Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC C (Sony E) lens

Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary (Sony E) lens

The Sigma 15mm f/1.4 is a fast prime lens for Sony E-mount APS-C cameras, such as the a6700, ZV-E10 and a6400.

• Ultra-compact: up to 50% lighter and 30% shorter than its predecessor, the 16mm f/1.4
• Cine equivalent focal length of approx. 22.5 mm – perfect for landscapes, architecture and videography
• Large f/1.4 aperture enables low-light shooting and stunning background blur
• Fast and quiet autofocus, also ideal for video work

Sony's APS-C cameras have a cine-equivalent focal length of approximately 22.5mm. This wide angle of view is very familiar in today's visual content, as it resembles the focal length of the main camera on many smartphones. Unlike on a phone, this lens's very bright f/1.4 aperture and the camera's large sensor allow for precise control of depth of field and a result that stands out from the stream of images in both video and stills.

Completely new optics - popular model

The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN has been one of the manufacturer's best-selling lenses since its launch. It offered a suitable combination of image quality and brightness, making it very popular among videographers. This new Sigma 15mm f/1.4 replaces the old model, and as you can already see from the changed focal length, it is a completely new and redesigned device from the ground up.

The lens is 50% lighter and 30% shorter than the previous 16mm version! In addition, image quality has improved and autofocus is faster.

Optical performance in a compact size

The Sigma 15mm includes many special lenses for its price (including FLD and SLD glass elements) that minimize image errors while achieving a sharp reduction in size. For example, with a Sony a6700 body, this creates a truly compact set, advanced in image quality and perfectly balanced in the hand.

According to the manufacturer, the image quality is top-notch even at full aperture, and the lens is at its best in low light or when you want a very short depth of field. Sharpness improves even further by stopping down to, for example, f/4. As you can see in the accompanying video starring Finnish photographer Kristo Vedenoha, the raw resolution is more than enough for demanding architectural photography.

Beautiful bokeh and sunstar effect

A surprisingly big change has occurred in the drawing of bokeh, or out-of-focus areas. The parts outside the depth of field look more beautifully soft in most conditions compared to the 16mm version. There are 9 diaphragm blades and they are rounded in structure, so even at smaller apertures the background blur remains beautiful. In addition, the lens can create a quite nice sunstar effect: at apertures f/11–f/16, point-like light sources form a fine, long-spanned sun-like pattern.

A creative tool for videographers

Sigma's new stepping motor-based autofocus works great according to initial tests and reliably locks focus. Focusing works seamlessly in video shooting, which is also helped by the motor's almost silent operation. There is some focus breathing in the lens (the focal length changes slightly as the focusing distance changes), but considering the other advanced features, compact size and excellent image quality, this can be unreservedly recommended for hybrid photographers.

The Sony E version features a physical aperture ring for easy control of both stills and video. Videographers will especially appreciate the fact that the aperture ring clicks can be turned off for silent and stepless adjustment. The lens also has basic weather and dust protection.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Sony E mount (APS-C sensor size bodies)
• Focal length: 15mm (cinema equivalent: approx. 22.5mm)
• Aperture: f/1.4 (min. f/16)
• Optical construction: 13 elements in 11 groups
• Closest focusing distance: 17.7 cm
• Dimmer blades: 9 pcs (rounded)
• Filter thread: 58 mm
• Dimensions: 69.0 x 62.8 mm
• Weight: 240g

The sales package includes:

• Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary lens (Sony E)
• Front cover LCF-58 III (58mm)
• Rear cover LCR II (Sony E)
• Backlight protection
• Protective bag LP-406A