bonine, Jr. I just purchased this Sigma 40mm Art . It’ll be glued to my d850 if it works as I think it will. Sold my 50 art for this . The 50 was just a bit too tight .
I chose this as my primary lens for the s9 (the most controversial camera 😂)
I love your videos, but tell me one thing please: what brand and type of glasses are these?
I get so many questions like this I think I need to become a brand ambassador! Zenni Optical’s “Square Magnetic Snap-On Set 6499621,” with magnetic custom sunglasses clip-one, too!
They can charge so much because there isn't anything out there cheaper or smaller for the L mount.... Though, I think it's pretty good for what it is. However, I wouldn't get it if it didn't have a good rendering of depth and absence of harshness in the out of focus rendering (not to be confused with blur).
Just bought this lens. Love the design. Anyone finding that it drained battery power too fast? Any solutions?
thanks for your honest thoughts on the lens. i was curious about it. oh, and your shutter speed for this video is way too fast. the choppiness is jarring.
... yes, it should be the perfect street photography lens for the new Sony a7C - if you like new camera, of cause. 😏
I missed an opportunity to get it at less than 280 dollars with Sigma FP.
Wow.
@@3BMEP ya, that price was just a steal but realized that kit was so cheap after ordering just the body (as I already had few sigma and panasonic L mount lenses).
excellent elegant, intelligent, image and content of the best I have seen. invites you to analyze all aspects when purchasing a equipment . has a new subscriber
Welcome!
Nice review!
Would you take this or Lumix 50 1.8?
Or you could buy a Yashica Electro 35G with the amazing Yashinon 40mm f1.7 for $150 or ten dollars at a “thrift” store if you believe some youtubers
Have you had chance to try the 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and if you have .... any thoughts on which is "better" ?
Three commercial interruptions, including one that actually split the word "ring" into two parts. You have to make money, so plan for it. Work with the system to make a commercial break where it would happen at a logical break.
Hugh, you have convinced me to keep saving up for the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. Lens to use on my SL2 which I absolutely love btw..
Steven Kornreich Glad to be of service. 😉
Can you do a review of the Panasonic Lumix 35 1.8 on the SL?
I didn't test Leica 50mm, but besides it, my personal favorite lens is Sony 50 Planar, it is not typical for Sony about af speed and resolution, but there is something special in color and contrast.
Have you ever used the Minolta Rokkor 40mm f2? I would love to hear your opinion compared this sigma lens. Cheers, Jack
I’ve heard good things about it, but no, haven’t.
The only reason I mention it is that it is so small 1 1/4 inches front to back and weighs 120 gms without caps; great IQ.
This lens works with CL without adapter?
I pick up my SL2 on Thursday next week hoping to make a bundle of VE 24-90 + VE 90-280, which brand 128gb SD cards would you recommend, for this combination.
Nomi.S Yewlag I’d go for the 300MB/s Lexar 2000 if you can still find it; otherwise the SONY or ProGrade versions.
I'll stick with the MFT system.
Peebo Mondia I understand. 🖖🏻
When will sigma start rejigging these lenses for Nikon Z (in-particular) or RF.... id much rather have a slightly smaller lens on my z6 so is more street-able ( and save a little money).... BTW i do love the lens hood - im surprised that someone who pays more attention to details and aesthetic than me doesnt -
i do love your videos and insights, thank you
May Garland 😊🙏🏻
First 😎👍 hi Hugh, Thank for your review. 😊 love it.
Hey, Frank. Nice to see you here again!
Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions Hello Hugh, I always like your reports very much. They put a smile on my face. I especially like your kind of irony. I look forward to the next videos of you and regret that due to the distance I cannot participate in the seminars. A nice weekend. Greetings from Berlin Frank
I was just about to pull the trigger on this lens until I thought about the Sigma 35 1.4 what do you think?
No thoughts on the matter?
Depends on your priorities. 35/1.4 for two stops' worth of extra light gathering and ultimate IQ; 45 for size, weight, price, and less perspective distortion. According to Sigma's own MTF charts, the lenses are close wide open from an IQ perspective, the nod going to the 35 in the center, the 45 at the edges - though once the 35 is stopped down to 2.8, I'd guess it would out-perform the 45 across the board. Interestingly enough, at upper body portrait distances (3' for the 45, 2' 4" for the 35) the difference in depth of field when both are wide open (2.8 vs. 1.4, respectively) is only 1.3"
Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions Thank you for the answer I am typically a Sony shooter however I came across a Panasonic S1R with the 24 to 105 f4 and I was looking to maybe expand this unit just a little.
Hi I have the Fuji xe2s & 4 lenses I just would like to know if you think a switch to the Leica m240 or SL is a smart move .
What can’t you do with what you have, Howie, that you can and want or NEED to do with what you’re eyeing?
I wonder whether the full frame censor would be better for larger prints what do you think
This works on full frame L mount? Specifically the lumix S5
Yep
Will this 45mm 2.8 L work with Leica SL1 without adapter ?
Yep!
Is Sigma planning to produce more of these small, AF primes? I'm currently using a "Leica M to L Adapter" but would love to take advantage of native L-glass and AF.
yes they are, I read this recently, www.dpreview.com/interviews/2134621161/sigma-interview-smaller-high-quality-lenses-coming-in-the-near-future
Careful with that Mongo 35mm f1.2 It can knock out a horse
JS 645 Hah! Love the Mel Brooks reference!
Nice :)
Hey Hugh! Love your work and what you do... I’m an SL shooter with the 90-280... if I would ask which L mount Lens would have the BEST autofocus, do you have a top answer for that?
W LNR I haven’t used enough lenses to give you a definitive answer, but my experience has been that Leica lenses - specifically the 35 and 90 SL Summicron primes most especially but also the 16-35 and 24-90 Varios have been fast and consistent on the SL2. Our TL primes - 35/1.4 and 23/2 - are also very solid when it comes to AF. I do have other L-mount glass in-house at the moment to test, so this is an evolving process for me.
I'm not saying anything but can we stop saying "glass" instead of "lens". Actually I am saying something can we stop saying "glass" in place of lens. Ok otherwisewise lovely review as usual.
I think I’m gonna get this for my s5
I couldn’t possible put a Sigma lens on a Leica. Panny? Yes Leica? No
That’s like putting putting a Velcro strap on your Rolex. I just couldn’t do it! Leica and practical just don’t go together
Sigma consistently outperforms Zeiss, and the L Mount Alliance came about because both Panasonic and Sigma were working with Leica behind the scenes...