Sigma 402965 16 mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Sony E Lens - Black

Product Information

This lens is an absolute beast. It’s just as sharp, has rediculous autofocus (OEM Sony lens, of course) and features incredible G-series build quality. The massive focus ring functions as a great gripping point, allowing for some good weight distribution andcomfortable holding/stabilizing. With 16 elements in 13 groups, the optical system features a multitude of high-tech and high-end components, including three FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements, and two molded glass aspherical elements. This optical system minimizes optical aberrations and ensures outstanding resolution at wide-open aperture and throughout the aperture range. In particular, the two aspherical lens elements have ultra-high-precision surfaces polished to tolerances under 10 nanometers, minimizing the onion ring bokeh effect that some aspherical elements produce and ensuring clear image quality throughout the frame. In addition, the structure of the optical system gently bends light to minimize sagittal coma flare and deliver optimal optical performance from the center of the frame to the edges. The result is a smooth, round bokeh effect with ample light volume throughout the frame. Despite featuring premium-grade all-metal housing, the 17mm lens is nearly four times lighter than the 16mm, with visibly more compact dimensions. Since the Sigma has a faster aperture and has been designed to cover a bigger sensor, it makes sense that it is larger.

Bokeh is a word used for the out-of-focus areas of a photograph, and is usually described in qualitative terms, such as smooth / creamy / harsh etc. In the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN C lens, Sigma employed an iris diaphragm with nine rounded blades, which has resulted in quite nice bokeh in our view. We do realise, however, that bokeh evaluation is subjective, so we've included several 100% crops for your perusal.

Autofocus

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Attached to my OM-1, it was nicely balanced. It’s similar in width to my Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8, but slightly longer. This lens isn’t only compatible with Micro Four Thirds; other versions fit the Sony E, Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, and Leica L mounts. It comprises nine rounded diaphragm blades, so I anticipated the bokeh would be pleasing.

MTF Chart

You don't get in-lens stabilization with the 16mm, but wide aperture primes typically omit the feature. It's bright and wide enough that you'll be able to shoot handheld and get crisp images without stabilization. But if you shoot a lot of handheld video, it's best to pair it with a body with sensor-based stabilization.

Weighing in at a modest 380g, without hood or caps, the lens is by no means a burden. It is supplied with a solid petal lens hood that bayonets cleanly into place. This surrounds a filter thread of 67mm.The only other adornment is the wide, electronically operating, manual focusing ring. This is very smooth and probably best switched off in camera if MF is not being used. Otherwise, the natural grip on the lens barrel also grips the ring, which could be accidentally moved. As the MF function works with the AF system this could be an issue for some. However, as the AF is so fast and silent, thanks to the excellent stepping motor used, there is little motivation for manual focus in general use. One exception could be macro photography, where small manual adjustments to the point of focus can be useful. As this use would probably involve mounting the camera on a tripod, there would be no issue with accidental shifting of the focus point. Most of the 16mm’s barrel is occupied by the large fly-by-wire focus ring. The deep ridges give you a good grip on the ring and the fact that it is made of rubber means it is comfortable to grasp even in cold temperatures. A bright prime lens is the ideal way to experience the essence of the art of photography. Simply select a focal length that matches the image and enjoy complete control of the depth of field. The Sigma lens also features a brass bayonet mount that is surrounded by a special sealing to keep dust and moisture out. The 17mm, by contrast, features no weather sealing whatsoever, so it is wise to protect it in anything more than a very light shower.

16mm F1.4 DC DN | C

This is the world's first interchangeable lens for mirrorless Sony E-mount cameras in the APS-C format to offer a 24mm focal length (35mm equivalent) and F1.4 brightness. This is the large-diameter wide-angle lens for which mirrorless camera users have been waiting.

So, for example, the figures for a 16MP sensor will be far lower than those for a 36MP or 50MP sensor. However, in relation to the sensor limit we can still evaluate the performance in terms of a description such as "very good" as well as the actual numbers. Two 16MP sensors could of course be directly compared.[/quote] The Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN C lens has a very wide focus ring. There are no hard stops at both ends of the range, making it more difficult to set focus at infinity. Polariser users should be pleased that the 67mm filter thread doesn't rotate on focus. The mount features a special sealing* for a dust and splash resistant structure to make the lens an excellent choice in a wide variety of conditions. It is worth remembering, however, that tested on an APS-C body, the Sigma could potentially perform worse in the corners because the entire lens surface is used. In the case of Micro Four Thirds, the camera uses a more central portion of the lens, thus cutting out the extreme edges and corners which are often soften than the centre of the lens. It’s blazing fast every single time, even when it starts to get dark (though you can expect hunting if you try to shoot at, like, midnight). This guy DOES NOT sit still, so a sharp picture of him is a testament to the lens’s AF capabilities. AF-C/EyeAFMPB puts photo and video kit into more hands, more sustainably. Every month, visual storytellers sell more than 20,000 cameras and lenses to MPB. Choose used and get affordable access to kit that doesn’t cost the earth. Unfortunately, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, as coma performance( what is coma?) leaves a lot to be desired. When the message “Lens update complete.” appears on the camera display, the firmware update of the lens is successfully over. Follow the instructions on the screen to close the process. After closing it, remove the USB cable from the camera and the PC. B&H – B&H is a world renowned supplier of all the gear photographers, videographers, and cinematographers need and want to create their very best work. Is SIGMA's Mount Conversion Service available for SIGMA lenses with other mounts to be changed to fit for Nikon Z mount?