Here are some sample images that I took a while ago with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens.
It’s a fast, moderately-wide prime lens designed for full-frame cameras. They make them with Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Sigma mounts; I’ve been using the Nikon version on a Nikon D800 (as I said, these were shot a while ago). You can also use them on APS-C cropped sensor cameras — as in, Nikon’s DX cameras — in which case the effective focal length is 52.5mm, so it basically becomes a “nifty-fifty.”
It’s a direct competitor for Nikon’s own 35mm f/1.4 wide-angle prime lens, but it comes at a significantly lower price. I have a more detailed review of the Sigma 35mm f1.4 here.
These photos were shot in RAW and lightly processed in Lightroom. I haven’t applied any of Lightroom’s optical fixes to these. And you can click on each image for a full-size version.
Sample images
Optical correction tools
I deliberately haven’t applied extensive corrections to these images. And the general rule of thumb in photography is that it’s better to get the shot right at the time of capture rather than trying to fix it after. That’s a great aspiration, but it’s not always possible to do if you’re bumping up against limitations or flaws in gear, conditions, or technique.
But it’s worth mentioning that there are some excellent tools available to help address common issues with lenses, such as distortion, chromatic aberration, and lens vignetting when editing the images. All-round image processing apps like Lightroom Classic and Capture One have solid tools built in already that often cater to specific lens profiles (or you can make your own).
Some more specialized tools can take it even further. DxO, in particular, sets the gold standard. Their software is built on the foundation of their incredibly deep archive of data from their extensive lab testing of the optical performance of lenses and cameras. But there are some other excellent specialized tools available. These are well worth a look (and have free trials):
- DxO Pure RAW (for a suite of automatic RAW file corrections enhancement)
- DxO ViewPoint (correcting for distortion and geometry)
- Topaz Labs Sharpen AI (in addition to standard unsharp tools, includes focus correction and shake reduction)
- On1 NoNoise (includes Tack Sharp AI, which applies sharpening)
Price & availability of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Check the current price and availability at:
You can often find used copies at KEH and eBay.
They’re also available to rent at LensProtoGo.
Accessories for the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART Lens
Filters. It takes standard 67mm screw-in filters: Polarizer | UV/Haze | ND
Lens Hood. The replacement lens hood model number is LH730-03.
Sigma USB Dock. It’s compatible with Sigma’s USB Dock.
Front Lens Cap. It takes a standard 67mm snap-on lens cap. If you’d like the Sigma original, the model is LCF-67 III.
