My Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN review: affordable general purpose for APSC crop cameras Check prices on the Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN at B&H: bhpho.to/3ztYb5M // WEX UK: tidd.ly/3ZDCriq Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: ruclips.net/user/dinobytes Check MPB to buy and sell used gear: bit.ly/3ULU9yL Check eBay to find vintage gear: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=1&pub=5574908462&toolid=10001&campid=5338329149&customid=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg Lost photos? I recover mine with: www.dpbolvw.net/click-100568658-13808570?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stellarinfo.com%2Fphoto-recovery-software.php Equipment used for producing my videos Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5 Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): amzn.to/3PrKbPV 00:00 - Introduction and alternatives 01:47 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 design and controls 02:40 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 focusing and face tracking 04:34 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 focus breathing 05:10 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 landscape quality 06:53 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 portrait quality 07:52 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 bokeh quality 08:59 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 close-up macro quality 09:45 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 full-frame quality 11:22 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN sample images and verdict Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Sigma looks great and very interesting seeing that it can possibly be used on Fullframe. I'm glad Sony APS-C hasn't been totally forgotten but I would still love a COMPACT quality 23mm F2 and 18 F2 for Sony APS-C that can rival the size and performance of the offerings from Fuji and the Leica CL.
For me, both the Sigma and the Viltrox are just too big. I prefer the Sony delivering on the promise of small sized, high quality APS-C lenses. Also by now your can get it used at around 400 EUR.
Nice comparison. I've been wondering how the Sigma 23mm lens would perform. It seems nice but I will stick with my Sony 24mm lens as I've always found it a great travel lens on my a6500.
All Sigma quadro lenses for Sony APSC are amazing value. I am just waiting for Sony to update their APSC cameras. Heard rumors about new entry level Sony fx10 coming soon! Looking forward to see your review.
Thanks for the comparison. I also own the Sony Zeiss 24mm F1.8 and it was really interesting to see how it compares to the new Sigma. I will keep my Sony lens, while the Sigma is better in sharpness, it's not a clear win as it is worse in other ways. I mostly use it for travel so the size is a big plus. The Sony Zeiss 24mm F1.8 is my best looking lens, while I don't like the look of the Sigma DC DN primes, I own the Sigma 16mm. I know looks doesn't matter and subjective :)
I agree, the Sony lens does look and feel more serious, and like you I have one and see no reason to switch. if I were buying again today though, i'd get the Sigma.
Very good and helpful video. I have sony A6500 with 20/2,8 because weight is very important. I think for fx30 and only 1 lens. Maybe Sigma 1,4 dc dn is my choice for video.😊
That 12 years old Sony lens is such a sleeper! I love it's compactness and simple look. Optically it is a good contender yet. The only problem is the Zeiss badge price tag! If you can find a good used one it's still a bargain.
I've certainly had a lot of use from mine, literally filming all of my videos for several years, although for the last three Sigma reviews, I switched to the Lumix S5 II and S 35mm f1.8 lens as a test. I think the Sony Zeiss lenses are good, but they're still priced too high vs newer and better lenses. But if, as you say, you find a good price on one used, they're still well worth considering.
I remember having the 24mm f1.8 sony zeiss when I had the a6000. It had a character I couldn't explain. When I moved over to full frame and got the 35mm f2.8. It felt good just not the same.
Would of been nice if sigma made full frame lenses in the style of the apsc lenses like this one for Sony fe instead of those horrible I series design lenses.
Fun Fact, I'm also missusing my Sigma 16 millimeter as a full frame lens sometimes, cropping into the footage afterwards helps a little … Anyway, since I'm more the wide-angle-appreciating-videographer I am by now totally happy with my 16 millimeter F 1.4 Sigma lens, no need for the 23 mm. After some years still using the 16 mm for some of my video productions. Did not manage to review it, but it is somewhere on my list. If Sigma were price worthier than Samyang, I might have sticked with Sigma initially, still, I like Samyang also for their smaller dimensions. Nonetheless I may come back to this Sigma line as soon as they come out with a 12mm 1.4! Thanks again for sharing your thoughs!
