Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art Lens for Sony E

Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art Lens for Sony E Summary

The Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art Lens for Sony E is a second-generation full-frame prime for mirrorless E mount cameras, which offers enthusiasts and professionals even better performance than the original, from a significantly more compact body. This updated version of Sigma’s original f/1.2 Art lens reduces weight by an impressive 30% and shortens the barrel by 20%, while maintaining the distinctive bokeh and sharp subject detail that made the original such a favourite among professionals.

Central to this generation is a new floating focus system and dual HLA focusing motors, which help to deliver faster, quieter autofocus while also contributing to the lens’s smaller size. The optical formula features 17 elements in 13 groups, including one SLD and four precision-moulded aspherical elements, which correct axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare.

Image quality is rendered very sharp across the entire frame, even wide open, with large, smooth bokeh from an 11-blade rounded diaphragm that reduces colour bleed and double-line outlines.

The 35mm focal length continues to be a definitive prime lens among enthusiasts and professional photographers who need flexibility in framing, with a natural yet slightly wide perspective for everything from environmental portraits to editorial and street photography. Video creators also benefit from the lens’s excellent resistance to focus breathing and strong performance in backlit scenes, which is controlled by Sigma’s advanced optical coatings.

This lens if from Sigma’s most prestigious Art line, with extensive weather-sealing, featuring a front element coated against dust, water and oil, and the lens barrel includes a manual aperture ring with a locking switch and de-click switches. Despite the ultra wide capture and fast performance AF system, the next-gen. Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II weighs in at just 755g, delivering flagship image quality with everyday handhold-ability.

Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art Lens for Sony E Key Features

• Second-gen. prime with the latest optics from Sigma’s Art series
• Approximately 30% lighter and 20% shorter than the first version
• Wide f/1.2 maximum aperture
• Optical design includes four aspherical and one SLD element
• Dual HLA motors for fast, quiet autofocus and reduced weight
• Floating focus system maintains consistent sharpness
• Well suppressed focus breathing for video
• Improved resistance and flare and backlighting
• Manual aperture ring with lock and de-click options
• Weather-sealed barrel and water and oil-repellent front coating
• Compact 72mm filter thread
• Made in Aizu, Japan, to Sigma’s Art line standards

Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art Lens for Sony E in More Detail

Even Better Performance

The Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art builds on the success of the original model from 2019 by refining both the optics and physical design. At f/1.2, this lens offers an unusually shallow depth of field for a 35mm prime, making it easy to draw attention to your subject while achieving background separation with smooth, natural transitions.

The updated optical layout includes 17 elements in 13 groups, with one SLD element and four aspherical elements, including precision-moulded double-sided glass. These are positioned to control axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare, which maintains high image clarity and colour accuracy even at the widest aperture. The result is a lens that is able to resolve fine detail on the in-focus plane, while keeping bokeh smooth and free from harsh outlines or colour fringing.

Clean Backgrounds with Minimal Breathing

Focus breathing has been significantly reduced in this second-generation model. Sigma has reconfigured the aspherical elements and re-optimised the internal focus group to minimise changes in field of view when adjusting focus. This helps with a consistent visual frame and is particularly useful for video creators who create smooth focus pulls without distracting shifts.

Resistance to Flare for Backlit Shooting

The 35mm f/1.2 DG II performs strongly in difficult lighting. Sigma’s optical simulations and advanced coatings reduce flare and ghosting across all angles of incidental light. Whether shooting directly towards the sun or with artificial backlighting, image contrast is maintained and colour shifts are reduced.

Smaller, Lighter Design

One of the most notable updates is the reduction in overall size and weight. This new version is around 30% lighter and 20% shorter than its predecessor, with a total weight of just 755g. That is made possible through the adoption of a floating focus system, which uses smaller, more independent lens groups to reduce optical mass while still improving performance.

In addition, Sigma has introduced thinner lens elements, higher-refractive index glass, and four aspherical elements, all of which contribute to the lighter weight without compromising image quality.

Autofocus with Dual HLA Motors

Focusing is handled by a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) system, with each internal group driven by its own linear motor. This setup allows for faster, quieter autofocus with high torque in a smaller mechanism. Multiple magnets in each motor enable the drive unit to be more compact, reducing both weight and operational noise.

Compared to older AF systems, the result is faster, more responsive focusing that can keep up with fast-moving subjects while remaining quiet in environments for video shoots and events.

Professional Handling and Build

This lens meets Sigma’s premium Art line standards, with a robust and user-friendly design that includes aluminium, TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), and precision-engineered internal components. It’s made in Aizu, Japan, where Sigma lenses are manufactured to exacting tolerances for professional users.

The manual aperture ring features both a click switch for smooth adjustment during video, and a lock to avoid accidental changes. There’s also an AFL button on the barrel that can be customised on compatible Sony E mount cameras for a range of different functions.

A focus mode switch is also included, which provides transitions between manual and autofocus as needed.

Weather Resistance and Lens Protection

The barrel is comprehensively sealed against dust and splashes, which means you can use lens in unpredictable weather. The front element includes a water and oil-repellent coating, which helps repel marks and makes cleaning easier too.

Supplied Hood and Accessories

The lens comes with a petal-type hood, which helps reduce flare and adds protection to the front element. It features a locking mechanism to ensure a secure fit, even when adjusting filters or moving between locations.

What’s in the box

• Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art Lens for Sony E
• Lens Hood LH782-04
• Front Cap LCF-72 IV
• Rear Cap LCR III
• Pouch

Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art Lens Specifications