Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART) review

According provided by Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A lens (for Sony E / FE cameras) many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including Similar Sigma Lenses.

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART). Exterior photos taken here... The type of specific lens that was used in this review can be viewed here.

Browse Navigation:

  1. In short
  2. History
  3. Main Specifications
  4. Assembly
  5. Focusing
  6. Image quality
  7. Sample Photos
  8. My experience
  9. All Sigma Art Series Lenses
  10. Prices
  11. Results
  12. User Comments
  13. Add your review / comment or question on the lens

In the review, I will call the Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A lens for short - Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art.

This review shows the lens version for Sony cameras with mount Sony FE (Full Frame) and Sony E (APS-C). Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art also available for Canon EF / EFS-mount DSLRs, Nikon F-mounts, Sigma SA-mounts and Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras (cameras from alliance Leica, Sigma, Panasonic).

It's important: Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art versions for Canon EF / Nikon F / Sigma SA mirrorless mounts and Sony E / Leica L mirrorless mounts (Sigma L + Panasonic L) differ significantly in their size and appearance.

It's important: The Canon EF version additionally supports the attachment of small filters on the mount side.

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

In short

The Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art is a first-of-its-kind ultra-fast ultra-wide-angle lens for DSLR and full-frame mirrorless cameras. Optically and mechanically very good.

The Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art at F / 1.8 is very sharp in the center with a slight drop in sharpness towards the edges and corners. Has no thread for the front filter.

The Sigma 14/1.8 Art is a very powerful tool in the hands of experienced photographers.

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

History

Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art for Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA mounts was officially presented December 21 2017... On the same day, it was announced that the Sigma CINE 14 T2 lens for filming (for Arri PL mount) will soon be presented.

About a year later, Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art is released for mirrorless cameras Sony E.

A year later, the announcement of the development of the Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art lens with a mount took place Leica l for Sigma, Panasonic and Leica cameras from the Leica L. Alliance.

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Main technical characteristics of Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A:

Review Instance Name The lens barrel bears the following inscriptions 'Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A MADE IN JAPAN 017', the review shows the lens serial number 53166283
Basic properties
  • DG - Lens designed for DSLR cameras with full frame sensor
  • A (Art) - a line of modern Sigma lenses aimed at maximum optical quality
  • 017 (2017) - lens year marker
  • HSM (Hyper Sabout nothing Motor) - ultrasonic focusing motor, in this case it is analogous to 'Nikon SWM'.
  • AF / MF FOCUS - simple focus mode switch
  • IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus
  • Full-Time Mannual Focus - continuous manual focus control
  • Super Multi-layer Coating - super multicoated optics
  • SLD (Special Low Dispersion) - low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • FLD (Fluorite like Low Dispersion) - low-dispersion elements in the optical scheme with properties close to fluorite
  • ASP (Aspherical) - aspherical elements in the optical scheme
  • USB Dock Compatibility - compatible with Dock Station for flashing and / or reprogramming (adjust focus, etc.)
  • MCS (Mount Cversion Service) - the lens supports service replacement of the mount for another system
  • TSC (Thermally Sbackgammon Composite Material) - thermally stable body material
  • Sigma A1 MTF - special quality control system
  • Mount side filter holder (Canon EF only)
  • Protected enclosure
  • Additional protective coating of the front lens
  • Bayonet hood included
  • Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use
Front Filter Diameter do not support
Focal length 14 mm, EGF for Sony E APS-C cameras is 21mm
Zoom ratio 1 x (this is a fixed lens)
Designed by for Sony E digital cameras,

There are also options for:

  • Nikon f
  • Canon EF / EFS
  • Sigma sa
  • Leica l
  • option for filming Sigma Cine with Arri PL
Number of aperture blades 9 rounded petals
Tags
  • window with a scale of focusing distance in meters and feet
  • bayonet mount mark
  • DOF scale for F / 4, F / 8, F / 11 and F / 16
Diaphragm F / 1.8 to F / 16
MDF 0.27 meters, maximum magnification ratio 1:9.8
The weight 1120 grams

According to my measurements:

