Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E

Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E — image 1
Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E — image 2
Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E — image 3
Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E — image 4
85%
91%
Image Quality
88%
Autofocus Performance
90%
Low-Light Performance
95%
Portability & Weight
80%
Build Quality
87%
Value for Money
89%
Sharpness at f/1.4
84%
Lens Design & Handling
86%
Video Performance
92%
Compatibility with APS-C Cameras
75%
Autofocus Noise
60%
Weather Resistance
More

Overview

The Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E is a compact and versatile prime lens designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, particularly those with APS-C sensors. This lens offers a 45mm equivalent focal length, making it a great option for a variety of photography styles. Its large f/1.4 aperture allows for stunning low-light performance and shallow depth of field, perfect for capturing sharp subjects against beautiful blurred backgrounds. Whether you're shooting portraits or videos, this lens provides the optical clarity and creative flexibility you need in a portable design.

Features & Benefits

This Sigma lens features a fast f/1.4 aperture, giving you excellent control over depth of field and beautiful bokeh. The stepping motor (STM) ensures that autofocus is both smooth and quiet, making it ideal for video work where silence is key. The lens is built with aspherical and high-refractive index elements, delivering impressive sharpness and clarity. Weighing only 9.3 ounces, it's incredibly light and easy to carry, making it a practical choice for photographers on the go. The lens balances optical quality and portability perfectly.

Best For

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens is best suited for photographers looking for a versatile, sharp lens for street photography, portraits, and landscapes. Its large aperture makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize low-light shooting and artistic depth of field control. Videographers also benefit from its smooth autofocus, making it a solid option for capturing high-quality video content. Sony E-mount mirrorless users, especially those with APS-C format cameras, will appreciate its high performance at a relatively affordable price point compared to other premium lenses.

User Feedback

Users are generally impressed with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens for its sharpness and optical quality, even when shooting wide open. Many photographers love its lightweight design, making it perfect for daily use or travel. However, some report occasional autofocus hunting in very low light, which can be a drawback for certain situations. Another point of concern is the lack of weather sealing, which may limit its use in harsh conditions. Still, for most users, the performance and value this lens offers make it a top choice in its class.

#Mirrorless Camera Lenses
#Camera Lenses
#Lenses
#Camera & Photo
#Electronics

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for travel and daily use.
  • Fast f/1.4 aperture offers excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur.
  • Stepping motor (STM) provides smooth, quiet autofocus, ideal for video work.
  • Sharp optical quality even at wide apertures, making it a versatile choice for different shooting situations.
  • Affordable alternative to more expensive Sony lenses without sacrificing image quality.
  • Highly praised for its ease of use in both photography and video applications.

Cons

  • Autofocus can occasionally hunt in low-light situations, which may be a problem for fast-paced video.
  • Lacks weather sealing, limiting its use in challenging outdoor conditions.
  • Some users report edge softness when shooting wide open at f/1.4, especially in high-contrast scenes.
  • A 45mm equivalent focal length may not be wide enough for certain landscape or architectural shots.
  • No image stabilization, which could be an issue for handheld video work at slower shutter speeds.
  • Some users find the build quality to feel a bit less premium compared to higher-end lenses.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews worldwide from multiple platforms and languages, the scores reflect genuine feedback from real buyers of the Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E. Spam, bot, and incentivized reviews were filtered out to ensure authenticity. Both strengths and pain points are reflected in the ratings, giving a balanced view of the product's performance and usability across various use cases and user needs.

Image Quality
91%
Users are consistently impressed with the sharpness and clarity, even when shooting at wide apertures. The optical quality holds up well in various lighting conditions, making it a reliable choice for both stills and video work.
A few users mentioned that the lens exhibits some softening at the edges when shooting wide open at f/1.4, which may not suit those who need absolute edge-to-edge sharpness.
Autofocus Performance
88%
The autofocus is quick and generally accurate, with users highlighting its smoothness and responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for video recording. Many appreciate its near-silent operation during focus transitions.
While most users find the autofocus reliable, some report occasional hunting in low-light situations or when transitioning between subjects, which may be frustrating for fast-paced video shoots.
Low-Light Performance
90%
Thanks to the large f/1.4 aperture, this lens excels in low-light conditions, delivering bright and clear images without the need for excessive post-processing. It’s a favorite for indoor events and nighttime photography.
Though low-light performance is generally strong, a few users noted that the lens can exhibit some noise in extremely dim conditions, which may require extra adjustments to achieve the desired results.
Portability & Weight
95%
At just 9.3 ounces, this lens is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it a great travel companion or everyday carry lens for photographers and videographers on the go. It doesn’t weigh down your camera setup.
A small number of users feel that the lightweight design sacrifices some sturdiness, expressing concerns about the lens's long-term durability with frequent handling.
Build Quality
80%
20%
For its price point, the build quality is generally solid, with a well-constructed body that feels premium. Users appreciate the tactile feel and solid performance in everyday use.
Some buyers point out that the lack of weather sealing makes it less suitable for outdoor shoots in challenging conditions, especially when compared to more robust alternatives.
Value for Money
87%
For the price, this lens offers exceptional value. Its performance in terms of image quality, low-light capability, and portability makes it a great option for photographers and videographers on a budget.
While affordable, a few users feel that there are some compromises in build quality, such as the absence of weather sealing, which could make it less durable for outdoor professionals.
Sharpness at f/1.4
89%
The lens is sharp even at its maximum aperture of f/1.4, offering a beautiful balance of detail and bokeh. Users enjoy the ability to capture tack-sharp focus while maintaining a soft background.
Some users report slight softness in the corners of the frame at f/1.4, which may not be ideal for those expecting absolute sharpness from edge to edge.
Lens Design & Handling
84%
The lens has a comfortable design, and many users appreciate the smooth manual focus ring and its balanced weight. It fits perfectly with Sony E-mount cameras, providing a seamless shooting experience.
A few buyers feel that the lens could be slightly more ergonomic, with some finding it a bit small to handle comfortably, especially when paired with larger Sony mirrorless cameras.
Video Performance
86%
Videographers love the smooth, near-silent autofocus, making it ideal for video work. The lens maintains focus smoothly during shots, without distracting noise or abrupt shifts.
Despite its strong performance in video, a few users note occasional autofocus hiccups during fast-paced or low-light shoots, which can disrupt the filming experience.
Compatibility with APS-C Cameras
92%
The 45mm equivalent focal length on APS-C Sony E-mount cameras makes this lens versatile for a variety of photography styles, including portrait, street, and landscape photography.
While this lens performs well on APS-C cameras, users with full-frame cameras may find its focal length limiting and may need to consider alternative lenses for wider angles.
Autofocus Noise
75%
25%
Most users report that the autofocus is generally quiet, making it a great option for video work where noise disruption is a concern.
However, a few users mention occasional autofocus noise during video recording, particularly in quiet environments, which may be distracting when recording sound-sensitive footage.
Weather Resistance
60%
40%
For indoor use and controlled environments, this lens performs admirably, delivering sharp images and fast autofocus.
The absence of weather sealing is a significant drawback for outdoor photographers, especially those who shoot in challenging weather conditions, such as rain or snow.

