kittysingsuwan
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Here we are, dog days of summer (in the northern hemisphere).
The heat really gets to me this time of year. I don’t do much. I don’t travel. There’s no time in the field. But after several months of nothing, I needed to photograph something. And was inspired to try some macro photography when I saw someone doing the same at my local park.
I don’t own a macro lens, so hey, why not try the Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN | C?
No one associates Sigma’s 16mm with macro. They often think landscape, even astro. But it’s such a great lens. If I’m gonna put something through its paces, it would be this.
Before I get into my macro experience with this lens, let’s talk about it in general… If you’ve been working with Sony APS-C kit lenses and want to level up to a wide angle prime, or have been eyeing this lens, I say get it.
The Sigma 16mm f 1.4 for Sony E-Mount is an awesome wide angle prime for Sony crop sensor, perfect for both photo and video. It’s great in low light. Produces beautiful background blur. And, as with all Sigma lenses, sharp as heck.
Build Quality
So a third-party, wide angle prime for less than $500, does it feel cheap and plastic-y? Honestly, no. It doesn’t.
Made of a high-quality composite that’s light and strong, the Sigma 16 mm f 1.8 is durable, dependable, and well-built. With a large, manual focus ring that’s smooth and precise.
Image Quality
I know what else you’re thinking. f 1.4… how’s the bokeh? Pretty good. Though honestly, I’ve never taken the f-stop to 1.4. I think the widest I’ve gone is 2.2.
What about the autofocus? Impressive. You may need to finesse it a tiny bit in certain situations, but for the most part, the autofocus on the Sigma 16mm f1.4 is on point – fast, accurate, rock solid, and tack sharp.
You will experience a little vignetting and barrel distortion – normal by-products of wide angle – that you can easily correct in post if you choose. (I sometimes don’t because I like the way it exaggerates the subject or foreground. Depends on the composition, though.)
Macro Performance
As far as shooting macro with this lens, I found myself fussing more than I would like – continuously fine-tuning my focus points and distance to subject. (As you guessed, I had to lean in, a lot.) But my photos turned out. The Sigma 16mm f1.4 works in a pinch, for macro, if you need it.
Obviously, if you want to dedicate more time to macro photography, I would buy a lens specifically designed for it. If you need to go wide, though, whether it be for landscape, architecture, or astrophotography… then you can’t go wrong with the Sigma 16mm f 1.4 DC DN | C for Sony E-mount. It’s worth every penny.
Until next time,
K