Sigma’s new 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art brings a much-anticipated update to their classic fast prime. It’s got improved optics in a lighter, smaller body and continues Sigma’s long tradition of 35mm f/1.4 lenses.
This post takes a look at what’s changed, what it means for both stills and video, and who might actually want to pick up this new version.
Overview: a compact, brighter-than-expected classic
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art takes over from the discontinued DG DN Art model. Sigma’s 35mm f/1.4 story goes all the way back to the 2012 HSM Art line, and this update keeps that spirit alive.
Now, it’s smaller and lighter, but Sigma didn’t just shrink it—they refined the optics and handling too. You get a bright, versatile focal length that’s up for travel, street, portraits, or low light, with features aimed at both stills and video folks.
Optical design and coatings
Sigma sticks with its precise optical approach but pushes performance further with a new mix of elements and coatings. The DG II Art uses 15 elements in 12 groups, including four aspherical elements and two SLD elements to tackle spherical and chromatic aberrations.
Sharpness, low distortion, and color accuracy remain priorities. Sigma’s Advanced Amorphous Coating fights flare, ghosting, and surface reflections, so contrast holds up even in tricky light.
The lens packs an 11-blade diaphragm for rounded bokeh and smooth backgrounds, especially wide open. Personally, the bokeh’s one of the most noticeable upgrades—creamy, but not overdone.
- 15 elements in 12 groups
- Four aspherical elements
- Two SLD elements
- Advanced Amorphous Coating for contrast
- Low distortion and accurate color
- 11-blade rounded diaphragm
Performance and handling: autofocus and video-ready features
Sigma clearly built the DG II Art for real-world shooting. Autofocus is quick, reliable, and tracks well, which is honestly what most people want.
They’ve also tweaked the lens for smoother focus and less focus breathing—huge if you shoot video. The declickable aperture ring gives you seamless exposure changes during video, and there’s a dedicated manual focus ring plus two customizable AFL buttons for hands-on control.
AF, bokeh, and control
- Dual High Response Linear Actuator system for fast, precise autofocus and solid subject tracking
- Floating focus system to keep things sharp across the whole focus range
- Declickable aperture ring for smooth exposure transitions in video
- Manual focus ring for tactile, precise focusing
- Two customizable AFL buttons for quick focus-related actions
- Petal-shaped lens hood to help with flare
Build, durability, and compatibility
The DG II Art is made for travel and shooting on the move. It’s 96 mm long and weighs just 525 g, which makes it about 14% shorter and 20% lighter than the older version.
Sigma kept the dust- and splash-resistance, and added a front element coating that repels water and oils—handy if you’re out in unpredictable weather. The compact size and sturdy build make it a solid pick for anyone who wants a bright, capable prime without lugging around a heavy lens.
- Length: 96 mm; Weight: 525 g
- About 14% shorter and 20% lighter than the previous model
- Dust- and splash-resistance with water- and oil-repellent front element coating
- 11-blade rounded diaphragm for smoother bokeh
Availability, pricing, and mounts
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art is up for pre-order at B&H Photo for $1,059.
You can get it in Sony E and Leica L mounts, with shipping set for mid-April 2026. That price puts the DG II Art firmly in the premium range for Sigma’s fast-prime lenses.
It feels like a solid upgrade for anyone craving a modern, video-friendly 35mm that’s sharper and a bit more compact. Sigma keeps building on its 35mm f/1.4 legacy, which honestly, has been going strong for over a decade now.
Here is the source article for this story: Sigma Launches 35mm F/1.4 DG II Art With Improved Optics and Smaller Body