Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Hands On Roundup

Sigma introduced today a new fast portrait lens – the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art to join its extending line of f/1.4 Art lenses for mirrorless cameras (both E and L mounts).

Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art

Sigma currently has in its lineup a 20mm, 24mm, 35mm 85mm, and now a new 50mm f/1.4 Art lenses for mirrorless cameras (we are talking about the DG DN lenses only not the older DSLR lenses with E-mount support).

This gives Sigma the edge over Tamron and other 3’rd party manufacturers but also compared to Sony itself when it comes to fast AF prime lenses.

The new lens has a high-response linear actuator system (HLA) AF motor system. This is a first for Sigma’s Art line (similar technology was used by the company in its recent 60-600mm DG DN Sport lens). This motor should not only make AF quieter and faster but also more responsive for video work according to Sigma.

In terms of optical design, the lens has 14 elements in 11 groups, with 3 aspherical lenses and 1 SLD glass element. The lens is also weather sealed and has an aperture ring with a de-click option as well as an AFL button and a hood with a lock button.

The new Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens

Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art specs

Here are some of the main specs for the new lens:

Lens: 50mm f/1.4 lens with FF coverage.
Optical design: 14 elements in 11 groups.
AF system – high-response linear actuator system.
Weather-resistant construction – with a brass bayonet.
Aperture blades: 11.
Minimum focus distance: 45cm.
Macro magnification: 1:6.8.
Filter thread: 72mm.
Mounts: Sony E / L mount.
Weight: 660.

Pricing and availability

The lens should be available in the U.S. in late February 2023 for just under $850.

Hands-on from around the web

There are already quite a few early hands-on with the new Sigma lens and we have a few of them for your viewing pleasure below.

Chris Niccolls from DPR looking at the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art

Christopher Frost on the Sigma 50mm f/1.4

Gerald Undone on the Sigma 50mm f/1.4

Tony Northrup on the new Sigma fast prime

Arthur R on the new Sigma lens

Dustin Abbott on the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens

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Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.