Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens: First impressions

With the release of the brand new Sigma 40mm f/1.4 Art lens, we asked for first impressions of the lens from our Sigma Ambassadors and fans. Come and see their images and read what they have to say about this awesome addition to the Sigma Art line!

Meg Loeks

The Sigma Art 40mm is an incredible lens. One of my favorite things about it is its ability to rock low light. I shot with this lens in both natural and artificial low light and it was sharp and fast. Not to mention the dynamic range of this lens, especially in tough lighting situations, makes it a favorite for me. The lens is durable which is crucial as I tend to not be very gentle with my gear while out hiking with my boys. Most importantly, it lives up to the Sigma Art name with its sharpness even when photographing fast-moving children.

© Meg Loeks 2018 | 1/160 sec, f/2, ISO 640 | Canon 5D Mark IV
© Meg Loeks 2018 | 1/160 sec, f/1.6, ISO 800 | Canon 5D Mark IV
© Meg Loeks 2018 | 1/200 sec, f/3.2, ISO 640 | Canon 5D Mark IV

Jack Fusco

Before taking the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 Art lens with me under the stars, I wasn’t totally sure where or if it would fall in to my preferred list of lenses. The 35mm and 50mm Art lenses are two of my favorites, so it had a lot to live up to.

Once the 40mm arrived, I picked out a few spots in the Anza Borrego Desert and knew in the coming days we’d have a great opportunity to see and photograph Comet 46/P. I normally have a bit of a routine for testing a lens at night, but I knew after the first image I took of the stars this lens was something special.

A few days after my first night out and I was just excited to head back out with it as I was to photograph Comet 46/P. Saying this lens is bright and extremely sharp from edge to edge doesn’t do it justice. It’s easily one of the most impressive lenses I’ve used and the quite possibly the quickest to earn a spot in my bag.

© Jack Fusco 2018 | 1/8 sec, f/1.4, ISO 3200 | Sony α7R II
© Jack Fusco 2018 | 1/8 sec, f/1.4, ISO 3200 | Sony α7R II
© Jack Fusco 2018 | 1/4 sec, f/1.4, ISO 3200 | Sony α7R II

Adam Elmakias

My initial reaction was, “I have a 35mm Art, I have a 50mm Art, so why the heck do I need a 40?” But I think the 40 fits nicely in-between. 5 MM may not seem like much, but it does make a difference for me when it comes for stage photography. I only shoot with one body, so I was able to ditch the 35 and 50 and just shoot the 40. Images are sharp, images are in focus, no complaints from me!

© Adam Elmakias 2018 | 1/160 sec, f/2, ISO 160 | Canon EOS 6D
© Adam Elmakias 2018 | 1/125 sec, f/1.6, ISO 640 | Canon EOS 6D
© Adam Elmakias 2018 | 1/30 sec, f/2.8, ISO 320 | iPhone 8 Plus

Benjamin Ono

After field testing the new Sigma 40mm f/1.4 Art, I’m happy to say I’ve found my new favorite lens. As an ocean and lifestyle photographer based in Hawaii, my style of imagery depends on tough gear that can reliably shoot in a variety of lighting situations.

I’ve been a little long time fan of Sigma’s prime lenses, specifically the focal lengths of 24mm, 50mm and 85mm. While each of these focal lengths provide their own unique images, Ive come to find they also have their drawbacks. While shooting people, the 24mm tended to be a bit too wide, distorting the subject. And the 50mm and 85mm tended to be a bit too tight, leaving out crucial visual information for the viewer.

As with many photographers, choosing the correct focal length for every situation can get difficult – and can even lead to missed moments. By simply bringing one lens on a shoot, I’ve had more time to enjoy the environment and focus on creating better compositions. For this reason, the 40mm f/1.4 Art has become my go-to.

© Benjamin Ono 2018 | 1/3200 sec, f/2.5, ISO 500 | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
© Benjamin Ono 2018 | 1/8000 sec, f/2.5, ISO 500 | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
© Benjamin Ono 2018 | 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 500 | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Available now at a Mike’s Camera near you!

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