Sigma 30mm 1: 1.4 DC DN C (Contemporary) review

Navigation

1. In short
2. Alternatives
3. History
4. All Sigma Contemporary Lenses
5. Main Specifications
6. Assembly
7. Focusing
8. Image quality
9. Sample Photos
10. Examples in processing
11. My experience
12. All Sony E APS-C cameras
13. All Sony E APS-C Lenses
14. Results
15. User Comments
16. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review, I will call the Sigma 30mm 1: 1.4 DC DN C (Contemporary) lens in abbreviated form Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN.

Important: This review shows the Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN lens for Sony E-mount cameras, but at the same time it is also available with mounts Canon EF-M, fujifilm x, Leica l,  Micro 4 / 3 (MFT) and Nikon Z.

It's important: there are two similar lenses

• Sigma 30mm 1: 1.4 DC A (Art) for cropped SLR cameras with Nikon F, Canon EF / EFS, Sigma SA, Pentax K, Sony A mounts
• Sigma 30mm 1: 1.4 EX DC HSM for cropped DSLR cameras with Nikon F, Canon EF / EFS, Sigma SA, Pentax K, Sony A mounts and 4/3 SLR system

These two lenses have nothing to do with the Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN in this review.

In short

Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN - fast fix for cropped Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras... It has internal autofocusing, it works quite quietly and quickly. Optically good, sharp in the center of the frame already from F / 1.4 (no reservations), the build quality is at a good level. The main disadvantages are chromatic aberration.

30mm on cameras with an APS-C sensor gives EGF equal to 45 mm, which is a standard (in terms of viewing angle) solution and is suitable for a large number of photo tasks. We can say that Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN is a regular fix for every day.

Alternatives

The Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN can be used as a replacement for other similar lenses. Below I have prepared list of all autofocus OEM prime-mount lenses Sony E and with a similar focal length (23-35 mm), designed to work with cropped Sony E APS-C mirrorless cameras:

1. Sony 35 / 1.8 OSS (for Sony E mount)
2. Sony 24 / 1.8 ZEISS ZA (for Sony E mount)
3. Sony 30 / 3.5 Macro (for Sony E mount)
4. Zeiss 32 / 1.8 Toit (Planar) (for Sony E mount)
5. felttrox 23 / 1.4 STM (for Sony E mount)
6. felttrox 33 / 1.4 STM (for Sony E mount)
7. tokina 23 / 1.4 atx-m (for Sony E mount)
8. tokina 33 / 1.4 atx-m (for Sony E mount)
9. Sigma 30 / 2.8 EX (for Sony E mount)
10. Sigma 30 / 2.8 ART (for Sony E mount)

Also, as alternatives, you can consider similar modern Chinese manual (only with manual focusing) solutions for Sony E mount:

1. TTArtisan 23 / 1.4
2. TTArtisan 35 / 1.4
3. 7Artisans 25 / 0.95
4. 7Artisans 35 / 0.95
5. 7Artisans 35 / 1.2 II
6. 7Artisans 35 / 1.4 II
7. PERGEAR 35 / 1.2
8. many others, look in the lists: 7Artisans, TTartisan, Meike, Neewer, PerGear, Kamlan, Brightin star, Mitakon Zhongyi, Venus laowa, Andoer, Kaxinda, lightdow, risespray

History

Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN has been officially announced 12 September 2016 years in variants for Sony E and Micro 4/3. A little later, a version was released under Canon EF-M, a little later a version was released and under Leica l.

Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN is the first f / 1.4 autofocus lens for mirrorless cameras Sony E APS-C.

All Sigma Contemporary Lenses

Line of lenses Sigma C (Sigma Contemporary) It comprises:

DG

Lenses for full-frame SLR cameras (series DG), for Nikon F, Canon EF / EFS, Sigma SA mounts:

1. SIGMA 100-400 mm 1:5-6.3 DG OS | C (Contemporary) [21/15]
2. SIGMA 150-600 mm 1:5-6.3 DG OS MACRO | C (Contemporary)[20/14][AliExpress]

DG DN

Lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras (series DG DN) for bayonets Sony E и Leica l. SIGMA I - compact premium prime lenses:

