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Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A ("Art") - Full Format Review / Lens Test |
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Lens Reviews -
Canon EOS (Full Format)
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Page 1 of 3
Review by Klaus Schroiff, published July 2015
Introduction
Sigma keeps on rolling out more "Art" (professional grade) series lenses - obviously with quite some success as you can also conclude from our previous reviews of Sigma Art lenses. Slowly but steadily Sigma has gained quite a reputation in the professional community as well. This shows that Sigma's "A1" quality control system really does make a difference (are you listening Fuji, Samsung, Pentax, Tokina ...?) - after all pros value optical consistency as much as sheer performance. This time we'll have a look at the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | Art thus a moderate ultra-wide angle lens (full format). Thus now we got "arty" versions of the 24mm, 35mm and 50mm. The 85mm will be next in line for sure in the foreseeable future.
Despite having improved the overall quality, Sigma managed to keep the price tags on a really fair level which is surely a relieve for many potential customers since the original manufactures are keep on driving their products to insane levels here. The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | Art sells for roughly 850US$ (800EUR) vs 1550US$ (1400EUR) for the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 USM L II which could be a good reason to help even loyal Canon customers changing boats ... if the quality is right.
Sigma's "Art" series tend to have a superb build quality and the 24mm f/1.4 is no exception to this rule. Besides some metal parts, Sigma uses a new material called TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) which contributes to the high quality perception. The broad focus ring is nicely rubberized and operated smoothly. The physical length of the lens remains constant thanks to internal focusing. One aspect is a bummer though ... there is no weather sealing which may shy off some customers. A petal-shaped (plastic) lens hood is part of the package.
The lens features HSM, which is Sigma's version of an ultrasonic drive. Typical for many HSM lenses, the AF is virtually silent and very fast - at least in conventional phase-detection AF mode. Contrast AF in Live-View mode is usable and has improved quite a bit in the latest DSLR generation. The lens is also compatible with Sigma USB dock so you can tune the AF calibration at will if you see the need and are willing to invest a little extra.
| Specifications |
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| Optical construction | 15 elements in 11 groups including 3xSLD, 3xFLD and 2x aspherical elements |
| Number of aperture blades | 9 (rounded) |
| min. focus distance | 0.25m (max. magnification ratio 1:5.2) |
| Dimensions | 85x90.2mm |
| Weight | 665g |
| Filter size | 77mm (non-rotating) |
| Hood | petal-shaped (bayonet mount, supplied) |
| Other features | - |
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