Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN | C review

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN | C is a smart standard prime for Canon, Sony and MFT crop-sensor mirrorless cameras

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN | C review
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN | C lens for Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds cameras is now available for the Canon EOS M system, where it goes head-to-head with Canon’s own EF-M 32mm f/1.4. The Sigma is similarly compact and lightweight, has the same fast f/1.4 aperture rating but only costs about half as much to buy. It’s a great performer and a proper bargain at the price.

Pros

  • +

    Small and lightweight yet solid

  • +

    Very good image quality

  • +

    Reasonably priced for an f/1.4 lens

Cons

  • -

    No image stabilization

  • -

    Axial chromatic aberration can be noticeable

  • -

    Lacks weather-seals

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

In some ways, a fast standard prime such as the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN | C lens can be more versatile than a standard zoom kit lens that most of us buy with a mirrorless crop-sensor camera body. Sure, you lack the flexibility of sweeping through a range of viewing angles, but the fixed focal length of around 45mm (APS-C) or 60mm (MFT) gives a very natural perspective, while the wider aperture opens the door to a tighter depth of field. 

Indeed, with an aperture rating of f/1.4, this lens is about four f/stops faster than Canon’s 15-45mm kit lens, when used at the latter’s 30mm focal length. You’ll also be far more able to freeze action under dull lighting conditions, without the need to really push your camera’s ISO setting.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.