  • 1168 grams lens itself (Sony E version)
  • 1234 grams lens with two covers
Optical design 16 elements in 11 groups:

  • 3 FLD (Fluorite-like Low Dispersion) - special low-dispersion elements in the optical scheme with characteristics close to fluorite (shown in yellow)
  • 4 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) - special low dispersion elements (shown in blue)
  • 4 aspherical elements (shown in red)
  • one element is both low dispersion and aspherical

Optical design Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)Image of optical circuit clickable

Lens hood built-in
Manufacturer country MADE IN JAPAN (Lens made in Japan)
Production period
  • From December 21, 2017 for Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA
  • From 2018 for Sony E and CINE version for PL
  • From 2019 version for Leica L
Price

Sigma has a whole brood of high-aperture solutions with f / 1.4: 20, 24, 28, 35, 40, 50, 85, 105 mm. You can choose the right focal length for almost any task. There are two more unique lenses in the Sigma ART family of fixes, but with a slightly lower aperture: 14 / 1.8 (from this review) and 135/1.8.

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Assembly

Assembled only in Japan. The lens is pleasant and weighty to the touch, weighing almost 1200 grams. The Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art has a highly convex front lens, which is protected by a built-in hood. Unfortunately, the lens does not support classic light filters.

The optical design of the Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art was originally designed for SLR cameras with a long flange distance. The Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art versions with Sony E and Leica L mounts are significantly longer than their versions for Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA mounts. For the dimensions of the Sigma ART series lenses, I have prepared small video on your Youtube channel.

The focusing ring is rubberized, very wide, the base of the focusing ring is metal. The lens barrel is made of a composite material - TSC - Thermally Stable Composite (Thermally Stable Composite), which is less sensitive to temperature changes than conventional polycarbonate. Such a composite avoids deformation of the case with a large change in ambient temperature. This material is used by Sigma to build its' A | ART ',' C | Contemporary 'and' S | Sport '. In addition, the lens has metal bayonet mount.

The lens barrel is divided into matte and glossy parts that alternate. Glossy parts of the case get dirty easily.

There is a bayonet mount mark on the case.

The diaphragm consists of 9 blades; at all aperture values, a fairly round aperture is obtained.

Overall build quality is at a very high level.

Claimed to be Sigma 14/1.8 Art is a protected lens... But the Sony E version of the Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art does not have a rubber seal on the mount side, and I also did not find any information about other seals to protect the lens from bad weather.

Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art supports working with usb dock, and also theoretically supports replacing one mount with another (done exclusively at Sigma service centers).

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Focusing

To focus, the lens uses a special ultrasonic focusing motor 'HSM' (Hyper Sonic Motor) ring type... It is stated that a special, specially optimized HSM motor was used for the Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art.

The motor performs its work quietly during autofocus. The autofocus speed is fast (not lightning fast, but not closer to average, just fast). The focusing speed is sufficient for comfortable work in most photographic tasks.

With a camera sony a7 III there were no problems with focusing. The lens worked quickly and accurately. Only in the most difficult situations the camera could not perform the correct focusing.

It's important: The focusing speed depends very much on the camera used. For example, with a budget camera Sony a3500 This lens focuses slowly and uncertainly due to the contrast-only focusing method.

You can fine-tune the focus using dock stations and utilities SIGMA Optimization Pro (there is support for the Russian language). In large cities, you can rent this station.

The focus ring is rubberized and rotates approximately 135 degrees in manual focus mode. When the extreme positions are reached, the ring does not abut, but continues to rotate freely. Manual aiming is convenient, but rubs a little. In auto focus mode, the focus ring does not rotate and you can hold the lens by it.

Lens has internal focus, the front and rear lenses remain stationary during focusing.

The lens has a window with a focusing distance scale in meters and feet. The number of values ​​on the scale is small, the scale itself is not very useful. There are only values ​​for 0.27, 0.35, 0.5, 1 meter and infinity mark. There is a depth of field scale for F / 4, 8, 11, 16.

The minimum focusing distance is 27 cm and the maximum zoom ratio is 1: 9.8, which is the norm for such lenses.

