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Introduction
Regardless of the digital camera system, 28mm f/1.4 fullframe lenses are a uncommon breed. And when you find yourself in search of one geared up with autofocus, issues actually begin to look dire. Most often your solely choice is that this Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork, which can be one in all Sigma’s final quick primes designed for DSLRs and one the place we nonetheless didn’t see a smaller “DN” mirrorless model. Regardless of all this, is that this nonetheless a lens you must take into account right this moment? Let’s have a better look.
Pattern Photos
You’ll find most of the pattern pictures in full decision right here.
Specs
The E-mount model of the Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork has the next specs:
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- Diameter: 83 mm
- Area of view: 75.4° (diagonally)
- Size: 134 mm
- Weight: 921g (with out hood, with out caps)
- Filter Diameter: 77 mm
- Variety of Aperture Blades: 9 (rounded)
- Parts/Teams: 17/12
- Shut Focusing Distance: 0.28 m
- Most Magnification: 1:4.6 (measured)
- Mount: Sony E | Nikon F | Canon EF | L Mount
purchase from amazon.com | amazon.de | B&H | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate hyperlinks) for $799 (new) or $550 (used)
Disclosure
This Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork was kindly offered freed from cost by one in all our readers for evaluate functions. Thanks so much!
Dealing with/Construct high quality
Not like different native AF lenses for E-mount the previous DSLR lenses by Sigma characteristic a bodily distance scale and a direct coupling of focus ring and inside mechanics.
To me that is excellent news, as coupled with the great resistance of the main target ring this results in a pleasant guide focus expertise. The main target throw is just a little over 90° which can be acceptable.
The skin is constituted of the identical top quality polycarbonate we already know from the opposite Sigma International Imaginative and prescient lenses. I can’t let you know a lot about the long run reliablity or concerning the inside components.
The lens additional options an AF/MF swap however no different buttons and no aperture ring.
Sigma claims the lens is dust- and splash proof and like all of Sigma’s full body E-mount lenses there’s a rubber gasket to be discovered on the bayonet.
What I discovered extraordinarily attention-grabbing: the bayonet opening has tiny grooves within the corners of the body, I feel in any other case the bayonet would have led to mechanical vignetting.
A bayonet kind lens hood can be a part of the package deal. It gives the identical construct high quality as these from different top quality Sigma primes from that period (e.g. Sigma 40mm 1.4 Artwork and Sigma 35mm 1.2 Artwork DG DN) and as we additionally know from Sony’s GM collection, that means: it comes with a launch button and is constituted of a mixture of polycarbonate and rubber (which is basically good at attracting mud).
Already on DSLRs this was an enormous lens, however on mirrorless cameras it’s a actually huge lens, similar to the Sigma 35mm 1.2 Artwork DG DN. The Nikon AF 28mm 1.4 D is noticeably smaller, but in addition not an as advanced design. The Laowa 28mm 1.2 Argus is the one lens amongst these three that has truly been designed for mirrorless cameras. Making use of that benefit it’s by far essentially the most compact – regardless of additionally being the quickest.
AF efficiency
I’m not taking pictures sports activities or fast-paced animals/people so if you wish to know if the lens is quick sufficient for this or the way it compares to different lenses on this section you might have to search for a distinct evaluate with a extra detailed evaluation of this facet.
In on a regular basis use I discovered the AF to be completely superb and correct.
Vignetting
mild falloff
| f/1.4 | 2.8 EV |
| f/2.0 | 2.1 EV |
| f/2.8 | 1.3 EV |
| f/4.0 – f/16 | 0.7 EV |
On this class lenses designed for (D)SLRs even have a possible profit over these designed for rangefinder/mirrorless cameras: the lengthy again focus distance can result in mild rays coming from the rear factor hitting the sensor at much less acute angles. To some extent that is additionally the case right here.
The vignetting figures on the most aperture are akin to these of the Nikon AF 28mm 1.4 D, 7Artisans 28mm 1.4 and likewise the Laowa 28mm 1.2 @ 1.4, however stopped down this Sigma reveals the least vignetting. A couple of third of a cease lower than the Nikon however one cease lower than the opposite two.
It’s endorsed to take a look at this text first to get an thought how this brightness graph works.
optical vignetting
Quick lenses normally present a noticeable quantity of optical vignetting. With out going an excessive amount of into technical particulars optical vignetting results in the truncation of sunshine circles in the direction of the borders of the body.
Within the middle of the body virtually each lens will render an ideal circle, however solely lenses with very low optical vignetting will preserve this form within the corners.
