Mirrorless cameras have fewer f/1.4 lenses than SLRs, and mirrorless systems are more limited, particularly those with smaller sensors. A compact and bright standard-angle lens that can be used with both Micro Four Thirds cameras (Sony APS-C) and Sony APS-C, the Sigma 30mm DC DN Contemporary ($339) offers a sharp, clean image. This lens is a solid performer that produces sharp photos with strong depth control.
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Design
For an F/1.4 model, the 30mm F1.4 is quite compact. The lens measures just 2.9 by 2.5 inches (HD), is 9.4 ounces in weight, and can accept 52mm front filters. Although the barrel is a mixture of metal and plastic, unlike the more expensive Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens, it isn't sealed to prevent moisture and dust entry.
The lens can be purchased in either an E-mount version to fit Sony or Micro Four Thirds camera models from Olympus, Panasonic and Olympus. When paired with a Sony digital camera, the APS-C sensor has a larger size. The lens works like a full-fame 45mm lens. The Micro Four Thirds camera has a 60mm view angle, which is slightly narrower.
The lens was sent to me in E-mount for review. I tested the Sony a6500 with the lens. The a6500 includes in-body stabilization—it's the only APS-C Sony camera with that feature at this time—so if you use it with another model you won't benefit from stabilization. The Sony 35mm F1.8 OSS is a better option if you are shooting with another model. It doesn't capture as much light but it's optically stabilized.
Micro Four Thirds shooters have more bodies with in-camera stabilization available—Olympus has included the feature for years, and Panasonic has jumped on board as well, adding in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to more recent models. Micro Four Thirds is also available with Olympus 25, Panasonic, Panasonic, 25mm, f/1.8 and Panasonic 25mm, f/1.7 lenses.
The standard-angle lens can focus close to 11.8 inches. This is quite common. It's not a macro—maximum magnification is 1:7 life-size. It's possible to work very close to your subjects but not expect macro results.
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Image quality
The 30mm Contemporary was tested with the 24-MP Sony a6500. The lens performs well at f/1.4, registering 2,302 lines in an Imatest (Opens in new window) assessment. This lens produces sharpness that is as good as average right to the edges of the frame. This is better than 1,800 lines that we need, but it's not as sharp as a 24-MP sensor.
The resolution improves with f/2 to an impressive 2,851 lines. It hits 3,080 lines at f/2.8, 3,032 lines at f/4, and 3,094 lines at f/5.6—just about as much as you can expect from a 24MP sensor. The image quality remains stable at f/8 (2.991 lines) or f/11 (2.878 lines), with a slight decrease at minimum f/16 (2,680 line).
The barrel distortion is visible at 2.8 percent. This is normal for a wide-angle lens but is not expected from one that has a standard view angle like the 30mm. Because it is a third-party lens automatic correction cannot be performed, the distortion causes straight lines to have an outward bulge. You can remove it easily using software—Adobe Lightroom Classic CC is our favorite, and the most popular option.
Images depict a small vignette at F/1.4 with corners about 1.3EV darker than the center. The corners are a mere -0.5EV behind the center, and it's gone at F/2. It's possible to correct this with software, but the effect is minimal and won't affect most images.
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Conclusions
If you are a photographer using a mirrorless system and want an f/1.4 standard lens, the Sigma 30mm DC DN Contemporary is a great choice. It makes light photography possible, even on urban streets at night. The images are sharp, particularly at narrower apertures, up to the edges of the frame. Additionally, the lens is lightweight and affordable.
The lack of in-lens stabilizer on a Sony camera other than the a6500 may pose a problem, particularly if you love to capture handheld video. Consider the more expensive Sony 35mm F/1.8 OSS.
The Micro Four Thirds owner has a wide range of choices, from the Panasonic 25mm F/1.7 (250 USD) to the Olympus 250mm F/1.8 (400 USD), which is smaller but gathers a lot more light. The Olympus25mmf/1.2 ($1,300), and Panasonic25mmf/1.4 ($600) are both comparable to or superior in aperture to the 30-mm Contemporary.
While the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary is a solid performer, it has some optical limitations. It's an excellent choice if you have a compatible mirrorless camera, and want a standard-angle, fast prime.
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