There is a lens housing focus mode switch 'AF | MF Focus' (auto focus / manual focus). Lens supports continuous manual focus control (Full-Time Manual Focus). Auto focus is disabled when you start rotating the focus ring manually.

Focus Features:

  1. Important: The quality of focusing work of the Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art strongly depends on the camera used and on the lens firmware, as well as on the system used for which the lens is made. For example, on the camera Sony a3500 focusing speed and tenacity are at an absolutely unsatisfactory level... At the same time on sony a7 III the lens behaves very well.
  2. The Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art has a moderate 'Focus Breathing' effect (changing the angle of view while focusing). When focusing towards the MDF, the angle of view decreases.
  3. Focus Shift (focus shift, changing focus distance due to iris)
  4. Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art does not have a hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens to infinity under any external temperature conditions. For accurate aiming at infinity, you can’t just bring the focus ring to its extreme position
  5. Important: The Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art is a third party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some cameras.
  6. Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art supports docking station, with which you can update the lens firmware, as well as adjust / fix the focus
Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Image quality

The Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art generally has high optical performance. There is a slight drop in sharpness in the corners of the frame at F / 1.8. For super-wideness, the edges and corners of the frame are very important, since most often such lenses are used for scenes where good sharpness is needed throughout the frame. By closing the aperture, you can significantly improve the situation for the corners and edges of the image. The best sharpness across the entire frame is around F / 8.0. But I want to note that even the angles at F / 1.8 pleasantly surprised me, since I did not expect that such an ultra-wide width would be able to show such image quality. The center of the image at F / 1.8 is already good without any caveats.

There is a mild coma that diminishes significantly with f / 2.8-4 aperture. There is also moderate distortion and vignetting, chromatic aberration well fixed. The lens behaves well in backlighting.

The Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art has a lens profile in popular RAW converters, which makes it easy to automatically correct some distortions.

The Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art was released at the end of 2017, when 24 MP APS-C cameras and 50 MP Full Frame cameras were already on sale, and therefore, most likely, the lens was immediately designed to work on sensors with a high pixel density. 20 megapixels on a cropped camera (shot on Sony a3500) for Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art even at F / 1.8 it is not a problem.

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)


Sample photos on Sony a3500 (APS-C)

Camera used for examples Sony a3500 with EXMOR APS-C CMOS 20 MP sensor. All photos are on-camera JPEG. Sony a3500 cannot shoot exclusively in RAW format, but only in RAW + JPEG or JPEG. EGF for Sony E cameras with an APS-C sensor is 21mm.


JPEG source files ('.JPG') can be downloaded at this link (36 photos, 300 MB).

Sample photos from Sony a7 III (Full Frame)

Camera used for examples sony a7 III with Full Frmae CMOS 24 MP sensor. All photos are on-camera JPEG with all additional functions that improve image quality turned off (control of distortions, aberrations, vignetting). The standard picture control mode was used with zero corrections for sharpness, saturation and contrast.


JPEG source files ('.JPG') can be download from this link (37 photos, 300 MB).

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sample photos on Nikon D850 (Full Frame)

The photographer shared examples of photos on the Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art (in the Nikon F mount version) and the Nikon D850 camera (BSI CMOS, FULL FRAME 45 MP) Igor Burba (Igor Burba). More examples on Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art, as well as other interesting photographs from Igor can be found at Instagram, VK, Facebook, in the profile on 35photo or on his personal website https://igorburba.ru/.


My experience

I liked the lens very much. Good super-widths are something very nice and functional. But choosing a super-width is a very difficult task.

Good manual alternatives for the Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art can be Laowa 15 / 2, Samyang 14 / 2.4 XP, Irix 15 / 2.4 and Zeiss Milvus 15 / 2.8. True, no other similar full-frame 14mm focal length lens compares to the Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art in terms of aperture.

I repeat - Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art is an optically very good object.

