We are more than half way through the year 2023 and I have finally decided to review this lens. It is, the one and only Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art Lens. According to my eBay purchase history, I snatched up this lens on 17th December 2022.
Click here to view the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art Lens product page on Amazon
Since then I’ve had a bit of a love/hate relationship with it. As the Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens was my go to lens when shooting with my Sony A6000. Learning to shoot with a wider lens wasn’t without its challenges. Especially since upgrading from the A6000 to my Sony A7iv full frame camera.
Comparing the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art Lens
After almost one year of having this in my kitbag, I am beginning to fall in love with it. The bokeh may not compare to that of the longer counterparts. However it’s ability to establish a scene while maintaining a super sharp image throughout is fantastic.
Whether you’re capturing portraits close up, landscapes or even architecture. I’ve found the 35mm Art lens does almost everything you need. Here’s a list of pros and cons that I have found since using the lens throughout 2023:
35mm Art Lens Pros
- Incredibly accurate and fast autofocus for both photo and video
- Super sharp images even at a higher aperture
- Takes high quality images even on ASP-C cameras
- An excellent choice to stock or documentary photography
- Tight focus ring allowing for fine tuning in manual focus
- AF-MF selector on the side of the lens
- Built to a very high quality
35mm Art Lens Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Dust specs are picked up easily
- Not the best bokeh out of the Sigma lens ranges
Click here to view the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art Lens product page on Amazon
Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art Lens for Architecture Photography
Below are my favourite architecture photos taken with this lens. Hopefully they will give you an idea of what it is capable of and some inspiration of angles you can use moving forward. Fortunately the lens lets in plenty of light and allows for shooting at a lower ISO versus some longer lenses.
“Can this lens be used for landscape photography?”
I read this question asked in photography groups on Facebook all the time. Let me tell you a little secret. Almost every functioning lens on the planet is capable of taking high quality landscape photos. All you need to do is figure out what style of landscape photography each one caters to.
The Sigma 35mm Art lens has always done me proud when on hikes, while sailing, hitting the streets and more. See some more examples of my work below taken with the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art Lens. Some of the images are reduced in size for the WordPress gallery widget. Feel free to right click and open image in a new tab to see them larger.
Are you considering buying this lens for video?
Let me warn you. Whether you’re shooting weddings, events, sports or promos. This is a fantastic lens for video. Combined with my Sony A7iv camera it offers brilliant tracking and autofocus. The image as with photos is super sharp even when shooting at higher frame rates.
Normally when shooting videos I use a selection of lenses. Feel free to check out some of the videos on the pages listed below and see if you can spot when the 35mm was used.
Professional Videography Services Page
Live Performance Videography Page
Crypto Currency Event in London Article
Nine times out of ten I’ll be using a gimbal to shoot. Despite me saying the lens it pretty bulky, it still fits beautiful on my DJI RS2 Gimbal and doesn’t cause any problems with this piece of equipment.
Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art Lens Filter Size
This lens comes with a 67mm screw in filter size. When shooting video with this lens I use the K&F Concept 67mm ND2-400 Slim Variable ND Filter. Click here to buy this filter.
Macro Photography with the Sigma 35mm Art Lens
Although macro lenses tend to be from 85mm and upwards. The 35mm Sigma Art lens delivers absolutely stunning close-up photographs of some of the smallest of subjects. Unfortunately you won’t be able to hone in on a spider’s foot hairs. But for water droplets on a leaf or a large bug making his way downtown. This lens does have you covered.
When using this lens for shooting smaller subjects, don’t hesitate to get in close and pull the focus right back. The minimum shooting distance for this lens is just over 20cm. Meaning you can get some high quality macro shots without investing in a professional macro lens.
Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art Lens Price and Where to Buy?
I personally purchased my version of this lens second hand from eBay. You can however pick the lens up from Amazon today for just £749. At the time of writing this article the lens is also available on next day delivery for Amazon Prime users.
Click here to view the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art Lens product page on Amazon
You can also buy this lens from any reputable photography shop such as Wex Photographic and Park Cameras in London.
Would I recommend this lens to photographers today?
As I’m sure you’ve already guessed, I certainly would. There were a few hurdles to overcome when I first started using the lens. However I’d like to say I’m getting close to mastering it and producing imagery I’m proud of sharing.
If you’re shopping around for a sub 50mm lens at present and not entirely sure on what to go for. Head down to your local photography shop to try a few out. I’m sure the 35mm Art lens from Sigma will be one that stands out.
