SIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art

Sigma 30mm DC HSM Art review and photo examples

Gallery

SIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art Sample Photo (SIGMA SD14)

Review

Usage
Lens overview
Competitor

1．Usage

The SIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art is a lens for single-lens reflex cameras with APS-C size sensors. It uses a Sigma lens barrel from the 2010s, giving it a more luxurious feel than previous lenses.

The autofocus (AF) drive motor is equipped with HSM, so the focus speed is at a level that leaves nothing to be desired. The AF accuracy is fine for general subjects, but manual focus is required for scenes where the body sensor is fooled, such as fences and bushes.

2．Lens overview

When used with the SD14, it becomes a bright standard lens equivalent to 51mm in 35mm format, and when used with the SD1, it covers a slightly wider range of 45mm in 35mm format.

The lens barrel has an AF/MF switch, focus ring, and distance indicator. It is a single-focus lens, so it is simple.

The lens barrel is one size larger than the previous model, and the Art line has a more luxurious exterior, making it a lens appearance that suits the SD1 better as a camera to be attached.

I tried to use it with the Leica CL typ7323 using the genuine mount adapter MC-21 for mirrorless cameras, but unfortunately it did not work due to the Leica specifications. If you mask the electronic contacts, you can use it only with the aperture open, but this is not a very meaningful action.

The L-Mount Alliance sometimes feels a bit half-baked, with little consideration given to compatibility with accessories. In this case, it is unfortunate because it can be used if you can change the aperture, even if you give up AF operation due to focusing accuracy.

3．Competitor

The new 30mm lens, released in 2013, has a modern inverted telephoto lens construction that reduces quirks in peripheral depiction, making it easy to use in a variety of scenes.

In contrast, the lens construction of the older model is a derivative of the double Gauss type that is suitable for large apertures, and uses special dispersion glass and aspherical lenses, but the lens design does not seem to have been refined, given the noisy bokeh and deterioration of image quality in the peripheral areas at full aperture.

Also, the new model seems to be a size larger than the older model, but looking at the specifications, they are almost the same size. The reason it feels larger is probably because the new model is fitted with a large cylindrical hood.

Specification and Competitor

Lens name	SIGMA 30mm DC HSM Art	30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM
Focal length(mm)	30	←
Max aperture	1.4	←
Min aperture	16	←
Leaf blade	9	8
Lens Construction	8群9枚	7群7枚
Min distance(m)	0.3	0.4
Lens length(mm)	63.3	59
Max diameter(mm)	74.2	76.6
Filter Size(mm)	62	←
Weight(g)	435	400
Release date	2013	–