Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Field Test: An affordable, fast and mostly good APS-C prime lens

Late last year, Sigma released the 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary mirrorless lens, which is the first APS-C lens for Sony E-mount to offer an equivalent 24mm focal length and fast f/1.4 aperture. The lens not only offers a fast maximum aperture, it also includes a dust- and splash-proof design, fast autofocus and a consumer-friendly price point, at around $450 USD.

During my hands-on time with the lens, I was particularly impressed by its build quality. The lens is compact, but it feels rugged and durable. The lens features Sigma's latest optical technologies, which lead to generally good results. The optic delivers sharp images, particularly when looking at the center of the frame. Its handling of vignetting is also quite good, although there are some issues with chromatic aberrations that may require post-processing to fix.

f/5.6, 1/3s, ISO 100. This image has been modified.

For much more on the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN lens and my final take on the lens, head over to my Field Test.