Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary
Announced April 3, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary provides a compelling balance of sharp, high-quality optics and a compact, durable metal build. While it lacks the extreme light-gathering capability of faster f/1.4 or f/1.2 alternatives, it remains a versatile, well-balanced choice for everyday photography.
Weighted from 20 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent sharpness across the frame
- Pleasing bokeh and color rendering
- Compact, lightweight, and durable metal construction
- Quick, quiet, and reliable autofocus
- Useful physical controls including an aperture ring
Cons
- Vignetting and chromatic aberration issues
- Higher price compared to some competitors
- Lacks full weather sealing
- Noticeable focus breathing
- Lacks image stabilization
- Launch price $639 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 50mm f/2
- Mount & coverage Sony E, L-Mount Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 45 cm (0.14x)
- Filter thread 58mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 345g (12.2 oz) · 70 x 70 mm (2.76 x 2.76 in)
Expert Reviews
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The Sigma 50mm f2 DG DN stands-out in a crowded market of standard lenses by delivering a step-up from entry-level models without the cost or weight of premium options.
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It’s pretty safe to say that anyone who buys this lens will be happy with it, so long as they are aware it is just slightly heavier than many plastic equivalents.
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As I said at the beginning of this review, everybody loves a full-frame 50mm prime lens and the Sigma 50mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens is strong contender in this crowded niche.
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This is pretty much the lens they requested, with a high grade of build, good autofocus, and excellent optics.
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The lens is pretty flawless, not to mention ridiculously sharp and also seriously enjoyable to use.
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When a lens has a long list of advantages and practically no serious flaws we award it our 'Editor's Choice' badge. Also in this case we have no doubts that the Sigma C 50 mm f/2 DG DN deserves that distinction.
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This lens will not disappoint, having very high-quality results in a light and compact form factor and at a realistic price level. The conclusion is that the lens can be 'Highly Recommended'.
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With its f/2 aperture, this isn’t the fastest ‘nifty fifty’ out of the traps but it’s refreshingly compact and lightweight, and feels really nicely balanced on full-frame mirrorless cameras.
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The Sigma 50mm F2 DG DN Contemporary lens puts sharp, standard-angle optics into an appealing metal barrel with controls that are fine-tuned for photos, but less so for videos.
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Like, yes, there'd be more if it was f/1.2, but the fact that you can get this sort of background separation in a lens that's really enjoyable to use and compact is amazing.
- Phototrend 8.4/10
Cet objectif offre une qualité d’image quasi professionnelle sans le poids et l’encombrement des optiques f/1,4 ou f/1,2, que l’on a souvent tendance à laisser derrière soi.
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If you’re in the market for a fast and compact 50mm prime, there are many options, however I feel this Sigma offers the best bang for your buck. At f/2, you’re covered for low light photography and portraiture.
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Bottom line is if you’re in the market for a 50mm f2 lens that just checks off all the right boxes, the 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary should really be on your short list of lenses to buy.
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The 50 mil is the perfect all-rounder, especially at this size and weight, weighing just 350 grams. It produces beautiful bokeh, as well. Of course, being a 50 mil, it's a very, very versatile everyday lens.
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Not the cheapest 50mm out there but one that not only looks cool, it’s small and light, it’s build to last but the most importantly, the optical performance it delivers is simply outstanding.
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Download the images; I'm providing images for both Leica and Sony. Play with the files, and you're gonna see the images are just absolutely gorgeous, and it's hard to fault this lens.
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This really is a great little 50mm f/2 lens; it's the nifty 50 that Sony never made.
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These type of lenses from Sigma feel great in the hand. They're well balanced and the image quality is great and they're at a good price point as well.
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Personally, I have fallen in love with this compact 50 If I had to choose between buying a 50 1.8 or this one, I would definitely save a little longer.
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Now, there is the more expensive 50mm f/1.4 DG DN that came out two months ago; that's going to be on this channel soon, but yeah, I think this definitely has its place.
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