Approximately 1 to 1.5m. It's a tad close for this focal length, which is why my face is a little distorted. Normally you'd put people a little further away at this focal length, but it depends on taste
@@cameralabs Gordon, Oops, i screwed up and confused Sigma’s 30mm offering for Nikon crop Zs with this 23mm you review. So yes, I’d much rather have the 23mm option. Like you say, let’s hope they bring it to Z.
Sigma insists on delivering the goods... I'm not about to switch my Fujifilm XM 23mm R LM WR (I think I got it right xD) because I'm in love with that piece of glass, but I must admit it would've been a close call if this new Sigma had been available when I got it. It's hard to say since the samples are from a completely different system and lighting conditions in both test are obviously not the same, but I'd say the Fuji still holds a slight edge in IQ and its more contrasty (Fuji lenses excel here), not to mention build quality. The price difference compensates for all that though. Awesome piece of glass and more than a welcome addition for us APS-C shooters.
this one will sell like hot cakes, I may get one for fuji at some point, if you get the chance please a test on a 40mp sensor, although I bet it will do great there too....
Will this work on the Sony NEX-5 APS-C camera? Also, I have a 50mm and the kit 16-50mm lens- does thiis 23mm lens make sense to add to complete my lens collection? Great review and thanks for such a detailed review of an affordable lens!
it'll fit on it yes, BUT the lens profile corrections might not be applied properly, so I'd be wary until you can confirm whether these will work or not - check with sigma for compatibility. As for your collection, you already have the 23 focal length in your zoom, but obviously this one is MUCH brighter and better quality.
looking for an advice: i own sony 35mm 1.8 oss as a compact to go lens with a6400. i absolutely love the idea of having a larger angle of view (wider lens) such as sigma 24mm. is it worth it? will i regret the size of sigma or is it that much more versatile of a lense due to it being 24mm? thanks!
I own the Sigma 16,30,56 f1.4 and I’ll say adding another prime for APSC will give you some nice flexibility. The new lens is a 35mm FF equivalent. The 35 mm is around a 50mm FF. I think you may prefer, and see more contrast adding the 16mm = 24mm FF Eq.
@@Reviews4fun1 16mm feels too wide and distorted (also large and heavy). i want a one perfect-ish lens to travel with and take pictures of everything and of people in this everything. my current 35mm feels too tight but it’s so light and compact, the choice is very difficult :( but thank you for the suggestion!!
Sigma only had an e-mount version for review at this time, plus you can compare the results against my XF 23 f1.4 video as I try to make the same tests in all my reviews.
@@cameralabs have you had the chance to try it on Fuji? I'm moving to X-H2 for benefit of my red badge zooms but I'm really struggling to choose a 23mm f/1.4 to replace the tiny f/2. do you think the Fuji is worth the extra money?
@@alejandro_mery I haven't tried the X mount version as it's not out yet. In my opinion, the Sigma 23 sits between the two Fujifilm models. I don't really like the XF 23 f2 as I've found it a bit soft at times, whereas the XF 23 1.4 is one of the best I've tested, albeit obviously much larger and more expensive. The Sigma is a good middle alternative.
Great review! My only question at this point is does the Sigma resolve or compete against the Fuji version when used on a 40mp body. I am looking for a 23mm on Fuji over the next several months and it would be very useful to know if the additional money for the Fuji is worth it from a resolution perspective.
@@cameralabs Thanks for getting back. I hope I did not suggest your review was incomplete somehow, as I know the Fuji version is not expected until June (I believe) and you are very good about exploring all the options! Just in my case, I find you reviews most helpful and want to make a purchasing decision in the next several months, this lens being a potential candidate. Looking forward to you usual great job!
My Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN review: affordable general purpose for APSC crop cameras
Check prices on the Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN at B&H: bhpho.to/3ztYb5M // WEX UK: tidd.ly/3ZDCriq
Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs
Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ
Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop
Gordon’s retro gear channel: ruclips.net/user/dinobytes
Check MPB to buy and sell used gear: bit.ly/3ULU9yL
Check eBay to find vintage gear: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=1&pub=5574908462&toolid=10001&campid=5338329149&customid=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg
Lost photos? I recover mine with: www.dpbolvw.net/click-100568658-13808570?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stellarinfo.com%2Fphoto-recovery-software.php
Equipment used for producing my videos
Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5
Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk
Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp
Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo
Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY
Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE
Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF
MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): amzn.to/3PrKbPV
00:00 - Introduction and alternatives
01:47 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 design and controls
02:40 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 focusing and face tracking
04:34 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 focus breathing
05:10 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 landscape quality
06:53 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 portrait quality
07:52 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 bokeh quality
08:59 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 close-up macro quality
09:45 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN vs Sony 24mm f1.8 full-frame quality
11:22 - Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN sample images and verdict
Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Thanks Gordon, I will keep my Sony 24 f1.8 but just picked up two new Sigma lenses for my a6500 , the 18-50 f2.8 and the 56 f1.4.
The Sigma looks great and very interesting seeing that it can possibly be used on Fullframe. I'm glad Sony APS-C hasn't been totally forgotten but I would still love a COMPACT quality 23mm F2 and 18 F2 for Sony APS-C that can rival the size and performance of the offerings from Fuji and the Leica CL.
Yeah that would be nice.
It surprises me everyone seems to forget the Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 that has been out for a while and is under $300. It is my main lens.
viltrox is super nice but the sigma is sharper and has much less chromatic aberration 😊
For me, both the Sigma and the Viltrox are just too big. I prefer the Sony delivering on the promise of small sized, high quality APS-C lenses. Also by now your can get it used at around 400 EUR.
@@breadandcircuses5644 which Sony lens do you mean?
@@donnergodd1781 I mean the Zeiss 24mm f1.8
It's beautiful how sharp Sigma is. Now I'm still waiting for the new Sony aps-c body and I already have the combination.
Nice comparison. I've been wondering how the Sigma 23mm lens would perform. It seems nice but I will stick with my Sony 24mm lens as I've always found it a great travel lens on my a6500.
Definitely, if you already have the Sony 24 1.8, there's no reason to switch.
I have all the sigma lenses for fuji and I love em.
Bought it for ZV-E10 - worth it. Great bokeh from use for both a pro meeting camera and for normal use.
Sony Zeiss 24mmF1.8 is one of my favourite lens with the a6600, joined by the Sony 15F1.5G lens and Sigma 56mmF1.4.
All Sigma quadro lenses for Sony APSC are amazing value. I am just waiting for Sony to update their APSC cameras. Heard rumors about new entry level Sony fx10 coming soon! Looking forward to see your review.
Is FX30 the camera you were referring to ?
Thanks for the comparison. I also own the Sony Zeiss 24mm F1.8 and it was really interesting to see how it compares to the new Sigma. I will keep my Sony lens, while the Sigma is better in sharpness, it's not a clear win as it is worse in other ways. I mostly use it for travel so the size is a big plus. The Sony Zeiss 24mm F1.8 is my best looking lens, while I don't like the look of the Sigma DC DN primes, I own the Sigma 16mm. I know looks doesn't matter and subjective :)
I agree, the Sony lens does look and feel more serious, and like you I have one and see no reason to switch. if I were buying again today though, i'd get the Sigma.
Very good and helpful video. I have sony A6500 with 20/2,8 because weight is very important. I think for fx30 and only 1 lens. Maybe Sigma 1,4 dc dn is my choice for video.😊
That 12 years old Sony lens is such a sleeper! I love it's compactness and simple look. Optically it is a good contender yet. The only problem is the Zeiss badge price tag! If you can find a good used one it's still a bargain.
I've certainly had a lot of use from mine, literally filming all of my videos for several years, although for the last three Sigma reviews, I switched to the Lumix S5 II and S 35mm f1.8 lens as a test. I think the Sony Zeiss lenses are good, but they're still priced too high vs newer and better lenses. But if, as you say, you find a good price on one used, they're still well worth considering.
