Today I’m reviewing the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN C lens, a popular choice for mirrorless cameras available for Sony E-mount as well as Micro Four Thirds mount, and now Canon EOS M mirrorless cameras.
A Wide Maximum Aperture for Creative Freedom
The lens offers excellent performance for an autofocus lens with such a wide maximum aperture.
The Sigma 30mm offers the benefits of a wide aperture, permitting shooting in dimmer conditions, producing pronounced out-of-focus backgrounds, and offering a full-frame equivalent of about 45mm.
This lends itself to a versatile standard field of view – wide enough for a larger perspective, yet tight enough for subject emphasis.
Solid Build with a Minimalist Design
The lens has a plain exterior but solid build, with a weight of 265 grams.
It features a single control point: a rubberized focus ring that is easy to turn but can accidentally change settings if not careful.
The autofocus motor operates silently and rapidly, especially on the Canon version.
Impressive Image Quality
The lens provides excellent sharpness and good contrast at F1.4.
The corners, however, are slightly soft with some color fringing. As with many lenses, the image sharpens up as the aperture narrows.
Challenges and Trade-Offs
The lens presents significant barrel distortion and vignetting at F1.4, though this reduces when stopped down.
It can focus as closely as 30cm, providing flexibility in shooting smaller subjects, but close-up image quality at F1.4 is low in contrast.
The lens performs well against the bright light, displaying minimal flare.
Bokeh quality is acceptable but is slightly compromised by the lens’s noticeable longitudinal chromatic aberration at wide apertures.
However, it shows some flaws like awkward bokeh at times and significant barrel distortion. Despite this, it’s a useful lens that has gained popularity among Sony camera users.
Conclusion
Overall, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN C is reasonably sharp and provides creative potential with its wide maximum aperture.
Its autofocus performance is commendable.
Check out my other related blog post below:
- Navigating Photographic Horizons with the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary for Sony E
- Riding the Wave of Imaging Excellence with the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E
- Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Lens: Captivating Perspectives on Sony E
- The 3 Best Macro Lenses for Sony Mirrorless Cameras
- The 3 Best Focal Lengths for Macro Photography and Why
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