Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens

Last Updated on January 13, 2019

It’s certainly a rare occasion when super-wide lenses with fast maximum apertures are produced. Just imagine the photo opportunities that can be achieved with such specifications. Plus, the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens doesn’t just offer really wide field of views, the wide aperture make it ideal for shooting in low-light conditions.

Marketed as the first and only F1.8 ultra-wide-angle lens (as of this writing anyway), the lens offers a range of features that will offer creative, landscape, travel, events, and specialty photographers a new visual experience.

Design & Features

There may be zoom lenses that cover the 14mm range, but where the Sigma 14mm differs is its F1.8 aperture. That large lens diameter allows photographers to just adjust shutter speed without worrying about ISO when capturing moving subjects. Plus, the wide angle makes it ideal for shooting long exposures – think starry skies and beach scenes.

Photographers looking to capture dramatic bokeh while ensuring the subject remains sharp will appreciate the Sigma 14mm. The lens can achieve such an effect thanks to an ultra-wide angle of view offering deep depth of field and a wide aperture providing shallow depth of field.

The Sigma 14mm lens also solves the chromatic aberration issue inherent in ultra wide-angle lenses with three FLD glass elements and four SLD glass elements.

Thanks to a large hypersonic motor, the lens offers extremely fast autofocus capabilities. Plus, there’s an option to switch to manual focus function.

The lens is also protected against dust and splashes, allowing it to be taken to shooting locations where harsh conditions are expected.

Using Mount Converter MC-11, the Sigma 14mm SA mount and Sigma EOS mount can be used on Sony E-mount camera bodies.

Updating the lens firmware and performing other adjustments is made easier with the optional USB Sigma Dock.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• It offers an ultra-wide field of view. Photographers who shoot landscapes and the night sky appreciate the value of an ultra-wide-angle lens. With it, they can capture a lot of area thus adding more visual interest to images.
• It is quick and performs well in low-light situations. Thanks to a wide aperture, the Sigma 14mm allows lots of light to get in and thus performs well in situations where light is rather challenging, night for example.
• It offers protection against the elements. Given what it can do, the Sigma 14mm is an ideal companion for shoots situated outdoors. But taking gear outside exposes it to the elements but the Sigma 14mm is protected against the common enemies, dust and splashes of water.

Cons

• It does not come cheap. The Sigma 14mm costs more than $1,000, a value that can be better invested elsewhere given there are lenses that cover the 14mm range. They may not be as quick and effective in low-light situations as the Sigma 14mm, but they are the better cost alternatives.

Final Thoughts

The Sigma 14mm DG HSM Art lens is truly captivating, but it’s a lens for a specific group of photographers. Unless focusing on night sky photography or long exposure beach scenes, there are cheaper options available that offer the same 14mm field of view.