p.1 #1 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
While there has been some chatter and a few sample images from @SGinNorcal in the Fuji XF 14 or Sigma 12 thread, I haven't seen a dedicated one for this lens, so let's start here.
Initial thoughts on my end are very positive. Just for reference, I was previously using my full frame Sony's and Canon rigs with the Sigma 20/1.4 when I needed a fast ultra-wide. With this new Sigma 12, I think that 20mm is going to see much less use.
The 12 looked small in the reviews that I saw online when it was first announced. But after getting this thing in my hands, I found that it was even smaller and lighter than I had anticipated.
This new lens seems like it may be part of the start of a new pivot for Sigma, as the packaging is also completely different from every Art, Contemporary, or Sport lens I've gotten from them over the past decade. It is incredibly light/compact and feels very deliberate for APSC. The 12 is tiny compared to their 16/1.4 (photo below), which is what I was previously using on the wide end for Fuji.
The lens is sharp, focuses very close, focuses very quickly/accurately/quietly, has WR, a reasonably small profile hood, and is just an amazing all-around package that feels perfectly matched to my X-T4.
Some relatively uninteresting samples, but samples nonetheless.
p.1 #3 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
mivadep wrote:
Sigma is killing it lately. I would prefer a 13 or 14mm, but this little guy is tempting.
Absolutely agree. They've been on fire with these announcements lately.
13 or 14 is nice also since that's basically about 20mm, which is what I'm used to with the Sigma 20/1.4 on FF. However, I've just always loved everything from about 18-24 on the wide end, so this fits right in.
I was on the fence about picking up the Viltrox 13 since its release, but am glad now that I held off for so long, since this checks virtually every box I had for a prime in this range.
p.1 #4 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
Thank you for sharing, nice pictures!
I got my copy recently as well. This is my perspective as someone who tends to shoot scenes with detail throughout the frame (think facades, architecture, cityscapes) where the viewer's attention isn't necessarily drawn to the centre.
1. It's well-built. I like how clicky the aperture ring is and how well it balances on the X-E5). A lot lighter than my Viltrox 13mm f1.4, which this Sigma is meant to replace.
2. It's a very sharp lens. I'd say it's noticeably sharper than the Sigma 10-18mm. This is conditional though. It's always sharp in the centre. It *can be* sharp in the corners and edges even from f2, but there seems to be a lot of field curvature (becomes less of an issue at infinity). In such cases you'd have to focus in the mid-frame or edge if you don't want the edges of your image falling out of focus.
Here's an example shot at f2.8, I'd estimate the subject distance at around 30 metres.
Centre crop
Edge crop
Full image
This is a rough edit with what I envisioned what I took the picture: the crop and perspective correction make the focus falloff a bit more obvious in the "final" image
I might get some non-constructive, snarky comments about shooting brick walls (sometimes I am pretty much shooting brick walls, it's not as derogatory as one might think), but the field curvature is a pretty big issue for me. I'll give it some more time before I decide whether to keep it.
p.1 #5 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
aloy99 wrote:
Thank you for sharing, nice pictures!
I got my copy recently as well. This is my perspective as someone who tends to shoot scenes with detail throughout the frame (think facades, architecture, cityscapes) where the viewer's attention isn't necessarily drawn to the centre.
1. It's well-built. I like how clicky the aperture ring is and how well it balances on the X-E5). A lot lighter than my Viltrox 13mm f1.4, which this Sigma is meant to replace.
2. It's a very sharp lens. I'd say it's noticeably sharper than the Sigma 10-18mm. This is conditional though. It's always sharp in the centre. It *can be* sharp in the corners and edges even from f2, but there seems to be a lot of field curvature (becomes less of an issue at infinity). In such cases you'd have to focus in the mid-frame or edge if you don't want the edges of your image falling out of focus.
Here's an example shot at f2.8, I'd estimate the subject distance at around 30 metres.
