SIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art

SIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art
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Sigma 30mm DC HSM Art review and photo examples

Table of contents

Gallery

The following cameras were used for the sample photos:

Review

Before imageAfter image

1.Overview

The SIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art is a 30mm focal length lens for SLR cameras with APS-C sensors, released in 2013.

It features a matte, yet smooth, exterior design common to SIGMA Art lenses from the 2010s. The lens’s functional features are kept simple, with only the bare essentials: an AF/MF switch, focus ring, and distance scale.

The lens barrel is slightly longer than the previous model, making it feel a bit larger.

Combined with the premium exterior, this lens is a perfect match for SIGMA’s high-end SIGMA SD1 (3rd generation Foveon) camera.

The main specifications are as follows; detailed specifications are provided at the link.

  • Aperture: F1.4
  • Lens Construction: 7 groups, 7 elements
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.3m
  • Aperture Blades: 8

35mm equivalent focal lengths are as follows:

  • SONY, PENTAX, NIKON, SIGMA, APS-C x1.5 = 45mm
  • CANON APS-C x1.6 = 48mm
  • SIGMA APS-C x1.7 = 51mm
  • Panasonic, OLYMPUS Micro Four Thirds x2 = 60mm

2.Usability

The SIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art’s rendering capabilities have steadily grown since the SIGMA 30mm EX DC HSM in 2005, and when used with the 15-megapixel x 3 SIGMA SD1 (third-generation Foveon) sensor, it fully utilizes its performance.

The lens configuration is a modern reverse telephoto (redrofocus) design, resulting in consistent blur across the entire frame and natural peripheral bokeh, making it easy to use in a variety of scenes.

The autofocus drive motor is equipped with an ultrasonic motor called HSM, which delivers impressive focusing speed. While autofocus accuracy is difficult to generalize, as it depends in part on the camera, it is fine for most subjects. However, in scenes where the camera’s on-board sensor is fooled, such as fences and bushes, it will not focus on the intended location, requiring manual focus.

I’m always amazed at Sigma’s design and manufacturing capabilities, which allow them to offer such a complex lens for around 40,000 yen.

An article introducing this lens can be found on pages 40 and 41 of Sigma Interchangeable Lens WORLD (Japan Camera MOOK), which was released in 2015.

Quoted from the official SIGMA website

3.Summary

In conclusion, to sum up the SIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art is a recommended standard focal length lens for SLR cameras with APS-C size sensors.

仕様・考察など

In order to make use of past lens assets, Sigma sells adapters that allow their own Sigma SA mount and Canon EF mount lenses to be used with Sony-E and L-Mount Alliance mirrorless cameras.

The converter model numbers can be confusing, with two types on the lens mount side (SIGMA-SA and CANON-EF) and two types on the camera mount side (L mount and Sony E mount).

  • SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-21 SIGMA SA ⇔ L-Mount
  • SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-21 CANON EF ⇔ L-Mount
  • SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SIGMA SA ⇔ Sony E-Mount
  • SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 CANON EF ⇔ Sony E-Mount

While owning this lens, I tried to use the SIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art with a Leica CL typ7323 using the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-21 SIGMA SA ⇔ L-Mount, but unfortunately it didn’t work due to the camera’s specifications.

Older Leica L-Mount bodies often don’t support these questionable options, which seems to hinder the versatility of the L-Mount Alliance.

Lens nameSIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM
Focal length(mm)30
Max aperture1.4
Min aperture16
Leaf blade98
Lens Construction8群9枚7群7枚
Min distance(m)0.30.4
Lens length(mm)63.359
Max diameter(mm)74.276.6
Filter Size(mm)62
Weight(g)435400
Release date2013

Reference links

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Update History

  • 2024.9.27
  • 2024.2.5:First Draft

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