At the CP+ 2026 show in Tokyo Yokohama, Sigma is renewing one of the cornerstones of its lens lineup. Fourteen years after the original version that launched the Art series (for DSLRs), the Japanese manufacturer unveils the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art. On the agenda: a redesigned optical formula, faster autofocus and a more compact form factor. Here’s a rundown of all its specifications.
Sommaire
The rebirth of an iconic lens
The 35mm f/1.4 Art holds a special place in Sigma’s history: it was the lens that, in 2012, marked the brand’s shift towards premium DSLR optics. After a “DG DN” version for mirrorless cameras in 2021, Sigma takes a new step forward with this “DG II” edition.
Designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras in E-mount (Sony) and L-mount (Leica, Panasonic, Sigma), this lens — set to be unveiled to the public at the opening of CP+ 2026 — is engineered to meet the demands of very high-resolution sensors and the highly demanding autofocus systems found in recent camera bodies.
Upon closer inspection, this 35mm f/1.4 bears a very strong technical resemblance to the 35mm f/1.2 DG II that the company unveiled in late summer 2025 — except that it is roughly 1/2 stop slower.
Here is the full spec sheet of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art:
- focal length: 35mm (52mm equivalent on APS-C)
- sensor coverage: full frame
- maximum aperture: f/1.4
- minimum aperture: f/16
- angle of view: 63.4°
- optical construction: 15 elements in 12 groups (including 2 SLD elements, 4 aspherical elements)
- diaphragm: circular, 11 blades
- minimum focusing distance: 28cm
- image stabilization: N/A
- weather sealing: dust and moisture-resistant construction
- maximum magnification: 0.18x
- focusing: autofocus, HLA linear motor
- filter diameter: ø 67mm
- dimensions: ø 73 x 96mm (Sony E); ø 73 x 94mm (L-Mount)
- weight: 530g (Sony E); 525g (L-Mount)
- included accessories: lens hood, front and rear caps
- compatible mount: Sony E, L-Mount
- launch price: $999
Optical formula: sharpness and aberration control first
To surpass the already excellent performance of its predecessors, Sigma has reworked the lens element arrangement. The lens still relies on a total of 15 elements, but now arranged in 12 groups instead of 11 previously. Additionally, this new version features 4 aspherical elements for improved edge-to-edge consistency, compared to 2 on the previous iteration. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements are also present.
According to the manufacturer, this configuration virtually eliminates chromatic aberrations and delivers high sharpness wide open at f/1.4, both in the center and at the edges of the frame.
Furthermore, Sigma introduces the AAC (Advanced Amorphous Coating). This coating features a low refractive index layer designed to drastically reduce ghosting and flare, even in strong backlit conditions.
The fast f/1.4 aperture is provided by a circular 11-blade diaphragm. The minimum focusing distance is 28cm, yielding a maximum magnification ratio of 0.18x.
A lighter design and comprehensive ergonomics
One of the key highlights of this DG II version is its reduced footprint. Thanks to a floating focusing system, Sigma has managed to cut both the size and weight of the lens. This new version tips the scales at just 525g (or 530g in L-mount) — down from 645g for the previous model.
Likewise, this new lens is slightly shorter at 9.6cm (or 9.4cm in L-mount), where the original version measured nearly 11cm in length.
As with most Art-series lenses, the following controls are present:
- Manual aperture ring with a switch to enable or disable the click.
- Customizable AFL button placed in two positions to facilitate both landscape and portrait shooting.
- Aperture ring lock lever.
The lens features a dust and splash-resistant construction (with weather sealing gaskets) and a water-repellent coating on the front element for easy maintenance.
Autofocus: the power of the dual HLA motor
To ensure fast focusing despite the weight of the lens elements, Sigma has equipped the optic with a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor. This motor, already featured in most of Sigma’s recent lenses, is expected to deliver improved responsiveness and silent operation essential for video work.
Additionally, the manufacturer states that particular attention has been paid to focus breathing, with optimized lens groups to minimize the change in angle of view during focusing. All of this with the goal of delivering smoother transitions for cinematic productions.
Below is a selection of images shot with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art (provided by the brand):
Price and availability of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art is available for pre-order at a price of $999 in Sony E and L-Mount versions. Deliveries will begin on April 16, 2026.
You can find this lens at B&H and Amazon.
Our first impressions
With this 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art, Sigma goes well beyond a simple refresh. By simultaneously improving optical quality, compactness, autofocus (dual HLA motor) and video features (reduced focus breathing), the brand delivers a highly compelling new lens, particularly for portrait and reportage photographers.
While this update is highly relevant, it arrives — especially in E-mount — in a fiercely competitive market, and however good it may be, it will have to fight hard to stand out.
