The Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens is an E-mount lens for Sony. I am using this Sigma prime on the Sony A7IV. For this portrait photoshoot, I wanted to do something a little bit different. Usually I am photographing outdoors in very green locations with natural light. This time, I booked in a beautiful photography studio with large windows for our photoshoot.
I had the idea to hang a large linen sheet to create texture in the background. This is an inexpensive backdrop idea if you plan on shooting indoors. I purchased the backdrop from the fabric store, but you can also use a bedsheet for example for a similar effect. For a pop of colour, I picked up a large banana leaf from my local florist which also matches the green of Bella's outfit. Unfortunately, the banana leaf had seen better days. I had to use tape to stick cardboard on the back of the leaves to stop them from flopping over. There was also some Healing Brush work done in post processing on the leaf too!
LENS BUILD
This Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN weighs 640g vs the Sony GM 35mm 1.4 which weighs about 100 grams lighter at 524g. For more context, the new Samyang 35mm f1.4 II weighs 645g, but doesn't feature an aperture ring.
Although the Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN is not smaller or lighter than the GM 35mm f1.4, it still felt comfortable to shoot with. This Sigma 35mm uses a 67mm filter thread. I am also pleased to see it uses an aperture ring as that's not always common with third party lenses. The Sigma has an auto setting on the aperture ring like the GM 35mm which allows you to control aperture via the camera. There is also an auto lock switch on the Sigma which locks your aperture ring in Auto. This is the only external feature NOT present on the GM 35mm.
The Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN has a click switch to de-click the aperture for smooth, stepless aperture control. There is a standard AF to MF switch and a customisable AFL button. This lens is also weather sealed.
LENS PERFORMANCE
Watch my behind the scenes video below of my photoshoot with the Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens on the Sony A7IV. I share unedited, SOOC 1:1 crops of the images so you can take a closer look at the details. I also share my thoughts on what it was like using this lens in a real world setting. If you haven't yet, please subscribe to my YouTube channel! I upload new photography videos every single week. I was so impressed by this Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens that I am working on a comparison video with the Sony GM 35mm f1.4 lens as well! That video is coming to my channel very soon.
model bella
makeup lidija j
video dan @ i make films
All photos edited with my Hazel Lightroom Preset Pack!
This blog was put together with Narrative. I use Narrative to easily & quickly create layouts for my blog posts such as you can see here. I also love using Narrative as part of my photoshoot culling process to see which images from a shoot I should edit. I’m excited to say I’ve teamed up with Narrative and have a 15% discount code for you using the code julia15 or by clicking this link! You also have the option to download a free trial to test it out and see if it’s right for your workflow.
All photos edited with my Hazel Lightroom Preset Pack!
If you enjoyed this blog post, you might want to check out my comparison video to see who makes the best 135mm f1.8 prime lens for portrait photography! I compare the Sony GM 135mm f1.8, Samyang 135mm f1.8 and Sigma 135mm f1.8 DG HSM on the A7IV.
