Sigma 14mm F/1.4 DG DN | A

This ultra-wide Sigma prime serves full-frame cameras in Leica L and Sony E mounts. Sigma released it in 2023. Each mount is a separate lens, so pick the version made for your camera system.

It suits night-sky, landscape and architecture photographers. The F/1.4 maximum aperture is the main draw, because it gathers far more light than stopping down.

The large body adds weight and takes space in a camera bag. There is no built-in stabilisation. Consider how you will support the equipment during a night session.

The Leica L version weighs 2 lb 9.3 oz (1170 g) and measures 3.99 in (101.4 mm) across and 5.9 in (149.9 mm) long. The Sony E version differs in weight and length. Allow room for this substantial body when packing, especially with other lenses.

There is no front filter thread, so screw-in filters cannot attach directly. A rear filter holder allows compatible filters to be fitted behind the optical unit.

The 14mm focal length frames enormous sweeps of scenery. A single frame can take in a wide night sky, a room interior or a long stretch of coast. Framing still depends on where you stand, so move in or out to control the scene.

The F/1.4 maximum aperture is the headline optic. This wide opening at 14mm gathers a great deal of light. Astro shooters can use shorter exposures, which helps hold stars as points rather than trails. The same opening helps in dim interiors after sunset.

Close focusing down to 1 ft (30 cm) supports strong foreground work. You can set a rock, a flower or a gatepost close to the camera and still include the whole scene behind it. That near-far layering gives wide images depth.

Distant subjects can appear small in a 14mm frame, so choose a foreground or section of sky that gives the picture a clear subject. Stopping down adds depth of field when near and far details both matter. Check focus carefully; close focusing does not automatically keep the background sharp.

There is no built-in stabilisation, so firm support is useful for long exposures. A tripod also keeps framing fixed while you adjust settings. The manual-focus lock helps prevent an accidental focus change after you have set focus. Check that focus is correct before locking it.

Weather sealing guards against dust and moisture, which suits long outdoor sessions and coastal night shoots. Dew and damp grass are part of this lens's world. Heavy rain still calls for sheltering the camera.

The front has a water- and oil-repellent coating to help with cleaning. Remove loose grit before wiping the glass. Since ordinary front filters do not fit, take care when working near sand or spray and use the protective cap during transport.

The optical build uses 19 elements in 15 groups. Aspherical elements help correct distortion, which can otherwise bend straight lines in architecture frames. Low-dispersion glass helps reduce chromatic aberration, the coloured fringes that can show along bright edges in night scenes. Focusing is internal, so the barrel stays a fixed length while you focus.