1. Sigma 17 mm 1: 4 DG DN C | (Contemporary)
2. Sigma 20 mm 1: 2 DG DN C | (Contemporary) [I]
3. Sigma 24 mm 1: 2 DG DN C | (Contemporary) [I]
4. Sigma 24 mm 1: 3.5 DG DN C | (Contemporary) [I]
5. Sigma 35 mm 1: 2 DG DN C | (Contemporary) [I]
6. Sigma 45 mm 1: 2.8 DG DN C | (Contemporary) [I][AliExpress]
7. Sigma 50 mm 1: 2 DG DN C | (Contemporary)
8. Sigma 65 mm 1: 2 DG DN C | (Contemporary) [I]
9. Sigma 90 mm 1: 2.8 DG DN C | (Contemporary) [I]
10. Sigma 16-28 mm 1: 2.8 DG DN C | (Contemporary) [AliExpress]
11. Sigma 28-70 mm 1: 2.8 DG DN C | (Contemporary)[16/12][AliExpress]
12. Sigma 100-400 1: 5-6.3 DG DN OS C | (Contemporary) [22 / 16]

DC

Lenses for cropped SLR cameras (series DC) for different mounts:

1. SIGMA 17-70 mm 1: 2.8-4 DC OS MACRO | C (Contemporary) [Nikon F, Canon EF/EFS, Sigma SA, Pentax K] [AliExpress]
2. SIGMA 18-200 mm 1: 3.5-6.3 DC OS MACRO | C (Contemporary) [Nikon F, Canon EF / EFS, Sigma SA, Sony A, Pentax K]
3. SIGMA 18-300 mm 1:3.5-6.3 DC OS MACRO | C (Contemporary), [Nikon F, Canon EF/EFS, Sigma SA]

DC DN

Lenses for cropped mirrorless cameras (series DC DN) for bayonets fujifilm x, Micro 4 / 3, Sony E, Canon EOS M, Leica l, Nikon Z:

1. SIGMA 16 mm 1:1.4 DC DN | C (Contemporary)[AliExpress]
2. SIGMA 23 mm 1: 1.4 DC DN | C (Contemporary) [only E, L]
3. SIGMA 30 mm 1: 1.4 DC DN | C (Contemporary) [9/7][AliExpress]
4. SIGMA 56 mm 1:1.4 DC DN | C (Contemporary)[AliExpress]
5. SIGMA 18-50 mm 1: 2.8 DC DN | C (Contemporary) [only X, E, L] [AliExpress]

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

Main technical characteristics of Sigma 30mm 1: 1.4 DC DN:

Review Instance Name	Near front lens: 30mm 1: 1.4 DC DN Ø52mm On the body: Sigma 30mm 1: 1.4 DC DN Ø52mm + С + 0.3m / 0.98feet-∞
Basic properties	E (E-mount) - designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras DC (Digital Camera) - the lens is designed for SLR cameras with an APS-C sensor, in this case it is an analogue 'Nikon DX' С (Contemporary) - a line of modern high-quality lenses STM (Stepper Motor) - focusing stepper motor IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus DMF (DDirectly Mannual Focus) - direct manual focus Super Multi-Layer Coating - super multicoated optics 016 - year of manufacture (there may be other numbers) Aspherical elements in the optical design H.R.I. (High Refactive Index) - elements with a high refractive index in the optical scheme Electronic focus ring Lens hood and soft case included TSC (Thermally Sbackgammon Composite) - heat-resistant composite at the base of the body Important: lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its use
Front Filter Diameter	52 mm
Focal length	30 mm, EGF for Sony cameras with APS-C sensor is 45 mm
Zoom ratio	1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by	for Sony NEX / Sony ALPHA / Sony ILCE E-mount mirrorless cameras There are options for mounts: Canon EF-M Micro 4 / 3 Leica l Nikon Z fujifilm x
Number of aperture blades	9 rounded petals
Tags	bayonet mount mark and hood mount mark
Diaphragm	F / 1.4 to F / 16
MDF	0.3 meters, maximum magnification ratio 1:7
The weight	265 grams
Optical design	7 elements in 7 groups. The scheme includes 2 aspherical elements (shown in pink in the optical scheme) and 1 element H.R.I. (High Refactive Index) with a high refractive index (not shown in the diagram)The image of the optical scheme is clickable to enlarge
Lens hood	Bayonet type LH586-01 included in delivery
Manufacturer country	Made in Japan
Period	From September 2016
Prices	View on E-KATALOG View on ROZETKA

The lens barrel has a small 'C' letter written in a silver circle. This letter is responsible for the class of the lens according to the modern gradation of Sigma lenses. 'C' is an abbreviation for 'Contemporary', these lenses have a modern body, most often not the most outstanding aperture parameters and are intended primarily for amateur photographers.