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

All Sigma ART Lenses

The Sigma A (Sigma Art) lens range includes the following lenses:

DG

For full-frame cameras (series DG) with mount Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA:

  1. Sigma 14 mm 1: 1.8 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 16/11, December 2017 [AliExpress]
  2. Sigma 20 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 15/11, October 2015 [AliExpress]
  3. Sigma 24 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 15/11, February 2015 [AliExpress]
  4. Sigma 28 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 17/12, September 2018 [AliExpress]
  5. Sigma 35 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +A, +Pentax, +Cine, 13/11, November 2012 [AliExpress]
  6. Sigma 40 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 16/12, September 2018 [AliExpress]
  7. Sigma 50 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +A, +Cine, 13/8, January 2014 [AliExpress]
  8. Sigma 70 mm 1: 2.8 DG MACRO | | | A (Art), +L, +E, 13/10, February 2018 [AliExpress]
  9. Sigma 85 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 14/12, September 2016 [AliExpress]
  10. Sigma 105 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 17/12, February 2018 [AliExpress]
  11. Sigma 135 mm 1: 1.8 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 13/10, March 2017 [AliExpress]
  12. Sigma 12-24 mm 1: 4 DG | A (Art), 16/11, November 2016
  13. Sigma 14-24 mm 1: 2.8 DG | A (Art), 17/11, February 2018 [AliExpress]
  14. Sigma 24-35 mm 1: 2 DG | A (Art), +Cine, 18/13, January 2015 [AliExpress]
  15. Sigma 24-70 mm 1: 2.8 DG OS | | | A (Art), 19/14, February 2017 [AliExpress]
  16. Sigma 24-105 mm 1: 4 DG OS | | | A (Art), +A, 19/14, October 2013 [AliExpress]

DG DN

For full-frame mirrorless cameras (series DG DN) with bayonet Leica l и Sony E:

  1. Sigma 14 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 19/15, June 2023
  2. Sigma 15 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art) Fisheye, 21/15, February 2024
  3. Sigma 20 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 17/15, August 2022 [AliExpress]
  4. Sigma 24 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 17/14, August 2022 [AliExpress]
  5. Sigma 35 mm 1: 1.2 DG DN | A (Art), 17/12, July 2019 [AliExpress]
  6. Sigma 35 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 15/11, April 2021 [AliExpress]
  7. Sigma 50 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 14/11, February 2023 [AliExpress]
  8. Sigma 85 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 15/11, August 2020 [AliExpress]
  9. Sigma 105 mm 1: 2.8 DG DN MACRO | A (ART), 12/7, October 2020 [AliExpress]
  10. Sigma 14-24 mm 1: 2.8 DG DN | A (Art), 18/13, July 2019 [AliExpress]
  11. Sigma 24-70 mm 1: 2.8 DG DN | A (Art), 19/15, November 2019 [AliExpress]

DC

For cropped SLR cameras (series DC) with mount Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA:

  1. Sigma 30 mm 1: 1.4 DC | A (Art) +Pentax, +A, 9/8 [1 ASP], January 2013
  2. Sigma 18-35 mm 1: 1.8 DC | A (Art) +Pentax, +A, +Cine, 17/12 [5 SLD, 4 ASP], April 2013 [AliExpress]
  3. Sigma 50-100 mm 1: 1.8 DC | A (Art) +Cine, 21/15 [4 SLD, 3 FLD, 1 HRI], February 2016 [AliExpress]

DN

For cropped mirrorless cameras (series DN) for Micro 4/3 and Sony E:

  1. Sigma 19 mm 1:2.8DN | A (Art), black/silver, 8/6 [3 ASP], January 2013
  2. Sigma 30 mm 1:2.8DN | A (Art), black/silver, 7/5 [2 ASP], January 2013
  3. Sigma 60 mm 1:2.8DN | A (Art), black/silve, 8/6 [1 ASP, 1 SLD], January 2013

Abbreviations:

  • +L means that there is a version of the lens adapted to work on mirrorless cameras with a bayonet mount Leica l
  • +E means that there is a version of the lens adapted to work on mirrorless cameras with a bayonet mount Sony E/Sony FE
  • + Pentax means that there is a version of the lens with a Pentax K mount (rare)
  • +A means that there is a version of the lens with Sony A mount (rarity)
  • + Cine means that there is a version of the lens adapted for video shooting, usually CINE versions are released simultaneously for ARRI PL, Canon EF and Sony E
  • black / silver - case available in black (black) and silver (silver)
  • 19 / 15, 7 / 5 and similar designations indicate the number of optical elements and groups in the optical scheme of the lens

Additionally, you can look at all lenses SIGMA CONTEMPORARY (C) и all lenses SIGMA SPORT (S). Here here there is a short video about the rulers and markings of Sigma lenses.