It's an overpriced, oversized underperformer. Not even as sharp as Canon 22 STM.
Great comparison! Do wish it was smaller. For my intended use as a small street set-up, it's just too long in size.
Yes, it is a bit large, especially for the smaller bodies.
I remember having the 24mm f1.8 sony zeiss when I had the a6000. It had a character I couldn't explain. When I moved over to full frame and got the 35mm f2.8. It felt good just not the same.
Nice! :)
Thanks for the informative review!
Have a good week!
Cheers!
Would of been nice if sigma made full frame lenses in the style of the apsc lenses like this one for Sony fe instead of those horrible I series design lenses.
Fun Fact, I'm also missusing my Sigma 16 millimeter as a full frame lens sometimes, cropping into the footage afterwards helps a little … Anyway, since I'm more the wide-angle-appreciating-videographer I am by now totally happy with my 16 millimeter F 1.4 Sigma lens, no need for the 23 mm. After some years still using the 16 mm for some of my video productions. Did not manage to review it, but it is somewhere on my list. If Sigma were price worthier than Samyang, I might have sticked with Sigma initially, still, I like Samyang also for their smaller dimensions. Nonetheless I may come back to this Sigma line as soon as they come out with a 12mm 1.4! Thanks again for sharing your thoughs!
You're welcome! I recently retested the 16 1.4 when it was re-released for Fujifilm X
@@cameralabs OK, i'll Check it Out, thanx!
Sel24f18z second hand marlet in hk : just 200usd~220usd
Nice review!
Hi Gordon! Great video. I have one question: when you used the Sigma 23mm f1.4 DC DN like e.g. at 7:05, how far away were you from the camera?
Approximately 1 to 1.5m. It's a tad close for this focal length, which is why my face is a little distorted. Normally you'd put people a little further away at this focal length, but it depends on taste
@@cameralabs thanks!
Hoping to see this one come out in ef-m. Still lots of people using that system despite Canon pushing the inferior RF-S lenses.
I suspect we won't see any new EF-M lenses from anyone.
How do you think it stacks up to the Samyang 24mm f1.8? Especially since that one is quite a bit lighter and thus a bit more appealing for apsc users
Am excited about this option for my Nikon apsc Z50. Thanks for the detailed review.
I hope they make it in the Z mount
@@cameralabs Gordon, Oops, i screwed up and confused Sigma’s 30mm offering for Nikon crop Zs with this 23mm you review. So yes, I’d much rather have the 23mm option. Like you say, let’s hope they bring it to Z.
Sigma insists on delivering the goods... I'm not about to switch my Fujifilm XM 23mm R LM WR (I think I got it right xD) because I'm in love with that piece of glass, but I must admit it would've been a close call if this new Sigma had been available when I got it. It's hard to say since the samples are from a completely different system and lighting conditions in both test are obviously not the same, but I'd say the Fuji still holds a slight edge in IQ and its more contrasty (Fuji lenses excel here), not to mention build quality. The price difference compensates for all that though. Awesome piece of glass and more than a welcome addition for us APS-C shooters.
I'd agree with you, the 23 1.4 LM WR is a fantastic lens, one of my favourites.
this one will sell like hot cakes, I may get one for fuji at some point, if you get the chance please a test on a 40mp sensor, although I bet it will do great there too....
Hopefully it will be good as it's a new design
Will this work on the Sony NEX-5 APS-C camera? Also, I have a 50mm and the kit 16-50mm lens- does thiis 23mm lens make sense to add to complete my lens collection? Great review and thanks for such a detailed review of an affordable lens!
it'll fit on it yes, BUT the lens profile corrections might not be applied properly, so I'd be wary until you can confirm whether these will work or not - check with sigma for compatibility. As for your collection, you already have the 23 focal length in your zoom, but obviously this one is MUCH brighter and better quality.
Thank you for the detailed reply Gordon@@cameralabs
Sony 24mm used for 350€ or Sigma 23mm new for 493€, at these price points which would you recommend?