The creative potential of such a lens can hardly be overestimated. It is suitable for a wide range of photographic tasks. Photo enthusiasts often use it as a creative lens. Many people just want a fast prime, especially in addition to their stock / kit lens. F / 1.4 aperture four steps wider aperture of f / 5.6, which is used in 'dark' kit lenses at the long end. In numerical terms, this means that the Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN is approximately 16 times brighterthan, for example, whale Sony 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6 OSS, which at 55 mm focal length uses a maximum aperture equal to only 1: 5.6. The calculation in the difference in the relative aperture (count the luminosity) is carried out in an elementary way: (5.6 * 5.6) / (1.4 * 1.4) = 16.

Assembly

Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN has metal mount... The focusing ring is very wide, rubberized. The lens feels good in the hands. Assembled in Japan.

The lens barrel is made of composite material - TSC — Thermally Sbackgammon 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. From this material, Sigma makes its 'ART' series lenses such as Sigma 35mm 1: 1.4 DG A HSM... Unfortunately, the Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN does not have a protective rubber mount for the mount.

The weight of the Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN is about 260 grams. The diameter of the front filter is only 52 mm. Light weight and small size go well with lightweight cameras Sony NEX / Alpha ILCE.

There is a bayonet mount mark on the body and a mark for quick attachment of the hood. The lens uses the supplied plastic hood LH586-01, the hood must be fixed in the special grooves located near the front lens of the objective. The hood can be set in transport mode with the back side, in this position, access to the focusing ring is slightly lost.

Focusing

For focusing the Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN uses stepper focus motor STM (Stapping Motor). Auto Focus should work with all Sony cameras with an E / FE mount.

Focusing speed is average, closer to high, quite comfortable for work. After the lens loses accurate focusing, refocusing is performed quickly enough.

It's important: In difficult shooting conditions, as well as when shooting dynamic scenes, the focusing quality with the Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN can be noticeably worse than with similar original lenses, for example, Sony 35 / 1.8 OSS). Even in simple shooting conditions, the AF tenacity with the Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN is very dependent on the camera used.

Lens uses electronic focus ring. Focus ring not rubberized, wide, in manual focus mode rotates approximately 270 degrees. When extreme positions are reached, the ring does not abut, but continues to rotate. Manual focus is enough conveniently... The focus ring rotates easily. I did not observe any lag (lag) when changing the direction of rotation. The focus ring makes a very faint sound of two plastic parts rubbing during manual focusing. The electronic focusing ring is implemented well, responds more to the angle of rotation than to the speed of its rotation.

On the case no MF / AF focus mode switch... To change the focus mode, use the camera menu.

During auto focus focus ring remains stationary, however, it can be freely rotated without any effect on focus (if the normal AF mode 'Autofocus', not 'MF', and not 'DMF' is enabled in the camera menu). During manual focusing, a scale of approximate focusing distances appears on the display of some cameras.

The lens has internal focusing, the front lens remains stationary during focusing. It is possible to use various filters without any problems.

The minimum focusing distance is 30 cm, while the maximum magnification for macro photography of 1: 7 can be obtained.

There are no useful marks on the focusing distance, depth of field, or anything else on the lens.

Focus shift (shift-focus) was not noticed during operation and testing.

On cameras Sony Nex-6 (with phase focus sensors) and Sony a3500 (without phase focusing sensors) no special focusing problems were noticed.

Image quality

The Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN easily handles the 20MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor at the heart of the camera Sony α3500 (ILCE-3500).

Optically, this is a quite good lens, from the obvious shortcomings I would single out only the strong chromatic aberration... There are no complaints about working at F / 1.4, this aperture is quite suitable for use.

