Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Review: Fast and Sharp

March 13, 2025

The Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is a great addition to Sigma’s Art series. It offers an ultra-fast f/1.2 aperture designed specifically for mirrorless cameras—specifically E-Mount and L-Mount cameras—sorry, Canon and Nikon shooters. This lens promises exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and premium build quality. My favorite feature – the clicked or de-clicked aperture ring.

Let’s examine its build, optics, autofocus, and overall performance to see if it lives up to the hype. For my examples, I shot a lot of photos of the flowers around my house. I love flowers, and they were photographic models who didn’t grouse about taking pictures.

Build & Design

Sigma’s Art lenses are known for their premium construction, and the 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is no exception. Despite its f/1.2 aperture, it remains relatively compact and well-balanced for mirrorless bodies. I felt like the lens was small in my hand for a mirrorless lens that sports a 1.2 aperture.

Key Design Features:

All-metal construction for durability
Weather-sealing to protect against dust and moisture
Aperture ring with de-click option for smooth video operation
AF/MF switch & customizable AFL button for quick controls

The lens is slightly larger than its f/1.4 counterpart, but Sigma has done a great job keeping the weight manageable for an f/1.2 lens, making it practical for handheld photography and for video shooting

Optical Performance

The Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is designed to deliver outstanding image quality even wide open. It features 17 elements in 12 groups, including multiple aspherical and low-dispersion elements to control aberrations and distortion. Like many Sigma lenses, one will find this 50mm lens practically impossible to flare.

Sharpness & Detail:

Exceptional center sharpness at f/1.2 with impressive edge-to-edge clarity when stopped down.

Bokeh & Background Blur:

Dreamy, smooth bokeh thanks to the ultra-wide aperture and 13-blade rounded diaphragm, making it perfect for portraits and subject isolation.

Aberrations & Distortion Control:

Minimal chromatic aberration – even in high-contrast areas.

Excellent flare resistance with Sigma’s advanced lens coatings.

Low distortion, making it great for a variety of subjects.

Autofocus & Performance

This lens is equipped with Sigma’s high-speed HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor, ensuring fast, silent, and precise autofocus. It performs well in both photography and video applications.

Fast & Accurate AF – Locks onto subjects quickly, even in low light.

Compatible with Eye AF & Face Detection – Perfect for portrait shooters.

Minimal Focus Breathing – Ideal for video work.

With a minimum focusing distance of 40cm (15.7 inches), it allows for some close-up shooting, though it’s not a macro lens.

Who Is Sigma 50mm f/1.2 For?

Good lord, this is the easiest question to answer—everyone. It’s a 50mm lens, and I think just about everyone needs a beautiful 50mm lens in their kit, followed by a 35mm or 85mm, depending on what they shoot.

Pros

Outstanding sharpness, even wide-open
Beautiful bokeh and subject separation
Fast and reliable autofocus with HLA motor
Premium build with weather sealing
Minimal focus breathing – great for video

Cons

Larger and heavier than f/1.4 alternatives
Premium price tag
Not as compact as some competitors

Final Verdict

The Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is an exceptional prime lens for E-Mount and L-Mount cameras that delivers premium optical quality, fast autofocus, and professional-grade build in a compact mirrorless-friendly design. I think this lens is an excellent choice for anyone who loves a great prime lens.