Interchangeable Lens Review: Introducing the “Small and Light” 35mm Single Autofocus Lens[الجزء 11]- Digital camera watch

This series aims to offer “small and light” 35mm single focus lenses at once. In this eleventh edition, we will review the Sigma “35mm F2 DG DN”.

The specs are modest, but as you can see, this lens has a design that appeals to kids, and excellent display performance that suits them. This is one of the “I-series” that Sigma is enthusiastically proposing as a single focus lens for the mirrorless era.

Appearance / Specifications

The 35mm F2 DG DN is a 35mm full-frame single focal length lens released in December 2020. It is also the first lens in the “I series” developed for mirrorless cameras, combining features such as a machined metal exterior, comfortable operating feel, compact size, and high shooting performance. In addition to the Sony E mount used this time, a Leica L mount is also available.

The maximum diameter x length is φ70 x 67.4mm and the weight is 325g (all for Sony E mount). Despite being a metal-looking lens, the pursuit of compact size is said to mean that its size and weight are reasonable, making it an ideal 35mm single focal length lens for small, lightweight mirrorless cameras.

Regardless of the concept, this lens is solid and mechanical, and has an indescribable coolness that attracts nerds. I think that alone will satisfy not only the pleasure of taking pictures, but also the pleasure of using and owning it. I also hate that this lens, the first in the “I” series, has a 35mm focal length, which is compatible with 35mm full-frame lenses.

operability

The only switch fitted is a “focus mode switch” to switch between AF and AF, but since it’s a mechanically impressive “I-series” lens, it makes a strong statement and stands out from the crowd. But that’s a good thing because it makes switching easier.

In addition to the focus ring, it has an aperture ring, and while it's not very wide, it has a strong tolerance and feels good on your fingers, so you won't feel awkward even when operating it blindly. Furthermore, the aperture ring has a larger protrusion, making it much easier to operate with your thumb and middle (or index) finger, making it useful for video shooting.

A round lens hood called “LH636-01” is included. The lens hood is also made of machined metal, which is exquisite and easy to put on and take off. I can't help but be impressed not only by the high light-protection effect, but also by how it adheres to the “I Series” concept without cutting corners in any detail.

example

It's easy to get caught up in the high build quality, but one of the strengths of this lens and the I-series is that it also focuses on basic imaging performance. In addition to correcting various aberrations, the proper use of SLD glass provides high image quality with virtually no axial chromatic aberration, which is often noticeable with large diameter lenses. Designed specifically for mirrorless cameras.

Sony α7C II/35mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary/Aperture Priority AE (1/80 sec, F2.0, ±0.0EV)/ISO 800

The shortest shooting distance is 27cm, and the maximum magnification is about 0.18x. Although it doesn't have particularly high close-up performance, I think it's good enough for a 35mm single focal length lens focused on descriptive performance. However, when I look at the bokeh that maintains its round shape even in the periphery and the high contrast that isn't degraded by backlight flare, I think it's a really excellent, high-quality lens.

Sony α7C II/35mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary/Aperture Priority AE (1/100 sec, F4.0, ±0.0EV)/ISO 100

When it comes to single focal length lenses with large apertures, I can find myself wanting to use only the widest aperture, and it can be a human epic. However, with this lens, the comfortable feel of the aperture ring makes you want to find the aperture value that best suits your subject. In other words, it is a fun lens to shoot and use. Images taken with the aperture stopped down to F5.6 were very sharp with excellent, stable resolution.

Sony α7C II/35mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary/Aperture Priority AE (1/20 sec, F5.6, -0.7EV)/ISO 100

summary

As for a “small and light” 35mm single autofocus lens, I think this lens hits the mark. Not only is it small, but the metal exterior highlights the high quality of the material, and the display performance is also top-notch.

Of course, each user has their own preferences in terms of appearance design and shooting performance, so this is by no means the case, but this lens represents the ideal image of a single focal length AF 35mm lens for mirrorless cameras, in Sigma's own way. This is undoubtedly a product achieved by interpretation.

Furthermore, one of the attractive things about this lens is that despite being a well-made lens, it is surprisingly reasonably priced. If you have a Sony E-mount or Leica L-mount camera body, this would be a good candidate for a 35mm single focal length AF lens.