Ronkonkoma, NY—The new Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art lens is a compact, ultrafast standard prime lens for full-frame mirrorless camera systems. Moreover, it is the brightest lens in the Sigma 50mm prime lineup. Further, Sigma says it achieves the highest level of performance among successive generations of Art lenses.
Additionally, the lens construction and mechanical design were stripped down to the essentials, to result in a significantly compact and lightweight body. The lens weighs in at 23.6 ounces and measures 3.2.x4.3 inches (DxL, L mount).
“Despite the fast aperture, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN | Art lens has the lightest weight in its class [as of March 2024] and is 30% smaller than the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN | Art lens. It is very similar in size and weight to the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art lens, which was achieved in part by streamlining the optical system,” the company announced.
Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Specs
What’s more, the lens’s f/1.2 maximum aperture allows photographers to take advantage of a large bokeh effect. It also permits them to shoot handheld with a wide aperture in low light. Additionally, the correction of various aberrations—such as spherical aberration, sagittal coma flare and axial chromatic aberration—and a 13-blade rounded diaphragm help maintain circular bokeh even when the aperture is stopped down. Moreover, the contrast between the sharpness of the focus surface and the bokeh effect creates a three-dimensional effect thanks to the f/1.2 aperture.
The lens also employs dual HLA-driven floating focusing, with one group near the front of the lens and one group near the back. Consequently, it provides stable optical performance from close to distant focus. The dual floating HLA autofocus also provides smooth, swift and silent focus for both still and video applications. 
For video capture, its design also minimizes focus breathing, with very little change of the angle of view as focal distance changes. Thus, it creates a natural-looking focus shift when recording video. Furthermore, photographers can assign the manual focus ring for linear or nonlinear response on compatible L-mount cameras. Plus, it has a click/de-click and lockable aperture ring, an AFL button and AF/MF switch.
The lens has a 17-element, 12-group optical formula. Sigma makes each piece of glass as thin as possible, while employing high refractive index and four aspherical lenses. Moreover, by correcting spherical aberration, sagittal coma flare, axial chromatic aberration and other aberrations, the lens delivers natural bokeh images that blur smoothly without color bleeding from the focal plane.
The Build
In addition, as a DG DN Art lens Sigma designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless cameras, the 50mm f/1.2 DG DN | Art has a dust- and splash-resistant structure. It also has a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front lens element and a durable brass bayonet mount. Moreover, by assembling precision parts made of lightweight and strong TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) and other materials, it has the high level of rigidity and durability of Sigma’s Art line.
Sigma offers the new 50mm prime in both the L and E mount. The lens comes with a dedicated petal-shaped hood with a locking mechanism for secure attachment. Set for April 18th availability, it has a suggested retail price of $1,399.
Photo: ; © Takashi Shikano; Heather Larkin