Suitable for:

The Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E is an excellent choice for photographers and videographers who prioritize portability, low-light performance, and shallow depth of field. Its compact design makes it ideal for travel and street photography, especially for users of Sony APS-C E-mount mirrorless cameras. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or videos, this lens provides great versatility and sharpness without a hefty price tag. Content creators on a budget who need a fast, reliable lens for daily use will find this a solid option, offering smooth bokeh and quiet autofocus for video work.

Not suitable for:

This lens may not be the best option for professional photographers or videographers who require a lens with weather sealing or rugged build quality for use in harsh outdoor conditions. Although its performance in low-light environments is commendable, some users report occasional autofocus hunting in dim lighting, which could be problematic for fast-paced video shoots. Additionally, those seeking absolute sharpness at the edges may find this lens less suitable, especially when shooting wide open at f/1.4. Full-frame camera users may also find the 45mm equivalent focal length too limiting for wide-angle shots.

Specifications

  • Lens Type: Prime lens designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.
  • Focal Length: 30mm, which provides a 45mm equivalent focal length on APS-C sensor cameras.
  • Aperture: Wide f/1.4 aperture for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
  • Aperture Blades: 9 rounded aperture blades for smooth and natural bokeh.
  • Motor Type: Stepping Motor (STM) for smooth and quiet autofocus, ideal for video use.
  • Weight: 9.3 ounces (263 grams), making it a lightweight and portable lens.
  • Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.6 x 2.6 inches, compact and easy to carry.
  • Optical Construction: Includes aspherical and high-refractive index elements to reduce distortion and improve image quality.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Sony APS-C E-mount mirrorless cameras.
  • Best For: Portraits, street photography, landscapes, and video applications.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 12 inches (30 cm), allowing for close-up shots and detail capture.
  • Image Quality: Highly praised for sharpness and clarity, even at wide apertures.
  • Build Material: Constructed with high-quality materials for durability, though not weather-sealed.
  • Filter Size: Supports 52mm filters for lens protection and customization.
  • Mount Type: Sony E-mount for seamless compatibility with Sony mirrorless cameras.
  • Focus Type: Autofocus with fast and accurate performance, aided by the STM motor.
  • Country of Manufacture: Manufactured in Japan, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.

FAQ

No, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 lens is designed specifically for APS-C sensor cameras. While it works on Sony E-mount full-frame cameras, it will operate in crop mode and give you a 45mm equivalent focal length.

The f/1.4 aperture allows for more light to enter the lens, which is especially useful in low-light environments. It also gives you more control over depth of field, allowing for a blurred background (bokeh) that is ideal for portraits and video work.

Yes, this lens is well-suited for video because of its fast f/1.4 aperture and quiet autofocus due to the stepping motor (STM). It provides smooth focusing transitions without audible noise, making it a solid choice for videographers.

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens weighs just 9.3 ounces (263 grams), making it a lightweight and highly portable option for photographers and videographers on the go.

Unfortunately, this lens does not have weather sealing, which means it may not be the best option for use in extremely wet or dusty conditions. It's best used in milder environments to ensure longevity.

Yes, the Sigma 30mm lens can be used for landscape photography, especially for more intimate or close-up landscapes. However, its 45mm equivalent focal length may feel a bit tight for wide, expansive scenes compared to wider-angle lenses.

The autofocus is generally fast and accurate in most situations, but some users have reported slight hunting in very low-light conditions. It's still highly effective in typical indoor or outdoor lighting.

The 9 rounded aperture blades contribute to smoother, more aesthetically pleasing bokeh in your photos. This makes the background blur appear more natural, particularly when shooting wide open at f/1.4.

Yes, you can use filters with the Sigma 30mm lens. It has a filter thread size of 52mm, so you'll need filters that match this size for compatibility.

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens is often praised for offering excellent optical quality and a large aperture at a more affordable price compared to other Sony APS-C prime lenses. It provides sharp images even at wide apertures, though some users prefer slightly wider options for specific applications like landscape photography.