Base it on my results in the video. Probably the used one for value
Question, a lens designed for APS-c like this one with 23mm, does this mean that the real focal length is 23 x 1.6 or is it really 23mm for APS-c?
Lens focal lengths are always actual. So this is a 23, which on APSC reduces the field of view by 1.5x, so about 35 equivalent in practice
How about the Viltrox 23mm f1.4, how much better the Sigma is?
I don't know, I've not tested the viltrox.
looking for an advice: i own sony 35mm 1.8 oss as a compact to go lens with a6400. i absolutely love the idea of having a larger angle of view (wider lens) such as sigma 24mm. is it worth it? will i regret the size of sigma or is it that much more versatile of a lense due to it being 24mm? thanks!
Depends what coverage you want, but remember the Sigma doesn't have OSS, so it would become an unstabilised combo on your A6400
@@cameralabs not important for me since only shoot photos. so it really comes down to dimensions and a field of view and confusion between the two
I own the Sigma 16,30,56 f1.4 and I’ll say adding another prime for APSC will give you some nice flexibility. The new lens is a 35mm FF equivalent. The 35 mm is around a 50mm FF. I think you may prefer, and see more contrast adding the 16mm = 24mm FF Eq.
@@Reviews4fun1 16mm feels too wide and distorted (also large and heavy). i want a one perfect-ish lens to travel with and take pictures of everything and of people in this everything. my current 35mm feels too tight but it’s so light and compact, the choice is very difficult :( but thank you for the suggestion!!
@@katismad_ the smallest decent APSC lens that I own is the sigma 56 but it’s a 85 FF eq, portrait or short telephoto lens.
When it shift focus it jerk heavily. Will it happen during videoing?
Or this only for photo?
I show what it looks like for video in the review!
could you please do a comparison with viltrox 23mm 1.4?
They don't loan them to me for review
Why not compare it with the XF 23 1.4 LM WR?
Sigma only had an e-mount version for review at this time, plus you can compare the results against my XF 23 f1.4 video as I try to make the same tests in all my reviews.
@@cameralabs have you had the chance to try it on Fuji? I'm moving to X-H2 for benefit of my red badge zooms but I'm really struggling to choose a 23mm f/1.4 to replace the tiny f/2. do you think the Fuji is worth the extra money?
@@alejandro_mery I haven't tried the X mount version as it's not out yet. In my opinion, the Sigma 23 sits between the two Fujifilm models. I don't really like the XF 23 f2 as I've found it a bit soft at times, whereas the XF 23 1.4 is one of the best I've tested, albeit obviously much larger and more expensive. The Sigma is a good middle alternative.
@@cameralabs thank you :) time to celebrate entertaining bronze age traditions buying a pricey glass jewel
Great review! My only question at this point is does the Sigma resolve or compete against the Fuji version when used on a 40mp body. I am looking for a 23mm on Fuji over the next several months and it would be very useful to know if the additional money for the Fuji is worth it from a resolution perspective.
I';d like to know that too. I only had access to the e-mount version, hence a Sony comparison here, at least for now.
@@cameralabs Thanks for getting back. I hope I did not suggest your review was incomplete somehow, as I know the Fuji version is not expected until June (I believe) and you are very good about exploring all the options!
Just in my case, I find you reviews most helpful and want to make a purchasing decision in the next several months, this lens being a potential candidate.
Looking forward to you usual great job!
@@quargr thanks, no worries! I would like to compare it against the XF 23 1.4 when the Sigma is available in X mount.
They should have launched a 23mm f2 pancake instead for aps-c
That would also be nice, but they're not known for small lenses.
@@cameralabs Canon EF-M 22 STM
@@frankfeng2701 I know, I'm talking about Sigma not making small lenses.
Well I am happy with my 22 mm f/2.0 so this monster is not something I would want anyway
Viltrox 23 f/1.4 is a closer competitor.
informative review Thanks Gordon.
You're welcome!
for canon ef-M please, 😭😭
I really hoped they would, but looks unlikely
10 years too late.