Sharpness

• confident sharpness at open aperture in the center of the frame, F / 1.4 in the center of the frame is fully 'working'
• very good resolution in the center of the frame is achieved after f / 2.8
• there is a drop in sharpness in the far corners of the frame
• resolution in the corners of the frame reaches a good level at closed apertures around F / 2.8
• at apertures after f / 2.8, more or less uniform sharpness is observed throughout the entire field of the frame (including far corners)
• good contrast

Distortion

• distortion is small, pincushion, unified
• it is best to use a lens profile to correct distortion

Vignetting

• tangible vignetting on f / 1.4
• vignetting disappears almost completely at values ​​after F / 2.8
• vignetting decreases with focus towards MDF
• vignetting is strongest when focusing at infinity

Aberration

• the lens creates a large amount of chromatic aberration
• there is a strong freeing (the color of the contrasting areas of confusion in green / blue and purple), the freezing is significantly reduced with aperture, after F / 2.8 it is weakly noticeable

Rest

• the effect of the rays of the star is well pronounced (18 rays)
• the lens works well with bright light sources in the frame, only in the most difficult conditions can you get small flares
• satisfactory bokeh can be obtained in most cases

It should be noted that for this lens there should be profiles for Photoshop and Lightroom (I did not find working links for them), which will help get rid of such shortcomings with one click.

Sample photos on Sony NEX-6

Sample photos on Sony NEX-6 (16MP Sony Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor), specially for this review, prepared Natalia (Instagram)... She now uses this lens every day as a light, light fixture on her camera. Sony NEX-6... All photos are JPEG from the camera.

Original JPEG '.JPG' photos can be view and / or download from this link (Google Drive, 100+ photos). Original '.ARW' RAW photos can be view and / or download from this link (Google Drive, 20 photos). Examples in processing.

Sample photos on Sony a3500

Sample photos from Sony a3500 (Sony Exmor APS-C HD CMOS 20MP sensor) prepared Natalia (Instagram)... All photos are JPEG from the camera.

Original JPEG '.JPG' photos can be view and / or download from this link (Google Drive, 20 photos).

My experience

Sigma has long been producing a variety of lenses of the 30 / 1.4 class, which have become very popular among amateur photographers. Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN was no exception and turned out to be a very successful solution.

The Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN is a modern, attractive lens. It is very strange that it was included in the Contemporary line, and not in the Sigma ART line.

Three lenses from the Contemporary series: Sigma 16 / 1.4, 30 / 1.4 (from this review), 56/1.4 solve the overwhelming majority of problems of amateur photographers and professionals.

I want to note that the original Sony 24 / 1.8 ZA is a much more convenient solution for everyday shooting as a standard fixture than the Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN. Six millimeters of focal length makes themselves felt. In general, despite the lower aperture, original Sony 24 / 1.8 ZA just wonderful.

All Sony E-mount cameras with APS-C sensor

• NEX-3, NEX-C3, NEX-F3, NEX-3Women
• NEX-5, NEX-5N, NEX-5R, NEX-5T [fifth series on AliExpress.com]
• NEX-6, NEX-7
• a3000, a3500
• a5000, a5100
• a6000, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500, a6600 [6000 series on Ali]
• ZV-E10
• FX30
• QX1
• Hasselblad lunar

All Sony E lenses for APS-C

Fix Lenses:

1. Sony 11 mm f / 1.8 [2022, black, AliExpress price]
2. Sony 15 mm f / 1.4 G [2022, black, AliExpress price]
3. Sony 16 mm f / 2.8 [2010, silver, AliExpress price]
4. Sony 20 mm f / 2.8 [2013, silver, AliExpress price]
5. Sony 24 mm f / 1.8 ZEISS ZA [2011, black]
6. Sony 30 mm f / 3.5 MACRO [2011, silver, AliExpress price]
7. Sony 35 mm f / 1.8 U.S.S [2012, black, AliExpress price]
   
8. Sony 50 mm f / 1.8 U.S.S [2011, black/silver, AliExpress price]

Zoom Lenses:

1. Sony 10-18 mm f / 4 U.S.S [2012, black, AliExpress price]
   
2. Sony 10-20 mm f / 4 G PZ [2022, black, AliExpress price]
3. Sony 16-50 mm f / 3.5-5.6 PZ U.S.S [2012, black/silver, AliExpress price]
4. Sony 16-55 mm f / 2.8 G [2019, black, AliExpress price]
5. Sony 16-70 mm f / 4 U.S.S ZEISS ZA [2013, black, AliExpress price]
   
