Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Field Test: Ultra-wide, ultra-fast and very good
posted Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 12:54 PM EDT
Click here for my Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art Field Test
The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens is the world's first full-frame ultra-wide lens to offer a maximum aperture of f/1.8. That alone makes it a very appealing lens to certain groups of photographers. More than that, it is an impressive lens that delivers great images and certainly lives up to its "Art" billing, which has quickly become a consistent mark of a quality optic.
Unsurprisingly, it is a fairly heavy lens, weighing over 2.5 pounds. With that weight there is also high-end build quality. The lens is weather sealed and is constructed with Sigma's Thermally Stable Composite (TSC). It's built to withstand the rigors of a professional photographer's workflow. In addition to its build quality, the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 has also been designed with Sigma's latest autofocus algorithms and technology. In the field, the autofocus proved to be smooth and responsive, although in my case I needed to apply significant autofocus fine-tuning.
With its fast f/1.8 aperture, you may also be considering the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art as a night shooting lens. With respect to shooting the night sky, the lens is certainly a solid choice, although there are some optical issues to consider. There is comatic aberration in the extreme corners when shooting wide open although it is not excessive, and there is some vignetting. The sharpness, particularly in the center of the frame, is definitely impressive. Plus, it's hard to overstate the flexibility that an f/1.8 aperture affords you with respect to your ISO and shutter speed settings.
The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art delivers high-end build quality and optical performance. It also has a roughly $1,600 price tag. Is it worth it? Read my Field Test to find out!
• Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Field Test •