So within the following comparability we transfer from the middle (left) to the intense nook (proper) and see how the form of the sunshine circle adjustments.
I did shoot all these lenses on the similar focus distance, so the dimensions of the circles needs to be immediately comparable.
Folks typically assume that huge lenses will mechanically do nicely on this class, however very often that is truly not the case. The quantity of optical vignetting is a bit lower than that of the Nikon AF 28mm 1.4 D, however the form within the corners is extra lemon-like with the Sigma whereas they’re nearer to a circle with the Nikon lens. The Laowa 28mm 1.2 truly reveals the least optical vignetting, primarily as a result of it’s the solely lens amongst those who has been designed for mirrorless cameras, which may be a bonus right here.
All three lenses make use of aspherical components that may result in onion ring constructions in out of focus highlights. Right here the Laowa appears finest to me and the Nikon worst – with the Sigma inbetween.
Sharpness
MTF-Graphs
The MTF graphs promise a powerful efficiency at f/1.4 over the central a part of the body as much as the inside midframe. When shifting greater than 10 mm from the middle of the sensor, astigmatism begins to seem which then disappears within the corners. This could be a type of lenses the place we have to have a better take a look at the outer midframe space.
Most MTF-Graphs present calculated values that don’t take into consideration manufacturing tolerances and pattern variation. Moreover they’re normally calculated for infinity, so within the area and taking pictures at completely different distances a noticeable variation could also be seen.
Focus Shift
33% crops, A7rII
I don’t see any focus shift right here.
infinity (42mp Sony A7rII)
At infinity I see an excellent efficiency from this lens. Middle and likewise corners look nice from f/1.4. In terms of the midframe I’m exhibiting you the worst a part of the body and I feel this matches the dent within the MTF graphs. Stopped right down to f/2.8 already we get superb throughout body efficiency.
The Nikon AF 28mm 1.4 D is just not a contestant right here. The 7Artisans 28mm 1.4 FE+ additionally reveals a worse efficiency within the midframe and corners and must be stopped right down to f/5.6 for superb throughout body sharpness. The Laowa 28mm 1.2 additionally appears superb from f/2.8.
In terms of 28mm 1.4 lenses with AF, that is most likely the most effective you will get proper now. Nevertheless, wanting on the Sigma 35mm 1.2 Artwork DG DN, I’m wondering what a Sigma 28mm 1.4 that’s truly designed for mirrorless cameras can be able to.
portrait distance 0.9 m (42mp Sony A7rII)
For portraiture it isn’t so necessary how flat the sector is, it’s extra attention-grabbing to see what the sharpness is like when targeted at completely different components of the body to take area curvature out of the equation.
That is what I did right here, I refocused for each shot and aperture to get the absolute best outcome at completely different places within the body (middle, inside midframe and outer midframe).
Focus distance was roughly 0.9 m and the circle of the greenback invoice is kind of the dimensions of a human eye.
f/1.4 <————> f/2.0
Sony A7rII | Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork | 100% crops
It truly appears to me like this Sigma 28mm 1.4 has not been optimized for this distance. Within the middle and inside midframe the efficiency is sweet at f/1.4, however not nice. Within the outer midframe it even appears barely gentle. Stopping right down to f/2.0 makes a visual distinction and needs to be adequate for just about something.
Right here a comparability to the Sigma 35mm 1.2 Artwork DG DN may be very attention-grabbing although, because the 35mm lens is equally sized and solely barely heavier. Regardless of being half a cease sooner it leaves the 28mm utterly within the mud on this class, because it reveals Moiré in all places within the body from f/1.2. Even stopped right down to f/2.0 the 28mm doesn’t look as spectacular because the 35mm at f/1.2.
Coming again to the 28mm lenses, the a lot older Nikon AF 28mm 1.4 D is noticeably softer. The Laowa 28mm 1.2 alternatively reveals a really related efficiency, it would even be contrastier within the midframe space.
shut 0.28 m, 1:4.6 (42mp Sony A7rII)
100% crops from middle, A7rII
One thing I didn’t like concerning the Laowa 28mm 1.2 and the 7Artisans 28mm 1.4 had been their mediocre minimal focus distances of 0.5 and 0.7 m. This Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork truly has the most effective minimal focus distance of all of them (0.28 m), additionally surpassing the Nikon AF-D 28mm 1.4 (0.35 m). What’s attention-grabbing right here is that regardless of the distinction in minimal focus distance being solely 0.07 m, this Sigma gives a a lot increased magnification – virtually double that of the Nikon lens.