6. Sony 18-50 mm f / 4-5.6 [2014, black]
7. Sony 18-55 mm f / 3.5-5.6 U.S.S [2010, black/silver, AliExpress price]
8. Sony 18-105 mm f / 4 G PZ U.S.S [2013, black, AliExpress price]
   
9. Sony 18-110 mm f / 4 G PZ U.S.S [2016, black]
   
10. Sony 18-135 mm f / 3.5-5.6 U.S.S [2018, black, AliExpress price]
    
11. Sony 18-200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 U.S.S [2010, silver, AliExpress price]
12. Sony 18-200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 U.S.S LE [2012, black, AliExpress price]
    
13. Sony 18-200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 PZ U.S.S [2012, black]
    
14. Sony 55-210 mm f / 4.5-6.3 U.S.S [2011, black/silver, AliExpress price]
15. Sony 70-350 mm f/4.5–6.3 G U.S.S [2019, black, AliExpress price]

Third-party autofocus lenses for Sony E APS-C:

• Zeiss Touit Distagon 12/2.8 | Zeiss Touit Planar 32/1.8 | Zeiss Touit Makro Planar 50/2.8M
• Hasselblad E 3.5-5.6/18-55 OSS LF | Hasselblad E 3.5-6.3/18-200 OSS LF | Hasselblad E 2.8 / 16 LF
• Sigma C 16/1.4 | Sigma A 19 / 2.8 | Sigma EX 19/2.8 | Sigma C 30 / 1.4 | Sigma EX 30/2.8 | Sigma A 30/2.8 | Sigma C 56/1.4 | Sigma A 60/2.8 | Sigma C 18-50 / 2.8
• Tamron 11-20 / 2.8 | Tamron 17-70 / 2.8 VC | Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC | Tamron 18-300 / 3.5-6.3 VC
• Viltrox 13 / 1.4 | Viltrox 23/1.4 | Viltrox 33/1.4 | Viltrox 56 / 1.4
• Tokina 23 / 1.4 | Tokina 33 / 1.4 | Tokina 56 / 1.4 | Tokina 11-18 / 2.8
• Samyang 12 / 2
• Yongnuo 16 / 1.8, Yongnuo 50 / 1.8
• TTArtisan 27 / 2.8

Many interesting manual solutions are provided by Chinese manufacturers and brands. 7Artisans, TTartisan, Meike, Neewer, PerGear, Kamlan, Brightin star, Mitakon Zhongyi, Venus laowa other. Autofocus Speed ​​Boosters are also interesting Viltrox Canon EF -> Sony E 0.71X и Metabones Canon EF -> Sony E 0.71X... List of full-frame cameras and lenses Sony FE (Full Frame E) here

Results

The Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN for Sony E mount is a very interesting lens for creative and everyday photography and video shooting for every day. In general, everything is good. Sigma 30 / 1.4 C DC DN can serve as an alternative to the original Sony 35 / 1.8 OSS or Sony 24 / 1.8 ZA.

10 main advantages:

1. fairly low cost (You can find $ 270 each)
2. light weight, high-quality assembly, hood included
3. focusing stepper motor, fast enough and quiet
4. internal focusing, DMF support, weak Focus Breathing effect
5. Electronic focusing ring, comfortable manual focusing
6. two aspherical and one HRI elements in the optical scheme
7. EGF well suited for using the lens as a regular fix for every day
8. 1: 1.4 aperture ratio (original Sony E lenses for APS-C do not have f / 1.4 solutions)
9. nine aperture blades
10. good optical performance, f / 1.4 is fully 'working'

10 main disadvantages:

1. no built-in image stabilizer (similar Sony 35 / 1.8 OSS he is)
2. there is no protective seal for the mount, the lens itself is not protected
3. no aperture control ring (similar Viltrox 33 / 1.4 AF)
4. as a standard lens, focal lengths Sony 24 / 1.8 ZA и Viltrox 23 / 1.4 AF fit better
5. no macro mode (available in Sony 30 / 3.5 Macro)
6. on heavily covered apertures, the aperture has the shape of an irregular nine-sided
7. automatic focusing could have been faster (however, the speed strongly depends on the camera used)
8. a lens from a third-party manufacturer, not hard-wired into modern Sony cameras, this does not automatically correct some optical imperfections
9. strong milling
10. tangible chromatic aberration

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram | Assistance of the Armed Forces