Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary review

What is the Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary and who is it for?

As the world covets full-frame sensors, APS-C users could be forgiven for feeling overlooked. Sigma’s 12mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary changes that, delivering an ultra-wide field of view and bright aperture.

Part of Sigma’s fast APS-C prime line-up, alongside the 16mm, 23mm, 30mm and 56mm, this new 12mm is available for Sony E, Fujifilm X and Canon RF mounts. Its 18mm full-frame equivalent field of view is perfect for landscapes, interiors, astrophotography and video.

What are the key features of the Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary?

Weight

Weighing just 225g and measuring under 70mm, it pairs beautifully with compact mirrorless bodies such as the Sony A6700 or new Fujifilm X-T30 III. It feels premium despite its size, with solid build quality, full weather sealing and a tactile focus ring. Sony users also get a dedicated aperture ring.

Elements

Inside, a 14-element, 12-group optical design includes three double-sided aspherical and two SLD (special low dispersion) elements. These cooperate to minimise distortion, chromatic aberration and flare. Even wide open, images are sharp in the centre and crisp by f/2, with the edges improving further when stopped down.

Performance

In use, the 12mm lens delivers impressive results. Landscapes look immersive and three-dimensional, while interiors benefit from the bright aperture without needing high ISO settings. There’s some vignetting at f/1.4 and mild distortion typical of ultra wides, but both are easily corrected. Chromatic aberration is modest and well controlled.

Autofocus and stabilisation

Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor, which is fast, accurate and silent. Focus breathing is minimal, and the short focus throw enables precise manual adjustments. Close focusing to 20cm enables creative foreground emphasis and dynamic compositions. There’s no optical stabilisation although, given the fast aperture and most modern cameras’ IBIS systems, it’s not an issue.

Conclusion

Fast, compact and beautifully made, the Sigma 12mm f/1.4 is the wide-angle APS-C that shooters have been waiting for.

Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary price and availability

The Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary is available to buy, with a starting price of £519.

For more information, visit the Sigma website.