At f/1.4 I see plenty of spherical aberration at this distance – much like the aforementioned Nikon lens – stopping right down to f/2.0 improves the efficiency significantly and stopping right down to f/2.8 much more so.
Flare resistance
As at all times evaluating flare is a posh matter since you will get any lens to look dangerous for those who push it exhausting sufficient and a slight change of situation can have an effect on outcomes so much.
We are going to see how the lens performs huge open in addition to stopped down with the solar in numerous positions relative to the digital camera:
Sony A7III | Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork | f/1.4
At f/1.4 the efficiency is definitely surprisingly good. We will see some faint artefacts, particularly with the solar outdoors the body and a few small faint ghosts with the solar contained in the body, however nothing that actually has the potential to smash your photos.
Sony A7III | Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork | f/11
Now stopped down we will discover all sort of colourful and distracting artefacts, irrespective of whether or not the solar is positioned inside or outdoors the body. Solely with the robust level mild supply positioned near the middle of the body there are hardly any points.
Not one of the quick 28mm lenses I’ve used up to now fared nicely on this class.
Coma
100% crops from excessive nook, targeted on middle, A7rII
The corners will not be completely clear from Coma at f/1.4, however that is nonetheless the most effective efficiency from a 28mm 1.4 lens I’ve seen on this class up to now. The 7Artisans 28mm 1.4 does come shut although and the Laowa 28mm 1.2 appears least nearly as good from f/2.0. The older Nikon AF 28mm 1.4 D doesn’t stand an opportunity.
Distortion
Sony A7III | Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork | f/4.0
The Sigma 28mm 1.4 reveals some barrel distortion which is well seen with straight traces near the sides of the body. A correction profile in Lightroom is on the market which is doing a very good job at correcting this.
Bokeh
As ordinary we are going to take a look how the lens performs at completely different distances and in numerous eventualities.
On paper this Sigma has the identical minimal focus distances because the Nikon AF-S 28mm 1.4E, but it surely truly options the very best magnification of 1:4.6.
Due to the floating components design sharpness and distinction are superb in any respect distances.
Mid distances are what I like to make use of lenses like this for essentially the most, as a result of you’ll be able to present an individual but in addition its barely out of focus environment (see: How one can: Create Environmental Portraits).
Common readers know that that is the place issues get attention-grabbing. The Laowa 28mm 1.2 Argus is a lens that confirmed an excellent efficiency at near mid distances, however had some points attributable to area curvature at longer distances. For this Sigma lens, this isn’t the case. I in contrast it on to the Laowa 28mm 1.2, the Nikon AF-S 28mm 1.4E in addition to the older AF 28mm 1.4D and likewise the Voigtländer VM 28mm 1.5 Nokton and the Thypoch Simera 28mm 1.4. Try my comparability of quick 28mm lenses to see for your self.
In many of the scenes this Sigma lens created the – to my eyes – most interesting bokeh: easy and undistracting.
Sunstars
Sony A7rII | Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork | 33% crops
For a very long time, interesting sunstars weren’t excessive on Sigma’s ToDo record when designing lenses. A lot of their outdated lenses create actually whacky sunstars with undefined rays of uneven size. A few of that also holds true right here, however we do get considerably respectable sunstars at f/11 or higher f/16. Wanting on the solar within the flare resistance part the uneven size of the rays might be extra apparent although.
If you wish to be taught extra about this subject take a look at this text.
Chromatic aberration
lateral
Lateral CA are corrected completely. There aren’t any I might present you right here.
longitudinal
Sony A7III | Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork | 50% crops
Right here the advanced optical design definitely pays off. Whereas the Sigma 28mm 1.4 is just not free from bokeh fringing, it’s at a stage that isn’t overly distracting. Stopped right down to f/2.8 it’s virtually utterly gone.
In terms of purple fringing this lens is completely corrected from f/1.4.
Conclusion
good
|
common | not good
|
For E, L and EF mount customers that is just about the one actual choice with dependable AF (starting of 2024). Fortunately it’s also a very good choice, with solely only a few downsides, essentially the most related being its weight and dimensions. For those who can look previous that – and the mediocre flare resistance – this lens doesn’t go away so much to be desired: sharpness is mostly good, bokeh is good, coma correction is sweet, distortion is straightforward to right.
The factor is, the Laowa 28mm 1.2 reveals how compact a quick 28mm lens designed for mirrorless cameras may be. I do know lots of you depend on autofocus at this focal size, so the Laowa might not be the lens you might be in search of. However when at some point both Sigma or Sony or perhaps Viltrox releases a 28mm 1.4 lens, this Sigma 28mm 1.4 will undergo the identical destiny as their 20mm 1.4 and 24mm 1.4 DSLR designs earlier than: in a single day it would unfastened most of its relevance.
