Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary E-mount lens review by QuietOC
 QuietOC#44507 date: May-2-2020 | |
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| sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 3 flare control: 4 overall: 4.1 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Minolta 40 F1.7 Konica AR 40 F1.8 Canon EF 40 F2.8 STM Pentax-M 40 F2.8 Pentax-DA 40 F2.8 XS Pentax-FA 43 F1.8 Limited Rokinon 45 F1.8 FE Tamron SP 45 F1.8 USD (VC & non VC) Minolta MD 45 F2 Rokinon 50 F1.2 Zeiss 50 F1.4 Planar Yongnuo 50 F1.4 Canon EF 50 F1.4 USM Sigma 50 F1.4 EX DG HSM Minolta MD & AF & Sony AF 50 F1.4 Minolta MD & AF 50 F1.7 & RS Sony FE 50 F1.8 Canon EF 50 F1.8 STM Fotasy 50 F1.8 Konica AR 50 F1.8 Vivitar 50 F1.8 Sony DT 50 F1.8 SAM Sony E 50 F1.8 OSS Minolta MD 50 F2 Sony FE 50 F2.8 Macro Neewer/Meike 50 F2 Sony A 50mm F2.8 Macro Minolta AF 50 F2.8 Macro RS Minolta MD 50 F3.5 Macro Minolta AF 50 F3.5 Macro |
| price paid: | 399 USD (new) |
| positive: | Minimal lateral CA Flat field Black anodized finish Fast Hybrid AF Lens Compensations |
| negative: | Price Alignment/variation Blue color cast on sides Pincushion distortion Minor purple fringing/axial CA Metal surfaces More of a 43mm |
| comment: | In many ways this a very much a Sony lens, though it also remind me of Sigma's older 30mm F2.8 DG Art. Thankfully the brushed aluminum of the later has been exchanged for a more durable anodized texture. It does resemble the most inexpensive C-mount lenses, but Sigma has probably used a good amount of more appropriate composite materials. This lens was launched at a retail price of $550, but has been steadily discounted. "MADE IN JAPAN" The angle-of-view is just slightly tighter than the Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited. The 40 mm primes are all wider. The other 45 mm primes are much narrower. It seems higher quality than the Tamron F2.8 OSD primes or the Samyangs. The front plastic trim was carried over from their APS-C primes, but the lettering is now just painted instead of engraved. The aperture ring markings are engraved and painted. The filter thread and hood bayonet on the lens are metal. The matching bayonet on the metal hood uses a chunky plastic insert. I would have prefered a monoblock composite lined hood which didn't interfere with manual focus. The hood somewhat blocks the focus control when installed. Don't plan on using both together. Sigma prioritized aperture control over manual focus. The "A" setting of the aperture control has enough resistance to not be much of a nuisance. The third stop detents are nicely spaced. It is nicer to use than the mechanical linkages I've used. This lens is marketed by Sigma for its rendering, but the rendering has issues especially with out-of-focus foregrounds. The Sony FE 50 F1.8 has smoother blur, but the Sony doesn't match the clarity of the Sigma within the depth-of-field. I was surprised to see that backgrounds are a bit busy with the Sigma, while foregrounds are very busy. Backgrounds are smoother than the Rokinon 45mm F1.8 and even the Minolta MD 45mm F2. The Minolta MD 45mm F has less axial fringing. The inexpensive Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM is very similar. Autofocus is much improved compared to previous Sigma DN lenses I've had. The AF motor is somewhat audible and its motions can be felt, which is somewhat surprising in such a light lens. But the element(s) move quickly. |
rating summary
- total reviews: 1
- sharpness: 4.50
- color: 4.00
- build: 5.00
- distortion: 3.00
- flare control: 4.00
- overall: 4.10