Sigma announces 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art for E- and L-mounts: Digital Photography Review

Press Release:

SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN

Unveiling another SIGMA Art line F1.2 lens. Elevating photographic mastery beyond conventional limits.

1. Highest descriptive power to take advantage of F1.2 brightness
2. Lightest weight lens body in its class, suitable for a wide range of applications
3. A wealth of functions for professional use and excellent build quality

The lightest in its class* ― Bright F1.2 maximum aperture and the highest level of descriptive power from SIGMA’s Art line

SIGMA’s Art line has been offering new possibilities and surprise for expression, and now the SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art is here to break the standards. SIGMA’s focus with this lens is on the descriptive power that is perfectly usable from the widest aperture, and on portability that allows the high performance to be demonstrated in any field. In terms of image rendition, SIGMA achieved high resolving power from the maximum aperture throughout the entire focus range, while also enriching the beauty of the large bokeh effect at F1.2. In addition, the lens construction and mechanical design have been stripped down to the bare essentials, resulting in a significantly compact and lightweight body. The lens is also equipped with a full range of functions suitable for professional use, including high-precision AF using the latest HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) that reduces volume while maintaining the same thrust. We hope users will enjoy the superb Art F1.2, which will transform everything they capture and even their photographic experience into something extra special.

[Key Features]

1. Highest descriptive power to take advantage of F1.2 brightness

The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art has been designed with an emphasis on high resolution from the maximum aperture to the full focus range and large, beautiful bokeh expression. The contrast between the sharpness of the focus surface and the melting bokeh effect creates a three-dimensional effect thanks to its F1.2 aperture. In addition, the 13-blade diaphragm allows for beautiful bokeh expressions. Focus breathing is also well-suppressed that the F1.2 rendering can be fully utilized in video recording.

Brightness of F1.2 maximum aperture and high resolution from minimum to infinity focus
The latest optical design achieves high resolving power with each aberration thoroughly suppressed from the maximum aperture. The lens is capable of rendering details without color bleeding in any situation. In addition, the incorporated floating focus is advantageous in improving short-range performance, ensuring a stable, high-level image quality throughout the entire range from the minimum focusing distance to infinity.

Rich and beautiful bokeh without color bleeding
By correcting spherical aberration, sagittal coma flare, axial chromatic aberration, and other aberrations, the lens delivers natural bokeh images that blur smoothly and without color bleeding from the focal plane. Double-line bokeh is also suppressed, allowing users to take advantage of the mellow bokeh effect in their expression.

Rounded diaphragm with 13 blades
The lens incorporates SIGMA’s first 13-blade diaphragm, which maintains a circular shape even when stopped down from the maximum aperture. The surface accuracy of the aspherical lens has been enhanced to the utmost to enable smooth and beautiful round bokeh expressions.

Designed to minimize focus breathing
Optimization of the focus group arrangement and aspherical shape significantly suppresses focus breathing. The change in angle of view due to focus shift is minimized, creating a natural-looking focus shift when recording video.

Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, are addressed under all conditions of incident light, based on the most advanced simulation technology. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions.

2. Lightest weight lens body in its class*, suitable for a wide range of applications

By uncompromisingly pursuing high optical performance and portability, which are inherently contradictory, the highest level of performance has been condensed into the lightest lens body in its class. The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art can be used not only in limited situations and applications, but in all kinds of shooting environments.

Dual HLA incorporating a new system
A new system was developed that significantly reduces the volume while maintaining the same thrust of the HLA, which is characterized by its high driving accuracy and quietness, and is featured in each of the two focus groups. This technological innovation has realized both high-speed autofocus and a compact lens body.

Lens construction and mechanical design stripped down to the absolute minimum
Each piece of glass is made as thin as possible while employing glasses with a high refractive index and four aspherical lenses. The high level of production technology at SIGMA’s only manufacturing base, the Aizu factory, provides the exacting precision necessary for processing these thin glass elements and making this mass production possible. In addition, the floating focus ensures high performance while shortening the overall length, resulting in a compact lens. In the mechanical design phase, emphasis was placed on weight reduction. Through the systematic elimination of individual components, SIGMA attained the distinction of producing the lightest lens in its class, weighing a mere 745g / 26.3oz.*2

3. A wealth of functions for professional use and excellent build quality

In addition to various functions that support photography, such as the AFL button*3 and an aperture ring, the construction of the lens body itself and its high-quality touch and feel are also pursued. The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art is designed with high functionality and reliability to meet the stringent demands of professionals, as well as excellent build quality for long-lasting, reliable use.

Proud to be a tool of expression, excellent build quality with SIGMA’s Art line specifications
By assembling high-precision parts made of lightweight and strong TSC*4 and other materials, the lens has the high level of rigidity and durability of SIGMA’s Art line specifications without sacrificing portability, as well as excellent build quality that allows for long-lasting and reliable use as a photographic tool.

Various shooting assist functions
The lens is equipped with an AFL button which can be assigned to a range of functions via the menu on selected cameras. In addition to the aperture ring, the lens is equipped with an aperture ring lock switch and a click switch to turn the click on and off.

Dust and splash resistant structure*5 and water and oil repellent coating
In addition to a dust and splash resistant structure, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating, allowing photographers to shoot without concerns even in harsh outdoor environments.

Including a petal-type hood with lock
A dedicated petal-shaped hood is supplied. A locking mechanism is provided for secure attachment.

[Additional features]

• Lens construction: 17 elements in 12 groups (4 aspherical elements)
• Inner focus system
• Compatible with high-speed autofocus
• HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
• Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction*6*7
• Supports DMF and AF+MF
• Compatible with AF assist (for Sony E-mount only)
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element)
• Aperture ring
• Aperture ring click switch
• Aperture ring lock switch
• AFL button*8
• Focus Mode switch
• Support for switching between linear and non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only)*9
• Dust and Splash Resistant Structure
• Petal-type hood with lock LH782-03
• Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
• Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
• Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system
• 13-blade rounded diaphragm
• High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
• Mount Conversion Service available
• “Made in Aizu, Japan“ craftsmanship

*As an AF 50mm F1.2 interchangeable lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. (As of March 2024 by SIGMA)
*2 These figures are for L-Mount
*3 Function available on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.
*4 TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) is a type of polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminum. It has a high affinity to metal parts, which contributes to high quality product manufacturing.
*5 The structure is designed to be dust and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.
*6 Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.
*7 On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON‘(AUTO).
*8 Function available on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.
*9 Function available on supported cameras only.