The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (Amazon, B&H) is primarily a photography lens, though it will be used for video.
In this article let’s take a comprehensive look at the important features and specifications of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art and see how good it will perform specifically for video, cinematography and filmmaking.
I think it is important to mention that Sigma is a third party lens manufacturer and its performance cannot be justly compared to the native lenses.
The aim of this article is to provide you with enough information and perspective so you can decide for yourself whether this lens is right for your film or video.
Important: This article is a comprehensive overview of the lens with available information; and an analysis based on our experience shooting for almost two decades. It is not a hands-on review. If and when we get hold of the lens we’ll be sure to publish a detailed review. If this is not your cup of tea you can stop reading.
Click to what you want quickly:
- TLDR;
- What does DC HSM mean?
- Features:
- Control:
- Basics:
- Alternatives to the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art
TLDR;
What you need to know for video work about the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (Amazon, B&H):
- The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art is a great third party wide focal length lens.
- The f/1.4 aperture is amazing for low light work, especially for APS-C sensors.
- 9 blade aperture for smoother bokeh.
- Has a 30cm minimum close focusing distance.
- The lens doesn’t have OS, but you will get some stabilization with a camera that has in built stabilization.
- It exhibits breathing.
Can be great for most following types of filmmaking:
- Travel filmmaking
- Wide shots
- Documentary filmmaking
What does DC HSM mean?
According to Sigma, DC refers to the lenses that are designed specifically for APS-C DSLR cameras. Sigma claims that their DC DN lenses are designed specifically and exclusively for APS-C mirrorless cameras.
So while the DC HSM will work with a APS-C mirrorless camera, with an adapter, a DC DN lens will communicate naturally with the camera than the DC HSM lens.
HSM refers to their ring-type hypersonic autofocus motor in that lens.
Features
Coverage
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (Amazon, B&H) is an APS-C sensor lens. It is designed to completely cover a sensor the size of 25.1mm x 16.7mm.
If you are considering this lens for a full frame sensor or other cinema camera, check out this article:
Focal Length
The focal length is 30mm for an APS-C sensor. The focal length will be 48mm on a full frame 35mm sensor. This is considered normal wide on a full frame 35mm sensor.
This focal range is very useful for wide angle shots, drone work. Being between 35mm and 24mm, this is a focal range perfect for long shots.
Aperture
The maximum aperture is f/1.4 and the minimum aperture is f/16.
Having f/1.4 is great for low light. Most people will use it at f/2 or f/2.8 for the purpose of getting optimum sharpness, and to get soft out of focus backgrounds.
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (Amazon, B&H) has 9 diaphragm blades. One expects a smooth bokeh, considering the number of blades, but it’s not always a given. To know more about bokeh:
Resolution
From Sigma’s official MTF charts:
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (Amazon, B&H) is sharp in the center and has a gradual fall off towards the edges.
With the variance in the Sagittal and Tangential lines, you can infer (somewhat) that the bokeh should be smooth enough.
If you really want this lens at its sharpest you’re better off stopping down to f/2 or even f/2.8 for best results.
If you are curious and want to read the MTF chart for yourself. Here’s a guide on how to read them easily.
Close Focus
The closest focusing distance of this lens is 30cm or 0.98 feet. That’s great for this focal length because you can also use it for close ups.
Image Stabilization
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (Amazon, B&H) lens doesn’t have OS. This is not a huge disappointment for a wide lens. Not having image stabilization makes this lens a second choice for run and gun shoots. Using it cameras that have IBIS can provide it with some image stabilization.
Control
Manual focus system
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (Amazon, B&H) has a finite turn ring for its focus ring and can turn one way or the other to a finite degree. Unfortunately for videographers and cinematographers, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art is set to focus by wire by default and has no option to switch it to fly by wire.
What is the meaning of focus by wire and fly by wire?
Focus by wire: Let’s say you turn the focus ring to change focus from point A to B. You’d expect the focus to shift accordingly. When you stop point B will be in focus. Now bring the focus point back to A and try again, but at a different speed. Slower or faster, doesn’t matter. Now, even if you precisely rotate to the exact same degree, the focus will not be on point B! The speed of rotation determines which point it is focused on. That’s just completely useless for follow focus work. If an actor or person moves at a different speed, even slightly, you’ll never get the same focus. Avoid focus by wire lenses like the plague (for video work).
Fly by wire: The distance of focus shifted is directly proportional to the speed at which the ring is turned. This is how a manual focus ring is supposed to operate for video and cinematography.
This decision to exclude fly by wire or linear MF by Sigma will make this lens unsuitable for professional cinematographers and videographers.
Autofocus system
Sigma’s autofocus is improving day by day, but it is nowhere near the precision and reliability of Canon or Sony’s autofocus system. Keep in mind, that Sigma is a third party lens manufacturer, i.e. they do not make native lenses. Native lenses, such as Sony’s FE series and Canon’s EF and RF series, have always been better than third party lenses at communicating with their respective cameras.
I do not think anyone will purchase a Sigma lens for its autofocus performance.
Basics
Filter Thread
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (Amazon, B&H) has a filter thread of 62mm. This is a slightly uncommon filter size. You may face some trouble trying to find the right filters.
Build Quality
The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, though the lens doesn’t feel cheap.
The optical design consists of 9 elements in 8 groups, including aspherical lens.
Size and Weight
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (Amazon, B&H) has a diameter of 74.2mm and a length of 63.3mm. It weighs around 435 grams. Pretty light and handy.
Weather resistance
Sigma claims that all their Art lenses are weather resistant. But again this only holds true if the camera body you will be using is also weather sealed. No camera is truly and officially weather sealed, so the best you can hope for is reliable weather resistance.
This is an Art series lens and we can expect it to perform as such.
What’s in the box
This is what you get in the box (other than the lens):
- Case
- Hood (LH686-01)
While they have omitted the mention of the lens cap and rear cap on their website, I doubt that they will exclude such basic necessities.
The hood might be useful for photography, but the shape and design makes it mostly vestigial for video work. Some people like to put it on to protect the front element in case of a fall. The hood takes the impact and shatters, but saves the lens. I’d keep it on unless you have good reason not to.
Alternatives to the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art Lens
There is no real alternative to the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art because of its peculiar focal range and it being an APS-C sensor lens.
I hope you found this overview of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art (Amazon, B&H) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.
