QUICK REVIEW: SIGMA 50MM F2 DG DN CONTEMPORARY L-MOUNT
Introduction
Sigma’s 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is a prime lens offering the “standard” field of view loved by many photographers. I’ve personally never been a 50mm guy. I prefer 28mm or 35mm, but I was offered this lens at a price I couldn’t refuse, so I thought I would give it a try.
Interestingly, Sigma seems to have discontinued the production of many of the Contemporary lenses, including the 50mm f/2. I’m not sure the reason. I doubt it was because they were optically lacking, which I’ll speak more about in this review.
The silver lens is still available, I presume to support the launch of the Sigma BF in silver (silver version).
I recently noticed a Sigma 50mm f2 version ii in black available for Sony E-mount on Amazon. It’s not immediately clear to me the difference/s between the original and version ii.
Specs and Stuff
Focal Length: 50mm (35mm full-frame equivalent)
Aperture: f/2
Lens Format: Full Frame
Lens Mount: Sony E-Mount and L-Mount (I used it on L-Mount)
Focus Type: Autofocus
Image Stabilization: No
Minimum Focusing Distance: 45cm
Filter Size: 58mm
Weight: 350 grams
Build Quality
Is there a Sigma lens that exists with bad build quality? If there is, I haven’t encountered it.
The 50mm f2 is made of metal. The mount and the lens barrel have a cold-to-the-touch quality feel to them. The MF/AF switch is tactile and refined.
I would give it a 9/10. I have no complaints at all.
Size and Handling
The Sigma 50mm is part of Sigma’s i-series lenses which are touted for their compactness. Indeed, they are some of the smallest lenses available on the L-Mount (less so on the E-Mount).
The lens is no pancake, it has some size to it, but it’s compact enough that it doesn’t feel out of place on something like my Sigma BF. The size reminds me of the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 apsc lens I used on my X-H2.
You can definingly find a smaller 50mm f/2 equivalent for some mounts, but the bit of extra size does have benefits. This lens handles much better than similar offerings I’ve used. The lens has a very nice manual focus ring, aperture ring, and AF/MF switch.
If size is your top priority, you may want to look elsewhere (unless you’re on L-Mount because you have no comparable option). But if you’re willing to carry this slightly larger lens, you’ll be rewarded with great handling, manual controls, and functionality.
Image Quality
Sharpness: I think clinical sharpness is one of the most overrated qualities in lens reviews, but I do understand its importance to some people. For those looking for a super sharp 50mm, I don’t think this will disappoint.
The photos below were taken at f/2, f/2.8, and f/4. The test photo was taken with the Sigma BF.
We’ll look at the center sharpness first.
Test photo
f/2.0
f/2.8
f/4.0
As you would expect, there is an improvement when you change from f/2 to f/4, but it isn’t that noticeable to my eye. This lens does a great job at f/2, and I don’t hesitate to use the maximum aperture, even for shots where I need to retain detail.
Now lets look at sharpness in the corners.
The results in the corners are similar to the center. All the images are sharp. There is a bit more sharpness at f/4, but the difference is not dramatic.
This lens is a great performer all around, even at the max aperture of f/2. I have no complaints whatsoever about sharpness.
Minimum Focusing Distance: This lens is not the closest focuser nor the farthest. I enjoy semi-macro photography and always appreciate a lens that can get close.
The Sigma 50mm f2 DG DN can focus as close as 45cm or 17.8 inches. The 2 photos below were taken at the minimum focus distance.
Most modern cameras will give you enough resolution to crop in to achieve relatively close photos. I do wish this lens focused closer, there have been numerous times I’ve found myself too near to my subject for the focus indicator to turn green.
Bokeh: At f/2, a fair level of bokeh is possible. This isn’t a lens that’s going to blow out backgrounds, but the bokeh is nice. The following sample photos were taken at f2 with subject matters at varying distances.
You’ll see other examples throughout this review. Overall, I’ve found the bokeh to be pleasing. I’ve got no complaints. Some might suggest it’s a little busy, but I find it pleasant in almost every situation.
It’s my opinion that f/2 is a sweet spot when it comes to lens design. I could shoot with an f/2 lens for the rest of my life and be perfectly happy. They are almost always sharp, reasonably priced, and compact.
Auto Focus
I’ve been using this lens primarily on my Sigma BF and Lumix S1, neither of which are known for great autofocus. That said, I’ve had very good results both in video and photo.
Like most modern lenses, single-point autofocus is no problem. I have no doubt continuous tracking would be speedy if paired with a phase-detect autofocusing camera like the Panasonic s5iix or the new Lumix S1 ii.
I use this lens in continuous autofocus to record talking head videos with my Panasonic S1 and it does a great job, even with the Panasonic’s contrast-detect system.
My Sigma BF and the 50mm f/2 had no problem locating and focusing on this helicopter in flight over St. Augustine’s beach. This photo was taken with single point auto focus.
Chromatic Aberrations
Does this lens have those annoying purple and green fringe marks on high contrast subjects?
In my time with the Sigma 50mm f/2, chromatic aberration seems almost non existent. I’ve stress tested the lens and been very impressed.
Generally, chromatic aberrations will appear on tree branches against a bright sky, but I noticed almost none on the sample images below.
You will be able to see a tiny bit of chromatic aberration in the branches on the woodpecker photo, but you really have to look for it, and that image is cropped to almost 200%.
Recommendation and Conclusion
If you’re using the L-Mount, I consider the Sigma 50mm f/2 the best compact 50mm option. The Panasonic 50mm f/1.8 is another option but its larger, uglier, and probably not as well built. The Leica 50mm f/2 is stupidly priced at $2,300 and many believe its just the Panasonic lens rebadged.
If you’re using the Sony E-Mount, you’re spoiled for options in the 50mm range. I highly recommend the lens if you can get it at a good price. It’s miles better than the Sony 50mm f/1.8 kit lens (I hate that lens). The Sony 50mm f/2.5 G is appealing to me. The max aperture is a bit dimmer, but the lens is half the size and weight of the Sigma.
This is a lens I’m going to keep for a long time. It’s sharp, has great handling, nice build quality, and performs in every way that’s important to me. If you can’t find it at a good price, you can’t go wrong!
Additional Reading
Portra 400 Recipe for Fujifilm X-H2
The Olympus E-m1 mark ii Review in 2024 and 2025
Fujifilm X-H2 - Best Hybrid Camera? - Long Term Review in 2025
Review: Sony A7s (the original) - A Great Deal in 2024?
Olympus E-M10 Mark ii Review in 2024 - The Value King
Olympus Pen-F - One and Done Legend? - A Review in 2025
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