SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Announced – New Lens Design

Lens News

by Jeff LochFebruary 8^th, 2023

SIGMA has announced a new lens specifically designed for full-frame Sony E and L-mount cameras: the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art. This prime lens features a brand-new lens design optimized for mirrorless cameras that should give you better results than its predecessors and an aperture ring that can be de-clicked! So let’s take a closer look at it!

Next to the announcement of two major firmware updates for its fp and fp L cameras, SIGMA also launched a new 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens. This lens is fifth in the lineup next to the 35mm, 85mm, 20, and 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art lenses made for Sony E and L-mount cameras.

SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art – features

The SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art replaces the existing F1.4 DG HSM Art. Similar to its predecessor, it covers full-frame image sensors and will be available in both Sony E and L-mount. However, this new version is slightly longer than its predecessor at 11.1cm/4.4″ compared to 9.9cm/3.93″, but it is also lighter at only 660g/23.3 oz versus 815g/1.23 lb.

However, this update for mirrorless cameras is not a simple makeover, as SIGMA rather completely redesigned the lens from the inside out.

Looking at the outside, the new focus ring is immediately noticeable, as it’s in line with the other F1.4 DG DN Art lenses.

On the side of the lens, there’s a manual switch that instantly de-clicks the aperture ring – a handy feature for filmmakers. There is also a focus mode switch, an aperture ring lock switch to prevent unwanted changes, and a user-assignable button to assign any function from the camera.

Like every SIGMA Art lens, this new 50mm features a dust and splash-resistant construction with a brass bayonet mount for ensured accuracy and durability.

On the inside, there is also a new High-response Linear Actuator focusing motor that should provide “unprecedented high-speed, high-precision and quiet AF,” according to SIGMA.

Lens design

The lens design of the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, with three aspherical lenses and 1 SLD glass element. The aspherical lenses and SLD glass element should help suppress most lens aberrations, including astigmatism and field curvature, which cannot be corrected in-camera. In addition, the front lens element features a water and oil-repellent coating.

The rounded 11-blade diaphragm (two more than its predecessor) should provide a smoother bokeh. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm/17.7″. Lastly, this 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art comes with a removable sun hood, and it has a 72mm front filter thread.

Price and availability

The new 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art will be available later this month for $849.00/€792.

For more information, please visit SIGMA’s website here.

What do you think about this new version of the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art? Do you already have the previous version? Do you think it is worth the upgrade? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!