Before I get started on this article, I am aware that the Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens is not full frame. I’m aware that there are more expensive lenses out there. And I’m aware it’s just a prime lens.
The last thing I need to make you aware of is that the Sigma 56mm f1.4 is the best lens I’ve ever purchased. It is a must have in any Sony shooters kit bag. Whether you’re shooting with a full frame camera or APS-C camera.
Here are a number of reasons why this lens will be with me on almost every shoot:
The Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens is super sharp
Whether you’re capturing people, plants, products or places, this lens does it all. Despite having Sigma Art lenses in my kit bag, I regularly turn to the 56mm f1.4 on most shoots. As you can see from my Instagram page, I use the lens to capture almost everything.
It works beautifully with both my Sony A6000 and Sony A7iv cameras. With both auto-focus and manual, the results are outstanding.
A fantastic lens for animal photography
If ever I’m on a walk or hike, I try to keep my kitbag as light as possible. Often I’ll venture out with just the camera and Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens in my possession. More often than not I’ll stumble upon a farm or plot of land with domesticated animals.
Out comes the camera and within seconds I’ve captured something like the image below. The super clear glass on this lens allows my camera to pic up tonnes of detail. All that we can see with the naked eye and more.
Sigma 56mm f1.4 for vehicles
For over a year I worked as a professional photographer and videographer in the automotive industry. Photographing motorcycles of all shapes and sizes on a daily basis. Recently I published an article titled “Motorcycle Photography And How To Be Good At It”.
Here you can see loads of examples showing the Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens in action. Capturing a variety of machines from Superbikes to Modern Classics and beyond. Below is an example of how this lens could be used to capture a car interior.
The Sigma 56mm f1.4 is compact and lightweight
For the Sony E-Mount version which I own and love, it weighs 280 grams. With a length of 59.5mm and diameter of 66.5mm. I regularly use mine for capturing event videography while attached to the DJI RS2 Gimbal. This is without any additional lens strap or stabilisation.
The lens size makes it easy to store and quickly change mid shoot. On top of that, it’s a less intrusive lens for when shooting in public spaces. Making it ideal for street photography sessions where you would rather look like a tourist than a paparazzi.
It is perfect for capturing plants and flowers
Anybody who follows me on socials will know I love to capture flowers and plants. The natural textures and patterns make for some interesting pieces. With this lens I can get in close and photograph miniature worlds found all around us.
Be sure to play around with the aperture and see what works best for your style of photography. For me, I tend to stay close to f2.8 for almost all of my personal work. This allows me to capture plenty of detail and light on my subject. While retaining the spectacular bokeh the 56mm f1.4 lens has to offer.
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The Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens for sports photography
Ok, hear me out. Usually you’ll see sports photographers hauling around long telephoto lenses. Usually 70mm to above 400mm. While these may be ideal for capturing Ronaldo’s cheek bones from 200 yards away, they’re not convenient for a “run and gun” style of shooting.
With the compact 56mm from Sigma you can still digitalise epic sporting moments and stay on your feet while doing so. I am so pleased with the results of this lens for sports photography, I’ve popped a few of my favourite captures below.
Perfect for videography
As mentioned earlier in this article, I regularly use the Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens for video projects. Anything from cinematic shorts to event videography. With this lens I also capture loads of clips to sell on stock footage websites such as Shutterstock, Adobe Stock and more.
Its unbelievable sharpness makes getting approved for online stock footage sales really easy. This is definitely something you should look into as a professional or hobbyist photographer or videographer.
Is the Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens good for landscape photography?
This is a question I see thrown around in lots of Facebook groups and forums. Most of the replies I see are quite surprising. Often people will recommend a wider lens such as the Sigma 16mm f1.4 or 30mm.
For me, the largest of the Sigma APS-C range definitely trumps the others when it comes to landscape photography. The clarity is greater and you have the option of image stacking should you want to capture a wider scene.
Having owned the 16mm f1.4 and used the 30mm, I choose the 56mm every time.
Buy the Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens on Amazon today
What about architecture?
Again, another popular question amongst the Sigma communities. Also with this question accompanies lots of answers stating to go for a wider lens. Although the Sigma 35mm Art lens is one of my favourites for capturing stunning buildings. The 56mm will always be nearby.
Below are two photos to give you an example of what each of these amazing lenses are capable of. The first image showing the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Norwich captured using my Sigma 35mm Art lens. And the second photograph showing a London retail building captured with the Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens.
Summary for the Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens in 2023
Two years after buying this lens and putting it through its paces and still my absolute favourite. It does almost everything I need in the life of a professional photographer and videographer. I would highly recommend getting one even if you do own a full frame camera.
The clarity is unbelievable and sharpness compares to that of lenses far more expensive than this one. Costing less than £400 in the UK, the Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens can make your £500 camera seem like a £2000 camera.
This lens was a vital component in kickstarting my photography career. It was the only additional glass in my kitbag when companies began to approach me and ask to do shoots for them. Thank you for taking the time to read my article, please do leave a comment with your thoughts and all the best shopping for your next lens.
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