Hey, did you hear the news? SIGMA just dropped a bombshell - they've unveiled a brand new lens, the SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN! It's available for both Leica L-mount and Sony E-mount and it's got the same aperture as their SIGMA 35mm f/1.2 DG DN that came out in 2018. That means it's the brightest 50mm lens they've ever offered. Let's dive in and check it out!
Just a quick reminder, when you see "DG," it's made for full-frame cameras, and "DN" means it's for mirrorless ones. SIGMA's calling this lens the "best standard lens in SIGMA's history." They're boasting about its minimal flare, spherical aberration, and reduced colour fringing.
Uncompromising Quality in a Petite Package
SIGMA didn't just focus on image quality when crafting this 50mm lens; they also prioritized compactness and lightweight design, perfect for modern photographers (weighing in at just 745g). By minimizing chromatic aberration and fringing throughout the range, SIGMA aims to provide a lens that delivers top-notch image quality even at its widest aperture. This is key for shooters who rely on fast lenses - being able to shoot wide open without sacrificing image sharpness or clarity is a major selling point.
SIGMA acknowledges that there's a bit of focus breathing going on, but it's so minimal that you hardly notice it. They credit the exceptional performance of this 50mm F1.2 DG DN to its 17-element lens construction. Typically, that would mean a longer lens, but SIGMA tackled this by using thinner glass layers and minimizing the gap between elements. Smart move!
The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN is packed with some serious tech! Its focusing lenses are strategically placed in two spots, creating a "floating focus" setup that boosts optical performance across the board - from infinity to close-up shots. Plus, it helps cut down on focus breathing, which is always a win.
When it comes to bokeh, this lens doesn't mess around. With a 13-blade circular aperture, you get buttery-smooth bokeh that's closer to a perfect circle, even when you stop down the lens.
And let's talk durability. The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN is built tough - it's dust-proof, drip-proof, and even has a water and stain-repellent coating on the front element. Made from sturdy polycarbonate, it's ready to handle whatever you throw at it.
But wait, there's more! This lens is all about versatility. It's got an AFL button that you can customize to your heart's content, along with an aperture ring lock switch and a click switch to toggle the aperture ring on and off.
Technical specs
- Lens construction: 17 elements in 12 groups (4 aspherical lenses)
- Number of aperture blades: 13 (circular aperture)
- Minimum focusing distance: 40cm
- Filter size: f72mm
- Maximum diameter x length: f81.0mm x 108.8mm
- Weight: 745g