However at this level, who is aware of when or if any producer will ever launch a lens like this? And till then, this Sigma is your only option on the subject of quick 28mm lenses with autofocus.
purchase from amazon.com | amazon.de | B&H | ebay.com | ebay.de (affiliate hyperlinks) for $799 (new) or $550 (used)
Alternate options
This Sigma 28mm 1.4 Artwork, the Nikon AF-S 28mm 1.4E, the Nikon AF-D 28mm 1.4 and the Laowa 28mm 1.2 Argus are all a part of my Quick 28mm Comparability, so finest take a look there first.
Viltrox FE 28mm 1.8 AF:
This Viltrox lens is a bit slower however nonetheless value mentioning, as it’s most likely “the following neatest thing” when in search of a quick 28mm lens with AF. Sharpness is respectable and bokeh is good, however I wasn’t overly pleased with the dearth of a button or AF/MF swap and within the Sony world it doesn’t look significantly nice subsequent to the smaller and infrequently cheaper Sony FE 28mm 2.0. Nonetheless, this can be a lens value trying out, particularly for those who care about good bokeh.
purchase from producer’s store (use the code “PRnet” for 8% low cost) | B&H | ebay.com (affiliate hyperlinks) for $379
Laowa 28mm 1.2 Argus:
The Laowa is just not solely the quickest 28mm lens ever made, it’s also a real mirrorless design making use of the quick flange focal distance of those cameras. Regardless of being sooner and approach smaller it matches and typically exceeds the efficiency of this Sigma lens. Essentially the most notable distinction is that the Sigma gives autofocus although, which the Laowa doesn’t.
purchase from producer’s store | B&H | ebay.com | Amazon.de (affiliate hyperlinks) for $599
7Artisans 28mm 1.4 FE+:
This was the primary 7Artisans lens and it’s nonetheless a very compelling choice. What I don’t like about it’s its minimal focus distance of solely 0.7 m. Its flare resistance additionally ain’t nice and it produces unappealing sunstars. In comparison with this Sigma it’s also a bit worse when it comes to decision.
The 7Artisans is an reasonably priced and compact 28mm 1.4 guide focus lens that has approach higher efficiency than you may anticipate.
purchase from ebay.com | ebay.de for about $436 (affiliate hyperlinks)
Nikon AF 28mm 1.4D:
This was the primary 28mm 1.4 fullframe lens ever made when it was launched in 1994. Whereas it additionally makes use of a hand floor aspherical factor in addition to a really advanced floating components design, it doesn’t match this 20 years youthful Sigma’s efficiency in most classes. It additionally has change into a little bit of a collector’s merchandise, driving up its used worth. For most individuals not a very sensible choice.
purchase used from ebay.com (affiliate hyperlink) beginning at $1200
Nikon AF-S 28mm 1.4E:
The successor to the aforementioned lens. One among Nikon’s final lenses designed for the F-mount that subsequently comes with an digital aperture diaphragm. In comparison with this Sigma: higher flare resistance, related decision and distinction. A sensible choice to make use of tailored on a Z digital camera, not so nice selection for different digital camera programs as solely only a few and expensive adapters permit to alter its aperture setting.
purchase from Amazon.de | B&H | ebay.com for $1799 new / $1000 used (affiliate hyperlinks)
Viltrox FE 28mm 1.8 AF:
This Viltrox lens is a bit slower however nonetheless value mentioning, as it’s most likely “the following neatest thing” when in search of a quick 28mm lens with AF. Sharpness is respectable and bokeh is good, however I wasn’t overly pleased with the dearth of a button or AF/MF swap and within the Sony world it doesn’t look significantly nice subsequent to the smaller and infrequently cheaper Sony FE 28mm 2.0. Nonetheless, this can be a lens value trying out, particularly for those who care about good bokeh.
purchase from producer’s store (use the code “PRnet” for 8% low cost) | B&H | ebay.com (affiliate hyperlinks) for $379
Pattern Photos
You’ll find most of the pattern pictures in full decision right here.
Additional Studying
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My title is Bastian and I’m your skilled right here on the subject of extremely huge angle lenses, tremendous quick portrait lenses (starting from a 50mm f/0.95 to a 200mm f/1.8) and I even have reviewed approach too many 35mm lenses.
Do not ask me something about macro or wildlife taking pictures although.
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