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(P)REVIEW: SIGMA 35MM F2 DG DN

The Sigma 35 mm F2 DG DN is part of a new series of premium focal length lenses from Sigma. The design of the lenses in this I-series is based on three characteristics: good optical quality, solid construction and high user-friendliness.

Click on the lens for specifications, prices and test results.

TEST RESULTS Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN:

PROS

CONS

  • Bright

  • Aperture ring

  • Magnetic lens cap

  • Metal construction

  • Weather resistant

The Sigma 35 mm F2 DG DN is part of a new series of compact, relatively bright and affordable fixed focal points.

The Sigma 35 mm F2 DG DN is a lens in a new series of Sigma fixed-focal length lenses. Sigma calls it the I series, and the other lenses in this series are the Sigma 24 mm F3.5 DG DN and the Sigma 65 mm F2 DG DN. They are lenses in the Contemporary series. So they’re not Art lenses. Nevertheless, the lenses are designed to give the highest image quality, they have a metal housing, and they are weatherproof.

In addition to image quality and robustness, the user interface is also important. The ribbed focusing ring, which we now also know from the Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN, is part of this. The I-series lenses also have an equally strongly serrated aperture ring. A funny innovation is the magnetic lens cap, which is easy to put on the lens.

Check out the introduction of Sigma’s new I lenses above, starting at 19:55.

The new I lenses are available in E mount and L mount. They can therefore be used on the mirrorless cameras from Sony, Leica, Panasonic and, of course, also on Sigma’s FP.

BUILD

The 35mm F2 DG DN is a robustly built lens that has an all-metal housing. The serrated focus ring and aperture ring are therefore also made of metal and not rubber. The lens is also weather-resistant. The optical design consists of 10 elements in 8 groups. To minimize chromatic aberrations, one of the lens elements is made of special SLD glass. The lens also contains no fewer than three aspherical elements. The diaphragm has 9 rounded blades for a circular opening and a beautiful bokeh.

This lens has an aperture ring. Strictly speaking, this is not necessary for many photo applications, unless you use a camera like the Sony A7C that does not have a front dial or you want to operate an aperture ring with your left hand in the old-fashioned way. It gives the lens a nice retro look. However, it does not have a switch to make the aperture clickless for video applications. The lens has an AF/MF switch that you don’t, as usual, slide back and forth but that moves with the curvature of the lens. A funny innovation is the metal lens cap. It’s magnetic and therefore clicks very smoothly onto the lens. To store the lens cap when the lens is in use, Sigma supplies a lens cap holder that you can hang on your pants or bag with a carabiner and that you can put the lens cap on.

FOCUSING

The Sigma 35 mm F2 DG DN uses an STM motor for focusing. This is a stepper motor. It ensures accurate and silent focus. However, this type is not as fast as more advanced, newer solutions. The drive is optimized for both the Sony cameras, which use phase detection AF, and the Panasonic cameras, which only use a contrast detection AF system. The shortest setting distance is 27 cm. This provides a magnification of 1:5.6.

IMAGE QUALITY

The MTF curves of the new I-series lenses look promising.

We will soon receive a copy in our test lab, and then we will publish a full review.

 

Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN

 specifications
  
field of view (diag)63°
sensor formatfull frame
min. setting distance27 cm
filter diameter58mm
diaphragm blades9
image stabilizernone
dimensions (dxl)70×65/67 mm
weight325 gr
mountL- or E-mount
particularsaperture ring
importerwww.sigmabenelux.com
list price€ 719.00
  
resolution
contrast
chromatic aberration
distortion
vignetting
autofocus
flare
finish
  
final score

ConclusiON: REVIEW Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN oN Sony A7R III

As soon as we have the Sigma 35 mm F2 DG DN in our test lab, a complete review will follow.

The Sigma 35 mm F2 DG DN will be available at the beginning of January. The list price is €719.00.

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