Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary
Sigma · 12 mm · f/1.4 · Contemporary
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
78
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Ultra-wide 12mm focal length is world's first F1.4 prime for APS-C at this focal length, ideal for landscapes, astrophotography, and vlogging
+Exceptionally compact and lightweight at 225-250g, making it highly portable for travel and outdoor use
+F1.4 aperture enables impressive low-light performance and low ISO capability in challenging lighting conditions
+First Sigma APS-C Contemporary prime with aperture ring, providing manual control and professional feel similar to Art series
+Minimal focus breathing and suppressed flare/ghosting deliver smooth video pulls and clean images in all conditions
+Quality construction includes dust and splash resistance with premium Thermally Stable Composite exterior
Worth Knowing
−Barrel distortion is noticeable, though correctable in post-processing and typical for ultra-wide lenses
−Softer corner performance at F1.4, though improves significantly when stopped down to F2 and beyond
−No AF/MF switch means manual focus must be engaged through camera menus
−Moderate vignetting at F1.4 aperture, though controlled better than competing lenses
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is the world's first lens to achieve a 12mm focal length with F1.4 aperture for APS-C cameras, capturing an ultra-wide 18mm-equivalent field of view ideal for nighttime and landscape photography. Its compact 69.4mm length and 225g weight provide excellent portability while introducing an aperture ring—a first for Sigma's Contemporary prime series. Praised for optical performance and compact design, the lens features minor trade-offs like barrel distortion and softer corners, yet competes well against other offerings. | |
| Brand | Sigma |
| Release Year | 2025 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | Contemporary |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon RF |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Canon EOS R |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  APS-C |
Physical86/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 250 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 69 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 69.4 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 62 mm |
Optics87/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 12 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 1.4 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 96.4° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 20 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 17.2 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.12x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features52/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. |  Yes |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction72/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 14 |
| Groups | 12 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 3 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 3 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 2 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 2 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |