Sigma 56mm F/1.4 DC DN | C
Sigma · 56 mm · f/1.4 · Contemporary
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
70
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Excellent sharpness even at maximum f/1.4 aperture with peak performance from f/2.8-f/5.6
+Beautiful, smooth bokeh with 9-blade diaphragm ideal for portraits
+Compact and lightweight design (290g) perfect for handheld and travel photography
+Optimized autofocus for Canon RF mount with quiet, fast, and accurate focusing
+Affordable pricing ($449 USD) for f/1.4 optical quality rivaling Art series lenses
+Weather-sealed mount with rubber sealing for dust and splash resistance
Worth Knowing
−No image stabilization, which may require faster shutter speeds in low-light handheld situations
−No external AF/MF switch or manual controls beyond focus ring, limiting quick access to autofocus adjustments
−Plastic barrel construction (though durable) rather than all-metal housing
−Requires in-camera digital correction to address some distortion and peripheral illumination
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary is the longest telephoto option in Sigma's f/1.4 prime series for APS-C cameras, delivering an effective 85mm focal length, pin-sharp detail and creamy bokeh in a tiny and lightweight package that pairs nicely with entry-level mirrorless cameras, and is reasonably priced for its quality. It delivers ridiculously sharp detail, even at f/1.4, although for absolute peak sharpness any setting between f/2.8 to f/5.6 is on the money. | |
| Brand | Sigma |
| Release Year | 2024 |
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 EF-M |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Canon EOS M |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  APS-C |
Physical86/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 280 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 66.5 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 59.5 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. | 55 mm |
Optics87/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 56 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 | 26.93341456294435° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 18 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. | 50 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.14x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features32/100 | |
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. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round |
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 |
Construction31/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 10 |
| Groups | 6 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 1 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 1 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
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. | No |