Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
p.5 #1Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
chiron wrote:
What kinds of experiences with autofocus, especially af-c, are people having with the Sigma 65i?
Have been using both the 65i and 35i primarily to shoot my kids. "they don't sit still" like people constantly say, but these two lenses get the job done.
DSC09495 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
DSC09352-2 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
DSC09751-2 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
What kinds of experiences with autofocus, especially af-c, are people having with the Sigma 65i?
Have been using both the 65i and 35i primarily to shoot my kids. "they don't sit still" like people constantly say, but these two lenses get the job done.
DSC09495 by Carlo Alcala, on FlickrDSC09352-2 by Carlo Alcala, on FlickrDSC09751-2 by Carlo Alcala, on FlickrMar 28, 2021 at 01:15 PM
p.5 #2Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Mystik wrote:
Have been using both the 65i and 35i primarily to shoot my kids. "they don't sit still" like people constantly say, but these two lenses get the job done.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50990110348_0808b9f254_h.jpgDSC09495 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50949633213_3f2058287b_h.jpgDSC09352-2 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51000799820_4825572f67_h.jpgDSC09751-2 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
Good to hear, Carlo. Beautiful kids!
chiron wrote
What kinds of experiences with autofocus, especially af-c, are people having with the Sigma 65i?https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50990110348_0808b9f254_h.jpgDSC09495 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50949633213_3f2058287b_h.jpgDSC09352-2 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51000799820_4825572f67_h.jpgDSC09751-2 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
Good to hear, Carlo. Beautiful kids!
Mar 28, 2021 at 01:17 PM
p.5 #3Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Grahamc wrote:
I thought this was the 65mm thread
??
The last 10 posts were about the 35mm or not 35mm??
Just asking.
GMPhotography wrote:
??
The last 10 posts were about the 35mm or not 35mm??
Just asking.Photographers break the rules. Actually it is quite common to see how a lens renders along with its brother or sister in the same class . Given the 65 for me I wanted to match it with a 35 than would be both small and render similarly. I’ll get the GM even though I may not keep it but now I’ll have a 2 lens combo that will match each other. Secondly you don’t learn shit unless we talk about these things. I’ve been around forever and I always still learn something , so if you don’t want to learn...Show more →
He was just asking ... and fwiw I was thinking same thing. And I guess I’m in the vomitorium for having moved back to Canon. And I do tend to order Guinness quite a bit, because I’ve always liked it. Can’t catch a GM break ...
I thought this was the 65mm thread
??The last 10 posts were about the 35mm or not 35mm??
Just asking.
GMPhotography wrote:
Grahamc wrote
I thought this was the 65mm thread??The last 10 posts were about the 35mm or not 35mm??
Just asking.
He was just asking ... and fwiw I was thinking same thing. And I guess I’m in the vomitorium for having moved back to Canon. And I do tend to order Guinness quite a bit, because I’ve always liked it. Can’t catch a GM break ...
Mar 28, 2021 at 02:53 PM
p.5 #4Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Mike sorry if I was not clear enough
There are times that swaying outside the box is a good thing especially in this case 2 lenses from the same OEM that are very very similar except maybe focal length and as discussed even as I did was grab the 65 than after our chats here I decided to grab the 35 too. Im not sure when my Sony 35 GM is coming and I would not mind a small 35mm too. So I could go small. Im not alone here as others in this very thread have said and did the same. Thats all related. So the 35mm came up , question is did it make sense and was it helpful. Its not like what happens by the minute here which drives me nuts. I shoot Sony I dont care to read anything on Canon/Nikon or anyone else when im on a Sony forum. I have zero interest and its a waste of my time. I think that is totally fair it never comes up in a conversation. I buy Sony gear why the hell would I care about other products . I ran a forum and owned it too and sure we will jump outside the main topic but stretching to foreign land and make it relate is a major stretch.
No offense meant. Its like the A1 image thread I dont know maybe I asked 5 or 6 times for something besides bird shots, I was told to go pound sand in a nice way of course but id like to see something different on that body. Go look at that thread, those comments flew over our heads. Im buying all those guys bird feed to put 5 pounds in their bag. That fix their butts.
