Sigma Contemporary 35mm 2.0 DG DN

The Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary gives a superb performance with a few minor handling issues.

The Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN is a great medium-wideangle prime lens for all types of photographers. While it has some fringing and a bit of distortion, it largely makes up for those with pleasingly smooth out-of-focus areas as well as excellent handling and build quality.

The Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN is a mild wide prime lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras and available in Sony-e and Leica L-mounts. It becomes Sigma’s second 35mm to get me really excited about shooting this focal length, following the f1.2 ART. While I love the 1.2 for its unparalleled shallow depth-of-field effects, the f2 is simply more affordable and practical, while sporting a degree of charm absent from most modern lenses. It eschews the typically bland, featureless plastic barrels for something altogether classier with metal construction, a manual aperture ring, weather-sealing and attractive detailing including a metal lens hood and a fun magnetic cap (as well as a more traditional plastic one). The optics are sharp into the corners wide-open and capable of attractive bokeh. I also enjoyed the minimum focusing distance, allowing me to get close to smaller subjects and details. Beyond a little coloured fringing on some blurred high contrast subjects like branches against an overcast sky, there’s not a lot to complain about. Its biggest issue is joining a packed market of 35s, especially in the Sony mount - the similarly-priced FE 35mm f1.8 from Sony itself is a key rival. Overall I was very fond of the 35mm f2 DG DN and appreciate Sigma trying to do something a bit different. It comes Highly Recommended.