Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART (Canon) - Review / Test - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Canon EOS (Full Format)
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Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

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Sample Images

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Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/125s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/11.0
Exposure 1/60s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/1250s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/100s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/2.2
Exposure 1/50s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 640
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/50s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 2500
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/15s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 250
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/11.0
Exposure 1/50s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/50s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/80s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/10.0
Exposure 1/125s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 250
Focal Length 14.0mm
Aperture: f/10.0
Exposure 1/100s

Verdict

The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART is an impressive lens both physically as well as regarding its creative potential. However, its extreme credentials don't come for free. Yes, it offers an insane max. aperture at this focal length but at least technically you won't find greatness at f/1.8. the corners are soft. Whether this matters at this aperture is a different question. Astrophotographers may have hoped for more (at least at 50mp) whereas it's a not an issue in shallow depth-of-field scenarios really. Stopping down improves all that and the quality is really good at medium aperture settings. Of course, high vignetting will be visible at large aperture but it's nothing out of the ordinary - which is actually surprising for a 14mm lens that fast. Image distortions are high though. You can spot lateral CAs in harsh contrast scenes but they say within normal limits. It's not a wonder lens in terms of flare/glare but that applies to many lenses in this class anyway.

The build quality is great and it should be able to withstand professional use and abuse - if you manage to shield the vulnerable front element at least. Front filters are no option. The AF left us with mixed feelings. In conventional scenes, things were just fine but the yield rate wasn't all that hot in low light - this is, most likely, also related to the (Canon) camera though. The Sigma is a heavy lens so make sure that you are up to the task of carrying it around with the rest of your gear.

So where does this leave us? The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART is not for everyone, not at this price anyway. If f/1.8 is not a super high priority in your book, it is probably an overkill and at smaller apertures, other lenses are at least as sharp. If ultra-large aperture photography is your thing though ... well ... then this one is your best shot.

Optical Quality (technical) at 50 megapixels:
Optical Quality (technical) at 21 megapixels:
Optical Quality (field): to
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
   What does this mean ?

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