Review: Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN ART Full-frame Mirrorless Lens

When Sigma announced the 35mm f/1.2 DG DN ART back in 2019, we were a little surprised. These types of fast apertures are usually reserved for lenses and focal lengths of 50mm and above. But when we tested it out in full, we all agreed this was the perfect addition to the Sigma range. This 35mm f/1.2 DG DN ART review covers the lens' aperture, portability, image quality and autofocus performance, along with our verdict of the full-frame mirrorless lens.

Ian Howorth reviews the L-fit version of the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN ART — the 35mm f/1.2 DG DN L — mounted to the 47-megapixel full-frame mirrorless Leica SL2.

Aperture

The fast aperture of the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 creates an unusual look on a wide lens, rendering defocused zones beautifully while offering a reasonably wide field of view.

Softness

At f/2.8, you can argue it doesn’t do enough to create a ‘look’—you might just get a soft image. But, at f/1.2, it creates a unique look that is worth the added softness associated with extremely large apertures.

However, this softness is just compared to smaller apertures. At f/1.2, we found the images to be perfectly usable and quite pleasing. You’re obviously dealing with a more shallow depth of field, which may not be the look you might want. Usually, with 35mm lenses, most of the scenes you capture should be in acceptable focus.

Size and weight

What about the size and weight? Well, it has plenty of both. Historically, 35mm lenses are reasonably compact and great as all-day carries—a good compromise if you can only carry one lens with you. Not too wide, not too tightly cropped.

The Sigma 35mm f/1.2 is considerably bigger and heavier than any other prime we’ve used—aside from perhaps the Otus series from Zeiss.

So, this lens isn't suitable as a carry-all-day prime. But, perhaps we shouldn't pigeonhole it as something it was never intended to be. After all, the only thing it shares with those classic 35mm lenses is the focal length—not its usage. The key thing about this lens isn’t in its perceived usage or the associations with its focal length, it's about its aperture and focal length combined.

Image quality

Among its contemporaries, the look it provides is so unique that it will give you something truly unusual. But its 35mm focal length makes it perfectly usable for longer landscapes or wider environmental portraits.

Autofocus speed and accuracy

At f/1.2, the autofocus speed and accuracy are average. With our experience shooting on a Leica SL2, we found it better to use flexible single-point autofocus to nail exactly where you want the focus point to be. Even then, we would take two or three shots just to be sure. Truthfully, we didn’t mind this. You can’t expect the kit to give us magic. We’ve never used a super-large aperture lens where we can trust the autofocus all of the time. As you can see, the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 was pretty much par for the course.

Verdict

This lens isn’t cheap, but considering it’s a premium 35mm lens with a very fast aperture, it compares well against the competition. The Sigma is weather-sealed, which is great as many other manufacturers don’t provide this. We love that Sigma has released this lens, it’s something really unique that sits nicely amid a range of phenomenal lenses. If you find it to be a little too big for your needs, then the 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM L is still a great option.

Read our Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG review and more camera gear guides on the MPB Content Hub.