Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens: Perfect Wide-Angle Lens for Mirrorless Cameras
The Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens offers an expansive wide-angle view paired with a notably fast aperture, setting a milestone as the first interchangeable lens for APS-C format mirrorless cameras across multiple mounts—including Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, Leica L, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon Z, and Sony E—that delivers a 24mm equivalent focal length and f/1.4 brightness. It excels in dim lighting, thanks to its wide f/1.4 aperture which enhances depth of field control and enables precise focus on specific subjects.
This lens shares its design philosophy with the , utilizing 16 elements in 13 groups that help minimize optical distortions and ensure sharp imagery even when fully opened. Its optical setup works in concert with a smooth stepping motor, providing excellent autofocus capabilities that are especially useful in video capture. The lens also features a robust mount with special sealing, offering resistance against dust and moisture, thus ensuring durability and dependability in challenging environments.
More details:
- The stepping motor delivers excellent autofocus with quiet performance - The optical design and stepping motor deliver smooth autofocus during video shooting. The Sigma 16mm f1 4 lens design fully accommodates the Fast Hybrid AF of Sony E-mount cameras for super-fast autofocus functionality. Using face recognition AF results in consistent autofocusing on faces, even as the subjects move.
- Combining compactness with outstanding optical performance - The Sigma 16mm f 1.4 DC DN features SIGMA’s inner focus technologies, while lighter lens elements in the focus lens group make possible a more compact actuator. Moreover, this lens offers outstanding stability whether the photographer is shooting handheld or has the camera placed on a surface. Structurally, the lens features materials and parts that contribute to its compact, lightweight structure.
- Large lens hood (supplied) to keep out harmful rays - The lens hood cuts harmful rays that can negatively affect photographs while also minimizing reflectivity within the hood itself. The hood also features a rubber construction and a non-slip groove to make it easy to hold in a variety of shooting situations.
- High-precision, rugged brass bayonet mount - The brass mount combines high precision with rugged construction. Its treated surfaces and enhanced strength contribute to the exceptional durability of the lens.
- Mount with Dust and Splash Resistant Structure - 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. *Except for Sigma 16mm f1 4 Canon EF-M.
- Designed to minimize flare and ghosting - SIGMA’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting to help photographers produce sharp and high-contrast images even in backlit conditions. The included lens hood can be attached to block out extraneous light, which can have a negative effect on rendering performance.
- Rounded diaphragm - The 9-blade rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur in the out-of-focus areas of the image.
Applications:
- Landscape Photography: The 16mm wide-angle focal length allows photographers to capture expansive landscapes with great detail and sharpness.
- Astrophotography: The bright f/1.4 aperture makes it ideal for capturing stars and night skies in low-light conditions.
- Low-Light Photography: The fast f/1.4 aperture allows for excellent performance in low-light environments, such as indoor or evening shoots, without sacrificing image quality.
- Portrait Photography: With smooth bokeh effects from its 9-blade rounded diaphragm, this lens can be used for creative portrait shots, offering subject isolation with shallow depth of field.
- Street Photography: Its compact size and light weight make it ideal for photographers who need a portable lens for on-the-go shooting in urban environments.
- Vlogging and Video Creation: The fast and quiet autofocus with a stepping motor is perfect for smooth video recording. Its compatibility with face recognition autofocus systems ensures accurate tracking of subjects.
- Architectural Photography: The wide-angle perspective enables users to capture entire structures and interiors, making it useful for real estate and architectural photography.
- Travel Photography: Being compact and lightweight, it's an ideal lens for travel photography, offering versatility across a range of subjects without adding bulk to the camera kit.
- Environmental Portraits: The wide focal length can frame subjects within their surroundings, offering a storytelling element to portrait photography.
- Event Photography: Excellent for indoor events, where lighting can be challenging, and where a wider field of view is needed to capture group shots or larger scenes.