This is a rough edit with what I envisioned what I took the picture: the crop and perspective correction make the focus falloff a bit more obvious in the "final" image
I might get some non-constructive, snarky comments about shooting brick walls (sometimes I am pretty much shooting brick walls, it's not as derogatory as one might think), but the field curvature is a pretty big issue for me. I'll give it some more time before I decide whether to keep it....Show more →
Thank you!
Definitely agree that it could be problematic for your use case. Hoping that a forthcoming profile is helpful to you. Personally, I don’t mind it for most of the things I shoot, so it works out.
p.1 #7 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
On another note, AF in low light and ability to handhold at slow shutter speeds has been awesome so far. I've been able to get consistently sharp results at 1/8, and decent success down to 1/2 second.
p.1 #8 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
Does anybody have any astro shots using this lens at f1.4, 2 and 2.8? I would love to see to assess coma and curvature. If it's good here, I will get one.
p.1 #9 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
Jack Flesher wrote:
Does anybody have any astro shots using this lens at f1.4, 2 and 2.8? I would love to see to assess coma and curvature. If it's good here, I will get one.
Jack, I just answered this question in another thread (darwinphoto). I took some shots at 1.4, 2 and 2.8. Will post them here. Single shots without stacking. Did not pay attention to curvature (Lr corrects it quite well). Shots were taken 3 days ago (new moon. 15 sec exposure, ISO = 1600. Processed to taste in LR:
p.1 #10 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
jm10_former wrote:
Jack, I just answered this question in another thread (darwinphoto). I took some shots at 1.4, 2 and 2.8. Will post them here. Single shots without stacking. Did not pay attention to curvature (Lr corrects it quite well). Shots were taken 3 days ago (new moon. 15 sec exposure, ISO = 1600. Processed to taste in LR:
p.1 #12 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
Took almost two weeks to get here, and I almost forgot it was even coming. Generic square metal 62mm hood off Amazon. Not much of a size savings since the OEM one that comes with the lens is already very small, but it is a different look/handling for the lens in case anyone is interested.
p.1 #14 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
Just a follow up to my experiences with this lens. The primary reason for me adding this lens to my kit is to provide a wider option to my Fuji XF16-55II when needed. Besides great optics, I wanted a small, easy carry size and brightest aperture possible, hopefully doubling as an occasional Astro lens. So far, so good, although I don't have much time using it for Astro. Its the wrong time of year for Milky Way shots and nights with clear skies are few. I did bring it out the other night but it was too bright for anything serious. But to its primary use as a wider option in my every day kit, I'm very pleased with it. Sigma did a great job with the design, lightweight and small size, while still feeling well built.
p.1 #17 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
I've been looking into this lens too. Several reviewers mention CA in the corners but also that it is still the best of the bunch. While I don't have direct experience, interpreting the reviews suggests equivalent or slightly better central sharpness than the Fuji 14mm 2.8, slightly worse corner sharpness, slightly more CA towards the edges, and good overall contrast.
p.1 #18 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
Geoff D F wrote:
I've been looking into this lens too. Several reviewers mention CA in the corners but also that it is still the best of the bunch. While I don't have direct experience, interpreting the reviews suggests equivalent or slightly better central sharpness than the Fuji 14mm 2.8, slightly worse corner sharpness, slightly more CA towards the edges, and good overall contrast.
CA is a relative thing. You can get essentially any lens to produce it in extreme situations, especially wide angle lenses. That's why I wondered about that one report — is it a real issue or is it the sort of thing that it typical and manageable?
Better than the Fujifim 14mm would be quite good. The 14mm is a very sharp lens.
From pictures it looks like this 12mm lens is larger than the 14mm. True?
p.1 #20 · Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC - Thoughts and Images
I haven't noticed CA on the edges but I haven't been looking for it. I do have what seems to be field curvature at distance, even at small apertures, with the left and right sides. Funny, a brick wall test shows very good even performance at F1.4. I don't think I'll ever need those outer portions sharp but I'll work on it a bit more and see what I can get.