There are times that swaying outside the box is a good thing especially in this case 2 lenses from the same OEM that are very very similar except maybe focal length and as discussed even as I did was grab the 65 than after our chats here I decided to grab the 35 too. Im not sure when my Sony 35 GM is coming and I would not mind a small 35mm too. So I could go small. Im not alone here as others in this very thread have said and did the same. Thats all related. So the 35mm came up , question is did it make sense and was it helpful. Its not like what happens by the minute here which drives me nuts. I shoot Sony I dont care to read anything on Canon/Nikon or anyone else when im on a Sony forum. I have zero interest and its a waste of my time. I think that is totally fair it never comes up in a conversation. I buy Sony gear why the hell would I care about other products . I ran a forum and owned it too and sure we will jump outside the main topic but stretching to foreign land and make it relate is a major stretch.
No offense meant. Its like the A1 image thread I dont know maybe I asked 5 or 6 times for something besides bird shots, I was told to go pound sand in a nice way of course but id like to see something different on that body. Go look at that thread, those comments flew over our heads. Im buying all those guys bird feed to put 5 pounds in their bag. That fix their butts.
Mar 28, 2021 at 05:18 PM
p.5 #5Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
chiron wrote:
Mystik wrote
chiron wrote
What kinds of experiences with autofocus, especially af-c, are people having with the Sigma 65i?https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50990110348_0808b9f254_h.jpgDSC09495 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50949633213_3f2058287b_h.jpgDSC09352-2 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51000799820_4825572f67_h.jpgDSC09751-2 by Carlo Alcala, on Flickr
Thank you!
Mar 28, 2021 at 08:37 PM
p.5 #6Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
nehemiahphoto wrote:
chiron wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
chiron wrote
I got the Sigma 35 i a week ago and have been liking it so much that I have ordered the other three in the i series. Got the 45 last evening (worried about how the AF will be, but we'll see--there is a new firmware update addressing some aspects of AF just out for this lens) and the 65 and 24 arrive today (just got my orders in before B&H stopped processing for Passover).I like the rendering of the 35 very much and I hope the others will be as appealing. I find it beautiful but not overdone. Colors and contrast are lovely and have depth and shapeliness.
And I very much appreciate the size of these lenses. They fit the Sony bodies very nicely. I think they all would work well for candid, travel, and street shooting where you don't want a big lens catching everyone's eye and making them self-aware.
I still have orders in for the 35GM and the 50GM. But I am thinking about canceling them, at least for now. I'll need to see how these perform in use, especially AF, both eye and tracking--those are important components of a lens for me--getting sharp pictures in fluid, unposed human settings.
Here's hoping!!!
When using Animal Eye-AF on AF-C while shooting "tracking: expanded flexable spot" and "wide" WO on an a7c with "tracking sensitivity at 1 (locked on)" with "aperture drive in AF: focus priority" (the combo of settings I have found best) with high burst rate in overcast to sunny light at normal shooting distances (3-20 feet), I can track my dogs when they are walking with ease, trotting and a light jog. But once they start running at a moderate jog or better clip towards me, the lens can't keep up. I also notice it takes a half-second to "think" sometimes before starting to nail the first focal instant. I'd say you're going to be pretty happy with it, unless you want fast erratic running kids or animals with Eye-AF.
Aside from the smooth rendering and pleasant size and great ergo, I find the axial CA correction excellent. Shooting high contrast subjects is just simply a non-issue. It's far head of the RX1, ZA 35, FE 35 and Samy 35 in for axial.
Not sure if you've all seen--but this might help you understand how cleanly this renders in addition to Fred's testing.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1685214/0
Then the 85's!
Omg I would love to see a comparison of different diffusion filter types and strengths!!
Mar 29, 2021 at 02:07 AM
p.5 #7Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Hi,
I asked a simple question!!!!!
There are already Topics for 'the Sigma Series 1' and the 'Sigma 45mm'!
Why not create one for the 35mm if that's the lens that interests you?
