Sigma Revives the Lens That Started the Art Series with a Lighter, Sharper 35mm f/1.4 II

When Sigma launched the DSLR-mount 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art, it sparked the beginning of the brand’s popular Art line. Now, Sigma has re-imagined the lens that started the Art series revolution – again. The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art refreshes the popular prime with redesigned optics in a lighter, smaller package.

Sigma says the new lens offers “the best optical performance ever in Sigma’s 35mm f/1.4 Art line,” surpassing both the mirrorless and DSLR variants that came before it. At launch, the lens is available in L-Mount and Sony E-Mount.

Although the lens carries a “II” in its name, Sigma says it has been “completely redesigned,” making it about 20 percent lighter and roughly 14 percent shorter than the previous mirrorless version.

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art uses a 15-element design in 12 groups. Sigma says the new design focuses on delivering enhanced resolution across the entire frame to match today’s higher resolution mirrorless bodies. The lens also corrects chromatic aberration, and the surface accuracy of its aspherical elements has been improved, working with 11 rounded aperture blades for smoother bokeh.

A new flare-prevention coating called Advanced Amorphous Coating (AAC) uses a low-refractive index to suppress reflections that cause lens flare and ghosting. The lighter, smaller design is largely attributed to a new floating focus system with Sigma’s dual motor design, the High-response Linear Actuator (HLA). Sigma says the lens minimizes focus breathing, making it suitable for both stills and video.

The lens weighs 530g (18.7 oz) for the L-Mount variant, down from 645g (22.8 oz) of its predecessor. The exterior uses aluminum and thermally stable composites, with dust and splash-resistant seals, plus water and fingerprint-repelling coatings on the front element.

Sigma unveiled the lens alongside the new crop-sensor 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary, just days ahead of CP+, a major photography trade show in Japan. The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art is expected to ship on April 16 for $1,059 / £849, significantly less than the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II lens.