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Price Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art

Prices in popular online stores are available. look at E-KATALOG at this link.

Results

Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art is unique and functional. A great tool for those looking for similar characteristics.

10 main advantages:

  1. good resolution already with F / 1.8 in the center of the frame, low level of basic optical distortion (chromatic aberration, vignetting, distortion)
  2. the ability to work with a USB DOCK-station (firmware update, focus adjustment, etc.)
  3. fast and fairly quiet focusing with HSM motor
  4. internal focusing, fixed focus ring during auto focus
  5. continuous manual focus control, focus mode switch, focusing distance scale, depth of field scale
  6. good build quality: metal mount, sturdy TSC plastic body, hand-built and QC
  7. nine aperture blades
  8. the optical scheme uses 4 SLD, 3 FLD and 4 ASP elements
  9. the lens belongs to the Sigma Art line with very high image quality and build criteria
  10. at the end of 2020, Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art has a record aperture F / 1.8 among all other similar photographic lenses. UPDATE: only in the spring of 2021 (4 years later) a similar lens from another manufacturer appeared - Sony FE 1.8/14G GM

10 main disadvantages:

  1. the optical scheme has not been redesigned for mirrorless cameras (the optical scheme and the focal length are used from the mirror version, which increases the already considerable overall length of the lens)
  2. large weight (almost 1200 grams for the Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art versus 500 grams for LAOWA 15/2)
  3. there is no possibility to use classic front light filters (for example, LAOWA 15/2 72 mm filters can be used)
  4. large size (Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art, for example, significantly larger Irix 15 / 2.4 Firefly)
  5. no built-in image stabilizer (for example, it has Tamron 15-30 / 2.8 VC)
  6. there is no clear confirmation of the all-weather resistance of the lens (for example, there is no rubber mount for the mount)
  7. the glossy part of the case gets dirty easily
  8. small filters on the bayonet side can only be used in the Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art version for Canon EF
  9. high price tag at $ 1600 (end of 2020, for example, Sigma 20 / 1.4 Art costs about 900 dollars)
  10. small optical flaws, such as a slight drop in sharpness in the corners of the frame at F / 1.8, etc.

According provided by Sigma 14 / 1.8 Art lens (for Sony E cameras) many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including Similar Sigma Lenses.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 11, on the topic: Review of Sigma 14mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

  • Alex

    > Ability to work with USB DOCK-station

    this is not a plus, but a minus.
    the lens should have accurate autofocus and good firmware right out of the box.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      even native lenses with a particular camera can give errors, while you need to take them to the SC, you can immediately correct the situation at home on your knee and adjust the lens for yourself

    • Victor

      Share this with the owners of your own lenses, including those with red and gold stripes.

      When it is possible to carry out self-adjustment at home, this is definitely a plus. However, no one forbids not to use the dock and act as with your family - take it to the SC.

    • Alexey

      This will significantly increase its price.

    • Vadim

      If the cameras (and the carcasses are also adjusted in different ways) and the lenses are perfect at the factory, then the price can jump a lot. And then the person came home, in most cases introduced an amendment to the camera and that's it. And the firmware is all the more necessary, especially for Nikon-Canon, with closed bayonets. It's strange that Sigma won't give up on a docking station instead of a tiny usb.

  • Oleg

    The bomb, not the lens

  • Rodion

    The front lens is downright parabola)

  • Onotole

    Ultimate Astrophotography Lens

  • Jojoba

    Hello, Arkady! Thanks for your review. It was interesting to read, although I don't have that much money for a lens.

  • UstasFritZZZ

    Thanks for the interesting review. I never liked shiriki, but the examples of the photos were inspired.

  • Anton

    This lens looked at me for astrophoto, in fact, there are no analogues.

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