Also I find your comment:
'Photographers break the rules. Actually it is quite common to see how a lens renders along with its brother or sister in the same class . Given the 65 for me I wanted to match it with a 35 than would be both small and render similarly. I’ll get the GM even though I may not keep it but now I’ll have a 2 lens combo that will match each other. Secondly you don’t learn shit unless we talk about these things. I’ve been around forever and I always still learn something , so if you don’t want to learn and be a better shooter than don’t come along at all and stick to the same beer daily' - rather offensive.
Why not do the comparisons in the Sigma series 1 Topic - to my rather logical mind, it would be more suited here.
However, every one is entitled to an opinion, but I really object to you saying ' if you don't want to be a better shooter (prefer photographer, as shooter has different connotations) then don't come along at all'. What gives you the right to make the assumption that I don't want to be a better photographer
Perhaps more consideration of the way you express yourself when someone makes a simple inquiry would help?
I asked a simple question!!!!!
There are already Topics for 'the Sigma Series 1' and the 'Sigma 45mm'!
Why not create one for the 35mm if that's the lens that interests you
?Also I find your comment:
'Photographers break the rules. Actually it is quite common to see how a lens renders along with its brother or sister in the same class . Given the 65 for me I wanted to match it with a 35 than would be both small and render similarly. I’ll get the GM even though I may not keep it but now I’ll have a 2 lens combo that will match each other. Secondly you don’t learn shit unless we talk about these things. I’ve been around forever and I always still learn something , so if you don’t want to learn and be a better shooter than don’t come along at all and stick to the same beer daily' - rather offensive.
Why not do the comparisons in the Sigma series 1 Topic - to my rather logical mind, it would be more suited here.
However, every one is entitled to an opinion, but I really object to you saying ' if you don't want to be a better shooter (prefer photographer, as shooter has different connotations) then don't come along at all'. What gives you the right to make the assumption that I don't want to be a better photographer
Perhaps more consideration of the way you express yourself when someone makes a simple inquiry would help?
Mar 29, 2021 at 04:14 AM
p.5 #8Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
I’m not changing the way I talk. Your getting free information outside the 65 let’s say than just accept the bonus. This is one can learn more things. Don’t understand what I said than that’s on you not me. Btw I test and post almost more than anyone on a lot of glass. When your as helpful as me than let’s talk. You asked the question I gave you a very reasonable answer why we starting talking about the 35. That’s all. If that bugs you than there is a hide button so please learn nothing from me if your want that.
I will say one thing I actually bought both lenses because this thread helped me first buying the 65 of course Fred twisted my arm too. But asking about the 35 after I already ordered the Sony 35 helped decide to get both and see what I like better. That’s what these discussions are supposed to do is help people make decisions. I have not been following any of the lens news lately.
Edited on Mar 29, 2021 at 07:07 AM · View previous versions
I will say one thing I actually bought both lenses because this thread helped me first buying the 65 of course Fred twisted my arm too. But asking about the 35 after I already ordered the Sony 35 helped decide to get both and see what I like better. That’s what these discussions are supposed to do is help people make decisions. I have not been following any of the lens news lately.
Edited on Mar 29, 2021 at 07:07 AM · View previous versions
Mar 29, 2021 at 04:33 AM
p.5 #9Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
A bit pointless discussing anything with people who make statements like ' When your as helpful as me than let’s talk.' (By the way its you're.)
What arrogance!
As I said I made a simple inquiry which became an criticism from you.
The statement - 'Btw I test and post almost more than anyone on a lot of glass.'
So what? This doesn't make your opinion any more valid than the many tests you can find on line.
As to your last statement: ' That’s all. If that bugs you than there is a hide button so please learn nothing from me if your want that?'
Again why do you think I don't learn from any of the posts on this site. Don't make assumptions!
What arrogance!
As I said I made a simple inquiry which became an criticism from you.
The statement - 'Btw I test and post almost more than anyone on a lot of glass.'
So what? This doesn't make your opinion any more valid than the many tests you can find on line.
As to your last statement: ' That’s all. If that bugs you than there is a hide button so please learn nothing from me if your want that?'
Again why do you think I don't learn from any of the posts on this site. Don't make assumptions!
Mar 29, 2021 at 04:49 AM
p.5 #10Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
No your comments are pointless. Have a nice life. No interest in this BS
I gave a very reasonable answer to the question, don’t like it than oh well. It was free you did not pay for it and you can simply ignore it. I don’t care at all.
Edited on Mar 29, 2021 at 06:55 AM · View previous versions
I gave a very reasonable answer to the question, don’t like it than oh well. It was free you did not pay for it and you can simply ignore it. I don’t care at all.
Edited on Mar 29, 2021 at 06:55 AM · View previous versions
Mar 29, 2021 at 04:54 AM
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p.5 #11Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Likewise!
But having a civilized discussion with people like you is a pointless exercise.
Bye!
But having a civilized discussion with people like you is a pointless exercise.
Bye!
Mar 29, 2021 at 05:11 AM
p.5 #12Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
lukecookphoto wrote:
tbpeur01 wrote
GMPhotography wrote
A7rII is not AF fast at all. I had a lot of issues with it on the speed sideDo we know that others like @lifeandmylens were comparing the GM and 35i when using AF-S? I assume that most people shooting Sony mainly shoot in AF-C, except for maybe lens specific cases like when shooting with the 45mm Sigma or very specific shooting scenarios.
Mar 29, 2021 at 12:24 PM
p.5 #13Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN lens is an excellent performer and I highly recommend it.
Weighing in at 405 grams, it is the heaviest lens in the Sigma I series - but still remains compact for a short telephoto f/2 lens. Like its peers, it's built with tight tolerance and has solid optical performance.
The Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN is virtually flat-field at infinity distance which is great news for landscape photographers. The biggest surprise to me is the super low axial and lateral chromatic aberration, even competing with the Voigtlander 65mm f/2 APO-Lanthar, our best performer in regards to CA.
Although more corrected for spherical aberration compared to the other lenses in the series, residual SA is still present, which in turn contributes to a smooth and pleasant focus transition zone, without denigrating much resolution or contrast wide open.
The lens also has low optical vignetting which means that the off-axis specular highlights' shape is still somewhat round instead of having a distracting cat-eye shape. Flare resistance and distortion (pincushion) are average compared to other 55-65mm lenses.
Pros:
Average:
Cons:
Order the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN: B&H Photo | Adorama
Overall, the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN lens is an excellent performer and I highly recommend it.
Weighing in at 405 grams, it is the heaviest lens in the Sigma I series - but still remains compact for a short telephoto f/2 lens. Like its peers, it's built with tight tolerance and has solid optical performance.
The Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN is virtually flat-field at infinity distance which is great news for landscape photographers. The biggest surprise to me is the super low axial and lateral chromatic aberration, even competing with the Voigtlander 65mm f/2 APO-Lanthar, our best performer in regards to CA.
Although more corrected for spherical aberration compared to the other lenses in the series, residual SA is still present, which in turn contributes to a smooth and pleasant focus transition zone, without denigrating much resolution or contrast wide open.
The lens also has low optical vignetting which means that the off-axis specular highlights' shape is still somewhat round instead of having a distracting cat-eye shape. Flare resistance and distortion (pincushion) are average compared to other 55-65mm lenses.
Pros:
- High resolution/contrast at infinity even wide open
- Smooth rendering at close and mid-distance
- Flat-field design (very low field curvature)
- Strong mid-field performance (Better than the 65mm f/2 APO at wide apertures)
- Tight tolerance metal build including features like aperture ring and AF-MF button
- Linear manual focus response
- Very low axial and lateral color error
- Well defined 18-point sunstar at f/20-22
- Better than average optical vignetting
Average:
- AF not as accurate as Sony lenses in AF-C including Eye-AF
- Noticeable pincushion distortion
- Flare resistance is just average with visible ghosting when shooting against the light
Cons:
- Not much to report, except that it's the most expensive Sigma I Series lens
Order the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN: B&H Photo | Adorama
Mar 29, 2021 at 03:22 PM
p.5 #14Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Thank you very much for this review!
You say AF is fast and accurate.
Why do some reviewers say it is not fast.
What should one do or not do to make it fast focusing?
Is it also fast on an A7R3 body?
You say AF is fast and accurate.
Why do some reviewers say it is not fast.
What should one do or not do to make it fast focusing?
Is it also fast on an A7R3 body?
