Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC + Sony A6000 in the field: A terrific portrait combination under $1000

posted Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 6:44 AM EDT

Do you like quality images at value pricing? I certainly do, and the Sigma Contemporary line has generally excelled in this area. So when we heard we'd be getting a 56mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary sample I grabbed it before anyone else had the chance!

Our sample was fitted for Sony E-mount (they also make an MFT mount version) and so my first inclination was to grab a higher-end APS-C Sony body, but then I noticed the price of the lens was only $497. For an f/1.4 portrait prime this is an attractive price indeed, and for such a bright lens it is quite light as well, tipping the scales at just 9.9oz (280g). The low price and light weight suggested another course of action....

Pair it with the Sony A6000! With a current street price of just $398, you're looking at an f/1.4, APS-C portrait combination at well under $1000 total, and that's certainly a lot of firepower for the price. I tossed the rig into the car and headed for the coast, stopping at a few byways along the way to bring you a solid sampling of images and shooting notes from this intriguing pairing.