Mar 30, 2021 at 01:45 AM
p.5 #15Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Chaliel wrote:
Thank you very much for this review!
You say AF is fast and accurate.
Why do some reviewers say it is not fast.
What should one do or not do to make it fast focusing?
Is it also fast on an A7R3 body?
"Fast" AF is a bit subjective. It sort of depends on what that point of reference is and what the expectations are. Is it as fast as a telephoto f2.8 zoom, or something like the 135GM with dual AF motors? No. Is it fast for a typical fast aperture prime? I would say yes. It quickly snaps into focus even when large focal distance adjustments need to be made. It tracks well enough that eye-AF is reliable and is good enough to track the typical type of motion you would shoot on a short telephoto prime. It's definitely faster than the 85GM.
Thank you very much for this review!
You say AF is fast and accurate.
Why do some reviewers say it is not fast.
What should one do or not do to make it fast focusing?
Is it also fast on an A7R3 body?
"Fast" AF is a bit subjective. It sort of depends on what that point of reference is and what the expectations are. Is it as fast as a telephoto f2.8 zoom, or something like the 135GM with dual AF motors? No. Is it fast for a typical fast aperture prime? I would say yes. It quickly snaps into focus even when large focal distance adjustments need to be made. It tracks well enough that eye-AF is reliable and is good enough to track the typical type of motion you would shoot on a short telephoto prime. It's definitely faster than the 85GM.
Mar 30, 2021 at 11:15 AM
p.5 #16Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Well, that's an very clear answer!
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Mar 30, 2021 at 11:46 AM
p.5 #17Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Chaliel wrote:
Thank you very much for this review!
You say AF is fast and accurate.
Why do some reviewers say it is not fast.
What should one do or not do to make it fast focusing?
Is it also fast on an A7R3 body?
----------------
Mystik wrote:
You say AF is fast and accurate.
Why do some reviewers say it is not fast.
What should one do or not do to make it fast focusing?
Is it also fast on an A7R3 body?"Fast" AF is a bit subjective. It sort of depends on what that point of reference is and what the expectations are. Is it as fast as a telephoto f2.8 zoom, or something like the 135GM with dual AF motors? No. Is it fast for a typical fast aperture prime? I would say yes. It quickly snaps into focus even when large focal distance adjustments need to be made. It tracks well enough that eye-AF is reliable and is good enough to track the typical type of motion you would shoot on a short telephoto prime. It's definitely faster than...Show more →
The only Sigma Series I lens I've seen issues with PDAF accuracy is the 45mm f/2.8C. However, it's a trade off I am willing to accept because I really like its SA rendering. The Sigma 35/2 and 65/2 DG DN lenses many not break any records in AF speed but I consider both quick and accurate.
Thank you very much for this review!
You say AF is fast and accurate.
Why do some reviewers say it is not fast.
What should one do or not do to make it fast focusing?
Is it also fast on an A7R3 body?
----------------
Mystik wrote:
Chaliel wrote
Thank you very much for this review!You say AF is fast and accurate.
Why do some reviewers say it is not fast.
What should one do or not do to make it fast focusing?
Is it also fast on an A7R3 body?
The only Sigma Series I lens I've seen issues with PDAF accuracy is the 45mm f/2.8C. However, it's a trade off I am willing to accept because I really like its SA rendering. The Sigma 35/2 and 65/2 DG DN lenses many not break any records in AF speed but I consider both quick and accurate.
Mar 30, 2021 at 11:58 AM
p.5 #18Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
Merci beaucoup Fred Miranda!
Now I have to find a good copy.
Now I have to find a good copy.
Mar 30, 2021 at 12:07 PM
p.5 #19Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
@Fred Miranda. Thanks for this review.
Do you have a post/list that shows all your highly recommended to not recommended lenses in one place?
Do you have a post/list that shows all your highly recommended to not recommended lenses in one place?
Apr 02, 2021 at 10:09 PM
p.5 #20Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Review
ramesesthe2nd wrote:
@Fred Miranda@. Thanks for this review.
Do you have a post/list that shows all your highly recommended to not recommended lenses in one place?
I also would be very interested in such a list.
Apr 03, 2021 at 11:25 AM